Newbie Question! What is the "Ultimate" detail job.

[nosml]

I am new to the world of detailing your car to the ultra extreme, but am ready to jump on in. A little bit of history, I wash my car once a week, and wax once a month. All my products are currently Maguire’s Gold Class. Going from post to post, what is the “Ultimate” way to detail to get the best results possible? So, do I...

1.) Clean the surface with a normal car wash.
2.) Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol.
3.) Dawn the surface
4.) Clay
5.) Prewax/Swirl Remover
6.) Wax
7.) Tire treatment, etc.

Also, everyone seems to be using Zaino or Zymol, is it okay to keep using Maguire’s? And where is the best place to by my supplies?

[Bill Lessard]

Welcome to the best darn detailing "Forum" on the web. The Ultimate detailing is right at your finger tips. Go to the top left and click on Autopia Guide to Detailing. That will give you a great start.
Then start reading the archives, and ask questions to all the obsessed car nuts on this website.
Then practice, practice, practice, as Paul Hornung used to say. When you have it right, you'll know. Then you can post a picture of your ride, and I'm sure we will all agree with you. It's that simple.
Again welcome aboard, and read, read, read! Enjoy!
(Oh yes, detailing is therapy!)

[Tiger88]

I don't think there's one answer for the perfect detailing job. There are just too many variables. Different people like different types of finish. Some are looking for long lasting, some are looking for cheap, some are looking for strength, etc. Also, there are all different kinds of paint and environmental conditions. What works great for you on one car may not work the same on another. You just have to play around with the different options and then use whatever you think is right for the job at hand.

[Chuckmotor]

Personally, I like the shine and reflection that the Gold Class wax has to offer. It's not very durable, but if you wax frequently, it will keep looking great and give pretty good protection. Get the E-book an you'll learn a ton!

[Guess My Name]

Welcome to the forum.

You only need a dawn wash if you want to remove any oils and gook so that a sealant can bond properly.

If you have swirls in certain areas then attack those with a SMR first then you can apply your wax of choice.

If you wax once a month you should have no problems with durability.

Read the e-book. Read the tips on the carport site. Read few threads after doing searches. Most here use many products for the fun of it. I know I do.

Good luck.

[thereds]

What does 'dawn the surface' mean?

[Tiger88]

It means to use Dawn dishsoap to wash the car. You wouldn't normally want to wash your car with dish detergent, but it's done specifically for removing the wax finish in preparation for a new coat. Generally, the blue Dawn seems to be preferred.