Thread: How to make your car look brand new

I posted this on another forum, this is just some of the important links from Autopia. I know that most of you are probably familiar with this website already, but I figured this would be resourceful to new members to this website who aren't, or people who are just looking for a specific section of detailing.

For those of you wondering how a lot of people manage to make their car look just like it came off the lot despite the fact it's almost 5 years old, this is the thread to look at. I suggest visiting Autopia, to get the gist of car detailing. More stuff can be added by users in here as well, such as their writeups, tips and tricks, experiences with products, etc, but Autopia is a great place to start.

Here are some very useful links you can use:

Intro to detailing

Car Detailing Chemicals

Detailing Accessories

Microfiber Detailing Products

Washing and Drying

Interior Detailing

Detailing Glass and Plastic

Claybarring and pre-wax Cleaning

Polishing

Waxing

Quick Detailing

Detailing Car trims, polishing, etc.

Engine Cleaning and Detailing

Enjoy! There's a few more on there that I didn't feel the need to put up, so once again check out Autopia, because it's a great place to buy detailing products and learn how to detail your car. Any questions, comments, etc. don't hesitate to pm me.

Originally Posted by archemedes

I see one thing that always bothers me about DETAILERS they are rarely trained by paint companies, and tout how you must protect your paint. I went to PPG and Dupont paint schools, and both companies said it is never necessary to wax a clear coat (it's job is to protect the paint) they do say to polish it periodically (which is what you do with the wax, just real wax will also seal the paint which can cause discoloring if the paint is too new)

Now that right there is GOOD information.

Originally Posted by IndeedSS

Now that right there is GOOD information.

x2, very good information

Basically just about anyone can use a random orbital and not have to worry about hurting the paint. They are NOT fool proof but they are definetly more user friendly. With a high speed/variable speed buffer you definetly have to be careful. It takes alot of practice and patience. Some people are better than others with the high speed buffer. I typically use the buffer for "rougher" cars (severe spider webbing, scratches, severe swirls, holograming) then follow with the pc. But if you're paint is in pretty good shape, a random orbital may be all you need.

Originally Posted by SlowPurpleGTP

Basically just about anyone can use a random orbital and not have to worry about hurting the paint. They are NOT fool proof but they are definetly more user friendly. With a high speed/variable speed buffer you definetly have to be careful. It takes alot of practice and patience. Some people are better than others with the high speed buffer. I typically use the buffer for "rougher" cars (severe spider webbing, scratches, severe swirls, holograming) then follow with the pc. But if you're paint is in pretty good shape, a random orbital may be all you need.

OK, I'm a dummy when it comes to appearance care and I take things too literally (also have trouble understanding what people are trying to tell me with just words and do MUCH better if I can watch and ask questions while they are telling me).

I'm guessing a random orbital is different from a high speed/variable buffer.
The I know what the 1st one is and assume the 2nd is missing the random orbital part. The older buffers.

If that assumption is correct then what are you talking about when you say "then follow with the pc"

And what do you use to polish clear coated cars?

Is there a list of things for someone to do to their car that doesn't take all day? Like me for instance. I might spend ah hour and a half to work on my cars appearance but if it takes longer than that, I'll never have the time. Is there anyhelp for someone like me?

Sorry, when I said follow with the pc I meant I follow with the Porter Cable which is a brand of random orbital polisher.
If you are looking to have a showroom car in an hour and a half... good luck cuz it ain't gonna happen. I would find someone that you can trust and does a good job and pay to have it done. And until you get more time I would suggest checking out detailling sites like autopia.org and the forums on meguiars.com are good as well. Do your homework. Read up. Don't be afraid to ask questions whether its here or on other sites. If you have any buddies that do their own detailing, pick their brain, offer to observe and help out. You definetly can learn more by watching and doing than just reading about it.

Originally Posted by archemedes

I see one thing that always bothers me about DETAILERS they are rarely trained by paint companies, and tout how you must protect your paint. I went to PPG and Dupont paint schools, and both companies said it is never necessary to wax a clear coat (it's job is to protect the paint) they do say to polish it periodically (which is what you do with the wax, just real wax will also seal the paint which can cause discoloring if the paint is too new)

Sorry, I have to 110% disagree with you. Waxing after you get a fresh paint job is a no-no. It will actually seal in the paint, not letting it cure.
Waxing is not a polish. Waxing will not fix, hide, or do anything else for your car other than to help protect the finish, and depending on what type of wax, enhance the finish. Wax has no abrasives, diminishing or standard.

I have never been trained to detail by a paint company. Never needed to be. Many professional, not backyard detailers, have not been trained by paint companies. There are many organizations and training facilities for learning to detail CORRECTLY. There are too many fly by night paint scratchers out there, that make professionals like myself with the proper paperwork, insurance, and all legalities a bad name. ....
Your clear coat is the top coat.
Body Panel~Etching primer/Primer~Sealer~Base Color~Clear Coat

Sure, it protects the base coat (color), but a wax helps protect the whole paint job in general When your clear coat becomes scratched, swirled, spiderwebbed, or oxidized, you need to POLISH the paint (clear coat) What polishing does is levels the paint. It actually removes a very very thin layer of the clear. Polish leaves NO protection what-so-ever To top it off, use a wax or a sealant. Think of a wax or a sealant as a "rain coat" for your car. It helps protect the paint in general from contaminants from bonding to the paint. (over spray, tar, road paint, rail dust, brake dust, bird droppings (which will etch your paint), bugs (which will etch also), and more.... Some of the good waxes have UV blockers which help the paint from fading. Though a one time coat of wax will not do wonders, you need to re apply every so often, depending on driving conditions, garage kept, climate, etc....

SO, whoever says waxing does nothing, sorry to burst your bubble, but keeping your cars finish in pristine condition will not only make your car look good, but will save you a lot of money down the road.

Yes, I have been to school for paint and body work, so yes, I do know a thing or two about paint jobs. And yes, I am a (what yall call) a "detailer" by profession. That word "detailer" has taken on a bad name, therefor, I do not use it as a title.