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  #1  
Old 01-08-2007, 03:42 AM
LaZyFLiP's Avatar
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: FL
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Question New To Detailing

I'm new to the forum and just recently got into detailing. I got my first car during the summer of 2004. It was a used 2002 black VW Jetta. It had around 39,000 miles on it. Since I got it I have never actually detailed the car but I've always been obsessed with keeping it clean. I usually clean it every two to three weeks.

My cleaning process usually goes:
1. vacume interior
2. clean dash and door panels with microfiber towel
3. apply protectant to dash and door panels
4. clean leather
5. condition leather (every other wash),
6. wash each wheel and rim using Dawn Dish Wash
7. wash the rest of the exterior with Turtle Wax Car Wash
8. rinse and dry with the Absorber Chamois
9. apply wheel dressing

This process has worked well for me for the past two years but now I want to be even more detailed in my car cleaning process. I just finished going through the "Detailing Facts, Tips, & Tricks" and plan to use these guides. I am a little confused though on which process I should go through first. One of my problems right now are swirls. My plan right now is to get me the PC7424 with all the appropriate compounds, polishes, finishes, and pads. Is this the right way to go?

The guides that are throwing me off a little are the "How to Use Detailing Clay", "Carnauba Wax vs. Paint Sealants", & "Car Wax & Sealant Application Techniques". I was wondering when and how often you go through those processes? Do you do all of them or just one? Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for your response!

Here is a pic of my car before I washed it. Check out my album for more pics. Once again thank you!
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  #2  
Old 01-08-2007, 07:36 AM
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Wash ---- Clay --- Polish --- Protect

Washing -- weekly as possible, consists of drying also, and a qd'er+

Claying --- twice a year max, unless using a soft clay

Polishing --- once or twice per year, depends on swirls, proper care means less polishing

Protecting --- sealant (every 6 weeks on average) or wax (every 4 weeks)
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  #3  
Old 01-08-2007, 08:41 AM
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I would not use Turtle wax at all. Swith for a better car wash solution (Poorboy's SS&S, Duragloss, and Optimum are highly recommended, that's especially important on black cars). Wash in straight lines, not in circles, rinsing your mitt (sheepskin or Shmitt are the best), and car frequently.
For drying use Cobra Guzzler waffle weave MF towel with a quick detailer spray. I personally like FinishKare 425, ClearKote QuikShine, and Duragloss AquaWax.

Speaking of interior I wouldn't condition leather every other wash. Upgrade to a high quality leather conditioner, and you will only need to condition you leather 3-4 times a year. Pinnacle leather conditioner is what I use, and also have some Wolfgang leather conditioner. I do like Meguiar's Quik interior detailer wipes for quick touch ups on bi-weekly basis.

Good luck.

Post some pictures when done.
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  #4  
Old 01-08-2007, 03:05 PM
LaZyFLiP's Avatar
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Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek
Washing -- weekly as possible, consists of drying also, and a qd'er+
What is a qd'er+?

Quote:
Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek
Claying --- twice a year max, unless using a soft clay
Any personal preferance on claying products?

Thanks again!
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  #5  
Old 01-08-2007, 03:13 PM
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QD'er + is Quick Detail with an added bonus of slickness, gloss, and shine. Examples are Clearkote's Quikshine and Pinnacle's Crystal Mist.
Claying products depend on your needs. If you have never clayed, most likely you will need a medium grade clay. I have the DP clay and it works great. For a less aggressive clay, nothing beats Pinnacle's Ultra Poly Clay.

Oh and welcome to the forums.
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  #6  
Old 01-08-2007, 03:28 PM
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Hi Newb, You get like all newbies my world famous Newb Guide

First and foremost the best investment you can make to keep your vehicle looking great and hold some resale value is investing in a Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher. It is also sold under the badges of 7336 / 7336SP, and finally the most popular 7424 which is available for purchase right here on autogeek. Great way to take advantage of that 10% off code!

Forgive me, Im just going to reiterate some things maybe but here it goes:

Washing/Drying:
I CANNOT EMPHASIZE ENOUGH HOW
important proper washing and drying is to maintain a swirl free finish.
For this, you want a proper wash mitt and drying towel. For a washmit, I recommend the Schmitt. It is a soft foam with a scrubber for lower areas. It can be machine washed, and many members here have nothing but great things to say about, me personally it’s the best wash mitt ever made.
http://autogeek.net/shmitt.html

And for drying look at the Cobra Guzzler! By far, the best drying towel I have set eyes on. It is 28" x 54" and will dry your beautiful jetta streak free every time. I suggest grabbing one for any vehicle! This will help prevent water spots by sucking up the water effectively and completely.

http://autogeek.net/waffle-weave-drying-towel.html

Claying:
about:
http://autogeek.net/clbaandlu.html

My picks:
http://autogeek.net/piulpoclkit.html
http://autogeek.net/wg8000.html



Wax and Sealants:
Now there is a difference here. Waxes are pastes and liquids consisting of either a Carnauba base [natural wax] or a synthetic polymer base [synthetic]. Waxes tend to give the best look of depth and shimmering out of the two, but do not last that long as far as protection is concerned.

This is why a lot of people use both! Sealants form a hard layer on your clear coat to protect your paint. They give a more reflective look to your paint and a very wet look. How do you combine these great elements you ask? Well you use them both. I prefer to lay down a layer of sealant, let it cure for a while and then put a layer of my favorite Carnauba wax on there.

My suggestions for waxes are either DP Maxwax or Nattys Blue depending on if your car, or if you want your black to be the envy of car owners everywhere, Pinnacle Souveran is unmatched. Both are at a great price point and will give you great results. However if your prepared to shell the cash out, Pinnacle Souveran for sure!

As far as sealants, I only use two on my cars, and that is Duragloss or WolfGang Deep Gloss. Both give superior looks, Duragloss however leaves a shine for months that you will be proud of. I think of WolfGang as a super carnauba sealant in the way it looks. A great choice for solid, great looking protection for around 3 months, after that you will still be protected, however some of the look has faded.

Polishing:
As far as polishing goes, the Porter Cable 7424 is a great tool. While similar to many orbital polishers, it is more powerful than most around. The PC can do astounding corrective work once trained up on it and it a good investment. I suggest you look at the videos on this page as they might help you assess the damage and what polishes you will need on your beauty. http://autogeek.net/xmt.html , http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/video/

As far as pad choices go, I know the price is a little steep for the whole set, but go for the full set of Edge2k pads. They are double sided, so basically 2 in one on each pad. This kit gives you some pad care products, the pads, and buffing bonnets to take off waxes, along with the edge adapter. An EXCELLENT deal! http://autogeek.net/foam-polishing-kit.html

Welcome to car OCD, and we hope you enjoy your ride! Don’t be shy to PM any one of out members for some help if you need it!

Polishes: Optimum Polish, Optimum Compound, no dusting, great lubrication, great results,

Pinnacle XMT : XMT 1 / 2 / 3 in order of abrasiveness from least [1] to greatest [3]. Minimum to no dusting, leaves a brilliant finish, and they are formulated FOR the PC.

Last edited by ryandamartini : 01-08-2007 at 05:16 PM.
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  #7  
Old 01-08-2007, 03:55 PM
LaZyFLiP's Avatar
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Location: FL
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Do you typically clay the entire car or just certain parts? How long does claying usually take for a beginner? Thanks again for your replies!
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  #8  
Old 01-08-2007, 03:55 PM
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Location: Boca Raton, FL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ryandamartini
And for drying look at the Cobra Guzzler! By far, the best drying towel I have set eyes on. It is 28" x 54" and will dry your beautiful benz streak free every time.
Benz...what Benz, I see a Jetta, you must be thinking of the new VW E55-Jetta AMG

Lazy - they all pretty much nailed it so nothing for me to add lol
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  #9  
Old 01-08-2007, 05:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Surfer
Benz...what Benz, I see a Jetta, you must be thinking of the new VW E55-Jetta AMG

Lazy - they all pretty much nailed it so nothing for me to add lol
ive remade this so many times theres always a few typos Ive missed.
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  #10  
Old 01-08-2007, 05:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LaZyFLiP
Do you typically clay the entire car or just certain parts? How long does claying usually take for a beginner? Thanks again for your replies!
entire vehicle.
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