New member w/some questions

[Somedevil]

I'm glad to have found this place, its been amazingly informative and fun to read.

I've got a new (6k miles) Toyota Solara, Oceanus Pearl color, which is like a metallic blue. I want to keep it looking new, and have an idea of where I want to start:

Megs Gold Class Shampoo
#16, which I've used my entire adult life and am very partial to.
Gonna buy the PC from here to save myself some work.

Here are my questions though, and I guess what I need some help/clarification with:

About using a polish...With a new car, is it necessary, just preferable, or not needed at this time? The finish is immaculate thanks to regular washing since I got the car, and strategic parking to avoid parking lot dings, scratches etc....

If I should polish, it should be mild I realize....Would P21S Paintwork Cleansing Lotion do the trick? Or is there something even milder I haven't spotted while pouring thru the posts here?

There is a spot or two that could use claying, should this be done before or after polishing?

And finally, I realize #16 and P21S Paintwork can both be applied with the PC, but it is it actually better or more effective to buff by hand? I've seen more than a few comments from people who seem to apply with the PC but remove by hand, so I'm unsure about this.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks!

[tumbler]

I've polished many new cars and have found no ill effects. I'm more partial to polymer polishes than carubas. I normally clay front bumer, lower ends near grill and lower fender areas. If anything goes beyond clay work, My PC is right there. But I normally use it for swirl removal and scratches. But there is the odd time I'll use to apply meg's machine glaze. One thing you will learn, at least I did from this wonderful forum is to research on this board, then experiment on your own and post your findings.

[HRP]

Welcome to the board! If you have a car with a "perfect" finish, ie: one that you are satisfied with (no swirls, finne scratches, etc), you should protect it with a wax, glaze, or sealant. Almost anyone on this board will tell you that the preparation is the basis for a great appearance. After washing and drying the car, Put you hand in a plastic bag (sandwich) and rub it over the surface. It it is not absolutely smooth to your fingers, you need to use a claybar. Then follow with the surface protectant of your choice. I am a "Zaino Zealot" and believe that (in your case) Z-2 (Show Car Polish)+ ZFX wil give you the long lasting protection and appearance you seek. With the many different quality car care products available, you will find a plethora of diverse opinions and suggestions. Use the "Learn" and "Reviews" sections, as well as the "Forums" of Autopia to educate yourself and decide what to try. www.zainostore.com has information about their products, application information and tips, and Sal Zaino can be emailed directly for further information. Good luck.

[Somedevil]

Thanks guys! I've read, and learned a ton here so far, it's just a great place. I definitely am happy with my cars finish, can't find a scratch or a swirl anywhere. But it does need bug removal and claying on the front bumper and claying in a few other spots.

I think I'm gonna skip the polish, apply #16 with the PC and buff by hand..And then later experiment a bit and learn about other products and options as I go along.

Thanks again!

-Carl

[4DSC]

Welcome to Autopia Carl.

P21S GEPC is one of the milder products out there. It's sold as a pre-cleaner step for the wax, so it's perfectly okay (and not a bad idea) to use it even on a brand-new car.

I would definitely use something like this or at the least use a glaze before waxing. It should help the appearance of the finish.

If you have a PC you can certainly use it to apply all your waxes and polishes if you like. Some people like the evenness and speed of application this way. Just be sure to pick appropriate pads for the jobs.

[Somedevil]

Thanks for the welcome, and the info Brian!

I'm gonna pass on the polish this time around, but now that I know it's safe for a new car I'm definitely going to apply it next time to see the difference that results.

I got to goof around today with the PC thanks to a friend of mine who let me test his PC out on his train station parking lot car...I'm amazed at how easy it is to handle and looking forward to using it on my car. I was a little skeptical about it being safe even for a newbie like me.

--Carl

[Jimmy Buffit]

Have you put a 500 watt halogen light on the car, at a 45 degree angle? Still no swirls?

Yep, thought so. You just gotta look for em!

Time for a mild polish...

Jim

[a.k.a. Patrick]

Id, at a minimum, polish up 1/2 the hood, stand back and see what you really prefer Carl.....Youd be amazed at what the polish will do......

[Accumulator]

Somedevil- Welcome to Autopia. I too like #16, it's a great wax. I especially like applying it by PC and removing it with a MF bonnet.

Clay first, then polish/wax. There's no problem working with a car as new as yours.

For your next detailing, don't worry too much about how abrasive the "mild" polishes/cleaners are, they won't hurt anything. There are a number of them that are *very* user-friendly, and will truly enhance your vehicle's appearance: P21S GEPC, Pinnacle PCL, 1Z Metallic Polish, Klasse AIO, Autoglym SRP, Meguiar's #81 Hand Glaze, and others. These all work well (by hand or PC, which I *greatly* prefer) before #16; you might want to give one of them a try.

[Somedevil]

OK, I'm convinced, even without the 500w Halogen test!

Of course, now I have to get the polish, a couple more pads and towels...I can see where this is all going. If I'm happy with the results, I'm going to become obsessed. Might as well just add an extra shelf to the garage to hold all the car care stuff!

[StickKing1]

Originally posted by Somedevil
Might as well just add an extra shelf to the garage to hold all the car care stuff!

Extra shelf!!?? Might as well begin work on the extra GARAGE!