Want to get my car BEAUTIFUL!

TRD_Power

TRD_Power

New member
Hey everybody,

Sorry for posting this because I know all I really need to do is search... well I have and I keep getting a bunch of jumbled around things. Anyways, my car isn't in the best shape it usually is because school has consumed my life. As of now it has little bits of road tar, dirt, swirl marks, and just all around not the best :( What's the best process to just remove everything and get it in the best condition? I typically do everything by hand.

What I usually do every year:

-Rinse the car off with just water.
-Soap it up and clean from top to bottom
-Clay bar
-Light polishing compound to remove swirls (doesn't
get them all).
-Cleaner wax
-Paste wax

I know this is not the most professional way to do things, but the car typically looks great afterwards, just not perfect :( What steps and products would you all recommend? Also, I bought some used Work wheels some time back and there are some spots (alomst appear as water spots) on the polished aluminum, how do I go about getting these off?

Thanks!
 
You don't have to shoot for utter perfection. You have a busy schedule. It still sounds like you are taking care of your car though. You are still doing more than a lot of people. You probably just need to do it more than once per year. Even choosing the right products will save you some time.

Since I'm sure your schedule isn't going to change any time soon, I'll tailor my suggestions around that fact. You mentioned that you were working by hand. That limits your swirl removing capabilities a little. Swirl removal can be done by hand, but it takes a good amount of time and patience.

Wash the car using your regular car soap. For spot that have tar or bugs, grab some Poorboy's Bug Squash. It works really, really well in getting that tough stuff off.

Your next step is to clay the car. You've done that before, so no explanation is needed.

Next up is your polishing step. I'd stick with a paint cleaner or all in one type product. They can clean and lightly polish your paint. They won't remove swirls, but they can lighten the appearance of them. Being a light colored metallic, I'd go with something like Poorboy's Polish with Sealant or Optimum Poli-Seal.

You final step would be your protection. I'd stick with a sealant since they tend to be more clear and let the metal flake "pop" a little bit more. Plus, sealants tend to be more durable and that fits you schedule requirements. Poorboy's EX-P would be a great choice. Menzerna FMJ is also a sealant I like a lot. One last suggestion would be Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection. A couple coats of any of those products will give you excellent shine and protection.

Since you tend to go a long time between details, I'd look to ways to boost the protection of the paint. After you wash and dry the car, you can use a spray sealant or wax. They'll give you a nice boost to protection and refresh the look. Optimum Car Wax, Four Star's spray sealant or even a wipe on, walk away product like Opti-Seal would be excellent choices in that department.

Adding a quick detailer to use after washing is also a good idea. There are plenty to choose from. Poorboy's QD+ is fantastic and has become one of my favorites.
 
That's some great information! Thank you so much! I used to be on top of washing and waxing the car when I was JUST working, but ever since school came back around, this year the car has gone undetailed :( Poorboy's sounds like the one to check out and I will do so for sure! What are your thoughts on that Eagle One nanotechnology spray on/wipe off wax for a quick shine after the main detail? I have also never used it, but there's a liquid claybar out there that looks easy, but I imagine it's hocus pocus along with the Eagle one stuff. Thanks again!
 
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