first full detail....newbie help

[vol_freak]

OK, I have been reading these forums for a couple of weeks now and have learned a lot (thanks to all you experienced detailers). Since the rain has finally stopped I am attemping my first full detail. After reading through many opinions on brands of waxes, polishes, etc. I decided to start out with the Meguiars professional line since I could by it locally. Today I washed, clayed and then washed again. Tomorrow I will use #9, #7, and then top with liquid glass. I know these may not be the best choice compared to zaino, klasse, etc. but I thought it was a good place for me to start. I am using a cheap orbital buffer with foam pads. Again, I know this may not be the best way to do it, but I want to do a detail now and it will be next month before I order my Porter Cable orbital buffer.



Now for my questions......



I just got this truck a couple of months ago and it has some light scratches in the paint. Looks like maybe from a drive through car wash. They are really only noticable on the hood under the flourescent lighting of my garage. I am curious if the #9 will help or if I should use the 3M perfect it fine cut compound that I also bought? Or, in other words, which should I use first to attempt to get out the scratches. #9 then compound if the #9 doesn`t work or use the compound first. And with the compound, should I only attack the scratches or do the entire panel/hood?



Also, any tips for applying and removing these various products? My guess is to do the compound/polish panel by panel and remove it before it dries too long. I also read here that I need to really work in the polish until it is almost dry. Someone mentioned the h pattern.



Sorry for the long post. I apoligize if these are dumb questions. I have read and searched so much on this forum I am not sure if I am getting smarter or dumber (information overload :doh )



Thanks again to all of you who post here!



btw, the truck is a 2001 maroon expedition if that matters.

[shaf]

Welcome vol_freak! :wavey



If you`re using Liquid Glass, I would definitely skip the #7 since it`s been long held (so far) that "polymer" style waxes shouldn`t be applied over glaze, but a clean surface instead. Finish with #9 and I think it should be ready.



If you have a few localized scratches, tackle those separately - no need to aggressively attack paint that doesn`t need it. If you have scratches all over the place then that`s different of course.



Your polishing method sounds good to me. Since you`re using a cheap orbital though, you may want to try the trick of polishing with a folded cotton terry towel instead if you find the orbital doesn`t cut it (no pun intended ;)).

[vol_freak]

Well I finished. Whew! I think it turned out ok. I decided to stick with the #9 and tackle the tougher scratches next time.

[vol_freak]

closer up....

[vol_freak]

last one.....thanks for the replys.

[shaf]

Looks nice to me. :)

[imported_ragman]

Looks Great ! Excellent Shine !

[Accumulator]

vol_freak- Good job! :up

[2wheelsx2]

Nice work using what you have.



A couple of suggestions. Once you get the PC, try the #9 again before you give up. You would be amazed at what the PC will remove. Then if it doesn`t work, try the fine cut cleaner or DACP.



If you want to stick with Meguiar`s, I would recommend you try #20. Easy to use, and beads water well, and lasts longer than any wax.



Other than that, :xyxthumbs

[vol_freak]

thanks guys......



2wheelsx2 thanks for the info. I will try the #9 again when I get the PC. I was pretty pleased with the results I had. Most of the scratches are gone/hidden. I will definately try this again when I get my PC.



I thought about trying #20, but was unable to find it locally.

[2wheelsx2]

Hmm...you may want to find a NAPA or an autobody supply store, they usually have the full line of Meguiar`s stuff.



If you want to go to a polymer and only want to do local purchasing, try a Mercedes, BMW, or Acura dealership for Klasse. I know the local Acura dealer here carries the Klasse twins.

[thevolvoguy]

Wow, great job!



Liquid Glass is a nice localy avalible polymer. But, Zaino does have a lot more to offer if you can get some.



Nice Expedition too.

[shaf]

Originally posted by 2wheelsx2

I know the local Acura dealer here carries the Klasse twins. :shocked THEY DO?!? :eek: :eek: Which one? Last year I called everywhere and no one had the stuff! There`s never been a source of Klasse in Canada before, and people have been looking forever AFAIK.



10 lashes with a wet noodle to you for not sharing earlier Gary! :nono ;)

[vol_freak]

Originally posted by 2wheelsx2

Hmm...you may want to find a NAPA or an autobody supply store, they usually have the full line of Meguiar`s stuff.



If you want to go to a polymer and only want to do local purchasing, try a Mercedes, BMW, or Acura dealership for Klasse. I know the local Acura dealer here carries the Klasse twins.



I will check that out tomorrow. I had no idea that these places may carry Klasse. Thanks for the info!



------------------------------



Thanks for the compliments volvoguy. I plan on maybe trying Klasse or Zaino next



------------------------------



Btw, I can`t believe how slick/smooth my truck feels after I did this! I realize I may be obsessed because I have gone out to my garage several times to feel the fenders with my fingers. Of course I wipe off the fingerprints afterwards:xyxthumbs. My wife thinks I`m nuts.