Newbe to forum

[fordtruck]

Wanted to say Hi and thanks for all the great info. I've been reading these posts for a couple of months now - off & on.

Nothing too fancy here, just a new red F250 that is primarily a work truck but want to keep it looking new. All this info can be quite a bit to assimilate right off so, being a beginner, let me see if I have the basic concept straight. Wash, clay, wash, sealant, wax, & wax again??? I'm just trying to understand the process. I'll work on the details as they come.

I've had this truck since the beginning of September and have been good at keeping it clean, now I want to get it protected and make it shine.

As a side note, I use well water and it has always left white spots (minerals) on my other vehicles. Recently purchased the water softening filter and it does a great job at not leaving any mineral deposits - no more white spots.

Also, did a little experimenting with the clay. After doing the hood of my truck and re-washing because I noticed the clay lub leaves a film, the rinse water just slide off in a sheet until there wasn't any water left. No beading, no spots. The rinse water just became thinner and thinner until it was gone. Any comments, anyone else notice this after claying? Never saw anything like it before, usually I get some beads of water, but not after this initial claying.

If anybody wants to jump in, what has worked for them on Ford red as far as waxes and sealants go. I really like a deep, wet-looking shine.

Any help or comments are much appreciated and I can see where I could become quite a fanatic about this. Many quodos to all you other fanatics for your great looking cars.:applause:

Thanks :cheers:

[ltoman]

Welcome! Everyone here is super nice and very helpful. Great choice on the color!!
Lauren

[supercharged]

Welcome to the forum.
Remember these steps - Wash---Clay---Polish---Protect.
Here you can get some great products for keeping your vehicle it's best.

Deep and wet looking shine you will get from combination of Wolfgang DGPS and Pinnacle Souveran paste. :righton: Im the MAN :awesome:

[P1et]

In regards to the claying, you're not going to see ANY beading whatsoever after you're done doing that as you've completely stripped the vehicle off any protection it had that would create the claying...

[XterraOverload]

Welcome to AG forums...........Make yourself at home...............Nice tohave you!!

[Truls]

Norway says 10 points to the colour choice on your car. RR (Red Rules):) :D

And hello

[ryandamartini]

Hi newb!!! :D Newb guide time :)

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 / 733gSP, 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 corvette streak free every time. I suggest grabbing one for your big truck! 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 picks for your red truck would have to be the duragloss lineup! Not only do they offer low prices, but it offers superior protection, shine, and depth. Here you will not need top with a carnauba to get shine,

You need the following:
· Duragloss Bonding Agent
· Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish
· Duragloss Aquawax
· Two Cobra Foam Applicators
· Micro fiber Buffing Towel

Application Procedure:
After properly washing and drying your truck, clay the entire surface, and then wash again to remove any residue from claying. Dry off with a micro fiber drying towel such as the Cobra Guzzler, and start applying the bonding agent with a Cobra Foam Applicator Pad. Allow to sit for around 15-25mins to haze. Now using another Cobra Foam Applicator, apply the Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish on top of the hazed bonding agent. Allow to sit for around 30 mins then buff both off. Around twelve hours after application, spray some Duragloss Aquawax on top by misting it in back and forth motions across the paint. Buff off with a micro fiber towel.

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

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!

[fordtruck]

Welcome to the forum.
Remember these steps - Wash---Clay---Polish---Protect.
Here you can get some great products for keeping your vehicle it's best.

Deep and wet looking shine you will get from combination of Wolfgang DGPS and Pinnacle Souveran paste. :righton: Im the MAN :awesome:

Got the first 2 steps done. When you use "polish" I'm thinking wax, right? Or is there another type of polish I need to know about? I've read where some paint preps/protection actually contain a fine "polishing" agent to help bring back old paint but I'm sure this isn't what you intended. Got the Pinn. Souveran and will check out the DGPS. Thanks for the recommendations.

[fordtruck]

Thanks to everyone for your responses.

[ltoman]

:cheers:
Norway says 10 points to the colour choice on your car. RR (Red Rules):) :D

And hello
yah! red rocks!:awesome: :awesome:

[kev1027]

I also have a F-250 and am fairly new here. This is what I did:Washed, clayed, I got myself a PC 7424 w/ Edge 2k pads, XMT 3 then 1, Duragloss 105 twice, DP Max Wax. Truck looked great after completed, wished I knew about all this stuff back when I bought it.

[sparkie]

Hi newb!!! :D Newb guide time :)

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 / 733gSP, 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 corvette streak free every time. I suggest grabbing one for your big truck! 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 picks for your red truck would have to be the duragloss lineup! Not only do they offer low prices, but it offers superior protection, shine, and depth. Here you will not need top with a carnauba to get shine,

You need the following:
·Duragloss Bonding Agent
·Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish
·Duragloss Aquawax
·Two Cobra Foam Applicators
·Micro fiber Buffing Towel

Application Procedure:
After properly washing and drying your truck, clay the entire surface, and then wash again to remove any residue from claying. Dry off with a micro fiber drying towel such as the Cobra Guzzler, and start applying the bonding agent with a Cobra Foam Applicator Pad. Allow to sit for around 15-25mins to haze. Now using another Cobra Foam Applicator, apply the Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish on top of the hazed bonding agent. Allow to sit for around 30 mins then buff both off. Around twelve hours after application, spray some Duragloss Aquawax on top by misting it in back and forth motions across the paint. Buff off with a micro fiber towel.

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

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!
Man I love it!:applause:

[ryandamartini]

Man I love it!:applause:

Thanks Sparkie :D I like it and try to tailor it here and there for newbs specific cars. Its been working nicely :)

[fordtruck]

Hi newb!!! :D Newb guide time :)

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 / 733gSP, 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 corvette streak free every time. I suggest grabbing one for your big truck! 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 picks for your red truck would have to be the duragloss lineup! Not only do they offer low prices, but it offers superior protection, shine, and depth. Here you will not need top with a carnauba to get shine,

You need the following:
·Duragloss Bonding Agent
·Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish
·Duragloss Aquawax
·Two Cobra Foam Applicators
·Micro fiber Buffing Towel

Application Procedure:
After properly washing and drying your truck, clay the entire surface, and then wash again to remove any residue from claying. Dry off with a micro fiber drying towel such as the Cobra Guzzler, and start applying the bonding agent with a Cobra Foam Applicator Pad. Allow to sit for around 15-25mins to haze. Now using another Cobra Foam Applicator, apply the Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish on top of the hazed bonding agent. Allow to sit for around 30 mins then buff both off. Around twelve hours after application, spray some Duragloss Aquawax on top by misting it in back and forth motions across the paint. Buff off with a micro fiber towel.

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

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!


Thanks for taking the time and thoughtfulness in your reply - looks like I better get some Duragloss. I will certainly give it a try.

As far as the PC goes, I'm a little heavy-handed and have visions of me burning right through the clearcoat and paint, not to mention putting swirls everywhere. Any pointers? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for mechanical things that make the job easier and faster.

I know you put a lot of time into this response and will be sure to check out the links and info you supplied.

[wytstang]

Thanks for taking the time and thoughtfulness in your reply - looks like I better get some Duragloss. I will certainly give it a try.

As far as the PC goes, I'm a little heavy-handed and have visions of me burning right through the clearcoat and paint, not to mention putting swirls everywhere. Any pointers? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for mechanical things that make the job easier and faster.

I know you put a lot of time into this response and will be sure to check out the links and info you supplied. Brought to you by blkyukon
http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/video/
Great vids