Hey guys im new here, i have been looking through lots of the older posts but just want to get some opinions. I want to buy a wax/car cleaner. Something that will make my Silver Audi shine!!!.. I want something to bring out the true color in my car. Can some body tell me maybe what kind of products i should be using? One more question. What exactly does a Clay Bar do and is it difficult?

Any advise very helpful
Thanks in advance

Dennis

 

use meguiars products, go to a local paint distributer such as 'kc auto paint, ppg, pro finishes" etc. or to a reputable painter and they can get you exactly what you need. look in the "detailing" forum on this site.

 

How much do you want to spend? How much work do you want to put into it?

Clay picks up embedded contaminates in the paint. If you run your hand over the car & feel any drag, that's stuff stuck in there, the paint should be baby butt smooth.

 

Well money i really dont care as long as it is good stuff. And i dont want to take forever but maybe a day of work.. so do you recomend i clay the whole car?

Thanks
Dennis

 

Yes, of course clay the whole car.

Get this, it will do it all, and look perfect
http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo.net/reshkit.html

If that is to much money, or time, try this...
http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo...nshkitfor.html

 

What products do you currently have on hand?
Do you want the finished product to be clean and shiny or show car shine?
How old is the car and how is the finish?

 

I currently just have regular wax from the local store nothing great. I pretty much have just washed my car really good no clay or anything like that. My car finish id say is great..besides some chips on the front its perfect. Its5 years old. And i deffinetly want a SHOW CAR SHINE!!!!

 

Wash the car
Clay bar will take about the same period of time to do as it takes you to apply and buff off wax. All depends on the size of your car.
Start with roof and work downward, clay the trim, badges, bumpers and glass. Now that the major parts of the body are done clay bar door jambs, hood and trunk gutters, gas refill area. Now do your wheels and lugs.
I use surgical type gloves as I also spray the clay in my hand with QD as I kneed the clay. This keeps the QD from getting all over my hands. I lay newspaper taped together under the area I will be working on. This keeps QD over spray from getting on my floor [this is slick stuff when you forget about it and walk over the area after the car has been returned to the client] ask me how I know about this indoor slip and slid. If the bar slips out of my grasp and touches the floor it is immediately pitched into the trash. You do not want to be putting new marks into the finish. Just pitch it.
Next step apply a swirl remover. Cleaner wax/cleaner polish.
Next step is to add a pure polish to the car.
Next step apply your wax or sealant.
Stand back and admire your work………take pics!
If your have read this far you are well on your way to a show car type shine by hand and here is the only [magic trick I have up my sleeve]. Before you start the process get a sandwich type plastic baggie and very gently rub your car and feel the tiny bumps on your fingertips do the same on the glass and trim areas. These are bonded contaminants and the clay process will remove these for a smooth base for the rest of the process steps.
Al

These are all ballpark estimates on costs from your local auto supply store.
I use Meguiar’s products because I am familiar with their product lines and the results I can produce each and every time for my clients.
Smooth car clay bar kit $18 Check inside the box to be sure your clay bars have not been stolen!
Cleaner/wax or cleaner/polish $10
Pure polish $10 If you use the cleaner/polish above there are enough oils that you do not have to add a coat of polish.
If the auto supply store carries Megs #21 sealer $12 Purchase this then apply the gold class wax if you wish.
Gold class wax $10
Plan on spending all day doing this and you will be hurting a bit the next day as this will be a workout for all muscle groups.
Keep us informed on your progress.

 

Wow..."PaintPolisher" you were absolutely right. I woke up this morning and went and bout exactly what you said minus the #21 Sealant. I was not able to find that anywhere. So instead i got the Meg Step 3. I forget what it is but some sort of wax. So far i have washed, clayed, and applied the cleaner wax! I must say this is the best i have yet seen my car. The finish is incredible and i am only half way through! I would reccomend this for anyone who really wants a show car shine, as i am not even finished with my car and i am so amazed. Best money i have spent on my car yet! I will show you some pictures tomorrow sometime when i am completly finished.
Thanks again for replying to my post and thank you for such useful information. This is absolutely incredeible!

Thanks again everyone,
Dennis

 

Dennis you are very welcome and how did the car finish out? Did you do lots of standing around looking at the shine you just produced?
Also spray a bit of diluted QD and wipe it around in the wheel wells for that finished look where the whole car blends together.
How many hours did it take you so others who are lurking may have a rough idea on how long it will take them to just do their exterior like you did. My reason for this request is this was your first time doing a show car shine and there is a learning curve plus the standing around and looking at the finish always screws up my times by a couple of hours for sure! There is real satisfaction in starting with a OK looking car and after many hours of labor you produce that show car type shine. The process does work. Smiling is alright in my book.
Al