First time compounding

[Russo]

Hey all, Im going to attempt to compound my vehicle for the first time by hand. I have one question though. Do I clay bar then compound, polish then wax? I dont really know what would be the best order?

I would assume...well we all know were assuming goes LOL. Seriously though if you compound whats the point in claying if your removing the surface problems by basicly cutting them?

Shouldnt it just be compund, polish then wax?

Thanks everyone.

[greg0303]

Re: First time compounding

Welcome to Meguiar's Online.


You assumed everything correctly:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Cleaning/ Surface Prep
4. Polishing (optional) - very beneficial, especially on darker paints
5. Wax/ Protection
6. Maintenance - quick detailer between washes, quik wax after each car wash

Claying will remove bonded contaminants, which car soap can't, create smooth like mirror surface, create better bonding between paint and wax (wax stays on top of car paint) extending protection period and save your buffing pads/ applicators which will work on a cleaner paint.

You could skip claying if you sand paint or compound it with a wool pad, in both cases paint removal will be significant.

[Murr1525]

Re: First time compounding

Yes,

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean - Something like Ult. Compound for a strong cleaner, or cleaner/polish like Ult. Polish for the mild cleaner. Or you may need to follow up the strong with a milder product.
4. Polish - A pure polish like Deep Crystal Polish is optional.
5. Wax - 2 thin coats are best.

Working by hand, and even DA buffer, if stuff is bonded to the paint, the pad will tend to just bounce over it. Or the worst case, the stuff will break off, and be dragged around by your pad causing swirls.

If you are doing a lot of swirl/scratch removal on the entire car, you may find it best to break it up over a few days. Wash and clay everything, then do a panel or two a day with the cleaner, wax, etc.