First steps for a brand new car

[snyper]

Hi gang,

I just bought a brand new 2012 Hyundai Elantra and would like to know what steps I should do first regarding the paint.

I beleive probably something like this but please correct me or add any suggestions/comments and recommended products.

1. Foam canon with DP Premium
2. Clay bar..?
3. Polymer sealant..?
4. Carnuba wax..?

I have Autoglym HD wax, Mother's Carnuba but I do not have any polymer sealants.

Thanks!Feed back please

[T0RCH3D]

You may need to consider a polish or swirl remover for any marring due to claying the car, which clay are you using?

[glen e]

I have been doing brands new cars for a few months now incl my own z4. Here's my plan that works very well


1. Clay with ONR lube- 4 out of 5 cars I've done from dealer needed clay.
2. Blackfire Total polish and seal on an orbital with green CCS pad- this leaves almost no haze
3. Remove with BF poly spray or just buff off
4. Blackfire crystal seal or BF Wet Diamond
5. Blackfire spray wax or poly spray

Done , BF spreads so easily it's a treat to work with.

[Setec Astronomy]

I think you should turn it over to me for the weekend and I'll take care of it. My friend Jr. has been jonesing for one of those cars, but she wants hers in black. What color is it?

[Mike Phillips]

Hi gang,

I just bought a brand new 2012 Hyundai Elantra and would like to know what steps I should do first regarding the paint.

I beleive probably something like this but please correct me or add any suggestions/comments and recommended products.

1. Foam canon with DP Premium
2. Clay bar..?
3. Polymer sealant..?
4. Carnuba wax..?

I have Autoglym HD wax, Mother's Carnuba but I do not have any polymer sealants.

Thanks!Feed back please


Wash the car and then inspect the paint. From my article list (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html), at the very top...



Start at the begining... Inspecting your car's paint. What condition is your paint in?


What condition is the paint on your vehicles? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/38689-what-condition-paint-your-vehicles.html)

Let there be light... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/43192-let-there-light.html)
(when inspecting the condition of your car's paint)

Gloss starts first with a smooth surface... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/43190-gloss-starts-first-smooth-surface.html)



:)

[Mike Phillips]

I have Autoglym HD wax, Mother's Carnuba but I do not have any polymer sealants.



Everything you already have will work great, the key is to properly prepare the paint for application of wax. That can be as simple as washing and drying the car or washing and drying the car and using a product to gently pre-clean the surface of the paint to ensure there are no impurities or other contaminants between the paint and the wax you're applying.

Then apply a thin coat of whatever you're planning on using.
Follow the wipe-off directions, that is let it dry or don't let it dry, (read the directions)
Wipe the residue off carefully.


Here's some more articles that cover the above,


A tip for working with waxes, paint sealants or coatings that are new to you (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/37279-tip-working-waxes-paint-sealants-coatings-new-you.html)

How to break open a coating of wax and remove it by creeping out... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/28204-how-break-open-coating-wax-remove-creeping-out.html)

The Final Wipe – Tips for creating a streak-free, show car finish (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/19956-final-wipe.html)

How to correctly fold and use a Microfiber Towel (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/29230-how-correctly-fold-use-microfiber-towel.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1315/medium/1969CamaroIndyPC040a.jpg


Sacrificial Barrier Coating = The purpose of a wax or synthetic paint sealant (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/28566-sacrificial-barrier-coating-purpose-wax-synthetic-paint-sealant.html)


Which products need to dry – The Car Wax Mentality (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/28593-products-need-dry-car-wax-mentality.html)


How to clay, clean and wax paint by hand with Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion and Pinnacle Signature Series II Carnauba Paste Wax (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/25218-how-clay-clean-wax-paint-hand-pinnacle-signature-series-ii.html)


And welcome to Autogeek Online, the friendliest most professionally run detailing forum on the Internet.


:xyxthumbs:

[snyper]

Thanks for all the quick responses!

SVTstang46 - I'm at work but I beleive it's a Megs clay bar

glen e - I don't have an orbital (yet...) but I've read good things about BM products and sounds like alot less elbow grease.

Setec Astronomy - Thanks for the offer, it is "Harbor Grey" (dark grey)

Mike - Thanks for all the info, I've got my reading assignment for when I get home tonight.

I have waffle weave drying towels but I'm concidering trying my new leaf blower out as between that and the foam canon will have my neighbors watching.Im the MAN