Detailing Steps

[dirtrider]

Normally I just wash the Jeep then apply a coat of Zymol waz, but all these threads about polish,sealant,clay, etc has got me thinking.

After washing the vehicle what steps do you guys follow for the best/deepest shine. ie: do you claybar, seal, wax, or what?

thanks

Dirtrider

[B.P.O.D]

for optimal look and shine

wash two buckets w/grit guard
clay
compound(if necessary heavy swirls,scratches)
polish(light swirls)
sealant(your choice)
wax(carnuba on top brings nice shine)

[DetailedImage.com]

The post above has it right:

Wash/Dry
Clay Bar
Polish (if you have a buffer us a medium and light polish, for hand applications just do a light polish)
Sealant
Wax (optional)

We have great instructions and supplemental information about each step in our detailing guide (http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/). If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask as well.

For each step here are some recommendations if needed:
Wash/Dry - DI Packages Washing and Drying Basic Kit (http://www.detailedimage.com/303-M2/Washing-and-Drying-Basic-Kit-P349/) or DI Packages Washing and Drying Starter Package (http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Packages-M29/Washing-and-Drying-Starter-Package-P148/)
Clay Bar - DI Packages DI Gentle Fine Grade Clay Bar 100g & Clay Lube (http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Packages-M29/DI-Gentle-Fine-Grade-Clay-Bar-100g-and-Clay-Lube-P503/)
Polish - Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205 (http://www.detailedimage.com/Meguiars-M43/Ultra-Finishing-Polish-205-P389/8-oz-S3/)
Sealant - Blackfire Wet Diamond with Polycharger (http://www.detailedimage.com/Blackfire-M32/Wet-Diamond-P205/16-oz-S1/)
Wax - Poorboy's World Liquid Natty's Blue Wax (http://www.detailedimage.com/Poorboys-World-M1/Liquid-Nattys-Blue-Wax-P490/16oz-S1/)

I hope this info helps. Save 10% off with the coupon code 10offJG.

Greg

[B.P.O.D]

greg has a great company and i have gotten plenty of things from him!!! FAST SHIPPING as well!

[the_cueball]

My normal 'detail' routine is:

Go round the vehicle with a power washer to remove loose dirt
Cover with snow foam and leave for 5 minutes
Add a second covering of snow foam to add lubrication to the wash stage
Wash with the 2 bucket method
De-tar the vehicle
De-contaminate the vehicle from iron-containing compounds and particles still stuck either on, or within, the paint.
Clay the vehicle
re-wash using the 2BM

If I am going to polish it, then I take some paint depth readings, then start to polish from lightest compound up to heaviest...

Then once all the polishing is complete, seal with 2 coats of wax (for my Jeep I am using Megs #7)

Normally use wax OR sealant... not both...just a waste of products....they are 2 different things and there is no point putting them on a vehicle together.....IMO of course....

Then, once all that is done, crack open a beer, and wait for that bird that always craps on a freshly detailed car!!

:thumbsup:

[Scottina06]

I would NOT clay unless you have a PC to correct the paint...JMO

[the_cueball]

I would NOT clay unless you have a PC to correct the paint...JMO

I have never had the need to use aggresive clay on my paint, so with the fine clay I do use, I have never had any marring...

I normally clay the P & J at least once every 2 months and never had any issues....

Some paints will marr easily, but I have found *most* damage is through wrong technique when using the clay and lube....

But having a PC to help, just in case, is always a good idea! ;)

:thumbsup:

[Scottina06]

yep....most clay jobs I have seen...probably 90%....marred the paint. This is people who are new to claying...

[the_cueball]

yep....most clay jobs I have seen...probably 90%....marred the paint. This is people who are new to claying...

Yeah, I would agree!

I think lots of people just jump on the 'detailing' bandwagon and don't stop to think or ask about it....

I remember saying to one guy, claying is just like having anal with your girlfriend...make sure it's clean and use lots and lots AND lots of lube..:eek:

Guy turned out of be a virgin that stayed at home....so it was kind of lost on him :lol::lol::lol:

:thumbsup:

[TheAngryMinnow]

These guys saying clay, polish, etc, remember thats like once every 3-6 months. a full detail could take a couple of days if you're correcting paint.