A Newbie's Checklist - seeking advice

deS

deS

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Hello fellow autogeeks,


I'm looking to touch up my newly purchased grey metallic G35 coupe, but besides some basic car washes which include water, soap and rag i haven't done anything too extensive in the world of car detailing. Luckily for me there's the internet and autogeek.net :xyxthumbs: So I've been doing quite a bit of research this past week and thanks to all the knowledge available here I have compiled a rough list of items I need for the job. But before I pull the trigger on this [relatively] expensive purchase, it would be awesome if you guys could take a minute of your time to go over some stuff with me and answer a few questions. So without further ado, here is the list:


detailsupplylist.jpg


Not included in the list: Clay Kit, tire brush, detailing brush, all of which are bought already. Can anyone suggest a good wheel cleaning brush? Am I missing any other essentials?




Now some Q's:

  • Do I need to tape off the areas I don't want to hit with polish (trim, etc) even if I'm polishing by hand? Any recommendations for a good applicator pad/towel?
  • My car has some minor swirl marks, scratches, and paint chips (see pics below for reference). Will polish/wax help get rid of them or "fill them out"? Or do I need to use special compound such as ScratchX/Dr. Color Chip?
IMG_2075.jpg


IMG_2074.jpg

eek, that flash makes it look really bad lol



  • The leather in the car is in good condition bar a few blemishes. Is the Wolfgang Cleaner and Optimum Leather Protectant combo enough to keep it that way? Do I need to use a conditioner?

That's about all I can think of right now... Any feedback and further comments/suggestions/ways to save $$$ are all greatly appreciated. Feed back please

Thanks a lot!:dblthumb2:
 
Well if your applying polish by hand you can use a applicator or a terry towel? (be prepared to put alot of muscle behind it tho)
You could also look into the Lexol twins for cleaning/conditioning
You should always tape up the trim
As for the wheel brush go for a Daytona Wheel Brush & a lug nut brush to
 
If you don't have a DA the Menz PO85RD is probably not going to much good. You really need a polisher to get rid of the swirls and scuffs. There are some Meguiar's polishes that can somewhat successfully be used by hand, but it is very difficult and time consuming. Do a forum search, I know Mike P did an article on polishing by hand. Polishing will do nothing for chips and deep scratches. For those you need the Dr Colorchip.

Unless your leather is pretty filthy, a cleaner is not going to do much more than a good scrub/wipe with Woolite cut 1:10 - that's actually what Lexus recommends. I use an old terry cloth towel. Seems to work the best at getting into the crevices. Most leather today is coated, so conditioners are a bit questionable. I use one specifically designed for Lexus by the leather mfg. All it really does is add a bit of gloss.
 
deS said:
Detailing correctly isn't cheap by any means and getting started in the right foot is important and some dollars will need to be invested.

You have some great products here but allow me to tweak your list just a bit.

Mothers makes a clay kit that contains everything you'll need to properly clay your cars finish.

Mothers California Gold Clay Bar - Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Paint Saving System, detailing clay bar, 2 clay bars

Paint Correction

For paint correction it's nearly impossible to accomplish your goals by hand so plan on picking up a dual action polisher.

Porter Cable 7424xp

Porter cable 7424xp, 7424xp, Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher, Porter Cable polisher, car polisher, buffer, sander-polisher

Lake Country 5 1/2" Pads

Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads


Menzerna PO85RD is a great final polish however it has very little cut to it and won't correct the finish defects in your photos. Try adding some products that are a little more aggressive.

Menzerna

Super Intensive Polish PO 83
Super Finish PO 106 FA

Menzerna Ceramic Intro Kit, Menzerna polishes, nano polish, ceramic paint, ceramic polish, car polish, how to polish ceramic paint

Wheel Cleaner

Use an over the counter cleaner for now.
Click to expand...
 
You're list looks pretty good... I'm guessing this is a "new to you" car?

If the paint has been neglected by the previous owner and it looks like it has, and especially if the car is a daily driver, parked outside at least part of each day, then maybe add the IronX Iron Remover to your list.

Wash the car first to remove any loose surface dirt and then use this to ensure all iron particles are removed. Then re-wash the car and do the Baggie Test and if the paint feels rough then clay the paint.

The Baggie Test - How to inspect for above surface bonded contaminants


If you want to remove swirls and scratches you can do it by hand but it will take a lot of time and a lot of energy, you'll also want to pick up Ultimate Compound.

Man versus Machine


It will be faster and you'll get better results if you pick up a DA Polisher and something like the Wolfgang Twins.

Read this testimony,

Wolfgang Twins


New to Machine Polishing?

How to choose the right polisher for your detailing project

New - Video: How to pick the right polisher



Also, it's better to start two threads, one with questions about your product list and a separate thread for questions about how to restore the finish on your car. It will make it easier for people to give you great answers about each topic instead of blending the topics together.

How to write a good title for your thread


All the links in this reply came from my article list except the link to the IronX. Over 300 topics in my list and you can get to it from the link in my Signature Line.

Welcome to Autogeek Online!

:welcome:
 
I'd drop the PO85rd, Liquid Souveran, WG Leather Cleaner, and PS21 wheel cleaner. Not b/c they don't work well mind you, but there are alternatives that are much more economical for a daily driver.

I'd add Optimum Power Clean, Prima Amigo (paint cleaner), and Collinite 845 (hybrid sealant/wax) if you are going to do things by hand. You can dilute the OPC as needed for cleaning the leather, and even the wheels but I would use a cheaper APC like Zep Citrus for that.

Put the 845 on your rims after and you can use car wash soap alone for future washing.

+1 on the Iron X. That stuff is great.

my bumper kinda looks like yours but it's black and the plastic is black so it's not as noticable until you get up close. I tried Dr. Colourchip and I didn't like it (tried the road rash method and ended up taking it all off). Maybe it was my technique. It's supposed to work better on darker colours so you'll have to be patient and go slowly if you want to try it on a lighter colour like grey.
 
Thanks for the quick responses guys. Great info as always.


I've decided to go ahead and invest in the PC7424xp polisher. Do I need to pick up a 5" backing plate to use the 5 1/2" pads?

Is the Menzerna Ceramic Intro Kit my best bet to remove the scratches/blemishes seen here? How does the Wolfgang Twins kit fare in comparison? How about Ultimate Compound followed by M205?

IMG_2074.jpg


BobbyG said:
Wheel Cleaner

Use an over the counter cleaner for now.
Click to expand...

Which would you recommend?

embolism said:
I'd add ... Collinite 845 (hybrid sealant/wax) if you are going to do things by hand.
Click to expand...

Thanks, this seems like a good alternative, more practical for my needs. Will I be able to apply it with the PC?


Can anyone else chime in on using an APC for leather?


Thanks again everyone.:props:
 
deS said:
I've decided to go ahead and invest in the PC7424xp polisher. Do I need to pick up a 5" backing plate to use the 5 1/2" pads?
Click to expand...

YES!

There have been more topics on this than probably most subjects.

Backing Plate

lake country 5 inch backing plate, 5 inch backin plate, 5 inch hook and loop backing plate

Lake Country Pads

Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads

deS said:
Is the Menzerna Ceramic Intro Kit my best bet to remove the scratches/blemishes seen here? How does the Wolfgang Twins kit fare in comparison? How about Ultimate Compound followed by M205?
Click to expand...

The Menzerna kit you mention should work nicely on your finish. I've never tried the Wolfgang Twins you mention however I suspect they'll work as well. Meguiare's Ultimate Compound followed by Meguiar's M205 is a nice combination.

Menzerna Ceramic Intro Kit, Menzerna polishes, nano polish, ceramic paint, ceramic polish, car polish, how to polish ceramic paint

deS said:
Which would you recommend?
Click to expand...

The one from Meguiar's or the Purple cleaner sold in the automotive section at Wal-Mart

deS said:
Thanks, this seems like a good alternative, more practical for my needs. Will I be able to apply it with the PC?
Click to expand...

Absolutely!

Collinite 845 lays down beautifully with a dual action polisher and a red or blue pad. Place 4 dime size dots near the outer edge of the pad, set the speed to 3 and work into the paint. The key with Collinite 845 is to apply it THIN.
 
deS said:
Hello fellow autogeeks,


I'm looking to touch up my newly purchased grey metallic G35 coupe, but besides some basic car washes which include water, soap and rag i haven't done anything too extensive in the world of car detailing. Luckily for me there's the internet and autogeek.net :xyxthumbs: So I've been doing quite a bit of research this past week and thanks to all the knowledge available here I have compiled a rough list of items I need for the job. But before I pull the trigger on this [relatively] expensive purchase, it would be awesome if you guys could take a minute of your time to go over some stuff with me and answer a few questions. So without further ado, here is the list:


detailsupplylist.jpg


Not included in the list: Clay Kit, tire brush, detailing brush, all of which are bought already. Can anyone suggest a good wheel cleaning brush? Am I missing any other essentials?




Now some Q's:

  • Do I need to tape off the areas I don't want to hit with polish (trim, etc) even if I'm polishing by hand? Any recommendations for a good applicator pad/towel?
  • My car has some minor swirl marks, scratches, and paint chips (see pics below for reference). Will polish/wax help get rid of them or "fill them out"? Or do I need to use special compound such as ScratchX/Dr. Color Chip?
IMG_2075.jpg


IMG_2074.jpg

eek, that flash makes it look really bad lol



  • The leather in the car is in good condition bar a few blemishes. Is the Wolfgang Cleaner and Optimum Leather Protectant combo enough to keep it that way? Do I need to use a conditioner?

That's about all I can think of right now... Any feedback and further comments/suggestions/ways to save $$$ are all greatly appreciated. Feed back please

Thanks a lot!:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...
Go with a MF/Chenille wash mitt instead of the Schmitt.

Go with Griot's Garage HD wheel cleaner instead of P21S. It's cheaper and works great!

I'd use Duragloss #105(or#111) over Collinite #845 for a beginner. It's much easier to use and lasts a long time!

What are you gonna use Poorboy's natural look for?

Mother's makes an excellent wheel cleaning brush!

All other products look good.
 
deS said:
Can anyone else chime in on using an APC for leather?
Click to expand...

There is a thread going on now about OPC at 3:1 for cleaning everything including leather...

Another thing I forgot to mention is ONR. I like it for clay lube (a capful in 32 oz of distilled). Very economical and cuts down on the number of products b/c it can be used for difft things at difft dilutions.

If you get a PC, then get 5.5 inch pads. I've only used the LC flats and they work well for me.

See if you can find any show and shines on your specific car then make note of what the person used. Technique is important of course but it will give you a starting point.
 
I'd skip the Liquid Pinnacle. I have it and it only lasts about 2-3 weeks (depending on conditions). I was not impressed for the cost. I'm trying collinite 476 now and have DODO hybrid I'm gonna try soon too.
 
Dubbin1 said:
I would also skip the Cobra towels and get some higher quality ones at a lower cost from pakshak.
Click to expand...
Although lightweight, the Cobra light blue rolled edge towel is THE softest MF towel I have ever used. Stays that way after washing a lot, too. Very nice towel. I'm not a huge fan of the rest of the Cobra MF lineup.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
Although lightweight, the Cobra light blue rolled edge towel is THE softest MF towel I have ever used. Stays that way after washing a lot, too. Very nice towel. I'm not a huge fan of the rest of the Cobra MF lineup.
Click to expand...

Give it time and I'm sure it will start linting like the rest of them. When I first got my Cobra Jrs I was in love but that turned to hate later down the road when every wipe made it look like the paint needed to shave.
 
I revised my list based on everyone's replies:


detailsupplylistrev.jpg



These are the steps I'm planning on taking in detailing my car (please review):


  • Wash car with Duragloss #901, dry with Guzzler
  • Clay with Mother's Clay Kit
  • Apply Ultimate Compound with PC (use yellow/orange pad???)
  • Apply M205 (which pad is best for this?)
  • Wax with Collinite #845 (black pad?) followed by Aquawax
  • OPC @ 3:1 for wheels/tires, wax with 845; 10:1 for leather, followed by Optimum Leather Protectant. What ratio of OPC should I use to clean the carpets with?
  • Poorboys Natural Look to clean/protect interior.
  • Stoner's for glass

Anything missing? What should I use to clean the trim?



Thanks AG, you make researching fun :xyxthumbs:
 
Apply m205 with white pad. Haven't used Collinite 845 but I would think a red hydro tech or blue 5.5 LC flat pad.
 
deS said:
These are the steps I'm planning on taking in detailing my car (please review):


  • Wash car with Duragloss #901, dry with Guzzler
  • Clay with Mother's Clay Kit
  • Apply Ultimate Compound with PC (use yellow/orange pad???)
  • Apply M205 (which pad is best for this?)
  • Wax with Collinite #845 (black pad?) followed by Aquawax
  • OPC @ 3:1 for wheels/tires, wax with 845; 10:1 for leather, followed by Optimum Leather Protectant. What ratio of OPC should I use to clean the carpets with?
  • Poorboys Natural Look to clean/protect interior.
  • Stoner's for glass

Anything missing? What should I use to clean the trim?



Thanks AG, you make researching fun :xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...
I'd start with orange and UC. If you're not satisfied with the results, try the yellow.
For the most part, a white pad should work great with M205. You can use a black or Blue pad with #845.

What color is your leather interior? Is it in pretty good shape?

You can use OPC to clean your exterior trim. 3:1 will work for carpets.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
I'd start with orange and UC. If you're not satisfied with the results, try the yellow.
For the most part, a white pad should work great with M205. You can use a black or Blue pad with #845.

What color is your leather interior? Is it in pretty good shape?

You can use OPC to clean your exterior trim. 3:1 will work for carpets.
Click to expand...


Thanks. My leather is grey and in good condition apart from a few smudges.
 
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