Rookie detail question

[007Mazda3]

Hey everyone, I have a red 2007 Mazda 3 hatch and I'd like to step up my game with detailing it. However, I only really have time for more of a minor detail job, what would you recommend my process be?

Something like:
Wash
Clay Bar
Cleaner Wax

What would be good to use after the cleaner wax? I have minor swirl marks on the car, mainly on the hood, what would be the easiest way to remove those? Also, what about any type of quick wax, and how often should I apply that? Everytime I wash it?

Thanks!

[EXECMOBILE]

Re: Rookie detail question

Check out this link. 5 Step Paint Cycle:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...-Cycle-Updated!

[Marc08EX]

Re: Rookie detail question

to MOL!

My first question will be what are your goals for the car? Do you want a swirl-free and show car finish? If that's the case, you can't really do it fast. Quality detailing will take time.

Second, how much time are you willing to put into your detail?

If you're looking to quickly remove swirl marks, I would highly suggest using Ultimate Compound via the W8207 Softbuff 2.0 Polishing Pad and the G110v2 D/A polisher. That's a great starting point and will more likely take out your swirl marks with ease.

An amazing spray wax is Ultimate Quik Wax. It gives a great shine and it lasts. I use it after every wash if I have time.

[ffboy]

Re: Rookie detail question

You may also want to check the paint softness so you may want to use a milder cleaner like swirlX first and if the swirls aren't that bad or heavy. Using a cleaner that's a bit too aggressive will remove swirls but can cause marring. If the paint doesn't respond well with swirlX (meaning swirls aren't removed), move up to Ultimate Compound. And if you're lucky and the paint looks clear and marr free even with just UC, you can still follow up with SwirlX or Ultimate Polish to really make the paint pop and shine.

For in between paint cleaning-waxing, your cleaner wax will come in handy. It won't remove swirls as well as dedicated cleaners (UC/SwirlX), but it will clean your paint quite effectively.

[Murr1525]

Re: Rookie detail question

I find that the:

1. Wash
2. Clay as needed
3. ColorX or White Wax
4. Wax - Ult. Wax or Nxt 2.0, etc

5. Maintain - Ult. Quick Wax for after future washes, in between the details.

Makes for a great quick detail.

However, working by hand with those, not really sure how much defect removal you will get. You may need something like UC by hand for swirls, or something like the DA or the new drill attachment system.

[007Mazda3]

Re: Rookie detail question

I just want it to look cleaner than just washing and using cleaner wax. I swirl marks are barely visible, and only on the hood sod they should be easy to remove. I have time to work on it this up coming weekend, so I may get some more products to take out the swirl marks, however I am working on a budget, therefore the reason for the quick detail question.

[Detailing by M]

Re: Rookie detail question

keep it simple
wash, clay, buff, wax.
wax is your last step.
buff out the swirls by hand with Ultimate Compound and if you'd like follow that with Ultimate Polish.
Wax with what ever you want.
I personally like a spray wax and D156 is my go to, but really any spray wax once a month will give you the results your looking for. Especially on a budget.