Critique my new method.

[kurtb2080]

Hi guys,

Been a user of Turtle Wax Ice line (gasp!) for about 2 years now. Just made the jump over to Meguiars now.

I would like my car to be fresh for the summer so I would want to remove all existing wax, etc.

My new process with new products would be as follows:

Go to quiet car wash bay.

1) Spray down good with the bay's "Presoak" to loosen the dirt on the surface.
2) Fill bucket with clean water and add a little Meguiars Gold Class soap.
3) Hand wash entire with Dawn or appropriate wax stripping soap. Doing half at a time to keep it wet to avoid soap drying.
4) Rinse thoroughly with clean water from pressure wand.
5) Dry good with towel or microfiber cloth.
6) Use Meguiars Ultimate Compound to clean remnants of wax and contaminants off surface.
7) Go over car with Meguiars Ultimate Polish.
8) Finish off with a nice coat of Meguiars Ultimate Paste Wax.

What do you think? The car is 2 years old and not really in bad shape paint wise. (lotta lil rock chips to the metal though...) I don't own a clay bar, not sure if I need one.

Thanks guys for reviewing!

[Murr1525]

Re: Critique my new method.

Been a user of Turtle Wax Ice line (gasp!) for about 2 years now. Just made the jump over to Meguiars now.

Always good to hear...

I would like my car to be fresh for the summer so I would want to remove all existing wax, etc.

People worry about that kind of thing... but really after a hard winter and so forth, there wont be much wax left. And if any wax can survive several months of winter, plus a fresh washing/claying/cleaning, then fantastic, you should keep it there.

Point being, as you'll read below, that you can just do a regular detail, without worrying about 'removing things', and all will turn out well.

My new process with new products would be as follows:

Go to quiet car wash bay.

1) Spray down good with the bay's "Presoak" to loosen the dirt on the surface.
2) Fill bucket with clean water and add a little Meguiars Gold Class soap.
3) Hand wash entire with Dawn or appropriate wax stripping soap. Doing half at a time to keep it wet to avoid soap drying.
4) Rinse thoroughly with clean water from pressure wand.
5) Dry good with towel or microfiber cloth.

Can be a little tricky trying to work around a wash bay.. but in general it would be nice to have two buckets, one for soap and one for water. And then you would add about 4 ounces of Gold Class Soap, and just wash the car with that, and then the other bucket for rinsing.

That or using the soap from the gun I suppose.

Either way, no need for Dawn or anything strong like that.

And yeah, trying for good quality towels, mitts, etc will help.

6) Use Meguiars Ultimate Compound to clean remnants of wax and contaminants off surface.

You can clay first, then use the UC.

7) Go over car with Meguiars Ultimate Polish.
8) Finish off with a nice coat of Meguiars Ultimate Paste Wax.

Sure, though 2 thin coats of wax would be best.

What do you think? The car is 2 years old and not really in bad shape paint wise. (lotta lil rock chips to the metal though...) I don't own a clay bar, not sure if I need one.

Definitely should clay. You can look at different options for stone chips in the future, wouldnt want them to rust.

[kurtb2080]

Re: Critique my new method.

in general it would be nice to have two buckets, one for soap and one for water. And then you would add about 4 ounces of Gold Class Soap, and just wash the car with that, and then the other bucket for rinsing.


You can clay first, then use the UC.

Yeah I will definitely use the two bucket method for this.

So in short, I should go:

1) Wash
2) Clay
3) Ultimate Compound
4) Ultimate Polish
4) Ultimate Wax
5) Ultimate Wax

Is this overkill with both the clay and compound?

[wifpd4]

Re: Critique my new method.

Is this overkill with both the clay and compound?

They are different processes and accomplish different objectives. Claying will remove "bonded contaminates" from the paint surface. If you haven't done this before, now would be a good time. The act of claying will leave paint surface nice and smooth for all the following work you will do. A good foundation, so to speak.

The use of Ultimate Compound will help eliminate subsurface defects. Working by hand it will only "help", not completely remove all of the defects.

Your new list seems very thorough, but difficult to accomplish in a short period of time working in a wash bay. You might consider doing all of your "water" work at the wash bay and going home to finish up the remainder. Keep in mind you may (or will) pick up some dirt on the way home. Using the lubricant that comes in the clay kit from Meguiar's and a microfiber towel wipe down the car before you begin claying. You do not want dirt particles on the car or in the clay as you work as this will scratch the finish. Always work on a clean, spotless car to prevent additional damage.

Murr offers excellent advice and he sent me on a path to use ColorX. Depending on the amount of time you have, the current condition of your car and your goals in removing defects, the first time around you may wish to go Wash, Clay, ColorX, Wax and perhaps Wax again. This will not remove any defects, but will give your car a great shine and protection. If you are familiar with the defects in your car's finish and have the time and will power to correct those defects then your new routine will be great.

Perhaps as time permits you could post some pictures of the condition of your car and the knowledgeable folks here could offer some additional advice. Good luck.

[1994Gen1L]

Re: Critique my new method.

If the vehicle is more than 6 months old, you will more than likely need to clay the surface. I live within 50 miles of an International airport, air force base, fields with crop dusters, railroad tracks and paper mill. I clay my vehicles twice a year and could probably go three times a year if I really wanted to.

[kurtb2080]

Re: Critique my new method.

Your new list seems very thorough, but difficult to accomplish in a short period of time working in a wash bay. You might consider doing all of your "water" work at the wash bay and going home to finish up the remainder.
Perhaps as time permits you could post some pictures of the condition of your car and the knowledgeable folks here could offer some additional advice. Good luck.

They bays near me are always dead. I normally spend between 3-5 hours doing a full exterior and interior detail there before meets/shows. Time shouldn't be a problem. (I like the shade the bays have)

As for pics, I will have to go out and snap a few for you guys. (The rust spot and chips I will post elsewhere)

If the vehicle is more than 6 months old, you will more than likely need to clay the surface. I live within 50 miles of an International airport, air force base, fields with crop dusters, railroad tracks and paper mill. I clay my vehicles twice a year and could probably go three times a year if I really wanted to.

Yeah the car is a little over 2 years old, could use it I 'spose. I live within 5-10 miles of an air force base, planes always flying overhead. Also I live in a very farm rich environment, so I'm always driving through dust storms from the tractors. Haha!

[FX4619]

You can save time by claying and washing at the same time. Wash the vehicle and then clay with ultimate quick detail. Once it's all washed and clayed you can dry the whole vehicle. Then when you get home begin with ultimate compound. If you pick up dust or dirt from the drive home you can use quick detail or UWWA to clean before beginning with the compound.

[kurtb2080]

Re: Critique my new method.

You can save time by claying and washing at the same time. Wash the vehicle and then clay with ultimate quick detail. Once it's all washed and clayed you can dry the whole vehicle. Then when you get home begin with ultimate compound. If you pick up dust or dirt from the drive home you can use quick detail or UWWA to clean before beginning with the compound.

If I clay while the car is still wet, would water spots form while the water dries on the rest of the car?

Also I'm curious, after using the clay or compound do I need to rinse the car with water before moving onto the next step?

Ps. Car wash bay is literally right across the street from my house lol!

[Murr1525]

Re: Critique my new method.

If I clay while the car is still wet, would water spots form while the water dries on the rest of the car?

If you use the spot free rinse, you should be ok. Can also clay while the soap is on the car, then rinse after.

Using soap sometimes causes clay to break down if stored for a while.

Also I'm curious, after using the clay or compound do I need to rinse the car with water before moving onto the next step?

No, you can go onto the next step.

[kurtb2080]

Re: Critique my new method.

Awesome! Thank you all for the rapid responses!! Can't wait to buy the clay kit and give this a whirl! Anxious to get rid of the waterspots on my windows! (can use it on the windshield right?)

[Murr1525]

Re: Critique my new method.

Yeah, you can clay and UC glass.

[Marc08EX]

Re: Critique my new method.

Yeah, you can clay and UC glass.

In fact, here's proof:

[kurtb2080]

Re: Critique my new method.

Score!!

[FX4619]

Re: Critique my new method.

If I clay while the car is still wet, would water spots form while the water dries on the rest of the car?

Also I'm curious, after using the clay or compound do I need to rinse the car with water before moving onto the next step?

Ps. Car wash bay is literally right across the street from my house lol!

Claying really goes quick. Doesn't take many passes with the clay bar so the water spots shouldn't be an issue. I think clay and QD will remove water spots anyways. It is not necessary to rinse the car after each step, just move on to the next step after claying, compound, etc etc...

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Critique my new method.

Great advice all around, guys! Looks like you came to the right place, Kurt, and with your plan and the adjustments recommended by the MOL community, you should be able to achieve the results you're after pretty easily. Please keep us posted on the outcome.