Rookie at detailing

[kaboose786]

Hey everyone,
I will be start detailing my car since its summer here. So firstly ill be fixing paint chips so i decided to use Dr.ColorChip Custom Automotive Touch-Up Paint Kit - Dr. ColorChip: Automotive Paint Chip Repair Systems. Now my question is how should i pre-clean the area before applying the touch paint? should i be using rubbing alcohol? Also ill be waxing and polishing my car as well. So do i need to remove the original wax first using dish soap? Because i bought this car 8 months ago and dealer waxed it. Also for the car wash soap am planning to buy the ones at walmart. So should i buy the ones that say "wash and wax" because ill be waxing it later.
Thanks

[BobbyG]

To Autogeek Online!

Basic Steps

• Wash
• Clay
• Compound
• Polish
• Seal
• Wax

You might not be performing all of these but this is the general order.

First, give the car a complete wash from top to bottom. This prepares the finish for the next step. A wash solution of All Purpose Cleaner and Dawn will remove most of what's there. Once it's washed clay the entire finish to make it ready for the next step.

Any time some touch-up is required it's important to clean the area as thoroughly as possible. start with some mineral spirits and a toothbrush..and scrub the area. Once you're satisfied go over it with alcohol then follow the instructions on the chip repair kit.

I'd stay away from the wash & wax products normally found in WalMart.

Meguiar's Gold Class wash is very good and can be picked up at most local stores.

[HeavyMetal]

I cleaned the area with some mineral spirits and used a toothpick and IPA on a Q-tip to get any embedded crap. It's been a while since I used it, but if I think the instructions say to use IPA.

If you buy car wash at Wally World, stick with Meguiars. Their Gold Class is pretty good stuff; quite popular on the forums. Before you wash, I'd read this: Car Wash Guide, Car Wash how to - easy steps to shampoo and dry your vehicle using paint-safe mitts and towels, plus sponges, the Grit Guard and. Also check all of the Detailing How-To's via the link on the top menu bar of the forum. Lots of good tips there.

[ScubaCougr]

Originally Posted by kaboose786

should i buy the ones that say "wash and wax" because ill be waxing it later.

NO. What the marketers are saying is there is some liquid gloss enhancer "wax" included in the formula. Worthless.

A sun-friendly wipe on/wipe off wax or sealant lasts longer and shines better. Personal favorite is Poorboys World EX-P. 4-5 applications per bottle and about 20 minutes to do an entire car.

[kaboose786]

Hello,
Thx for ur reply guys. Sorry i couldnt get this done as i was extremely busy. Anyways ill definitely be ordering some stuff and get this going. Just some quick questions. Firstly my car is due for 24k kms service. Which would include Oil change, Tire rotation, cleaning disc brakes and lubricating them, Lubrication all the doors etc. So should i get all this done first before waxing and polishing or it doesnt matter?

Also for fixing paint chips i decided to do it by myself as i already have the factory paint pen. So I know first i have to wash the car. After that do i need to wash the car with some sort of dish wash detergent to remove the old wax? I havent waxed since i bought it brand new a year ago so am sure wax would be gone by now?
Also after washing my car why do i need to pretreat the area? " with some mineral spirits and a toothbrush. Once you're satisfied go over it with alcohol" (as mentioned above)
Thanks

[cutter]

I think what BobbyG was saying is to get the area cleaned.....If your paint pen calls

IPA to do the cleaning, then use that.....Mineral Spirits is another paint cleaner, that's

all he was saying.


You seriously need to think about getting some protection (wax or sealant) on your

car. I would take the time to follow the basic steps to maintaining your car's paint,

as BobbyG has listed, but after the clay, assuming you're not compounding or

polishing the paint, clean the paint chipped areas with IPA, then the paint pen,

then the wax or sealant you plan to use.

As for the before or after the dealership question: AFTER!!!