What is a good Detail Process?

E

Egleone6

New member
First time detailing this car, what would be a good plan of attack?



This is a new car, but would like to do a full detail. Clay bar is not needed, fyi.
 
2007 Altima. BLACK. I have a paint cleaner, polish and wax. I am not into the whole detailing as others, I just get mine for now at Autozone or Advance.



I hope this helps.



Matt
 
First, give it a thorough wash/dry using a quality mitt and the two bucket method making sure not to mar your paint. Now examine your paint under direct sun or good lights, halogen or fluorescents work well. If there are any swirls or scratches, they will need to be removed with compound and polish. If there is little or no marring, simply use a paint cleaner followed by wax. My reply is very general and you should learn as much as you can on here by searching before attempting compounding/polishing if need be. Also, wash method is extremely important to preventing marring. Be very careful!



-Frank
 
I got a few scrapes around the door handle. I think a good scratch remover might cover those up. As far as the overall condition of the car, it is outstanding. I hope so, it is a brand new car. So a Polish is not necessary? I am using a Mothers Gold Wax.



When would you use a Paint Sealant?



I ultimately want to get a subdivision detail business on the side going.
 
You're definitely going to want to get some microfiber towels. Use those, along with good quality foam applicators for your paint cleaner, polish, and wax. You can get the applicators at an Autozone. I recommend the Viking brand microfiber towels which are locally available at K-mart. The yellow drying and green detailing are excellent. The yellow polishing is also very good. A paint sealant is a another option as an LSP (last step product). Instead of using wax, you would put on a sealant which is generally a synthetic formula that lasts longer than normal carnauba-based waxes. However, the shine may not be as deep and glossy for you. I HIGHLY suggest you read the Autopia Guide to Detailing... beginning to end. It taught me all the basics about detailing.



Also, before you get this business going, make sure you practice, practice, practice. And it may also help to buy a machine dual action (DA) polisher such as the Porter Cable 7424 or the Ultimate Detailing Machine. These machines allow you to polish, wax, and buff much faster than by hand. With some practice, you can correct paint imperfections like scratches and swirls. It's also easy to use and as long as you are fairly careful, difficult to mess up your paint. It's a great investment.



Hope that helps!
 
Egleone6 said:
I got a few scrapes around the door handle. I think a good scratch remover might cover those up.
Click to expand...



a scratch remover should REMOVE scratches not cover them up



use can use a glaze to "hide them" but it is only temperary





why do you think you don't need to clay?

you will be amazed at the stuff that comes off of new cars
 
Some like to use Megs. Scratch X to remove scratches by hand. The process is slow but after a few applications the scratches should come out depending on their depth.



Sealants can be used as a Last Step Product (LSP) or under a wax. After the paint is cleaned, apply a sealant and let it 'cure' for around 12 hrs. Then, it can be topped with wax or more sealant for added depth. Lots can be read here on the topic of sealants and waxes and their similarities and differences. Both provide paint protection and better looks for your paint.



If you are ultimately wanting to detail cars for any type of business I would highly recommend getting a machine polisher as most of the cars you come across will require at least some degree of correction. I would recommend an orbital/DA polisher to start with and later you can move to a rotary.



-Frank
 
+1 for the Autopia Guide to Detailing. I read it about 5 years ago and have been hooked on detailing ever since. Thanks DavidB!!



+1 also for the UDM. Got mine a couple weeks ago!!



-Frank
 
I got a dozen of MF towels last week. Thanks



Also, I remember reading that you need to rewash the car after polishing? Is this true. I did notice a lot more shine to the car after just doing half the car. Hunger pains took me away for the minute. I just noticed that I have not an actual WAX. I have a Cleaner wax and a polish/wax application. If I use the Cleaner wax, will I still need the Paint cleaner or sealant?
 
I do not find it necessary to wash the car after polishing unless you have a large amount of polishing dust left over.



It should not be necessary to use a paint cleaner if you are going to be using a cleaner wax. However, you will not be able to use a sealant if you are also going to be using the cleaner wax afterwards as it will strip the sealant right off the paint. Use one or the other or buy a pure wax (not pure carnuba but pure meaning no cleaners) that you can top the sealant with.



-Frank
 
So what would be the best scenario?



As I have a Cleaner Wax, Paint Cleaner and a Sealant? I have not used the Paint Cleaner and can take that back.



I agree, I do need to get a PURE wax product. I do have a 6" orbital buffer.
 
Well I just got done putting the second coat on the car. I have to say, this car shines. I only helped it a little. It shined before, but I would like to thank all that helped.



Matt
 
No sealant. I just washed, polished and then Waxed. Two coats on the hood, trunk and roof.



Like I said, it was in great shape, just finally got to giving it what it deserves. The real difference is the red Pontiac GT that I did last week.
 
Not that I don't read or follow up on different products. Until a week ago, I did not know there was a Paint Cleaner for Cleaning an auto. I have never used a Cleaner Wax before, or what it did. I just was looking for what to use when.



I did not know if you use a Paint cleaner after a Washing or after a Polish. Or if you used a Cleaner Wax after a Polish and before a coat of Wax.



That is all I was looking for.



Sorry for the dumbness.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top