Newbie advice

[Freshoil]

I have a black 2011 Chevy Tahoe and live in Illinois. The body is in decent condition. This winter was brutal. My truck has "cob webs" and light scratches (nothing deep, just surface scratches). I want to make my baby look brand new and have depth to its look. Based on my research on this forum, this is the detailing plan I came up with:

Wash
Clay bar (Pinnacle clay lubricant)
Zymol HD cleanse
2 coats of Zymol Ebony Wax
Collinite 845 insulator wax
GTechniq c4 trim restorer

What are your thoughts?

[BobbyG]

:welcome: To Autogeek Online!

I've used the steps below as a simple guide for years and in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Do you have a dual action polisher or will you be attempting this by hand?

I would eliminate the 2 coats of Zymol Ebony Wax and replace it with a quality sealant such as Wolfgang Deep Gloss Liquid Seal
(http://www.autogeek.net/spray-on-paint-sealant.html)
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Liquid Seal is a clear wipe on and walk away clear sealant that bonds to a freshly polished surface improving it's gloss tremendously and adding some long term protection. If I were to apply a coat of Collinite 845 it would be after the sealant and only 1 coat.

Sometimes I'll come across a deep scratch that cannot be buffed out. In cases like this, I make a note and then try to improve it's unsightliness by polishing it thus changing how it reflects light therefore "improving" it's overall look.

A great way to remove finish defects is using a dual action polisher. Letting the machine do the bulk of the work allows you to watch the improvement and knowing when to stop.

Kits are available but choosing your destiny can also be rewarding.

The Porter Cable 7424xp


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)
Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html)


Here's some great information by Mike Phillips that will help you.


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)
How to prime a foam pad when using a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/35292-how-prime-foam-pad-when-using-da-polisher.html)
DA Polisher Articles - Help for Newbies to Machine Polishing (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/38399-da-polisher-articles-help-newbies-machine-polishing.html)
How to MAXIMIZE your DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-your-da-polisher.html)

To simplify the compounding and polishing, two over the counter products by Meguiar's do a great job at removing minor scratches, swirls, and like defects leaving the finish looking like glass.

Meguiar's Ultimate Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-ultimate-compound.html)

Meguiar's Ultimate Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-ultimate-polish.html)


Foam Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-edge-pads.html)

Yellow Cutting Foam - Use this pad to apply compounds or polishes to remove severe oxidation, swirls, and scratches. It is the most aggressive and should only be used on oxidized and older finishes. Always follow this pad with an orange or white pad and a fine polish to refine the paint until it is smooth.

Orange Light Cutting Foam - Firm, high density foam for scratch and defect removal. Use this pad with polishes and swirl removers. It’s an all-around pad that will work on most light to moderate imperfections.

White Polishing Foam - Less dense foam formula for the application of waxes, micro-fine polishes and sealants. This pad has very light cutting power so it’s perfect for pre-wax cleaners.

Gray Finishing Foam Pad - Composition is firm enough to withstand added pressure during final finishing to remove buffer swirls. It has no cut and will apply thin, even coats of waxes, sealants, and glazes.

Blue Finessing Foam – Pad has soft composition for applying glaze, finishing polish, sealants, and liquid waxes. Flat pad provides full contact with paint surface to minimize the pressure applied by the user.