todd03blown

Yep this is how I learned plus watching my detailer for 2 yrs. Now I do it all on my own

emilram11

Do you think I should try a different polish then? Can you recommend a good all in one?

Yah I need to think about the tire finish product too. Maybe I would like one that leaves it matte looking. (Any recommendations?)

Also, you guys who mentioned a porter cable, is that for polishing and waxing? Are they easy to use? -- Can I screw something up with it?

Thanks for all the help everyone.

RedWings

I don't see a reason to try a different polish at this point. Unless that polish does not do what you want it to. I think the products you posted are a good base to start with and get used to the process.

EDIT: I will recommend Duragloss 101 or 105, Zaino All in one, or Klasse All in one.

Duragloss 253 or Zaino Z16 are ones i've read about and i'm going to try that are more matte. For over the counter stuff I used to use the High Endurance Gel. It didn't sling off the tires and left a nice sheen to it.

The Porter Cable 7424xp (PC) is used for polishing mostly but can certainly be used for waxing/buffing. Yes it is an easy product to use and it would be really hard to mess your paint up with one of them. Just search youtube for videos of the PC and you'll see a million results.

It is an investment though because they aren't 'cheap'. You can get a good kit for a few hundred bucks (PC, Pads, Polishes/sealers, etc...). But I suggest getting educated on the detailing process before jumping in and grabbing a PC. I went a long time without a PC and doing everything by hand. My paint still looked new (to most people). I ended up getting a PC because I finally needed to do some correction that was beyond something I could do by hand (fine swirling).

So i'd probably stick to just getting hand-use products for now to get the process down and figure out what you like.

If your car is new, you can keep it looking that way with the products you posted, a good washing technique, and just taking care of your car.

emilram11

Ok great advice. -- I might try that Klasse product. Read some reviews on it and it seems pretty popular. Some of the reviews make it sound like they don't wax after it though. You'd probably still need a sealer and or wax right?

I'll wait on the porter cable. Maybe once I get the hang of some of these things I'll look back into it.

Thanks so much!

Steven

This is essentially what I use. I also use the Meguiar's MF towels. They're pretty good and larger than the ones I could buy locally.

I haven't used the polish yet, but I have used some the scratch and swirl remover from Meguiar's. Top notch stuff in my opinion.

I think the NXT Tech Wax lasts quite a while, months. I put another Meguiar's wax on top of it every six weeks or so. In between I use Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer. I like that stuff a lot. Actually, I need to buy some more now that I think of it. . .

RedWings

I too have read about not topping Klasse with anything....but I didn't like that idea. So I always topped it with a wax. I used the Klasse + Wax combo for a few years. Clay, Klasse, and Wax every six months. Usually applied wax once a month between full details. Washed regularly and it looked good.

Overboost

Same here. I did Klasse AIO, SG, then followed up with Gold Class or Natty's Blue to top it off.

RedWings

I used Natty's Blue also on top of it. That stuff was and easy to use since I had a white car.

The SG I didn't use because I was scared of streaking I kept reading about.

Overboost

I've never had it streak, but it's a real PITA to take off if you put it on too thick.

SD6

+1 for NXT and Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer.

Love the NXT Tech Wax 2.0. Easy to apply and lasts a long time.
And the Quik Detailer is great after a quick wash to make the car looking like it was just waxed.

Thanks for the tip on this one! I used to use Meguiars or Mothers for interior but tried out the Aerospace 303 this weekend on your recommendation.
REALLLLLY like it. Easier to "final wipe" it dry, and the UV protection will be bonus for me since I have a 'vert!

emilram11

Ok here is where i'm at now. You've convinced me on a couple products! Please critique and let me know if I'm missing anything. You guys rock!

Wash: Meguiar's NXT Generation Car Wash
Clay: Meguiar's Clay bar kit
Polish: Klasse all in one polish
Wax: Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax

Interim/quick cleaner: Meguiar's Quick Detailer
Bugs: Stoner Xenit
Plastics, Vinyl: Aerospace 303

My regimen will be: Meguiar's NXT Wash, Clay, Klasse AIO, Meguiar's NXT wax, tires, interior

Interimly: Wash, Mequiar's quick detailing spray, tires, interior

Would Aerospace 303 be good for tires and the rear bumper? Is Klasse AIO an easy polish to work with. I'm a beginner so wouldn't mind an easier one if it will be tricky.

Also, anyone try the microfiber towels from Costco? They sell a big pack there. I didn't catch the brand name.

RedWings

This looks like a good start to me

I just started using 303 on my tires, so i'm still undecided how I feel about it for that. It doesn't seem to last as long as other tire products i've used, but for a short term product it looks good. I may try Duragloss 253 or Zaino Z16 before making up my mind.

I would use 303 on my rear valance w/o worry.

I haven't used any from costco. All of my towels i've bought online and they are all different brands. The ones that have stood up and stayed in great shape I keep for detailing. The ones that seem to have flattened out and blah, I use those for cleaning under the hood, door jambs, and other dirty parts like applying a product to the tires.

If the costco microfiber towels have those little white made in china tags on them, make sure you remove these because these can cause marring. You get what you pay for.

These are a good route to go for microfiber towels: http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-X2020...3253809&sr=8-1

RedWings

Also, I didn't see any drying towels on your list. Look into microfiber waffle weave towels or some of these (these are my current go to drying towels): http://www.chemicalguys.com/MONSTER_...ic_1100_03.htm

For wash mitts these hold up really well. Just make sure you rinse it / wash it after use and hang to air dry. If you throw it in the dryer or leave it balled up in your bucket, it will fall apart:

http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/85-340.html

Steven

Yes to the Meguiars towels. They're the ones I use and I find them 1000% better than the ones I bought from the local auto store. They're larger, thicker, and seem to be more absorbent.

I'm going to have to look into the 303. I've been looking for a good dark plastic cleaner/detailer.

Adam

303 works great on the vehicle cladding. I wouldn't use it on the tires though, as it won't give them much sheen. Meguiar's has several tire products from low to high shine.

I buy the Costco microfiber towels and think they are good. However, I don't use them on the paint. I use my super plush Cobra towels which are less likely to scratch. The Costco ones work great for applying 303 to the interior and exterior of your car. They also work well on wheels and tires. They are so cheap that if you get any towels really dirty, beyond worth cleaning, just trash them.

RedWings

Another product recommendation is Blue Magic Metal Polish for cleaning exhaust tips

http://www.amazon.com/BlueMagic-400-...?tag=amaz98-20

Overboost

Some other things you can try are 0000 steel wool and glass cleaner, or P21S polishing soap.

emilram11

Thanks for all your help guys. I'm going to head out to autozone this week and try to pick up as many of the products as possible. I'm excited to take my car care to a new level.

WeinerDog

Will these tips also work on the other year cars?

todd03blown

the best microfiber towels I have bought are from www.pakshak.com