Still learning!!!

[ffpmme]

Hi, I am new here and still learning the lingo and the diffrent things that i can do to the finish. I wrote a hug post in the introductions explainging the who, what, where and why.

My situation is this 2 cars 2007 ford edge and 2000 ford explorer. Both cars have not been heavily detailed in a while. I try to wash them every 2 weeks with Meguiar's Gold class. Insides are ok. It is the paint and headlights that I need to address.

I am not looking to win anything I just want to protect my investment. I have always used Meguir's in the past, but right now both need some more tlc then just wax. I know that it will take time, but I do not have 10 hours to do 2 cars. Just not able. Because of this, looking through all the different brands, that I have never heard of, and options you have here. Some things I never knew existed, synthetic, carnauba, pinnacle, Wolfgang, DP, Mothers,3M, Meguire's....... AHHHHHHHH.

So I have figured I need synthetic becasue I live in Chicago and not garaged for either car. the 07 Edge is goes to job sites as my wife works construction. So it would work longer then "real" wax. Next they both need something to get the scratches, RIDS and swirls off. Polish, compound, glaze or cleaner wax?????????? Who knows. I have looked at the kits and the best one for me, as I am the type of person that if you tell me what to do I will do it and follow your directions, is the 3M kit, simple to follow and sounds like it does a good job. has anybody used it?

For the headlights, I was going to use the Meguir's but learning I need a sealer, so any good feedback?

I am not able to spend a fortune, so looking for some suggestions.

So here is the info, any help would be appreciated!! I think I have all the pertinent info, but if I left something out, let me know!

 

[darkangelism]

Are you going to be polishing by hand or by machine?

You should also get a clay kit and clay your car before polishing.

Can you post some pictures so we can see the scratches?

You can also put a wax over a sealant go get both longevity and best look.

 

[ffpmme]

Are you going to be polishing by hand or by machine?

You should also get a clay kit and clay your car before polishing.

Can you post some pictures so we can see the scratches?

You can also put a wax over a sealant go get both longevity and best look.

Was thinking of getting a small 6" to start with.

Thought only needed to do that if it is very rough. But I can. do it.

will try to

Not as concerned with a great look as protecting the finish.

Thanks!

 

[cleanmycorolla]

You should clay regardless. Since you dont have time to polish at least get all that crud off w/ some clay, get a nice smooth surface, you'd be surprised how much claying can do even if you think your car is perfect. Plus it will take some of that wax you've putt on off. If anything give them a good clay, then apply your LSP of choice, as most LSP's bond better on clean paint. Focus on that, and then when you can, devotes time to claying, polishing, sealing, etc....try to tackle what you can now with your time....just my thoughts! either way good luck!

Also, why not try an AIO like XMT 360? It will add some cut, clean and seal the car when you use a polisher...

 

[darkangelism]

If the car has never been clayed it should be done, if you touch the paint and it doesnt feel smooth it needs to be clayed, and with these cars being driven every day you probably will clay before each time you polish.

If the RIDS are deep enough that they catch on your fingernail than you are probably not going to be able to correct them, just protect them.

What polishes you get will depend on how bad the scratches are, use the least aggressive polish you can that fixes them.

A long lasting sealant is probably what you want, something like this Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze, klasse SG sealant, klasse sealant glase,klasse sealant

Then maybe top with a wax that gets reapplied every 3 months, this will give two layers of protection.

Also your first time around this is going to be a full day project.

 

[ffpmme]

You should clay regardless. Since you dont have time to polish at least get all that crud off w/ some clay, get a nice smooth surface, you'd be surprised how much claying can do even if you think your car is perfect. Plus it will take some of that wax you've putt on off. If anything give them a good clay, then apply your LSP of choice, as most LSP's bond better on clean paint. Focus on that, and then when you can, devotes time to claying, polishing, sealing, etc....try to tackle what you can now with your time....just my thoughts! either way good luck!

Also, why not try an AIO like XMT 360? It will add some cut, clean and seal the car when you use a polisher...

Ok I thought I should use a clay, but then if have heard 2,000 other things I should do.

AIO? XMT 360??? LSP is a sealer right? non carnuba wax, then but a layer of wax over the sealer. Is that right?

OK now I got a plan, any suggestions as to products. I am not in a position to buy the best on-line. Looking for a normal guy's options.

Thanks!

 

[darkangelism]

Ok I thought I should use a clay, but then if have heard 2,000 other things I should do.

AIO? XMT 360??? LSP is a sealer right? non carnuba wax, then but a layer of wax over the sealer. Is that right?

OK now I got a plan, any suggestions as to products. I am not in a position to buy the best on-line. Looking for a normal guy's options.

Thanks!

AIO=all in one, a product that does multiple steps, polish, clean, seal

XMT 360 is a product

LSP= last step product, the last thing that goes on your paint

 

[ffpmme]

If the car has never been clayed it should be done, if you touch the paint and it doesnt feel smooth it needs to be clayed, and with these cars being driven every day you probably will clay before each time you polish.

If the RIDS are deep enough that they catch on your fingernail than you are probably not going to be able to correct them, just protect them.

What polishes you get will depend on how bad the scratches are, use the least aggressive polish you can that fixes them.

A long lasting sealant is probably what you want, something like this Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze, klasse SG sealant, klasse sealant glase,klasse sealant

Then maybe top with a wax that gets reapplied every 3 months, this will give two layers of protection.

Also your first time around this is going to be a full day project.

Ok good news, did a fingernail test and do not have any scratches that would catch on the nail, there is a lot of spiderwebs, I think that is the right term, the paint is not in as bad of shape as I thought.

I like the idea of a sealer then a wax on top, several layers of protection is always good!!!

Now options for product. I will check out the one you linked to. that is a sealer, what should I put over it??