Newbie needing help

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01somta

New member
I have a 93 mercede's silver mustang. I need to know what the best multi-step process there is and what products should I use. I currently just wash once a week and wax every 3 months or so. I'm pretty much clueless. I use meguire's NXT which I like, but if there is something better then I open to anything. My paint is in very good shape with only a few minor scratchs in the clear. I don't mind working hard to make the car look good.



1. wash

2. clay bar (what brand?)

3. wash

4. ?

5. ?

6. ?

7. Tire spray (what brand?)
 
toyotaguy said:
all done by hand or some with machine....
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I have a craftsman orbital buffer, but I don't use it alot. At the moment most by hand and then maybe I will get a porter cable
 
So here is what I have found;



P21S bodywork conditioning shampoo

Klasse high gloss sealant glaze

Pinnacle Souveran or p21S Concours caranauba wax

Poorboy's Bold n Bright tire spray



How does this sound so far?
 
Hi Silver...first and foremost, welcome to Autopia :welcome



In regards to your question, paint prep contributes 90% of the paint's overall gleam with your last step product (LSP) contributing the rest...so definitely do not skip out on the prep. Although you can get nice results by hand, the best results are achieved by machine when it comes to mechanical polishing. I would recommend the following for polishing/glazing:



1. Menzerna polishes (Intensive Polish and Final Polish II) - I have sampled several polishes but I always come back to these twins. A close second goes to Optimum Polish (extremely versatile product that has nice defective removal range.



In regards to LSP products I would recommend this for your car:



1. Klasse Sealant Glaze (SG) - the name is very confusing in that it's not really a glaze but an LSP. You can layer several times to improve both looks and durability (I recommend 2 or 3). The look is very "glass-like" in that it makes my clear coat look several inches thick. Application can be tricky - apply extremely thin (almost that you cannot see it) or it will be difficult to remove. I personally always top SG with a carnauba wax --> which leads me to my second choice.



2. Pinnacle Paste Glaz (PG) - Unfortunately this product has been discontinued, but a few members here might be willing to part with some for the right price. Honestly, durability is only decent, but this wax is all about enhancing the beauty of light-colored cars. As I alluded to earlier, put 2 to 3 layers of SG on your car then top with PG and you get the best of both worlds.



3. Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection (UPP) - Another option that goes really well with silver. Polish and go straight to UPP. Leaves the surface extremely slick and with a liquid glow. I may be in the minority here, but I do not get more than 2 months of protection...but this is one of the easiest LSP to apply and remove so you could throw another layer on really quick and not have to worry about durability.



In regards to car wash, I really like Meg's Gold Class or NXT shampoos - They are available everywhere and are extremely cost effective. For online shampoos, I just received Chemical Guys Maxi Suds (Danase) and was really blown away...definitely my favorite. Key things are to focus on your actual washing and drying technique, soap is not going to save you if you have poor wahsing/drying habits.



For tire shine, I really like Mothers FX Tire Shine. Easy application and pretty good durability for a water-based product.



Sorry for the long post, but welcome to Autopia.
 
If you aren't going to buy a PC, I wouldn't even bother trying to polish by hand. You're going to get frustrated after the first panel and give up (and then wonder why you didn't buy the PC in the first place :P ).



after your wash/clay/wash, I'd go Klasse All-In-One followed by several layers of Four Star's Ultimate Paint Protection. Good durablity, great looks on silver
 
Neothin said:
If you aren't going to buy a PC, I wouldn't even bother trying to polish by hand. You're going to get frustrated after the first panel and give up (and then wonder why you didn't buy the PC in the first place :P ).



after your wash/clay/wash, I'd go Klasse All-In-One followed by several layers of Four Star's Ultimate Paint Protection. Good durablity, great looks on silver
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When you say PC are you referring to porter cable? If so I was wondering why everybody uses the 7424 when the min. setting is 2,500rpms and everything that I read says use at 1,500rpms. I'm not questioning your knowledge I just curious. What is the best band for the buck when it come to orbital buffers?
 
Neothin said:
If you aren't going to buy a PC, I wouldn't even bother trying to polish by hand. You're going to get frustrated after the first panel and give up (and then wonder why you didn't buy the PC in the first place :P ).



after your wash/clay/wash, I'd go Klasse All-In-One followed by several layers of Four Star's Ultimate Paint Protection. Good durablity, great looks on silver
Click to expand...




so the UPP a wax also or do I need to apply a wax?
 
UPP is a polymer sealant, and you don't HAVE to apply a wax over it if you don't want to. Many UPP users prefer to leave it untopped. I like how it looks untopped, and the slickness is unreal. But I also love the way it looks with Paste Glaz or Nattys on top.
 
Silverfox said:
When you say PC are you referring to porter cable? If so I was wondering why everybody uses the 7424 when the min. setting is 2,500rpms and everything that I read says use at 1,500rpms. I'm not questioning your knowledge I just curious. What is the best band for the buck when it come to orbital buffers?
Click to expand...



Whatever you are reading is probably referring to a rotary or circular buffer, which is generally used between 1,000 and 2,000 revolutions per minute. The difference is it spins as opposed to the simulated hand polishing motion that the PC does. (Two concurrent motions) Or randomly orbits. Orbits Per Minute.
 
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