General Detailing Questions

[srb1194]

I've been detailing my own cars for many years and thoroughly enjoy it. My current rides are a 1998 E320, 2003 C320 & 2007 F150. My usual exterior paint methods involve using DC Cleaner, DC Polish & then NXT Wax or #26. Sometimes I add the use of a Ryobi P430 Orbital Polisher. A friend of mine is wanting me to detail some late model Benz's for him (1995-2010). I've always been pleased with my results using the above mentioned products but with this new adventure I want to have my act together. Is there anything else you would recommend in this process that could add a little extra bling. I've always been nervous using buffers but the Ryobi has never given me any problems. I suppose thats because I've never had to get aggressive with my personal vehicles. I've got plenty of other Meguiar's products on the shelf however some are dated such as M-7, M-9 & some newer products such as Scratch X & Carnuba Wax. At his point I'm trying to be like a sponge here and just try to soak up some of you guy's knowledge. Any comments are welcome.

Thanks ahead.

srb1194

[Murr1525]

Re: General Detailing Questions

Have you seen them? Seen what needs fixed up? Or he just wanted them shined up some?

I would be looking to add something like SwirlX/Ult. Polish/#205 to your collection for the cleaning/polishing step. Your wax would be fine.

Also, you have clayed at all?

[srb1194]

Re: General Detailing Questions

Have you seen them? Seen what needs fixed up? Or he just wanted them shined up some?

I would be looking to add something like SwirlX/Ult. Polish/#205 to your collection for the cleaning/polishing step. Your wax would be fine.

Also, you have clayed at all?

I can't believe I left out the Clay. Yes I do Clay depending on how the surface feels. I have seen some of the cars as they belong to him. Others will be customer's cars. His cars look pretty good but he was impressed at how mine looked when he serviced them and that prompted him to ask if I was interested in doing his. Its just basic polishing and general interior clean up. There will be some carpet cleaning also. Is the #205 much different than the DC Polish in use or results?

Thanks!

[Murr1525]

Re: General Detailing Questions

Well, the 3 products i mentioned are mild cleaner/polishes.

They will be a little bit stronger than your DC Cleaner, so could be able to remove some mild swirls, etc.

They wont have as much polishing oil as DC Polish, but Ult. Polish will have a lot, and #205 a good bit. SwirlX the least. It would be up to you if you wanted to follow them up with DC Polish or not.

As far as applying, you would want to work them in a bit like the DC Cleaner, then remove before they dry. So pretty similar.

[srb1194]

Re: General Detailing Questions

I have a large bottle of M 3. Would it be similar to the cleaner you're referring too?

[Murr1525]

Re: General Detailing Questions

No, M3 is like your DC Polish.

[srb1194]

Re: General Detailing Questions

Wow that's interesting. I sure thought it was a cleaner. I guess I hadn't read the bottle careful enough. Feeling pretty stupid about that! I've used that product for years as a prep before waxing. Other than not cleaning sometimes prior to using it at least I was doing it before the final wax application. Okay that straightens that out. I've also got some M85. Would that be an alternative to the M105 you're referring to?

Thanks again for your advice thus far!

[Murr1525]

Re: General Detailing Questions

Not as familiar with #85, but it is very different from the #205. Didnt mention #105. #105 is a very strong cleaner. Generally would have people go jumping right to the really strong products.

and Ult. Compound would probbaly be a strong cleaner that works better with your orbital polisher.