new detail cleaner

[andikendall]

Hi there, names Andy! Always really been into my cars and keeping them clean. But never really heard much of detailing until recently when I bought a new car (05 Audi a3 gun metal grey). Thought to my self let's stop buying cheap useless products and do it properly! Ever since then I cannot stop lookin on the net for different products. Wife's going made cause new stuff is always turning up at the house! Haha! Was wondering if anyone can give me some starter points, because I don't think this car has really been treated to a good clean? Cheers

[Murr1525]

Re: new detail cleaner

Have you picked up any Meguiars products so far? or what did you get?

In general, you want to:

1. Wash - A good soap like Gold Class, etc. Good quality mitts, towels. Grit Guard or similar if available over there.
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. Clean - Something like SwirlX would be a good mild cleaner for general use.
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0, Ult. Wax, etc.
5. Wax - 2 thin coats are best

6. Maintain - Something like Ult. Quick Wax is good for after future washes.

[andikendall]

Yeah got meguiars wash, clay kit, compound, nxt wax!

[Murr1525]

Re: new detail cleaner

Which compound?

[andikendall]

Ultimate

[Murr1525]

Re: new detail cleaner

You may want to look into the SwirlX, or you could use the Ult. Compound the first time, but just working it in a bit, shining the whole car up. And then waxing after.

Removing swirls/defects from an entire car by hand *****, so you would likely only want to focus on a panel or two a day. But if you get everything shined up first, and see what you are working with, you can do a panel at a time at your own pace.

Be sure to look for some smooth foam applicators. You most likely dont want terry or anything.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: new detail cleaner

Welcome to MOL, Andy!

If you're trying to sort through processes and products you probably should look through Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycleto get started.

[andikendall]

Re: new detail cleaner

cheers murr1525, managed to do it today as it was calm and dry all day. thank god! claying the car was very easy and amazing to see all the dirt it gets off ya car. never really thought it could be that good but it was! compounding was a little bit more tricky, you really have to only do one panel at a time can be hard stuff to remove once its on! yeah think im going to have to try swirl as after i inspected the car after waxing, you could still see some scratchs and smirls nothin major but i know they are there! hopefully we will have a good weekend and can try and address these problems! cheers again

[Murr1525]

Re: new detail cleaner

Yeah, the bottle might say "remove before dry", or something like that.

Ult. Compound is stronger, so that is the one you would want for the defects. Just a matter of working it in more, focusing on smaller areas at a time, etc.

SwirlX or Ult. Polish would be mild cleaner/polishes for when there are no defects to remove.