New to detailing :)

[David621]

Hey everybody. I discovered the Megs forum by accident but I'm glad I did! There's tons of useful information here and I thank everyone here for contributing.

About my car, I recently purchased a new car (08 Accord, Polished Metallic Grey aka Dark Gray) and this is the first car that I have some interest in keeping the car looking good.

I have a couple of questions about detailing though:

1. Does Meguiar have a paint cleaner? If so, can I get a link to see how it looks like?
2. Do I have to use a paint cleaner before each waxing? Is it harmful for the paint if used too often? I'm planning on waxing every 3-4 months.
3. Do I have to clay my car before each waxing? Again, I'm planning on waxing every 3-4 months so is it okay if I clay only 2 times a year?
4. Polishing, is this step really necessary? Some people said that polishing adds "oils" into the paint which is good and at the same time people said that it removes a thin layer of paint. I assume polishing too often is a bad thing right? Can I skip this step when I wax? This is the step that I'm the most confused about...
5. On the 2008 Accord EX V6, the door handles, trims, grill, and exhaust are Chrome (at least I assume it is). What product can I use on the chrome after every car wash?


So far here are the products I purchased for exterior cleaning/detailing:
Megs Gold Class Shampoo+Conditioner
NXT Tech 2.0 Liquid Wax
Megs Ultimate Quick Detailer
Lexol Vinelex (for the black plastic parts)
Megs Clay system (will get this in 2-3 months)
and a bunch of microfiber cloths.

Is there anything else I'm missing other than a polisher and paint cleaner?


Thanks guys!

[Murr1525]

Re: New to detailing

1. Yes, many. Are you working by hand? If so, Deep Crystal #1 Paint Cleaner would be the general cleaner, and ScratchX for mild swirls/scratches.

2. It depends. If your car is kept in the garage, and never out in the elements, then you would not need to clean as often. If it is a daily driver, kept outside, then the paint will likely be dirty after 4 months, so it would want cleaned, and possibly clayed.

3. Definately clay this time, then you will get the feel of what smooth paint is like. When the paint stops feeling that smooth, it is probably time to clay.

4. A pure polish like Deep Crystal #2 or #7 Show Car Glaze has no diminishing abrasives in it, and has no cleaning ability, so will not remove much of anything. With a new car, it is a bit more optional as far as keeping the paint healthy, but still may add to the looks.

5. Is it metal chrome, or that crhome coating over a plastic? If it is the plastic stuff, which it likely is, just a cleaner/wax would be best.

As far as products, there is always all kind of things. More towels/cloths, two buckets, Grit Guards, glass cleaners, tire shine, all puprose cleaners, interior products....

[David621]

Re: New to detailing

I think I have a chrome covered plastic. Seems dirt just wipes off easily w/ just water+soap