My First Detail

[phatcenter77]

Let me first say that i am new to car detailing. My question is similair to many others, but i haven't found an answer specific to my situation.

My car is a 1971 El-Camino, and it was just recently painted absolutely pure white with multiple coats of clear. My question is, what all should i do for its first cleaning and detailing. I am going to wait long enough to let the paint fully harden, but am not sure of everything i need to do for its very first detail.

I was thinking:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Wash
4. Polish
5. Wax

Can anybody tell me if that is a good idea, taking into account that this is newly painted and has never even gotten wet, but has been "cut and buffed".

My other question is what products do you suggest that i use for each of the steps.

Thanks for the help.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi phatcenter77,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

A brand new paint job shouldn't need to be clayed or have a paint cleaner applied to it, but you never know until you inspect the finish both visually in bright light and with your sense of touch by drawing the fingertips and palm of your clean hand over the finish to inspect for little bumps called above surface bonded contaminants.

It's possible to have some light overspray on a new paint job as your El Camino was in a body shop environment where fresh paint is constantly being sprayed.

As for swirls, below is a brand new paint job and it doesn't look good in bright light...



It all depends on the shop and what they used to buff the new paint with...


Read this article for recommendation for how to take care of new paint.

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

I leave others to make their recommendation according to their preferences.

[phatcenter77]

So, you are saying that more than likely i do not need to clay it. So, should just start at step 3 and just wash, polish, and wax? I was thinking i might do it anyways, if it won't hurt anything. I want to do everything i can to have an amazing finish.

[Mike Phillips]

Actually, what I said was,

but you never know until you inspect the finish both visually in bright light and with your sense of touch by drawing the fingertips and palm of your clean hand over the finish to inspect for little bumps called above surface bonded contaminants.

Wash the car, then inspect the finish visually and with your clean hand. Let your visual inspection and your sense of touch be your guide in determining which product you need to use.

[phatcenter77]

Sorry, i must have missed that.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by phatcenter77
Sorry, i must have missed that.

If you haven't found this article and read through it, then we encourage you to do so, it will touch on the 5-steps you have listed in your first post...

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle