New to Detailing, want to detail my new '14 Camry

[detc14]

Hello all,

This is my first time to these forums and to detailing in general. I purchased a new camry last month and have not done anything to it more than washing it.

I have purchased:

• "Ultimate Wash and Wax",
• clay kit,
• the DA Power System attachment and
• the 3 corresponding packs (Ultimate Compound, Polish and Wax, and will the little bottles that come with the pads actually cover the whole car, or do I need to purchase another bottle of each?).

I was washing the vehicle a couple of days ago and noticed that it already has water marks that have set in on the front right fender with mild swirl marks throughout the car.

I am hoping to give it the full treatment next week on my days off. This is my first time doing anything like this and would appreciate some general guidance.

My main questions are:

1. On a new car, what would be the best way to get rid of the water marks if claying the car does not work?
2. What would be the best course of action to get rid of the swirl marks that are starting?

Any advice/guidance/warnings would be appreciated since, as you can imagine, I don't want to ruin the pain on the car. Thank you for your time and your answers!

detc14

[Scott's 62]

Re: New to Detailing, want to detail my new '14 Camry

My main questions are:

1. On a new car, what would be the best way to get rid of the water marks if claying the car does not work?
2. What would be the best course of action to get rid of the swirl marks that are starting?

Water marks can be tricky if claying does not get rid of them then UC on a yellow polishing pad or in this case with the power system use the burgundy cutting pad.

the swirl marks If light you can polish out with UP then seal it up with UW. the best way to prevent swirls coming back again is have good washing technique. keep wash mitt clean to prevent further damage.
Oh one more thing get two grit guards It will help keep your was mitt clean.

[detc14]

Re: New to Detailing, want to detail my new '14 Camry

I've seen pics of people who used the UC and it looked like it messed up their paint. Is that because of the UC or because of poor technique when applying it?

[The Guz]

Re: New to Detailing, want to detail my new '14 Camry

Poor technique. If you use it as it is intended and follow the direction on the bottle you will be fine. This is a great place to learn how to use these products and we are all here to help each other out.

[Blueline]

Re: New to Detailing, want to detail my new '14 Camry

I just did a full detail with my new vehicle. I never thought black could look so good.
1. The Clay should get out the water marks...UC certainly will.
2. Swirl marks can be taken out with your DA Power System and UC. UC will not mar the finish, although if you apply too much pressure trying to take out a particular scratch, it will leve tiny marks (micro swirls???) that can be seen in bright sunlight. But that polishes out nicely with your polish or my case ColorX.

I was hesitant using the DA Power System too aggressively, however it is a dandy tool, and works really well. That said, I would NEVER do a whole car with it ever again. It is just not ergonomically friendly in my opinion. A drill is made for drilling. The only place I found it comfortable to use, was horizontally on the side panels. My new paint was in fairly good condition so mostly, I did not have to apply much "passion" however if an entire car needed serious paint correction, in my opinion this is not the tool to use. Get a real DA. When I buy another new vehicle, I will haggle with the dealer for an extra 2 or 3 hundred off and get the thing to a professional detailer to deal with the swirls. I am not prepared to use the DA Power System for a full vehicle again, except for spot treatments when necessary. It is perfect for small jobs.

All that said, I love the outcome, I thoroughly enjoyed using Ultimate Paste Wax. The car looks amazing, on the dull cloudy day yesterday and today. I hope I see no streaking in the sun. It is the easiest wax I have ever wiped off. Unfortunately I am old school, and if it is that easy to wipe off, I don't think it will last long. Certainly not as long as M16. But, being easier to use, maybe I will wax more.

[Shawn T.]

Re: New to Detailing, want to detail my new '14 Camry

UC, UP and UW.

I would go ahead and try UP on one section for a test spot to see how it handles the swirls.

You will likely need something more aggressive though like UC on a yellow or burgundy pad.

Trial and error until you dial in a system on your paint.