How to detail a brand new car?

Kincade

Kincade

New member
Hi everyone, it's been a little while since i've posted here... My wife just bought a brand new WRX from the dealer, and she wants me to detail it for her. Still has the remnants of the adhesive from the protective film they ship with it, but it looks pretty good?

Anyway, the question is - what do YOU do to a new car? Just a claybar and protectant? Or is it good to do a light SMR as well?

Let me know what you think!
 
I'd do a clay bar to remove any rail dust and other carp from shipping. Then look at the paint for swrils I kind of doubt that there will be many of at all. Then polish or paint cleaner and follow up with a good wax or sealant.

You could also skip the polish with a AIO like Klasse or PB polish with carnuba its what I ues a lot of.
 
What kind of polish would you recommend? I usually go from megs SMR to the sealant (zaino 5,2). Would the megs #9 be adequate for the polish? Or is it too agressive for a bran new car?
 
I 'm not that great with the Megs line of product. If the cars looks good on the swril front being not many or liveable. I would use Klasse or PB polish with carnuba AIO. Then follow with a sealant the PB is a good one as well.
If you have a dark color I would think about a SWR for good measure. I like 3M product but PB has some good stuff as well
 
Swirl Mark Remover 2.0 (#9) from Meguiar's and 3M SMR are both super mild and should be no problem for any car. They won't get out anything but the mildest swirls. Only problem is that they are loaded with oils and fillers, so you'll have to do the dreaded Dawn wash afterwards if you are going to use Z. If you are going with Klasse, then it'll be fine to just go straight to AIO then SG.
 
For remnants of adhesive from protective shipping film----Might try 3M Trim and Adhesive Remover. Safe on your paint. Little dab where needed, let sit for 30 secs and then wipe off.

Rail dust and other contaminants acquired during transit-----Might try poly clay bar with plenty of lubricant.

Polish----if there aren't any swirl marks, why use a SMR? Although a SMR like 3M's or Megs is mild, it still contains abrasives. Why use an abrasive if not needed? If needed, I'd start with a polishing pad (White pad if from LC) with the PC. SMR with polishing pad will remove faint swirl marks.

Polish----Might try a finishing polish like P21S GEPC. If no swirl marks, just use a finishing polish like P21S GEPC. If using PC, use polishing pad.

Assuming that you don't have any swirl marks and that you have Zaino products you desire to use, I might try something like this.....

1. Little dab of 3M Trim & Adhesive Remover only where needed, let sit 30 secs and wipe clean.

2. Dawn Wash

3. Poly claybar with plenty of lubricant (like diluted Z-7)

4. Quickie wash w/ Z-7 auto wash to remove clay residue

5. P21S GEPC using PC and foam polishing pad

6. Another guickie Z-7 wash

7. Z-6 Wipe down

8. Your choice of Z-2 or Z-5 with ZFX

9. Repeat steps 7 & 8 twice for a total of three layers

10. Final Z-6 wipe down

11. Cold beverage of your choice while standing back to admire
 
Hey Kincade

What color is the car that would be helpful in understanding the process. I've made mention of that in my first post. I have two cars a black BMW and a light colored Jeep. I do two dofferent things on each. In other words what works and looks good for one does not do the same for the other. Both are garged cars and 3 years old and babied BIG TIME
 
I agree with everything said. I prepped my new car in May. Skipped the clay, car was delivered by boat, paint was smooth as glass. Its so great to have a 100% swirl free finish!
 
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