DIY Car Detailing

[mels95yj]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Are polishing the car after you clay it? I usually clay it and wax it.

Well, from my understanding (which may be incorrect), the clay strips most everything down to the clearcoat including the polish. So, I usually polish and wax just to be sure.

All this talk of detailing has got me in the mood to do the car this weekend!

Mel

[jmcrawf1]

www.autopia.org

there's your 2nd slope

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by mels95yj

Well, from my understanding (which may be incorrect), the clay strips most everything down to the clearcoat including the polish. So, I usually polish and wax just to be sure.

All this talk of detailing has got me in the mood to do the car this weekend!

Mel

Polishing does not add anything to the surface, so the clay and polish leave the car surface in the same state. The clay bar does not use an abrasive or chemical reaction to remove debris so is more gentle to the car. You'll notice that on most polishes, they say the are paintshop ready, meaning it leaves the surface clean. Some polishes have "feeder oils" in them, but it is rare to see and is a specialized product. There's little need to polish a car after claying on a clear coat car. Open coat cars, Meguiars No. 2 will pull out the oxidated paint beyond the dirt the clar bar takes off.

[mels95yj]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Polishing does not add anything to the surface, so the clay and polish leave the car surface in the same state. The clay bar does not use an abrasive or chemical reaction to remove debris so is more gentle to the car. You'll notice that on most polishes, they say the are paintshop ready, meaning it leaves the surface clean. Some polishes have "feeder oils" in them, but it is rare to see and is a specialized product. There's little need to polish a car after claying on a clear coat car. Open coat cars, Meguiars No. 2 will pull out the oxidated paint beyond the dirt the clar bar takes off.

Well, that's true. To be honest, I've only polished the car once since we just got it in February. I polished it to try to remove some swirl marks, but since I was doing it by hand, didn't really achieve much. I was also using a mild abrasive polish. I was going to purchase a Porter Cable, but have postponed it for now.

I guess I should've been more descriptive on why I was using a polish. So, to correct my previous statements, if your vehicle doesn't need swirl mark, scratch correction, claybar then wax.

Mel

[Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by mels95yj

Well, that's true. To be honest, I've only polished the car once since we just got it in February. I polished it to try to remove some swirl marks, but since I was doing it by hand, didn't really achieve much. I was also using a mild abrasive polish. I was going to purchase a Porter Cable, but have postponed it for now.

I guess I should've been more descriptive on why I was using a polish. So, to correct my previous statements, if your vehicle doesn't need swirl mark, scratch correction, claybar then wax.

Mel

Scratch X will remove those swirls

[Trout]

Meguiars all the way. Check out the forum on their web page.

Lots of great advice. Also check out /www.autodetailingsolutions.com. I have used them and he has provided great service.

[4WheelVFR]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Nothing beats smoking a cigar with the top down! Miss my convertible.

Get some RaggTopp convertible top spray. You'll never have to replace your convertible top. One can will last years! Very impressive stuff. 4 year of New England weather and my convertible top looked like new. This car did not stay one day ever in a garage and was style one of the cleanest in the area.

Looks like you need another S2000. I know I'm missing mine.

[Bythehour]

Originally Posted by poker

I use Pinnacle products, P21S products, a Porter Cable 7424, and a few other stuff on my rides.

Mostly bought from www.autogeek.net

Poker - a man with good taste! I use the same, along with assorted Megs product (primarily surface prep, polish and trim care).

Another tip: skip the cotton towels. Microfibre is where it's at these days....

[Bythehour]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

You'll notice that on most polishes, they say the are paintshop ready, meaning it leaves the surface clean.

Sorta - paintshop ready means that there's no silicone in the product.

[sailchaser]

If doing by hand I still like the Meguairs for the awl grip finish on my old car