What to use.

[larrlush]

I just purchased a 2006 ford Taurus and want to give it a good detailing. The paint is a little dull and it needs a good waxing. What products should I use to give it that shine I see on other cars? I want to to a professional looking job . Can someone help me because I am totally new to this. You could say I am a newborn. Ive had people tell me compound first then wax Ive heard many suggestions. I just want to know what products to use.

[davey g-force]

Re: What to use.

Pics might help.

Do you have a machine such as a DA, or will this be done by hand?

A "professional looking job" could be:

Wash - Gold Class
Clay - Smooth Surface Clay Kit
Compound - Ultimate Compound
Polish - Ultimate Poilsh
Wax - Ultimate Wax

That's a pretty generic list and there are many other choices depending on what you want to achieve, the condition of your paint, how your paint responds and how much time/effort you want to put in.

[Murr1525]

Re: What to use.

5 Step Paint Care Cycle

[veeedub]

Re: What to use.

I just purchased a 2006 ford Taurus and want to give it a good detailing. The paint is a little dull and it needs a good waxing. What products should I use to give it that shine I see on other cars? I want to to a professional looking job . Can someone help me because I am totally new to this. You could say I am a newborn. Ive had people tell me compound first then wax Ive heard many suggestions. I just want to know what products to use.

Okay, it was only like two weeks ago when I was in the same boat as you. After countless hours of research, and one actual trial on my own car. I like to think I'm pretty up to date.
For starters, pics would give us a better understanding. Second, what's your equipment like? Hand or DA? (Dual Action polisher)

If you are like I was. Start by getting familiar with the terminology and reading through Detailing 101 sticky's and then all the How to sticky's

So this is what you need to get started for that show car finish. Remember, these products can vary in terms of what brand/finish you want. Listed below are pretty basic items.
STEP #1 - Equipment
1. DA power system (with Pads) or Lots of Hand Applicators
2. Two to Three Buckets with Grit Guards (The third for wheels)
3. Microfiber or Sheepskin Mitt
4. Megs Gold Class Car Wash and Shampoo
5. Microfiber Towels (The more the better)
6. Megs Claybar Kit
7. Megs Ultimate Compound or Megs Ultimate Polish
8. Megs Ultimate Liquid Wax or Megs NXT 2.0.
9. Megs Perfect Clarity Glass Cleaner (I prefer aerosol because it's easier to do interior windows that way)
10. Megs Hot shine Tire Gel (I use Sanctiond Tire Glaze Gel)
11. Megs Interior Detailer cleaner
12. Megs Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner Gel (if you have leather)
13. Megs Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner
14. Wheel brushes (Small and large)


Step #2 - Process (This is assuming you got all the products above. If not, directions may vary)
1. Park your car under some shade (Make sure car is cool to the touch. Meaning don't wash right after driving out in the sun)
2. After placing your Grit Guards into your buckets, fill one with just water (Rinse Bucket) And then fill the 2nd (Wash Bucket) as well to about 80% or about 4 gallons (if you're using a 5 gallon bucket) Add about 16 capfuls or 4 oz. of Megs soap into water and mix well creating lots of suds.
Now you're ready to wash!
3. Start with the wheels (Always use a separate bucket to wash your wheels. This is to avoid any contaminants, and what the 3rd bucket is for) Use your wheel brush to wash the rims and a detailing brush to get inside and behind them as well.
3. Next, Using your Wash Mitt, follow this (Two Bucket Method) - Pretty much just wash section to section, rinsing thoroughly. Don't let it dry.
4. Dry your car quickly using the microfiber towels. (Or a waffle weave or a chamosis towel. If you're fancy.) You can also use a leaf blower.
5. Using your Megs Claybar Kit. Start to remove the contaminants. Cut your claybar into 3rds or halves first! (This is to prep the surface for polish/wax/paint correction) - DO NOT DROP THE CLAYBAR or you have to toss it/cut a layer off.
6. Once you're done with that, evaluate what kind of paint correction you think you need. (Swirls, oxidation, leftover bird droppings, water marks, etc) If you think you need to fix any of that, use Megs Ultimate Compound (Other products such as SwirlX, ColorX, etc work as well) Bust out your new DA power system or hand applicators. If you're using a DA power system. Use a Polishing Pad (make sure you have the right size to your backing plate) If you're going by hand, its the same process. Use a hand applicator and apply the product and slowly work it in. Remove with a MF towel.
Now you're ready to Paint Correct/Polish/Wax!
-Start with a test area so you can see if you're using the right technique/product. Tape off sections so you can notice the difference.
-Apply some UC (make a smiley face or a X) onto pad and spread it onto the area without turning it on (This is to avoid splatter) Set the speed to 3 and spread the product around in overlapping motions (overlap 50% of your last swipes) Left to right, up and down. After spreading the product, set the speed to 4-5 and continue working the polish in. Here's some help
- After the product is worked in after a few passes. (usually 4-6 passes) Wipe off with a microfiber towel.
- Reevaluate your finish to see if you corrected your defects. If you got rid of most of them, try going over it again or use more pressure.
7. It's time for polishing! Break out your Megs Ultimate Polish (For that glossy shine) The polish also contains abrasive substances that will remove any remaining swirls as well! Using the same process (Polishing pad or Finishing pad) apply the polish the same way and work it as well. It's okay to remove it wet after you have worked it in. You'll be able to quickly feel the difference between the polished and non/polished area!
8. Whip out your NXT 2.0 or ULW. Waxing is very similar to the polishing process. The only difference is that you have to let it cure for about 15-20 mins after working it in. Use a FINISHING pad, at a speed of 3. Use this video to help! The swipe test will be your best friend. (usually you can apply wax to the whole car before you wait 15-20 mins, depending on the wax)

Step #3 - Maintaining the finish/Dressing
1. Dress your tires using hand applicators and Megs Tire Gel
2. Clean your windows with Megs Class Cleaner and a Microfiber towel (I usually spray my towel once or twice and then the window before I wipe. Turn to a dry portion of the towel to give the window a final wipe)
3. Clean your interior with Megs Interior Detailer and Megs Leather Gel (I usually do interior before I wash my car) Vacuum and pick up your water bottles!4. Every wash in between waxes (wax like every 3-4 months, unless you feel you need to sooner) use Meguiars Ultimate Quick Wax to maintain your glossy finish!

Well, that's it my friends. I hope I wasn't too messy, I just felt the need of posting what I needed to know when I first started. For those of us who were clueless, and needed someone to hold our hands.

*Things to remember
-Don't drop your mitt/towels/claybar
-Don't wash while your car is still hot
-Question? Post on the forums! Tons of pros here
-Polish/compound can be removed when wet/ Let Wax Cure
-Don't forget to post pictures of your work!

Thanks to all the members who helped me. I hope I didn't miss anything! Credits to all the guides/videos I used.

[Murr1525]

Re: What to use.

I'll just throw on a couple this and thats in red...

STEP #1 - Equipment
1. DA power system (with Pads) or Lots of Hand Applicators
2. Two to Three Buckets with Grit Guards (The third for wheels)
3. Microfiber or Sheepskin Mitt
4. Megs Gold Class Car Wash and Shampoo
5. Microfiber Towels (The more the better) There are diferent kinds though. Waffle Weave styles will dry better, the fuzzy kind will remove products better.
6. Megs Claybar Kit
7. Megs Ultimate Compound or Megs Ultimate Polish - Or both... the Compound is the stronger cleaner, UP the milder.
8. Megs Ultimate Liquid Wax or Megs NXT 2.0.
9. Megs Perfect Clarity Glass Cleaner (I prefer aerosol because it's easier to do interior windows that way) - Spraying your towels, not the glass, can also help.
10. Megs Hot shine Tire Gel (I use Sanctiond Tire Glaze Gel)
11. Megs Interior Detailer cleaner
12. Megs Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner Gel (if you have leather)
13. Megs Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner - If appropriate for your wheels
14. Wheel brushes (Small and large)

[B][U]
5. Using your Megs Claybar Kit. Start to remove the contaminants. Cut your claybar into 3rds or halves first! (This is to prep the surface for polish/wax/paint correction) - DO NOT DROP THE CLAYBAR or you have to toss it/cut a layer off. I cut mine into smaller pieces
6. Once you're done with that, evaluate what kind of paint correction you think you need. (Swirls, oxidation, leftover bird droppings, water marks, etc) If you think you need to fix any of that, use Megs Ultimate Compound (Other products such as SwirlX, ColorX, etc work as well) Bust out your new DA power system or hand applicators. If you're using a DA power system. Use a Polishing Pad (make sure you have the right size to your backing plate) If you're going by hand, its the same process. Use a hand applicator and apply the product and slowly work it in. Remove with a MF towel.For defect correction with the Power System, you want to use the cutting pad.
Now you're ready to Paint Correct/Polish/Wax!
-Start with a test area so you can see if you're using the right technique/product. Tape off sections so you can notice the difference.
-Apply some UC (make a smiley face or a X) onto pad and spread it onto the area without turning it on (This is to avoid splatter) Set the speed to 3 and spread the product around in overlapping motions (overlap 50% of your last swipes) Left to right, up and down. After spreading the product, set the speed to 4-5 and continue working the polish in. Here's some help A drill like used for the Power System probably wont have speed steps on it, but still the idea of spread the product, then work it in ith pressure and more speed.
8. Whip out your NXT 2.0 or ULW. Waxing is very similar to the polishing process. The only difference is that you have to let it cure for about 15-20 mins after working it in. Use a FINISHING pad, at a speed of 3. Use this video to help! The swipe test will be your best friend. (usually you can apply wax to the whole car before you wait 15-20 mins, depending on the wax) Dont usually want to let the Ult. Wax liquid dry. Removing right away is usually better. Or using a damp towel if you let it sit.
[U][B]

[veeedub]

Re: What to use.

I'll just throw on a couple this and thats in red...

Thanks! Much appreciated! Shall I just edit my post with your corrections?

[C8N]

Re: What to use.

After UC is applied and the paint is clear of defects, I would use a finishing pad to apply the UP.
I would use polishing pad with UP only when UC left its own damage for those with soft paint.
Hence after UC is applied, you would want to inspect your paint to see which pad to use for the UP.

Should buy something like the Brinkman MaxFire Dual Xenon spotlight.

Personally, I ordered a 1000watt halogen work lamp.
Home Depot has this on sale for $19.88

[veeedub]

Re: What to use.

After UC is applied and the paint is clear of defects, I would use a finishing pad to apply the UP.
I would use polishing pad with UP only when UC left its own damage for those with soft paint.
Hence after UC is applied, you would want to inspect your paint to see which pad to use for the UP.

Should buy something like the Brinkman MaxFire Dual Xenon spotlight.

Personally, I ordered a 1000watt halogen work lamp.
Home Depot has this on sale for $19.88

I bought the same lamp! It was only in-store pick up though. Still waiting on that email.