Help! detailing car for first time!

[Underdawg736]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

Welcome to MOL Blackheart!

What kind of car/color paint do you have?

You will find an infinite amount of knowladge here from the pros and amatures alike, so asks questions often if you're stuck on something.

I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to no garage. What I do is after washing and drying my car, I go and find a park or an area that has alot of shade (be carefull not to pick a tree that's sapping or is holding a bird colony).

Have fun with your new car!!!

[JTOWN]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

I am with the others..and stress less....claying becomes more scary with hype, but when you do it..you will piss ur self laughing..

Oh another MAJOR rule on MOL

Before & After pics..very important..!!!

[Carfire]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

[Nappers]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

To add......

What temperature ranges are best for applying cleaners, polishes, and waxes?

Also, check out the List O' Links 2.0 by Ryan L. he put together a great paper on some awesome threads for care for your car!

[Nappers]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

To add, you may want to see how the surface of your paint is and see if there are any swirl marks.....

I picked up some Ultimate Compound and SwirlX (at wally world) and corrected our hard as nails clear coat on our Neon and it performed nicely. By hand mind you!

Doing a test spot to get a process dialed in if you need paint correction.

Nappers: Ultimate Compound / SwirlX

I just tested these products and they work great!

Least aggressive process to start then move up the scale if needed.

That's if you need to correct your paint, but if you wash/clay/wax and your happy, then do it.

No worries, I haven't screwed my car up, so if I can do it, anyone can .

Have fun.

1. Calm down -

Sounded like me when I started. LOL.

[Murr1525]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

1. Calm down.

2. Dont need a buffer to take car of things. I would do this:

1. Wash - Gold Class Wash, 2 buckets, good quality towels/sponges
2. Clay
3. ColorX
4. Wax - Gold Class

You would want to have good quality towels for drying, and good quality towels for removing the products. Water Magnets are good for drying ( I like at least 3), and Supreme Shines are good for removing products (at least 3).

Q.
- You want to apply the products in a thin coat, so they dry quickly. You can do a search for the Swipe Test, but basically you want to wait until the product swipes clear easily, then remove. Should be about 15 minutes.

- Whenever you can.

[Blackheart]

Hello Everyone,
Im new to Meguiars online and a new car owner. I have never owned such a nice car and I hope to maintain its paint as much as possible. Im still trying to learn the ropes of this site. I cant afford a full detail by pro shops and I DONT have access to a garage at all.

I have the following items:
-Meguiars Gold Class Paste wax
-Meguiars smooth surface clay kit ( w/Quick Detailer,2 clay bars, 4oz of cleaner wax, and Microfiber cloths)
-Meguiars Gold Class car wash

I was wondering if these steps would be fine:
-Wash car with Gold Class car wash and then DRY
-Use meguiars smooth surface clay kit all over the car
-then wax with the Gold class Paste wax, then wipe off?

So far I just wash with just regular soap and water since I fear screwing up the paint, its just my luck.
I have NEVER used wax, and I fear if I apply it I will miss a spot that will bake into the paint. (Car is a dark grey charcoal color if it matters)
How long should wax be left on before removing? Is it better to take off by hand and cloth or should I buy a buffer and learn to use it?
Since I dont have a garage is it better if I wax early in the morning or in the evening?

Im apologize for being such a newbie with all these questions. I would appreciate any info from anyone, Thank you all for your valuable time and insight.
Sincerely -BH