New to detailing need help

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pyles1735

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I've really gotten interested in detailing lately and have a few different cars people want me to do for them once I get what I need and get some practice.

Right now I have 3 chambosis towels, a few microfiber towels, Meguires wax, mothers cg wash and wax, Meguires hot and shine, stoners glass cleaner, a wash mitt and two buckets and a grit grate. I also have a shop vac and use a toothbrush for interior work along with armour all vinyl cleaner and polish.

I've cleaned cars and have been told I do a great job but I want a person with experience to tell me how to do it. I don't have application pads for the wax so I will probably wait to wax it, but I want to soon.

Just any tips or a walk thru? I have a 2009 Impala with cloth interior.
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Can you get it from amazon? I can download it onto my phone if so

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I would buy some strong rim wands off of auto geek, Something like the Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush, auto detail brush, Wheel Brush, Tire Brush, Detailing Brush, Corvette brush, Mercedes brush, sport wheel brush,
I would also buy a strong wheel cleaner like mothers all wheel and tire cleaner. Spray on scrub and hose off.
And a good tire shine like meguiars endurance tire gel

For steps to detail I would follow this order
1. Clean rims and tires Make sure rims are cooled down
2. wash paint and body
3. dry
4. detail and dress interior
5.clay car if you know how to clay
6. defect removal using DA m105 m205 or Ultimate compound
7. wax
8. Sealent

Most of steps seen here will take time,effort and skill.
Over time you will see that you will get better
 
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I forgot to say I do have a tire brush. Time isn't an issue I spend 2-3 hours on it now.

I haven't used a clay bar and never heard how to. What exactly to they do?

I do have a silver car so to see the swirls and scratches you have to pay close attention.

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My one suggestion. Don't use Armor All on the interior. Get a good APC or a dedicated interior cleaners like DP interior. Armor All is junk IMO.

Also get some clay. Clay these cars too! Get some sealants and waxes also. Give these cars some truly good protection. :)
 
I wouldn't mind switching from armour all I have very little left anyways. As for claying I don't know how but I can get some clay kits easy.

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You can find some videos on how to clay correctly on here. But the basic gist of it is the clay will remove bonded contaminants and environmental fallout that washing leaves behind. Also good for mild tar and tree sap. You will need some clay lube and use generous amounts of it so cut down on the chance of marring the paint. I would recommend Optimum No Rinse and dilute it to use as a clay line simply bc it has so many other uses as well.
 
pyles1735 said:
I wouldn't mind switching from armour all I have very little left anyways. As for claying I don't know how but I can get some clay kits easy.

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There's a video on claying here in one of the forum sections, it's a pretty easy process especially if you use a less aggressive style of clay! Just make sure to get a good lube, try some mothers clay with ONR or a real good QD.

I would suggest for interiors try DP Interior cleaner, has mild cleaning agents, no glossy mess, just a nice cleaner.
 
This is "the" place to learn some of the finest ways to detail your car. There is a wealth of knowledge here for the beginner to the most advanced. A simple question is all that's needed to initiate helpful responses from members here and also Autogeek Professional Staff.

This is something I've posed several times and it covers many areas at a high level but give you an idea of what's available and some of the prices.

Everyone starts off as a beginner but with some reading, questions, and trial, error, and practice you'll be amazed how much you'll be able to do. After reading and understanding some of the basics, the more hands on your are the quicker you'll build your knowledge and gain experience.

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips

Basic exterior steps in order are:

  • Wash
  • Clay
  • Paint Correction & Polish
  • Seal
  • Wax


Car Washing



Using Detailing Clay


New to Machine Polishing?

Dual Action Polishers


Porter Cable 7424, backing plate, and pads

Polishes



Some additional products you'll like.

Sealants

Wax

 
Awesome post I will definately spend some time trying everything out. So far I love the site, enough to piss my girlfriend off for being on here so much.

I wish when my dad owned our car lot that I woulda spent more time in the garage not the office.
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:welcome:
Follow BobbyG's excellent list of links: you have a lot to read and digest.
 
pyles1735 said:
Can you get it from amazon? I can download it onto my phone if so

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I don't see it on amazon doing a google search, but
I know they have it in electronic form as well Not sure if it will work on a phone, if you call AG they could answer that. I would encourage you to get it either way.

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I plan on getting it. I need a good book to read anyways, and why bot get one on my newest hobby.

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