I've since tried Menzerna Super Intensive Polish then Micro Polish (2 steps) to replace the Swirl Remover step. (Just a complete detail on my Slate Grey 996tt- two coats Z5, 3 coats Z2... flies had trouble landing!)
Here is the basic problem-
Until you have a total and complete restoration of the SURFACE of the paint you will never have that 'wow' detail. Wax, zaino, microfibers, wash mits... whatever, it all is derived from prep. Until you do the whole deal and have a perfect paint surface to wax and protect you will never get it looking great.
having said that, once you do the whole deal then maintenance of the surface using the right products can last very, very long.
(Not having a garage and owning a black car....I'd jump off a bridge.)
Nah, Im not that bad hahahaha. I parked the car under some trees for a couple of days. As far as routine goes, I washed the car with water and meguiars soap and then I was going to wax it but I didnt want to wax over the water spots. What should i do now to get that showroom shine?
Thanks a ton
Whew! The given list is the way to go. But, as a novice, I'd start with the 3 step systems availible from Meguire or Mothers just to get your experience level up and familiarize you with how the different products work. Then once you have the swing of things, move up to the higher performance products, such as Klasse, Zaino, PoorBoys, Adams, just to name a few. Just remember quality products will yeild quality results. From the soap to the towels to the tire dressing. Alot of detail supply sites offer alot of demos and how to articles that can be very helpful. Read and research and you'll be all set. Plus you have us. As a collective, we know EVERYTHING!!!
I'd start with the 3 step systems available from Meguire or Mothers just to get your experience level up and familiarize you with how the different products work.
Then once you have the swing of things, move up to the higher performance products, such as Klasse, Zaino, PoorBoys, Adams,
I will disagree here. Kind of like saying "start having sex with ugly girls, then once you get the hang of it move to pretty ones".
1. Clean without damaging the surface. Wash, clay, good towels are the keys.
2. Remove paint defects. This is a step which requires elbow grease or a machine. Don't be scared. The idea is to polish the surface of the clear coat so that the micro scratches that refract light and cause hazy shine are removed. There are 5-10 great products that will do this for you, all pretty much in the same league.
3. Put on any wax or sealant. Zaino, Swissvax, Zymol, the list is endless.
Most detailers will agree that #2 is the key, and #3 is really not that hypercritical as far as which product you use- the differences are really slight in terms of visual appearances.
Once you pick a product and spend the time to get the hang of it, why change? Start out with the good stuff!
You may also read that many folks buy a high priced detail, and within a few weeks the swirls are back- the result of not doing #2 and using a wax that temporarily fills in the microscratches.
Good luck
A
M55555- that is a very good link. Direct, to the point- you really get the sense that there are many paths to a great finish, not one "perfect" product.
1. Clean without damaging the surface. Wash, clay, good towels are the keys.
remove the tags as well... some ppl leave the tags on, and this may damage the paint... lastly if you ever drop a towel/microfiber etc... toss it. do not put it back into your bucket, or continue wiping the car...
2. Remove paint defects. This is a step which requires elbow grease or a machine. Don't be scared. The idea is to polish the surface of the clear coat so that the micro scratches that refract light and cause hazy shine are removed. There are 5-10 great products that will do this for you, all pretty much in the same league.
No. Claying is what's done to remove surface contaminants, or anything that's stuck to the paint surface and makes it feel rough. That's when it starts to get smooth. Removing micro scratches is done by cutting or leveling the clear coat. That's where the scratch removers, polishes, and the likes come in. Claying is preparation for the polishing.
Best tip I can give: Get a Porter Cable 7424 and some pads. Your arms will thank you.
+1...surface prep is the most crucial step and this is the step that I really take my time and have to do it twice if i'm not happy...
Quote:
Originally Posted by ard
I will disagree here. Kind of like saying "start having sex with ugly girls, then once you get the hang of it move to pretty ones".
1. Clean without damaging the surface. Wash, clay, good towels are the keys.
2. Remove paint defects. This is a step which requires elbow grease or a machine. Don't be scared. The idea is to polish the surface of the clear coat so that the micro scratches that refract light and cause hazy shine are removed. There are 5-10 great products that will do this for you, all pretty much in the same league.
3. Put on any wax or sealant. Zaino, Swissvax, Zymol, the list is endless.
Most detailers will agree that #2 is the key, and #3 is really not that hypercritical as far as which product you use- the differences are really slight in terms of visual appearances.
Once you pick a product and spend the time to get the hang of it, why change? Start out with the good stuff!
You may also read that many folks buy a high priced detail, and within a few weeks the swirls are back- the result of not doing #2 and using a wax that temporarily fills in the microscratches.
Good luck
A
M55555- that is a very good link. Direct, to the point- you really get the sense that there are many paths to a great finish, not one "perfect" product.
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+1...surface prep is the most crucial step and this is the step that I really take my time and have to do it twice if i'm not happy...
Absolutely. If you did your prep right, you can get that show room shine and feel with almost any product. (ard, I said almost) But you shouldn't move foward unless you are satisfied with your prep work.
The given list is the way to go. But, as a novice, I'd start with the 3 step systems availible from Meguire or Mothers just to get your experience level up and familiarize you with how the different products work. Then once you have the swing of things, move up to the higher performance products, such as Klasse, Zaino, PoorBoys, Adams, just to name a few. Just remember quality products will yeild quality results. From the soap to the towels to the tire dressing. Alot of detail supply sites offer alot of demos and how to articles that can be very helpful. Read and research and you'll be all set. Plus you have us. As a collective, we know EVERYTHING!!!
...i wanna go fast...
) But you shouldn't move foward unless you are satisfied with your prep work.
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