How to best prep a car?

[JCB]

title says it all, i have clayed my black 4Runner and before i go to anything that touch my truck, how do i go about the best way to prep the paint finish?

i know i have to wash i again, its a semi daily driven vehile.

what is suppose to be my next step? i will be receiveing my xmt's this week.

thank you all!

[Mike T]

It depends. What are you trying to achieve? What is the condition of the paint? Full detail steps are generally as follows: Wash, Clay, Wash again if necessary, Polish , Seal ( personal pref.) wax.
Which XMT products are you receiving?

[aceshigh73]

I think Killr says it best...

Wash... done (you have to again)
Clay... done
Polish... XMT all the way!!!
Protect... If you are using the finishing glaze... go Carnuba (Natty's, MW, Sov, etc)

So you are on the right track.....

[sparkie]

Wash, clay, polish, wax. Go to the link, about everything is there!
http://www.autogeek.net/exteriorcare.html

[ScottB]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1315

[JCB]

i will be getting my xmt #3, #2 and #1 with the porter cableal ong with different pads from AG store. they made it simple for us new to the hobby so select a good combo to get started in auto detailing.

the truck i have is an 06 4runner in black. the condition is still excellent with some fine swirls and ai found a small scratch by the driver's door, you cant see it but if you glide your finger trhu it its there. i zaino'd it last week and thats where i see some swirls and not satisfied with the flaws.

from what i see, the only thing im missing is a good wax. here is my truck.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/22for2/DSC03464.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/22for2/DSC03471.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/22for2/DSC03479.jpg


i can see very fine swirls if i look very hard not visible in pictures, which i plan to get rid off and make it slick.

mods, you can delete if im not supposed to have pictures here on this thread.

[supercharged]

Seems that you like perfect finish. If you haven't tired Souveran paste, then pick it up when you get a chance. It will give you a gordeous soaking wet finish.:righton:

[sparkie]

Souveran, 5 stars in my book! Nice pic's! Nice ride! We love pic's around here, so go ahead and post pics!!!

[FloridaNative]

:iagree: Souveran is the absolute best on black and red. :)