Spring Cleaning Suggestions

[bowtie]

Like most, time for the Spring detail. I'm about out of everything and getting ready to order and need some suggestions. I washed the car and looked at it and from I can tell, the paint looks petty good. There's 4500 miles on it. I'm working by hand and wondered if it would worthwhile to use a polish before waxing. Also, what would be a good combination be example I hear Blackfire Wet Diamond + Crystal Seal is a good combo.
All suggestions appreciated
2012 Malibu
Black Granite Metallic
Thanks

[BobbyG]

To keep your finish looking pristine, it's important to develop a maintenance ritual or routine. This is just an example hitting all the important points but depending on how meticulous you may be you could dive deeper into each category.

Washing - Under normal conditions once per week
Clay - Twice annually
Polish - Clean - Twice annually
Seal - four times annually
Wax - Every couple of months

Whether by hand or with machine you should at a minimum use a paint cleaner after claying. A dual action polisher is preferable for improving overall uniformity and consistency. It also speeds up the process resulting in much higher level of surface finish refinement.

Also, I apply 98% of my sealants and waxes with my Porter Cable 7424 dual action polisher using a blue or red foam pad.

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html)

Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Dual Action Polisher

1. - Working with a dual action polisher


Sectional Pass With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/24074-show-car-garage-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-polishing-da-polisher.html)
Removing Swirls (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html)
DA Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)
Waxing With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)

2. - My Porter Cable 7424, backing plate, and pads


Porter Cable 7424xp (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html)
Lake Country Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)
Lake Country Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)

BlackFire offers some really great products. For a paint cleaner try BLACKFIRE Gloss Enhancing Polish.

BlackFire Gloss Enhancing Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-gloss-enhancing-polish.html)

BlackFire Wet Diamond Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-wet-diamond-sealant.html)

BlackFire Crystal Seal (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-crystal-seal-8.html)

As a 1-step product give also try BlackFire Total Polish & Seal (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-total-polish-seal.html%3Cbr%20/%3E)

[Old Tiger]

I recommend duragloss (DG) 105 or 501 as a one step. Apply over DG 601 for max durability. Best one steps Ive ever used!

[PA DETAILER]

if you want a easy one step go with BF POLISH & SEAL. it will produce stunning results. then maintain with BF wet diamond polymer spray. i could not be happier with the combo.

[Larry A]

I recommend duragloss (DG) 105 or 501 as a one step. Apply over DG 601 for max durability. Best one steps Ive ever used!
I agree 100%