• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Detailing Process - My 1st Time

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    Detailing Process - My 1st Time

    I am new to detailing and just joined this forum yesterday. I spent most of the weekend looking at videos, reading how to articles and reading other peoples opinions trying to figure out what my process would be and what products to use. I spent a lot of time on Autogeek.com and Meguiars researching. I was overwelmed with all the different products available from so many different companies, but decided on Meguiars products for the most part. Below is what I think a good process would be.......

    wash with megs ultimate wash and wax (should I was with a straight wash without any wax/conditioners or does it matter?)
    clay with megs smooth surface clay kit
    wash with megs ultimate wash and wax
    polish with megs ultimate polish
    coat of opti-seal
    wax with megs ultimate liquid wax
    wax with collinite 845

    I have read that an application of the 845 as the last step would protect 6 - 8 months. Am I over killing this process by adding the collinite 845 over the ULW? If you suggest I replace the Opti-seal with something else, what would that product be?

    Not sure if I should bring up other products in this forum, but kinda confused as to what I should finish with. If I should not have mentioned other products here, please accept my apology.

    Any help would be appreciated.

    btw....I plan on doing this by hand the first time, but am considering the da power system or the g110 for future detailing. Doing this on a 2011 Equinox that has never been detailed properly and a 2012 Ford F-150 that is only 4 weeks old.

    Billy
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Detailing Process - My 1st Time

    Washing with Ultimate Wash and wax followed by claying will remove the already small amount of wax left by the Ultimate wash and wax.

    Opti-seal may have trouble bonding with the oils left by ultimate polish. Opti-seal may be sufficient on its own.
    Collinite 845 is good stuff, great durability, shine isn't too bad, you can use it on top of the megs waxes, but honestly. megs waxes are already good in durability and has its own shine so i wouldn't top it with collinite. I would instead focus on proper maintenance to keep the shine and slickness in top condition.

    A simpler process may be:

    1. car wash (deep crystal, or gold class or NXT)
    2. Clay
    3. ColorX or Cleaner wax
    4. Ultimate Wax or NXT 2.0
    5. Maintain with Ultimate quik detailer and Ultimate quik wax

    For more intensive detailing you could:

    1. Wash
    2. Clay
    3. SwirlX or Ultimate COmpound, depending on the severity of swirls or scratches
    4. Ultimate polish to really refine the paint further (has mild cleaners) or a pure polish (deep crystal or M07)
    5. Ultimate Wax or NXT 2.0
    6. Maintain with UQD and UQW

    Nothing wrong with the products you mentioned, but it may be too much product. Sure, there may be no harm using all of them, but it may be too complicated using all of them in one go that you may compromise the results of using all those.

    With megs cleaners and polishes, do not apply it like a wax. They all have to be removed while wet. When hand applied, work in a 2x2 square foot area. Work the cleaner or polish in until most of it is gone, remove while wet. If allowed to dry, it will be harder to remove and have risk of inflicting more swirls into the paint.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Detailing Process - My 1st Time

      Thanks very much for the reply. I thought I might be overkill on my process. From researching many believe that you should do an 11% diluted IPA wipedown after polishing. If necessary, after the IPA wipedown, should I seal with m21 before I apply ULW or is ULW sufficient as a sealer and is going over another Megs product? I have read that the reason for the ipa wipedown is to remove the oils prior to sealing to get a good bond. So much info out there, it gets confusing.

      So as a general rule, when applying megs over megs, it is not necessary to remove any oils/conditioners before going to the next step?

      One last comment.......many have suggested that using ULW over Collinite 845 as the last LSP is the best and most durable long lasting finish you can get. Would you agree with that?

      I am getting to ocd with this detailing process....

      Thanks again,

      Billy

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Detailing Process - My 1st Time

        Meguiars products dont need to have the oils removed from the surface before waxing. It would just be a matter if you wanted to remove any polishing oils to check your work before moving on.

        A couple companies do say to have the oils removed from the surface for their products, so usually best to follow the manufacturers directions.
        2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Detailing Process - My 1st Time

          If you really prefer it, you apply the Collinite on top of Ultimate Wax. Collinite itself is a very, very durable product but as with many products, maintenance is key not how many coats of wax or sealant you apply.

          As to which of the 2 is more durable? Ultimate is the most durable meguiars synthetic product, while Collinite is not the newest product out there, but it has a very good reputation for durability.

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: Detailing Process - My 1st Time

            if you use Opti Coat you'll never have to wax your car again

            DetailingByM.com

            Comment

            Previous template Next
            Your Privacy Choices
            Working...
            X