what product to use for a 3 month old BLACK car? From Wash to Wax.

[TLMYPIC]

hey,

so i just brought a 3 months old 2012 TL in Black, the car is in like new condition. just some light swirl marks on the hood, roof, and trunk..not so much on the doors, and couple of hairline scratches (not really notice able, but i do lol). i want the car to be clean and shine like a show car, what products would be good? as far as, light swirl removal, polishing(if i even need it) and waxing. so far i brought the following products: meguiars car wash, Meguiars ultimate compound( i was told this might be too harsh on a new car) and meguiars Ultimate liquid wax. thanks in advance.

[Marc08EX]

Re: what product to use for a 3 month old BLACK car? From Wash to Wax.

to MOL!

Nice ride you got there! Do you have the SH? How about some pics of your new ride?

You're off to a good start. You already have most of the good products needed for a full detail.

The typical steps in a full and proper detail are:

1. Wash the car using a good car soap (You already have)
2. Clay: Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit
3. Use a cleaner polish to remove severe swirls, scratches and oxidation: (You already have - Ultimate Compound)
4. Use finishing polish to amp up the gloss: Ultimate Polish
5. Wax: (You already have - Ultimate Liquid Wax)

Since you say that you don't have a lot of swirls and scratches, you might be able to get away with skipping step #3. So it'll be wash --> clay --> Ultimate Polish --> wax for you. You may want to do a test spot first to see if ultimate polish removes the defects to your liking. It should work fine because the black paints of Honda (both nighthawk black pearl and crystal black pearl) tend to be on the softer side. I assume you'll be working by hand right? Make sure to shrink your work area to a 1.5' x 1.5' to 2' x 2' when working with Ultimate Polish.

For more information about the proper steps in the detailing process, I'd highly suggest you read this article: Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

For a quick tip video about Ultimate Liquid Wax, check this out: Meguiar's Quik Tips Video Series: Ultimate Liquid Wax A New Application Experience. Remember to apply THIN coats!

Hope this helps!

[TLMYPIC]

Re: what product to use for a 3 month old BLACK car? From Wash to Wax.

will post pictures in a bit

is it safe to use the Ultimate compound if the car is in good condition already? will it harm the clear coat?. if i do decide to use the UC can i skip the polishing and go straight to waxing?

[Marc08EX]

Re: what product to use for a 3 month old BLACK car? From Wash to Wax.

Ultimate Compound is extremely safe for your paint. It will not harm it in any way.

IMO, Ultimate Compound might be overkill especially if your paint's condition is already good. In addition, your paint may be soft so it might respond well from Ultimate Polish.

Here's what I would do:

I would first try using Ultimate Polish in a test spot. If you still have defects left, then step it up to Ultimate Compound and see where you're at. After you're done with Ultimate Compound then work with Ultimate Polish throughout the car. Since your car is black, you'll definitely benefit from this product to get that extra pop. Also, (again) if your paint is soft, you might experience some micro-marring from the Ultimate Compound step so finishing it up with Ultimate Polish will definitely help make your paint crystal clear.

Let us know how it goes!

[TLMYPIC]

Re: what product to use for a 3 month old BLACK car? From Wash to Wax.

hey thanks man, great info, i'll try it out.

[Marc08EX]

Re: what product to use for a 3 month old BLACK car? From Wash to Wax.

You're very welcome! Glad to help.