Advice for a non-detail oriented guy

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peterhurcos

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Hi detailers! I'm not a detailer. I'm just a regular guy who wants to do a better job taking care of his car. I let my last car really deteriorate. It got totaled in a minor accident. I was bailed out on the settlement by the generally high used car market--but never again. My new car is a white SUV. Its a daily driver for me here in the mountain West. I want to get off to a good start.

Before I found this site, I visited the BMW forums on the theory that those guys polished their cars all the time and knew their stuff. So I ended up buying Jetseal 109 and a tiny smidgen of "light fanstastic" Probably not the best choice for my needs. (but I fully intend to use them all up).

What do you guys recommend?

Sealant needs in order:

1. Must be easy to apply
2. Must be durable. The more durable the better.
3. Must be shiny.
4. Must be under $40 bucks.

One other question about sealants: Is there a generally accepted way of maximizing durability? Do I gain something by letting it sit for an hour instead of 20 minutes? Does it help durability to layer it, or does that just help you avoid missed spots?


Wax: Honestly I'm not going to wax all that much.

1. Easy to apply.
2. Shiny
3. Durable
4.Not absurdly priced. I'm thinking Collinite 845.

Power washers and power buffers are out of the question. I got a Gilmour thingy and that was good help.

Thanks.
 
You can't beat Duragloss products for price, durability and ease of use. If you don't want to order online you can usually get them at NAPA(they order them and have in the store in 24 hrs), CarQuest and a few other stores.

Wash with DG car wash soap. Develop a good wash/drying tecnique to keep the finish as swirl free as possible. Plenty of how too articles here and other sites.

Clay--ClayMagic is inexpensive and a good clay

Apply a THIN coat of DG105 mixed 4:1 with DG601 (bonding agent)-allow to haze over and buff off with a plush MF towel. After a couple of hours you can apply a coat of DG AquaWax spray wax or after any wash to improve looks and extend durability.

That should last 5-6 months.
 
:iagree: Excellent advice by ski2 :props:

Simple, inexpensive, and top shelf products.
 
If you're thinking 845 then go for it! One of the most highly praised waxes on AG. Very easy to apply and buff off and 5 months durability, not to mention it looks great. With 845 I don't see why you would really need a sealant. Don't let 845 sit too long or it is hard to buff off. Do 2 panels then wipe off, continue that around your car.
 
You mentioned you already have Jetseal 109. That is really good stuff. Put out some time for prep work.

Clay bar and and even a light hand poloish will do wonders before you top off with JS or 845.

Otherwise don't expect a great shine that's smooth and slippery.
 
If you really want easy and a great look being done by hand I suggest:

1: Clay
2: Blackfire Total Polish N Seal (this will clean the paint, remove some light swirls and add a layer of protection easily done by hand)
3: Blackfire Crystal Seal

These will keep your vehicle looking great without too much work.
I also suggest following proper wash techniques.

Good luck with the new ride.
 
I know for sure / GLARE Products / Is a top of the line Brand. very very long lasting. it is intended for Aircraft Detail.
They are using it know for the Auto detail Word / I know it last way more than most of ALL the quallity brands.

Check them. in SOme Harley Davidson dealers / they have it. not all the stores carry them.
check the Polisher / Glaze / Wax
is around the Price you are Looking. It will out perform a lot of brands
 
Wow! Thanks a lot. Duragloss it will be, then. Maybe with some Collinite next fall. I think I did a pretty good job of cleaning with all the mailorder mitts and microfiber towels and grit guards I bought. I have to say that Citrus wash is worth the bother of mail order. The Jetseal 109 was at least easy and shiny enough. I like it 'cause its Spaceage, having the word "Jet" in its name and all. Also, the word "Nano" appears on the label at least three times, proving its high-tech awesomeness.

I also did the two bucket technique and I got some Mother's brand clay. Claying seemed pretty easy I guess since it was a brand new car. My assumption is that you should lube the surface, but that there should be some noticeable drag? Or should you just kind of skim it along there?
 
put few more bucks and get opti-coat , is not science to apply
 
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