First Timer Help

[thrownout27]

I was hoping that you all could give me your thoughts and I'd hope that Mike or Ray or anyone else at AG could give me thoughts as well. I have a 2012 Dodge Charger, SXT Plus with Redline 3 paint. We were lucky in that we could really go and get the exact car we wanted after doing 6 months of research and visiting every dealer within 200 miles of Asheville, NC. I am 36 years old with a loving wife of 13 years with a child at 7 years old. This car is my favorite car I've ever owned and I can't tell you how much we are all so proud to own it.
With that said, I have purchased the following materials.
-DA polisher (Meguiars)
-LC Pads (HT Crimson, Cyan, Tangerine)
-Meguiars Microfiber pad kit
-Meguiars Pads: 2.0 cutting, 2.0 polishing, 2.0 finishing, Soft buff finishing
-LC CSS Light Orange- light cutting
-Cobra - White Poilishing, Gray Finishing, Red Finishing
- Pinnacle: A Swirl remover, A Finishing Polish, Paste Souveran Wax, Ultra Clay and Lube
-Wolfgang: Paint Sealant 3.0, Paintwork Polish,
-Meguiars: Ultra Compound, Ultra Polish, Scratch X
- Variety of applicators and towels along with interior products.

Here's the question. On my specific car that is less than a year old with a few very minor scratches/swirls but some Type 2 water spots, how do I proceed based on my conditions and list of materials? Been ready for a while but still have some new- to-the-deal anxiety.

[Ray@Autogeek]

Congrats on the new dream car purchase!

We always recommend to "Use the least aggressive product to get the job done". Mike wrote an article on the subject here:

"Use the least aggressive product to get the job done"

It looks like you have a well rounded set of products to get started

I would start by washing and claying your new Charger. Some detailers wash again after claying to remove all clay residue and clay lubricant. This is optional, although I would recommend a second wash for best results. After drying your vehicle, you'll be able to inspect the true condition of your paint. Follow the "Use the least aggressive product to get the job done" method and you'll be on your way for a true show car finish.

Don't forget to post pics!

[thrownout27]

We'll do Ray...thanks!

[rmagnus]

Welcome with 3 post one might assume you're new to this but that may be a wrong assumption.

I'd recommend a two bucket wash and since your going to be doing corrective work use something like dawn soap to help strip off any previous wax. In the future wash with a car shampoo to avoid stripping the wax. Grit guards make a lot of sense in the bottom of the buckets keeping all the crud off your car, but even without a two bucket system is a must.

Claying will make a huge difference that you'll notice right away. Just follow Ray and Mikes advice and you can't go wrong. There are plenty of how to videos on the forum.