Helpful Threads For Newbies

[volvie!]

Hi Everyone,

As a newbie myself, I have been searching through the forums and have come across a number of old threads that I think still have valuable information that every newbie could benefit from ( and may clear up some of the typical "newbie confusion" and help a little with the infamous "newbie information overload" syndrome ).

Perhaps this thread could become a sticky like the "Decoder Ring" thread and could be added to over time...?

Besides learning the basics of the process, one of my biggest questions is:
What are the gentlest products that will make my car look good now, but also maintain it for the long run so that it will still look good in another 20-30 years?

Here's what I found helpful in answering this question:
-Is there anything you would do different if you were looking to preserve your car versus make it as shiny as possible?:
good products for the long-term?

-Hazards of Over Polishing Paint:
Over Polishing Paint - Autopia.org

-Compounds, Polishes, and Glazes organized by cutting ability:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...ives-list.html

-Validity of "Autopia's Abrasive Scale:"
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...ive-scale.html

-Chart of Manufacturer's cutting ability and foam pad choices:
Detailer's Product Charts

-Abrasives Levels of Meguair's Products:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...-products.html

-New Abrasives Chart (Polish Cut Levels):
New Abrasives Chart

-Polishes versus Glazes (Specific to Meguaiar's products):
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...confusion.html


Feel free to reply to this post with other threads you have found helpful, or provide great answers to FAQs (i.e., tips for black/dark cars, detailing machine basics, clear coat failure, oxidation, scratches, swirls, hand detailing techniques/products etc.). Please add a title or header above the threads for easier browsing in the future (I will also try to edit this post so that all the information can be accessed in the first post).

Thanks.

**Edit (Includes links through comment #27 on page 3):
The links are coming in! Thanks everyone!
Below, I've tried organizing them by category for easier searching (Some topics are included in more than one category):

The Basics (The Place to Start):
-Autopia Learning Library:
AUTOPIA LEARNING LIBRARY - Autopia.org

-Including "The Guide to Detailing:"
Guide to Detailing - Autopia.org

-And, The "Paint Clinic:"
Paint Clinic - Autopia.org

-As well as Articles and Videos:
Detailing Articles & Videos - Autopia.org
Car Detailing videos - How to detail, polish and wax your Car

Paint:
-The "Paint Clinic:"
Paint Clinic - Autopia.org

-The Clearcoat Failure Archive (great pictures of CC failure):
The Clearcoat Failure Photo Archive - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-How to Tell if You Have Clear Coat:
meguiars.com: FAQ - How can I tell if I have a clear coat finish?

-Oxidation Pictures:
Need Quick Replies! Oxidation Help! - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online
1998 Black Altima (image heavy) - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-Paint Workability (Hard versus Soft Paint):
Paint Workability - The Hardness or Softness of your car's paint - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-Soft Paint:
What is the meaning of soft paint? - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-How Much Paint are You Removing?:
How much paint are you removing. - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-Paint and Detailing with Diagrams:
Detailing basics - diagrams & dialog (long but worthwhile) - DetailCity.org - Auto Detailing Forum

-Which Method Removes More Paint?:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...shock-you.html

-Swirl Removal by Hand:
** Test - Swirl Removal By Hand ** - Autopia.org

-Chip repair...in three simple weeks!:
Chip repair...in three simple weeks! - Autopia.org

-A small "how-to" on chip repair/wetsanding (by Picus):
A small "how-to" on chip repair/wetsanding + spring cleaning (black G35) (56k = owie) - Autopia.org

-Method for fixing deep scratches and rock chips:
Method for fixing deep scratches and rock chips - bimmerfest - BMW Forums

-Removing Water Spots From Paint:
How To Remove Water Spots - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-Factory Paint Versus Re-paint:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...oning-one.html

-Repaint/Body Work Advice:
Body work...things to be aware of

Techniques:
-Accumulator's Non-Marring Wash Technique:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...technique.html

-Scottwax "how I wash cars" thread (contains current product list):
Since others are posting "how I wash cars" threads, here is mine - Autopia.org

-ONR (Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine) The Definitive Thread:
ONR: The Definitive Thread

-Detailing a panel at a time. Is it okay?:
Detailing a panel at a time. Is it okay?
Especially post #5 (on page one) by detail1

-Little Tricks You've Learned:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...ed-thread.html

-Detailing Secrets, AOL/CNN article:
Link:
CNN Detailing Secrets
If link doesn't work, here's a post with a copy of the text:
Detailing Secrets - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-Efficiency Tips:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/profess...ency-tips.html

-Clay or Polish-- Which is first?:
Claying question - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online
Especially post #3 on page one by "the other pc"
Related link:
Polish or Clay

-Straight Line Versus Circular Application:
Circles or Straight Lines? - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-How long should I leave X product (i.e., paint cleaner, polish, etc.) on before removing?:
Which products need to dry before removing? - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-Plastic Lighting Restoration (GSRstilez):
Plastic Lighting Restoration - A Guide to... - Autopia.org

-Applying Masking Tape (How to Tape Off a Car):
MASKING- Looking for the RIGHT way to do it - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-Removing Tape Residue:
oh no... masking tape residue stuck on plastic...

Glass:
-Glass Cleaning Technique:
My Glass Cleaning Method

-Glass Cleaning (Waterspots):
Glass Cleaning
Especially post #12 (on page one) by TOGWT

-Detailing Glass:
Detailing Glass

-Glass Cleaning Article:
Good "Glass Cleaning" Article

Carpet:
-Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by GSRstilez:
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by GSRstilez - Autopia.org

-David Fermani's process for Manually Cleaning Carpets:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...g-carpets.html

-Carpet Cleaning Techniques and Extractor Discussion:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/profess...ips-using.html
Especially Comment #25 by Grouse here:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/profess...s-using-3.html

-Shop Vac Tip:
More efficient vacuuming

-Is my Wet/Dry Shop Vac Strong Enough to Extract?:
Is my wet/dry vac strong enough to extract? - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online
Especially post #5 on page one by "SHYNEMAN123"

Leather:
--Note: I've been informed that some of these links may contain some wrong info. See comments #16 and #20 below. Update to follow...
-Proper Leather Care:
Proper Leather Care

-Leather Treatment Clinic:
My leather treatment clinic - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

-Leather, What's the Truth?:
Dammit, I want the truth!

-Leatherique Product Review:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...er-system.html

Metal:
-Aluminum:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/machine...-standard.html

-Best Metal Polish:
Best metal polish?

-Emblems:
How to clean emblems

Products:
-Advice on Searching for "Best Products":
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...s-threads.html

-Scottwax "how I wash cars" thread (contains current product list):
Since others are posting "how I wash cars" threads, here is mine - Autopia.org

-GSRstilez's Hall of Fame Products (aka My Favorites) - v.2k5:
GSRstilez’s Hall of Fame Products (aka My Favorites) - v.2k4 - Autopia.org

-Top Products (Various):
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...-products.html

-Member Picks-- If You Could Only Have One Product (in each care category):
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...h-product.html

-Member Product Collection Photos:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...lies-here.html

-ONR (Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine) The Definitive Thread:
ONR: The Definitive Thread

-ONR Applicators/Wash Mitts?:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...-hesitent.html

-How to use Zaino (with comments by Sal Zaino):
How to use Zaino (with comments by Sal Zaino) - Autopia.org

-Zaino Z5 Pro vs. Zaino Z2 Pro - thoughts & images:
Zaino Z5 Pro vs. Zaino Z2 Pro - thoughts & images - Autopia.org

-Meguiar's #7, by Mike Phillips:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...-phillips.html

-Best Pure (Paint) Polish?:
Best Pure Polish?

-Best Microfiber for drying?:
What is the best Microfiber towel on the market for Drying cars???

-Best Metal Polish:
Best metal polish?

-Carpet Cleaning Techniques and Extractor Discussion:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/profess...ips-using.html

-Leatherique Product Review:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...er-system.html

Machine Detailing:
-Where and What to Tape:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/machine...what-tape.html

-Applying Masking Tape (How to Tape Off a Car):
MASKING- Looking for the RIGHT way to do it - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

-Which Method Removes More Paint?:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...shock-you.html

-A guide to rotary polishing..........including the Zenith Point Rotary Technique:buffer:
A guide to rotary polishing - Autopia.org

-Rotary Polishing Guide by Dave KG:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ypolishing.pdf

-DA Polishing Guide by Dave KG
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...apolishing.pdf

-Some "how to"s; how to use #83, the Menzernas, and how to make the PC do rotary work:
Some "how to"s; how to use #83, the Menzernas, and how to make the PC do rotary work - Autopia.org

-Menzerna polish “break down� stages part II by blkyukon:
Polish break down stages - Autopia.org

After Detail Clean-Up:
-Removing Tape Residue:
oh no... masking tape residue stuck on plastic...

-Caring for detailing towels, pads, etc.:
Thoughts and Insights

-Towel and Applicator Care:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...ator-care.html

-Supply Organization:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...-products.html

Words of Encouragement and Advice:
-All you Need is Technique and Patience:
Technique and patience

-Worst Mistakes:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...detailing.html

-Car Washing Horror Stories:
Car Washing Horror Stories

-Craziest Detailing "Advice":
Craziest detailing "advise" you have heard...

-Detailing Misconceptions:
Most commonly encountered detailing misinformation??

Other Link Collections for Newbies:
Internet Resources for Newbs - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

[Dane Guy]

Good stuff.

[condor]

Thanks! As a fellow newbie, this is very helpful.

[Eliot Ness]

Below are some threads I have saved over the years (in no particular order). Some are a bit dated but still contain some useful information:

Zaino Z5 Pro vs. Zaino Z2 Pro - thoughts & images:
Zaino Z5 Pro vs. Zaino Z2 Pro - thoughts & images - Autopia.org

How to use Zaino (with comments by Sal Zaino):
How to use Zaino (with comments by Sal Zaino) - Autopia.org

Test - Swirl Removal By Hand (Dave KG):
** Test - Swirl Removal By Hand ** - Autopia.org

Accumulator's Non-Marring Wash Technique:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...technique.html

Some "how to"s; how to use #83, the Menzernas, and how to make the PC do rotary work:
Some "how to"s; how to use #83, the Menzernas, and how to make the PC do rotary work - Autopia.org

GSRstilez's Hall of Fame Products (aka My Favorites) - v.2k5:
GSRstilez’s Hall of Fame Products (aka My Favorites) - v.2k4 - Autopia.org

Scottwax "how I wash cars" thread (contains current product list):
Since others are posting "how I wash cars" threads, here is mine - Autopia.org

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by GSRstilez:
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by GSRstilez - Autopia.org

David Fermani's process for Manually Cleaning Carpets:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...g-carpets.html

Menzerna polish “break down� stages part II by blkyukon:
Polish break down stages - Autopia.org

Chip repair...in three simple weeks!:
Chip repair...in three simple weeks! - Autopia.org

A small "how-to" on chip repair/wetsanding (by Picus):
A small "how-to" on chip repair/wetsanding + spring cleaning (black G35) (56k = owie) - Autopia.org

Method for fixing deep scratches and rock chips:
Method for fixing deep scratches and rock chips - bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Meguiar's #7, by Mike Phillips:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...-phillips.html

The Clearcoat Failure Archive (great pictures of CC failure):
The Clearcoat Failure Photo Archive - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

Plastic Lighting Restoration (GSRstilez):
Plastic Lighting Restoration - A Guide to... - Autopia.org

A guide to rotary polishing..........including the Zenith Point Rotary Technique:buffer:
A guide to rotary polishing - Autopia.org

Rotary Polishing Guide by Dave KG:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ypolishing.pdf

DA Polishing Guide by Dave KG
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...apolishing.pdf

[jedovaty]

There was a link last year to I think a bmw website that had a guy showing his process of chip repair (touchup + wetsand with pencil eraser tip?), in addition to the ones John above linked to.. I remember it was very good. Does anyone have it bookmarked? I wasn't succcessful in searching for it.

[citizen arcane]

This primer is a great read:

Paint Clinic - Autopia.org

Don't forget the videos:

Car Detailing videos - How to detail, polish and wax your Car

[gators241987]

great thread. tons of helpful links. I will try to post some as well in a little bit.

[Eliot Ness]

There was a link last year to I think a bmw website that had a guy showing his process of chip repair (touchup + wetsand with pencil eraser tip?), in addition to the ones John above linked to.. I remember it was very good. Does anyone have it bookmarked? I wasn't succcessful in searching for it.

I think I found it and added it to my list.

[jedovaty]

I think I found it and added it to my list.

Awesome, thanks!!

[RZJZA80]

vote for sticky

[Dane Guy]

+1 Sticky!

[Saleenman607]

AWESOME site,SUPERGREAT info,and QUALITY folks.......can't go wrong. If you love all things automotive....your in the right place.