Looking for the right products

[carlg]

I have a 5 year old Black Mustang that I recently purchased with very low mileage. The black paint has some very minor swirl marks especially on the hood. They are actually not noticeable unless you are looking for them, but they are there. I want to give the exterior a complete detailing this weekend. What are the steps and products I should use?

Here is what I am planning:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Polish
4. Wax

I plan to get the Meguiar's clay kit, but which polish should I use? The Ultimate or the crystal one? Do I need to use a machine for polishing or is hand polishing OK?

Which wax should I use?

Thanks for the help!

[Murr1525]

Re: Looking for the right products

You dont need a machine, but it can make swirl removal easier.

1. Wash - Gold Class soap, 2 buckets, Grit Guard if possible...good quality mitts/towels.
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. Clean - You can try out the Ult. Polish as a mild cleaner. However working by hand, you may find you need ot use Ult. Compound on the swirls. Then follow up with the Ult. Polish.
4. Wax - I like the Ult. Wax, but Nxt and Gold Class are also popular. Kind of a personal choice.
5. Wax - Two thin coats is best.

6. Maintain - Ult. Quick Wax after future washes.

[seephor]

Re: Looking for the right products

You dont need a machine, but it can make swirl removal easier.

1. Wash - Gold Class soap, 2 buckets, Grit Guard if possible...good quality mitts/towels.
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. Clean - You can try out the Ult. Polish as a mild cleaner. However working by hand, you may find you need ot use Ult. Compound on the swirls. Then follow up with the Ult. Polish.
4. Wax - I like the Ult. Wax, but Nxt and Gold Class are also popular. Kind of a personal choice.
5. Wax - Two thin coats is best.

6. Maintain - Ult. Quick Wax after future washes.

Just a quick question... Why would you wash with Gold Class soap when you are going to refinish the paint? I would actually do the initial washing with dishwashing liquid so it strips all coating and brings out all the imperfections so I know where to give more attention. You want to go with the mild soaps after you're done finishing.

[BillE]

Re: Looking for the right products

Just a quick question... Why would you wash with Gold Class soap when you are going to refinish the paint? I would actually do the initial washing with dishwashing liquid so it strips all coating and brings out all the imperfections so I know where to give more attention. You want to go with the mild soaps after you're done finishing.

After claying, UC/UP there won't be any wax left to be concerned with. If the last time you applied wax was more than 6 month or so ago, bets are there isn't much left.

Just to add, there isn't anything really wrong with using dish soap, just (for me) can't really seem to get it completly rinsed off. Alway kinda hides in little nook and crannies.

Bill

[yuriko]

Re: Looking for the right products

Dish wash soup ruins the paint doesn't it?

[BillE]

Re: Looking for the right products

Dish wash soup ruins the paint doesn't it?

I wouldn't say to 'ruins' the paint, but it can leave unsightly streaks that ya have to work a tad harder to remove.

I know folks use a power washer to do a rinse, but call me chicken...but a high pressure washer against a vehicle just scares the hell outa me. Does that make sense? I'm not totally full of coffee yet this morning.

Bill

[Murr1525]

Re: Looking for the right products

Yeah, doesnt sound like there is wax there to remove, and he can already see the imperfections.

Dish soap isnt going to make the car explode... it just doesnt really add anything to the process. And once the car is waxed, would remove wax of course, so not good at that point. If anything, it is less lubricating than a car wash soap, so you may be adding more swirls you have to fix.