My first new car detail

[Fropa]

I just bought a new Kia Optima EX. This is the first car I'll be able to take care of using quality products and hopefully proper technique from new. Today I washed it with Zaino Z7 using the 2 bucket technique with Grit Guards and a Micro-Chenille mitt. I've read that dealers will use products with allot of fillers to hide swirls so I was wondering what it would look like after the wash. I think the paint looks pretty good and no obvious swirls. Here are some pictures of the paint after the wash and dry.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Front_Wash.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Hood_Wash.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Hood1_Wash.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Door_Wash.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Side_Wash.jpg

I ordered orange and white CCS pads from AG but don't think I'll need to use the orange pad on the car. Next I plan to clay the whole car and then go over the car with the white pad on PC7424 and PoorBoy's Pro Polish. I plan to finish with 1 coat of Zaino Z5 and 2 coats of Z2. I'm debating putting 1-2 coats of a good Carnauba wax over the Zaino. I'm also going to Zaino the wheels. For the tires I'm either going to use 303 or Meguiar's Endurance High Gloss. I also have Poorboy's Natural Look if that is a better choice. I also ordered Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant, & Polish from AG for the headlights and tail lights.

I do have 2 question areas.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Roof_Bar_Wash.jpg
For this rubber strip should I use 303 or is something else better for these strips?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Door_Windows_Wash.jpg
What do I use on these black areas by the windows? They aren't plastic but their also not smooth paint.

Any help with my technique or products will be greatly appreciated. I know its not a BMW or a Cadillac, but I want to start this car off right and keep it looking good and protected for the next 10-15 years. This is also the first car I've owned with leather interior so I'm reading all the posts that talk about leather care.

[bryansbestwax]

You can use black wow on the weather stripping or 303, Black wow will last longer. Just be careful not to get it on the paint. I would try using a wax on the black paint or a sealant. some waxes do not leave a white film and I have used them on pebbled paint. Whatever you use, it's a bit of a pain working on pebbled paint. Jus tbring your elbow grease.

[ScottB]

1Z Einszett Rubber Care Stick Gummi Pflege” (http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einszett-rubber-care-stick.html)

[Fropa]

Thanks for the info bryansbestwax. I wasn't sure if wax/sealant would turn the pebble paint white like rubber. I'll treat it with the same product I use on the main painted area.

Thanks killrwheels. I'll add one to my next order.

[Fropa]

Here are a few after pix of the job

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Front_Final.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Side_Final.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Hood_Final.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Fropa/Kia_Side2_Final.jpg

Not quite the clear reflective quality I was hoping for. Is it because the paints grey and not black or red, or is it a problem with my technique? The Rubber Care Stick did a nice job on the roof rubber and door seals. I ended up putting 1 coat of Z5 on the whole car and 2 coats on the hood, roof, and trunk. I followed that with Z2, again 1 coat on the whole car and 2 coats on the hood, roof, and trunk. I bought the Signature Series II/Chrystal Mist combo, would 1-2 coats of that improve the appearance? What should I use on the Kia emblems?

Any suggestions on improving my technique and/or the look of the car would be greatly appreciated.