Removing swirls and blemishes

[jam3s121]

I need to do a good wash and detail on my 99 audi a4, the paint is not in terrible condition at all, but it does have some swirling light scratches on the hood and trunk that need to be worked on.

I'm not sure what route to go.

I was going to get meguiars scratch x 2.0 but i was thinking maybe just getting the clear coat safe rubbing and polishing compound? Any idea what would be better?

I plan on claying the car too for the first time, is the clay in one box of meguiars clay kit enough?

I already have quick detail and gold class wash.

Also i have no idea what order I would apply these products.

I assume,
wash, dry
clay
rubbing compound
polishing compund
wax
?

thanks!

[Mobile detail]

Slow your roll my good man. First off u doing this by hand or machine? You always do least aggressive 1st so that would be scratch x. Rubbing compound is old school. Leaves lots of marring. If you need compound I would look at ultimate compound by Meg's. As far as clay, for OTC I prefer mothers. Meg's clay left a little to be desired. My first choice for clay would be clay magic. It's a blue bar and u used to be able to get it at pep boys.

[Mike Phillips]

I need to do a good wash and detail on my 99 audi a4, the paint is not in terrible condition at all, but it does have some swirling light scratches on the hood and trunk that need to be worked on.

I'm not sure what route to go.

I was going to get meguiars scratch x 2.0 but i was thinking maybe just getting the clear coat safe rubbing and polishing compound? Any idea what would be better?

If you're going to do all your work by hand might as well get Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and make it as easy as possible on yourself. The Megs UC will remove defects by hand faster than any of the other products you listed and still leave a very nice, "clear" glossy finish.

Then you can choose to further polish it with Ultimate Polish or apply wax, it just depends upon you expectations for a "nice" finish. Some people aim for 100% absolute perfection while others think if it's shiny it's plenty good.

Here's a list of categories from my how-to book, if you want perfection you really need to get a machine, if you just want "good enough" then working by hand will take you a while but you can get there...

I plan on claying the car too for the first time, is the clay in one box of meguiars clay kit enough?

Should be... clay, fold, knead often. IF this is a "Daily Driver" that has and does sit outside exposed to the elements chances are the paint is incredibly contaminated. See the below videos and articles...


How to use detailing clay to remove "Above Surface Bonded Contaminants" and restore a smooth as silk surface.

Part 1 - How To Use Detailing Clay

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfxAesk4Po4]Part 1 - How to use detailing clay - YouTube[/video]

Part 2 - How To Use Detailing Clay

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opfK408uIxM]Part 2 - How to use detailing clay - YouTube[/video]


These are from my article list...


Using Detailing Clay

The Baggie Test - How to inspect for above surface bonded contaminants

The 3 primary benefits of using detailing clay to clay paint

Tips and Tricks for using detailing clay

Do I need to wash my car after I use detailing clay to clay the paint?

How often do I need to clay my car?

I already have quick detail and gold class wash.

Also i have no idea what order I would apply these products.

I assume,
wash, dry
clay
rubbing compound
polishing compund
wax
?

thanks!

That order is correct.

Check out this article too...

Man versus Machine



And before rubbing out an entire car by hand check this article for some tips...

How to use a hand applied abrasive polish or paint cleaner by hand



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