New to detailing have q's...

[okkaps]

I am relatively new to detailing exteriors and would like info from you guys/ girls on the basics from beginning to end. Do I wash then polish then wax or what is the order exactly? I have two vehicles, one white and one black. I just got the black SUV out of the shop for some minor dent repair and complete detail and it looks amazing and I want to learn to keep it that way and not have to pay someone 350 dollars to do it for me. They did a great job bringing the paint back to life and black is so tough to keep nice looking. The white vehicle is easier to take care of and newer so I will apply what I learn to that one.

I am guessing purchasing a PC would be beneficial for me to use? What kinds of polish, wax, pads and all of that stuff do I need to start out with.... Everyone has their favorites but where do I start? Thanks in advance for your help and hi to everyone!

[ryandamartini]

And here is my famous Newb response :D

Random orbits on the Porter Cable refer to the number of simulated hand motions the polisher produces per minute. From 1k to 6k.

And I know you have been recomended some products, and are all very good choices! I concur to definately go with the Porter Cable. It is an amazing investment for your vehicle, and you will know it when you can ask for a nice resale value.

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

Washing/Drying:
I CANNOT EMPHASIZE ENOUGh how important proper washinga nd drying is to maintain a swirl free finish.
For this, you want a proper wash mit 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 Justin can personally tell you of its excellence!
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 corvette streak free everytime. I suggest grabing one while its on sale!
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




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 asess the damage and what polishes you will need on your beauty. http://autogeek.net/xmt.html

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 doublesided, so basically 2 in one on each pad. This kit gives you some pad care products, the pads, and buffing bonnetts to take off waxes, along with the edge adapter. An EXCELLENT deal! http://autogeek.net/foam-polishing-kit.html

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

This is why alot of people use both! Sealants form a hard layer on your clearcoat 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 Carnuba wax on there.

My favorite sealants for a brighter colored car like yours would be the Wolfgang Sealant or Duragloss #105. The WOlfgang would edge out here to me as it gives off a nice glow for a sealant!

My favorite waxes for bright colors as a topper to go on top of the sealant would be Pinnacle Signature Series II or Souveran. Both are excellent, however while Souveran provides deph and wetness, the Signature Series II provides a POP that I havent seen in another wax for brighter hues.

For your car: I would have to go with some Wolfgang deep gloss sealant topped with Pinnacle Signature Series II Wax. This combo will add lasting protection, and GREAT looks to your black car.


Welcome to car OCD, and we hope you enjoy your ride! Dont be shy to PM any one of out members for some help if you need it!


Heres some results on my camry after I learned about XMT3, this was done on a yellow pad.

Immagine this but ALL OVER:
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/ryandamartini/IM001155.jpg

A single pass of the XMT polish:
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/ryandamartini/IM001158.jpg

Finished:
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/ryandamartini/IM001160.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/ryandamartini/maxwax/PA220095.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/ryandamartini/camry/carpolish013.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/ryandamartini/camry/carpolish016.jpg

[okkaps]

Good info and nice pics! So the order is wash, clay if needed, wax/ seal and then polish? Somewhere I read polish then wax..I was confused on that one. Can I use the PC for applying wax as well? Do I need to just look over all the pads and accessories for the PC and order what I think I will need or is there a standard pad or each of these steps?

[Excessive Detail]

I concur, What he said. :D

[sparkie]

:iagree: Yep, what he said.

[ryandamartini]

Good info and nice pics! So the order is wash, clay if needed, wax/ seal and then polish? Somewhere I read polish then wax..I was confused on that one. Can I use the PC for applying wax as well? Do I need to just look over all the pads and accessories for the PC and order what I think I will need or is there a standard pad or each of these steps?
ah its wrong. ops hehe

Wash- clay - polish - seal - wax [if wanted]

fixed it :)