Hi from Maryland

[finaltheorem]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking for a month or so feeding my sudden interest in auto detailing. I finally bought a PC and a bunch of 5" CCS pads for my dad for father's day (love buying gifts that I get to use ) and I'll be detailing his 2 trucks and my mom's car.

The wealth of detailing knowledge on this board is overwhelming and I'm still just reading and getting more confused every time. I guess it'll all make sense eventually.

I think I'm going to use meg's UC and UP followed by some KAIO, SG, and then some S100 on the trucks. One is black and pretty oxidized. Neither one has been taken care of. I'm also into photography so I'll be sure to take as many pictures as I can so you guys can tell me what I'm doing wrong . Once I perfect my technique I'll probably do my car, a 2011 Kia Optima which is already pretty swirly since I've taken it through the automatic carwash a few times .

Anyway, hope to add whatever I can to the board whenever I have time and like I said, there will definitely be some before/after pictures.

[Mike Phillips]

Welcome to Autogeek Online!

The wealth of detailing knowledge on this board is overwhelming and I'm still just reading and getting more confused every time. I guess it'll all make sense eventually.

Kind of a double-edged sword...


The more you read and the more you detail, the more it will all make sense...

[BobbyG]

To Autogeek Online!

There "is" a wealth of information here. Take the time to read and familiarize yourself with some of the basics.

Everyone starts off as a beginner but with some reading, questions, and trial, error, and practice you'll be amazed how much you'll be able to do. After reading and understanding some of the basics, the more hands on your are the quicker you'll build your knowledge and gain experience.

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

Articles by Mike Phillips

The is the general order or operation for detailing the vehicles exterior.

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Compound
4. Polish
5. Seal
6. Wax

Try not to become overwhelmed with all the products as you'll only become more confused and at the same time broke if you try to buy them all. Pick one product that will satisfy each step above and begin but above everything else make detailing enjoyable.

One Step Product

Klasse

Klasse ALL-IN-ONE Auto Polish, Klasse All In One, klasse aio, Acrylic polish

Menzerna Sealing Wax

Menzerna Sealing Wax APO 60, Menzerna APO 60, Menzerna wax

Meguiar's D151

Meguiars Paint Reconditioning Cream D151

Pinnacle XMT

Pinnacle XMT Clean & Shine Bundle

Forum Favorite

Klasse All-In-One, Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze, Pinnacle Souveran, Pinnacle Crystal Mist Spray Wax come together to create a forum favorite kit.

Sealants

Menzerna Power Lock Paint Sealant

Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant, Menzerna auto sealant, car sealant, paint sealant protectant

Other quality sealants

• Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze
• Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze, klasse SG sealant, klasse sealant glase,klasse sealant
• DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant
• DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant, polymer paint sealant, auto paint sealant, DP Policoat paint sealant, paint sealer
• Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
• Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant delivers a deep, wet, liquid shimmer unlike anything you can imagine.

Wax

Collinite 845

Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845, liquid wax, heat-resistant wax, car wax

Pinnacle Signature Series ll

Pinnacle Signature Series II Carnauba Paste Wax will give you a deep, wet finish will exceed your expectations. car wax, carnauba paste wax, pinnacle

[Jeff120]

Welcome! Im in MD as well!

[finaltheorem]

Thanks for all the links bobby, I'll definitely be reading up on those. I've already bought some (32 oz each -- way too much) Klasse AIO and SG and I've committed myself to not buying any other sealants or chemical cleaners just because of the reviews. I don't want to have too many overlapping products.

And hey Jeff , I checked out your photo site -- you're definitely a talented photographer! I'm just starting to get more serious about my photography and recently bought a nikon d7000 so hopefully I'll find some time to get out and shoot with it more this summer. Did you shoot that Patapsco river set in Patapsco park? I've never been but but it looks like a place I'd enjoy shooting. That waterfall would be cool to try and get some moving-water-type shots if I can find a ND filter for cheap.

[Belair]

Welcome to the forum.

[james_death]

Welcome aboard and Enjoy...

[CEE DOG]

Welcome to AutoGeek!

[Mentalm]

welcome im a MDer aswell

[pfix]

Welcome to AG.

Good people,good info.