New member with first new car

WallStGuru

WallStGuru

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Hello all

I just purchased my first car. It's a 2010 Honda Civic LX. After 4 hours of negotiation, I got this car for $3k under its KBB. The car really needs a professional restoration detail, but I can't afford it until the Spring.

Make a long story short, I waxed the car for the first time. Unfortunately, I was not using my head and used a electric buffer with a used pad. I then caused white specs into the paint. It seems like it is wax residue, but I could not clay bar it out. I have been told to degrease the entire car to start fresh. The car has many imperfections with scratches and it does not help since it is a blue car. I used 3M Rubbing Compound, but it did not do anything to remove the minor scratches and clarity within the paint.

What is your recommendation to get the white specs of wax off my paint? Should I degrease the whole car since it will strip all the wax and then wax it by hand again? I would like to "winterize" the car before it gets too cold. Any product recommendations? I have been looking into Chemical Guys

**This post is being written off my phone and I do not know how to upload a photo without being on the computer**
 
Hi, and welcome!

I followed the tips found here: Winterizing Your Car's Exterior

I chose Colinite 845 and am THOROUGHLY impressed with the quality of this wax. I'm new too so unfortunately I don't have many tips to offer, besides the above.

Good luck,
Shawn
 
I would start by watching some videos and reading detailing how-to's.

Autogeek As Seen On TV
Auto Detailing Facts, auto detailing Tips, How to detailing Guides, how to polish, how to wax, DIY detailing, do it yourself guides
Download free detailing handbook guides, how-to videos, free wallpapers, and free screensavers!

Read on the forums and you will learn alot and what products work well.

You are probably going to need a Dual Action polisher like Griots Garage 6". I would use Lake Country CCS 6.5 pads rather than the Griots.

Dual Action Orbital Polisher Guide: how to remove swirls, scratches, & oxidation with an orbital buffer. Porter Cable 7424, foam pads, backing plate,

Go with a kit like Wolfgang Deep Gloss kit or a similar kit from Pinnacle, DP, Pinnacle XMT, etc to remove scratches and seal/wax your paint. Make sure you clay first.

Attain and maintain a perfect-ten shine - clean, polish, protect with the Wolfgang Deep Gloss Concours Kit.

Mike Phillips has tons of great articles to read prior to getting started that anyone can learn from. Or buy is book "The Art of Detailing"
 
I just got done using 3M Rubbing Compound and it took it right out. Thanks for all the info because I am deff looking for another good wax
 
You are gonna wanna follow the compound with a polish before waxing
 
welcome guy! youll love the forum and learn a bunch. study the site carefully and youll find answers to all questions on detailing. id stop working on the car till you get a sense of direction for your new car.

budinsc
 
I am located in West Chester, PA. Been detailing for several years on family and friend vehicles, but just with everyday products. Since I purchased my first new car that is blue and will show any imperfections, I am very interested in finding out ways to restore the true shine in the paint. My buddy owns a restoration detail shop, but I simply cannot afford his discounted price for service right now.
 
Ok, you said it's a new car, but it's a 2010 and it has many imperfections and scratches. Does that mean it's a "new-to-you" car?

In any event, I would strongly suggest you not use anything with "rubbing compound" in the name...that usually ends badly. I believe Barry Theal is in your neck of the woods, and he periodically hosts free detailing classes (or he used to).
 
If I were a Wall Street Guru I would get a Lambo

Welcome from Memphis :)
 
WallStGuru said:
Unfortunately, I was not using my head and used a electric buffer with a used pad.

I then caused white specs into the paint. It seems like it is wax residue, but I could not clay bar it out.
Click to expand...


Nothing wrong with using a electric buffer, we do it all the time ... it's the "technique" in which you use it plus the type of pad and product that are the key factors to whether you get good results or bad results.

My guess is you used either a rotary buffer or a TOB or Traditional Orbital Buffer because these are the two most common tools found in a shop or garage unless the shop or garage is owned by someone that frequents detailing discussion forums and is therefore up to date with current tool technology.


As for the white specs...
If it only appeared on the front of the car then my guess would be you have lots of rock chips and the compound reside built-up in the chipped paint then dried white and now is unsightly. Just a guess but these types of defects would be "below the surface" and claying is for removing contaminants that ave "above the surface".


I can't thing of any other reason buffing paint with a compound would leave white specs that could not be wiped off or clayed off...


:)
 
Hey guys! Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to all of your great responses.

About a month ago, I got my car professionally detailed from a buddy of mine that I went to HS with that now owns a restoration detail shop in my area. They really are the best of the best in the area. Its called Oakes Detailing. My car looked amazing when it was done.

Unfortunately, I do A LOT of highway driving and it is time for me to keep up with what my buddy started with. I go to the self service car wash on a weekly basis to use their high pressured water hose with my own Meguiars Gold Class Soap to clean the car. All I do is pour a little bit onto the car and rinse it off. I am VERY afarid to use my sheepskin wash mitt to wash the car with soap because I am afarid that it may scratch or cause swirls in my paint. My car is dark blue and shows everything

I am really looking for advice on keeping up with my car. My buddy who is the detailer has yet to get back to me on what to do to keep up with the look and I really need to do something about my car before it is too late and I need to spend two full days on the car.

I have been looking at Chemical Guys products, but not sure what to get. I deff need something for bug and tar removal and then an overall way to actually wash the car on a weekly basis at the self service. I do NOT use their brushes or anything. I strictly go to a self service car wash for their high pressured water spray since I am not allowed to wash my car in my development and use it to rinse my car off first and then pour Meguiars Gold Class soap on it.

Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
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