Inexpensive Way to Get Started

[schwa]

Hey Guys. I`ve been browsing this site for over three weeks now and let me first say the information here is amazing, but I am swamped with products and acronyms.



I`m a student so I`m pretty broke but I`m looking for a cheap way to get started.



I`ve been to the local auto shops and basically all I have bought so far is Eagle One leather conditioner.



I`m thinking of using Meguair`s 3 step cleaning kit.

For cloths it looks like MF of different kinds is a must. However, I went to a car show and bought those super shammy`s. Big Orange thing that sucks up water. Is this useful at all for detailing cars?



Finally, any suggestions on what to use or if what I am thinking of doing is wrong? I only want the bare minimum. My car is silver and it already has lots of dents and chips in the front bumper and hood.



Thanks for your time!

[Mad iX]

Meg`s 3-step works well. If budget allows, add ScratchX and replace Step 3 with NXT.

An alternative is ColorX and NXT.

Chamois/shammy is good for drying the car after a wash. Keep it clean and free of dirt and they usually work pretty well.

Meg`s foam pads work well for product application and cost peanuts. Get some terry towels, and if budget allows again, some quality microfibers.



The bare minimum would be ColorX. It`s a pretty good value product that`ll do plenty for your paint. Later on if you decide to get NXT or #26 or whatever else, you can use those over ColorX.



You`ll probably also want an all-purpose cleaner, wheel cleaner, maybe even some dressing for trim and tyres, and there`s still the interior.

[schwa]

Excellent! Thank you very much! If I add Scratch X what part of the detailing process would that be? polish? For the wheel cleaner and all purpose cleaner I will just see what I have in the local stores. Thank you again for your help

[Black240SX]

Scratch-X is for spot treatment of scratches that won`t come out with the paint cleaner.