Tomorrow I will be doing my first detail - help me cover my bases!

xTravBx

New member
Okay. So, here's what I got -



D.A. 5 Inch Flexible Backing Plate

1- 6.5� Orange Light Cutting Pad

1- 5.5" Orange Light Cutting Pad

2- 6.5� White Polishing Pads

2- 6.5� Gray Finishing Pads

2 Cobra Microfiber Detailing Towels

1 Packet of Snappy Clean



Thats the kit I got w/ my PC7424.



I also have a couple pakshak MF towels, for buffing, etc.



I will mainly be focusing on the exterior.



The car is a BLACK 2001 VW Jetta. Paint is in nice condition, with some swirls, and minor scratches. Definitely nothing serious.



I plan on using:



Wash, then dry.



Claybar, possibly wash afterwards.



1z paint polish (not the metallic, the step above that for removal of my scratches / marring / swirls). What pad should I be using?



Next I will be using Klasse SG. I will apply this by hand, super thin, unless people reccomend using the PC for this? And if so, what pad?



Next, I will top it with ClearKote Carnauba Wax



I will be doing my buffing with my MF towels.



What are some things that I should be looking out for? That I may forget and need halfway through the job? Some tips for the first timer? I hate starting a job and having to run the store because I forgot a product.
 
For the PP, use a white pad. If you have any defects that don't get taken out, you could TRY an orange pad. Do you have AIO? I'd suggest doing AIO, then SG, then a carnauba.
 
xTravBx said:
AIO instead of my 1z?



Or AIO after my 1z?



I thought AIO was a polish?



Likewise, I suggest AIO then SG. And make sure you wait a couple days before you put anything on top of the SG. I waited a week, then applied a 2nd layer of SG, then a week later applied a coat of Duragloss Aquawax.
 
I wish a local place carried AIO. I have to order it online and wait for shipping. What a bummer. Looks like I'll be waiting to get to work a few more days, then..
 
Do you have an apron or some old clothing to wear? I've never seen a machine polisher used before so I don't know how much it will splatter, but I have seen them mentioned a few times at least in my short time on this forum. :)



Also did you wash your MFs? If they're brand new you might want to wash them first to be safe. What are you using for claybar lubricant? Don't forget to take some before and after pictures. Good luck!
 
Here's a suggestion if you don't want to wait for AIO to come in.



Since the polishing steps are the most important, and also take the longest to do, you could effectively do all your polishing, and then stop after your last pass with 1Z PP, and then protect it with a coat of carnauba. This will be just until your Klasse AIO comes in. 1Z PP does have some protectant in it already, and by adding a layer of carnauba wax, all your work will be nice and protected.



When the AIO comes in, just polish/prep the whole car with it, and then follow up with SG.



The only extra step you will do is the carnauba, not a big deal, and this will allow you to get the biggest part of the job out of the way. AIO + SG is simple and shouldn't take longer than a half hour or so.



Don't worry about the layer of carnauba you have applied, because AIO will remove that plus the protectant that was in the 1Z PP, and will leave you with a perfectly prepared surface for SG.



Remember to let SG cure for at least 24 hours before adding more layers or wax.



Hope this helps.
 
JDookie said:
Here's a suggestion if you don't want to wait for AIO to come in.



Since the polishing steps are the most important, and also take the longest to do, you could effectively do all your polishing, and then stop after your last pass with 1Z PP, and then protect it with a coat of carnauba. This will be just until your Klasse AIO comes in. 1Z PP does have some protectant in it already, and by adding a layer of carnauba wax, all your work will be nice and protected.



When the AIO comes in, just polish/prep the whole car with it, and then follow up with SG.



The only extra step you will do is the carnauba, not a big deal, and this will allow you to get the biggest part of the job out of the way. AIO + SG is simple and shouldn't take longer than a half hour or so.



Don't worry about the layer of carnauba you have applied, because AIO will remove that plus the protectant that was in the 1Z PP, and will leave you with a perfectly prepared surface for SG.



Remember to let SG cure for at least 24 hours before adding more layers or wax.



Hope this helps.



EXCELLENT ADVICE~!



Also, don't worry about an apron. I just wear old shorts and tee shirts. Make sure you use product aparingly, and after applying product to your PC pad, tap it on the paint in a few areas b-4 truning on. Place the PC pad on the paint b-4 turning on and off.



When you use the Klasse,----especially the SG, use no more than a dime sized drop per panel on a MF applicator pad.
 
Back
Top