Newbie with little time to detail.

[scottt60514]

I've been lurking for about two weeks trying to soak up as much information as I could. This seems like a great forum with many helpful posters. This will be a long post, but I figure the more information the better.

Unlike many on this site I won't be detailing for pleasure. I'm hoping to find some guidance on a good balance between time, money and protection. I'm willing to spend a little more money if it means I won't have to spend as much time. I don't want to invest any more time than is necessary to properly care for my cars. I would appreciate product and maintenance schedule suggestions. Below are my current supplies and descriptions of my family's two vehicles.

Currently have:
(2) 5 gallon buckets with grit guards
(2) blue mf mitts from walmart
Harbor Freight DA polisher with new 5" backing plate and additional grease
6" Nanoskin autoscrub-fine version
Auto Magic XP Citrus APC (our local detail supplier only carries Auto Magic)
Auto Magic EZ Suds
Waffle drying mf
Various small mf towels
Aerospace 303 protectant

Considering:
Ultima Trim Guard
ONR
FK 1000p


Both cars sit outside 24/7. We live in OK so the summers here are pretty brutal.


2011 Ford Fusion- We just purchased this vehicle and it's the reason I began looking into detailing. We tend to keep cars for 8-10 years so I want to keep it looking good for many years. I've only had time to wash and Nanoskin Autoscrub the hood. The paint has light swirls and no deep scratches. I would like to polish it and seal if needed. I don't need "perfect" results but would like the car to look good for many years. The black plastic trim has started to fade so I would like your suggestions if it is worth trying to restore it or just put a protectant on. The interior is black and we have two small children. Keeping the interior clean is a challenge. Any ideas on carpet and cloth protectant? These were the best pictures I could get in the limited time I had today.


Hood





Faded trim







2002 Ford Focus- This car is rough. It has heavy swirls, paint chips and hail damage. The trim is faded. The car previously was only washed about twice a year with no other maintenance. Due to the hail damage and dents I don't want to put much time into this car. I may be keeping it for a few more years so I would like to improve the looks a little and keep the paint from fading. Due to it's condition I won't be doing multiple steps on this one. The less time the better. I washed it, used the Nanoskin autoscrub and washed again. You wouldn't know if from these pictures but it already looks MUCH better.



The worst area of the car on the trunk:
[IMG][/IMG]


What most of the car looks like:



Why I don't want to put too much time into it:






I would appreciate any input on the initial work, needed products and ongoing maintenance. Please keep in mind I need user friendly products. Thanks.

[traveljunkie523]

I am not as experienced as most here but for the newer car I think a light polish would do fine for that. I just detailed a new car for the first time also and used Klasse Super Gloss sealant and really like the results. The 2002 car would need a heavy compounding job and probably a polish after the compunding. Maybe do one panel at a time since you don't have a lot of time and you can get the best looking result. Good luck!