Thread: It's Finally Time for a Detail After 9 Years...update pics of sat car wash

after 9 years(realy 4) i plan on polishing and waxing my car this weekend, ive had the car since 07 and ive never polished nor waxed my car and the old man(rip) that i got it from, i highly doubt he ever did unless he payed someone to do it..but i do wash it every other week..so it still looks good but theres swrills in it and it has a shine in sun light but i think thats bc its a white..
so on to my questions-
where do i start?...
what polish and wax would be the best?...
is there anything to make polishing a white car easier?.. since the polish is white and so is the car and it likes to disapear
ive looked into polishing pads and theres 3 different one..light, med, heavy, with differnt grit..what one should i get and whats the difference between the 3?
Mainly i want to keep it cheap ($30-40)..so i dont want to spend 20 bucks on a wax, are there any other opitons?,
thanks

a spray detailer/wax would be ideal and some terry cloths

so you think that'll help?...
i found this< http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Quik-Wax&174;-(16-oz-)-Meguiars_7110069-P_N3302_T%7CGRP2074_____#

and i seen a this one too<
Synthetic Spray Detailer by Turtlewax - part# T470B#
which would be better?, ive heard some bad things about turtlewax
i have something by turtlewax from there "ice" line not sure on what it is tho

Hmmmm....

http://www.grandprixforums.net/detai...dan-22434.html

http://www.grandprixforums.net/detai...gtp-18803.html

http://bluegtp91.webs.com/apps/photos/

Should be some tips in there for ya, at least the products I used...and steps I took. I use Meguiars line of waxes...with a Craftsman Orbital Buffer...random as well, that way since your new at this, you can't damage the paint.

What are your expectations for the car...You know there's swirls, and talked about getting some pads, but what do you have to buff with?
As for pads since you are inexperienced you'd want a light cut pad...
We need more info to help you. I run a small detailing business so I can help you out if you give a little more info.

Originally Posted by Dtrick22

What are your expectations for the car...You know there's swirls, and talked about getting some pads, but what do you have to buff with?
As for pads since you are inexperienced you'd want a light cut pad...
We need more info to help you. I run a small detailing business so I can help you out if you give a little more info.

well first, i just want to make it look good, and make it last while i can and i figured since its never been done, it couldnt hurt but im new to whole deal and i want to make sure i dont screw it up,
i have some kind of angle grinder looking thing and it has an 8in vercro pad on it and i was gonna use that(if i can)..but other then that nothing besides my fingers,
i like the way cars have a mirror reflection..but since my cars white i cant really get that look i think?..is it somewhat poss to get a little reflection..

Originally Posted by dpzelenak

well first, i just want to make it look good, and make it last while i can and i figured since its never been done, it couldnt hurt but im new to whole deal and i want to make sure i dont screw it up,
i have some kind of angle grinder looking thing and it has an 8in vercro pad on it and i was gonna use that(if i can)..but other then that nothing besides my fingers,
i like the way cars have a mirror reflection..but since my cars white i cant really get that look i think?..is it somewhat poss to get a little reflection..

buff/polsih/wax, try to use a good product like 3m compunds/polish and the sponge pads

Negative...I've always found 3M stuff to leave a crappy residue.

Meg's...or Zaino.

Seriously.

And Mother's for a polishing compound.

so meg's poilsh and mothers wax..
but which one,,theres like ten diff types

Their numbered line of polishes/cutting & cleaning compounds are legit.

I also use Meg's M105/M205 for paint correction.

I explained which types I used in those threads I thought...and no, Mother's Polishing Compounds for METAL's...like exhaust tips...or anything shiny, bruh. A finishing/polishing WAX is a big difference than a METAL polish.

Everything I have usedthat is mothers brand is good...wax is great...clay bar Is great (which you should do IMO) their quick detail spray is my favorite spray out of anyone

Since it's never been detailed I would:

---Wash car, obviously... maybe even a second wash.
---clean all windows
---Clay bar (use a quick detail as a lubricant) DON'T PICK BAR UP OFF OF GROUND AFTER DROPPING IT. it will contain lots of dirt which you'll rub all over car. Count your losses and get new bar (or new break bar in half before using)
---wax and polish. Since your new at it, I would also wipe down your car with rubbing alcohol, notice I said wipe, not scrub)
---polish metals
---do interior - I just use quick detail...don't use armorall, will dahe over time. Leather seats? I love miguars gold class for that.

On a white '04 I assume had never been polished before I...

1. Washed
2. Claybarred
3. Adam's Severe Swirl Remover Polish
4. Adam's Swirl & Haze Remover Polish
5. Adam's Fine Machine Polish
6. Adam's Machine Super Sealant

And though it looked 10x better than when it started, I still had some nasty scratched and swirl marks left over, especially on the spoiler. Not sure if I ought to have used the Severe Swirl Remover Polish more than once or if I should have used something harsher. Still got a ton of compliments out of strangers.

EDIT: Guess I found my answer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQysL...layer_embedded

ok so now im thinking of a-
-wash
-clay bar
-polish
-wax
or maybe a diff order

Originally Posted by dpzelenak

ok so now im thinking of a-
-wash
-clay bar
-polish
-wax
or maybe a diff order

Yup, and quick detail...

For windows just whatever you prefer pretty much...tinted?

I like stoner invisible glass, only stuff I use on the car

no not tinted...i just use windex

Originally Posted by dpzelenak

i just use windex

I avoid Windex even on cars without tint so I never accidentally use it. Maybe that's weird.

yeah i feelya..just what ive alway had layin around so i just used it