Help! detailing car for first time!

[Blackheart]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

everyone gave you great advice... i just want to add two things.

1. buy a large pack of microfiber towels. You'll want plenty of clean towels for drying the car after the clay/quick detailer session, and for wiping off the wax.
2. do your best to avoid getting any wax on the pastic or rubber trim around your cars body. if you get any on, wipe it off as soon as you notice it.

Thats about it.
You really have nothing to worry about. This stuff is actually a lot easier to do then people make it out to be.

On Step Number 2...I imagine the products fade the trim. Is there anything that can restore it?

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

On Step Number 2...I imagine the products fade the trim. Is there anything that can restore it?

Yes Apc, dressing and dressing before you buff/wax.
But to avoid this you should tape off these areas.
How to tape-off a car

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

On Step Number 2...I imagine the products fade the trim. Is there anything that can restore it?

Here you go...

G10810 Gold Class Trim Detailer

[Blackheart]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

Wow. I need some meguiars heavy cutter and some painters tape too. ok cool. I just hope the tape doesnt leave that gooey residue. I will need some small alcohol swabs just in case. stupid rain wont go away, I want to start detailing already!

[Murr1525]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

The blue painters tape (use 3M only) should be fine. I think 3M also makes easier to remove painters tape, green maybe? Blue is like medium.

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

The blue painters tape (use 3M only) should be fine. I think 3M also makes easier to remove painters tape, green maybe? Blue is like medium.

Just bought the green 3m tape. This is 3 day tape, which means you can leave it on for three days. Allot sticker than Blue tape which is called 14 day tape.
Also Green is more durable, water resistant and $3 buck cheaper. I prefer the green tape over blue. Works better, resists more abuse and wetness.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Help! detailing car for first time!

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

Always glad to help.

first of all,although you have a new car,you might have to clay it.After you wash it,run your hand over the surface(gently,palm) and if you can feel any roughness,then you should clay it.chances are,the sides won't need this as it is a new car.

I've been using meguiar's for about 8 years now and havn't had any bother.You have selected a good brand for protecting and having a car that looks good.

After that you could proceed to the waxing(being a new car).You might not have experience to determine if it requires polishing.This you will have to do in the future.

A great set up is Auto shampoo(Dish soap is not good for your car,it will remove wax and also contains salts),I personally love the deep crystal 3 step system.you can omit step 1 and keep it for the future.

This is ultra important! Use proper applicators which are new and clean and wipe off with terry towel(100%) or microfibre.Do not use old rags because if they are contaminated,they will carry on to your clearcoat and scratch it.Work in the shade.If you have to work on your car near a busy street as i do,this creates a lot of dust,so if you are polishing or waxing your car,and you are taking your time,you might want to give the panel that you are about to work on a spray and wipe off with quick detailer.Then start your work.Also keep wax away from ABS plastics that are unpainted,but give them a coating of plastic protectant.If left for too long they will fade and turn grey.

As far as an orbital buffer goes,you do not need one.With time you will be able to determine if one is neccessary or not,but you are a long way from that stage.

If your car gets dusty every day and you want to wash it,use your conditioning shampoo in a bucket of tepid water.It's not neccessary to use Hot water.Try to rinse off the soap using a steady stream as this will help the water to run away.I dry my vehicles with a chamois,some prefer micros.I personally have never had any problems with chamois and they are 15 years old!The choice is yours.

Your choice of wax is fine.Carnauba i found lasted longer.if you want your wax to last longer try NXT 2.0.i find using quick detailer on aregular basis solves the problem of longetivity,as my car is never garaged.

anyway,good luck and hope you upload some pics!