1st attempt at a full detail...Question...

[Ying]

Ok so I'm taking week 1 of my mandatory 2 weeks of furlough next week. Since I won't be going anywhere and trying to stay out of the house to keep from watching TV all friggin' week and save some cash, I have a bunch of time on my hands. Decided I'm going to give it a go with a full detail on the Suby.

Ended up with a bunch of Meguiar's products. Shampoo and Conditioner, Detailing Clay Kit, and some of the Liquid Carnuba Wax. I actually did just wash and wax the car a couple weeks ago but I'm going to deploy the Clay Bar because I'm still not happy with the condition of the paint. Products worked well, the paint could just be in better shape.

My question to you all is what polish should I be looking for to use after the clay and before the wax? Do I even need it after clay? I'm new to the full detail so I don't really know if it's needed or not, or even what the difference is between the polish and the wax. I'm guessing the polish isn't a "sealer" like wax. Do I need it? Opinions?

[pzr2874]

Ok so I'm taking week 1 of my mandatory 2 weeks of furlough next week. Since I won't be going anywhere and trying to stay out of the house to keep from watching TV all friggin' week and save some cash, I have a bunch of time on my hands. Decided I'm going to give it a go with a full detail on the Suby.

Ended up with a bunch of Meguiar's products. Shampoo and Conditioner, Detailing Clay Kit, and some of the Liquid Carnuba Wax. I actually did just wash and wax the car a couple weeks ago but I'm going to deploy the Clay Bar because I'm still not happy with the condition of the paint. Products worked well, the paint could just be in better shape.

My question to you all is what polish should I be looking for to use after the clay and before the wax? Do I even need it after clay? I'm new to the full detail so I don't really know if it's needed or not, or even what the difference is between the polish and the wax. I'm guessing the polish isn't a "sealer" like wax. Do I need it? Opinions?

You need to use all 3 of the "steps" on the Meguiars...

1-wash
2-dry
3-clay
4-wash
5-cleaner
6-polish-The second step of the Meguiars
7-wax

From my experience, it works the best. ONLY prob I had w/the Meguiars is that it doesn't specify how to apply the clay (up n down vs. just rubbing it down) I have a black car..... Sooooooooooooo. Good luck. Take pics before and after.... Have fun and have a 12 pack because it's going to take ALL day.

[Ying]

Have fun and have a 12 pack because it's going to take ALL day.

Yeah I figured as much. Got all next week to get it done but really what else am I gonna do. Not once in my life have I been unable to "conduct business" for a whole week so it should be interesting.

This "cleaner" you speak of... is that another Meg's product? Didn't see that at the store.

[pzr2874]

Yes, it's a maroon bottle like the others (polish and wax) states step 2 on the bottle in big letters.

BTW... you might want to start EARLY in the am and do the wash, clay, and rinse. Then the next am you could rewash it and then do the 3 steps .... just my opinion so yur not a vegetable walking around with no arm strength... HA

[Ying]

Thanks. Yeah this is going to be a work out it seems. A beer or two for each step and I should be in bed not wasting money in no time

[pzr2874]

My thought exactly.. especially if you do it all in one day... you won't be able to lift a beer to drink it. HA

[Ying]

Suggestions on a random orbital buffer under $100? I'm rethinking this whole "by hand" thing and want to save a little of my day for relaxing.

[YBNormal07]

Mcquire's used to have a decent rechargable orbital on their website. Wasn't too expensive. I've got one and it does the job.

FYI, a good orbital is not cheap. Rent one from Home Depot or your local hardware. A good one makes the job much easier and provides a better result.

[pzr2874]

Do it by hand ya wuss.... Tell you the truth, the only time I use it is for wax... all the other steps have to be done by hand....

Even a compound needs to be done by hand....

Take a hydrocodone 1/2 way from being done

[Ying]

Do it by hand ya wuss.... Tell you the truth, the only time I use it is for wax... all the other steps have to be done by hand....

Even a compound needs to be done by hand....

Take a hydrocodone 1/2 way from being done

I need to actually finish the car, not fall asleep on the hood 3/4 of the way through. Maybe a flexeril.

[pzr2874]

That'll work.... put up pics after you are done.