first full detail....newbie help

V

vol_freak1

New member
OK, I have been reading these forums for a couple of weeks now and have learned a lot (thanks to all you experienced detailers). Since the rain has finally stopped I am attemping my first full detail. After reading through many opinions on brands of waxes, polishes, etc. I decided to start out with the Meguiars professional line since I could by it locally. Today I washed, clayed and then washed again. Tomorrow I will use #9, #7, and then top with liquid glass. I know these may not be the best choice compared to zaino, klasse, etc. but I thought it was a good place for me to start. I am using a cheap orbital buffer with foam pads. Again, I know this may not be the best way to do it, but I want to do a detail now and it will be next month before I order my Porter Cable orbital buffer.



Now for my questions......



I just got this truck a couple of months ago and it has some light scratches in the paint. Looks like maybe from a drive through car wash. They are really only noticable on the hood under the flourescent lighting of my garage. I am curious if the #9 will help or if I should use the 3M perfect it fine cut compound that I also bought? Or, in other words, which should I use first to attempt to get out the scratches. #9 then compound if the #9 doesn't work or use the compound first. And with the compound, should I only attack the scratches or do the entire panel/hood?



Also, any tips for applying and removing these various products? My guess is to do the compound/polish panel by panel and remove it before it dries too long. I also read here that I need to really work in the polish until it is almost dry. Someone mentioned the h pattern.



Sorry for the long post. I apoligize if these are dumb questions. I have read and searched so much on this forum I am not sure if I am getting smarter or dumber (information overload :doh )



Thanks again to all of you who post here!



btw, the truck is a 2001 maroon expedition if that matters.
 
Welcome vol_freak! :wavey



If you're using Liquid Glass, I would definitely skip the #7 since it's been long held (so far) that "polymer" style waxes shouldn't be applied over glaze, but a clean surface instead. Finish with #9 and I think it should be ready.



If you have a few localized scratches, tackle those separately - no need to aggressively attack paint that doesn't need it. If you have scratches all over the place then that's different of course.



Your polishing method sounds good to me. Since you're using a cheap orbital though, you may want to try the trick of polishing with a folded cotton terry towel instead if you find the orbital doesn't cut it (no pun intended ;)).
 
Well I finished. Whew! I think it turned out ok. I decided to stick with the #9 and tackle the tougher scratches next time.
 

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Nice work using what you have.



A couple of suggestions. Once you get the PC, try the #9 again before you give up. You would be amazed at what the PC will remove. Then if it doesn't work, try the fine cut cleaner or DACP.



If you want to stick with Meguiar's, I would recommend you try #20. Easy to use, and beads water well, and lasts longer than any wax.



Other than that, :xyxthumbs
 
thanks guys......



2wheelsx2 thanks for the info. I will try the #9 again when I get the PC. I was pretty pleased with the results I had. Most of the scratches are gone/hidden. I will definately try this again when I get my PC.



I thought about trying #20, but was unable to find it locally.
 
Hmm...you may want to find a NAPA or an autobody supply store, they usually have the full line of Meguiar's stuff.



If you want to go to a polymer and only want to do local purchasing, try a Mercedes, BMW, or Acura dealership for Klasse. I know the local Acura dealer here carries the Klasse twins.
 
Wow, great job!



Liquid Glass is a nice localy avalible polymer. But, Zaino does have a lot more to offer if you can get some.



Nice Expedition too.
 
2wheelsx2 said:
I know the local Acura dealer here carries the Klasse twins.
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:shocked THEY DO?!? :eek: :eek: Which one? Last year I called everywhere and no one had the stuff! There's never been a source of Klasse in Canada before, and people have been looking forever AFAIK.



10 lashes with a wet noodle to you for not sharing earlier Gary! :nono ;)
 
2wheelsx2 said:
Hmm...you may want to find a NAPA or an autobody supply store, they usually have the full line of Meguiar's stuff.



If you want to go to a polymer and only want to do local purchasing, try a Mercedes, BMW, or Acura dealership for Klasse. I know the local Acura dealer here carries the Klasse twins.
Click to expand...



I will check that out tomorrow. I had no idea that these places may carry Klasse. Thanks for the info!



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Thanks for the compliments volvoguy. I plan on maybe trying Klasse or Zaino next



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Btw, I can't believe how slick/smooth my truck feels after I did this! I realize I may be obsessed because I have gone out to my garage several times to feel the fenders with my fingers. Of course I wipe off the fingerprints afterwards:xyxthumbs. My wife thinks I'm nuts.
 
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