please list your steps when you do your detailing

[bsk_500]

please list your step when you detail your car. is it: 1. wash, 2. dry with MF towels, 3. polish and 3. waxing? thank you all in advance.

[Juztang]

Wash

Dry

Polish

Glaze

Sealant

Wax

[BlueLibby04]

Wash

Dry

Polish

Glaze

Sealant

Wax

Haha, that purty much sums it up. :getdown



Left Prep out though. May need to clay the paint before using a polish.. :wavey

[Juztang]

How did I forget to leave the claybar out!

[bsk_500]

thank yall. please list some more. oh, where does clay bar goes in? between dry and polish?

[Juztang]

The clay goes after you wash.

[bsk_500]

so i use claybar while the car is wet? the surface has to wet at all time when using the claybar correct?

[Juztang]

Yes you need plenty of lubrication when using a claybar. You just let the claybar glide over the surface. No pressure is needed. When the claybar gets dirty just knead it to a clean section and move on.

[a.k.a. Patrick]

Wet wheels, then wash.

Wash car, rinse.

Clay with a lube while still wet. Dry.

Use compressed air while drying, i.e. door handles, emblems, molding, weatherstripping, wheels, tires, grills, lights etc, you get the picture. All those areas that drip when a PC goes by it.

Dress wheels

Dress trim if needed.

Polish (may be a couple-few steps here) with PC and appropriate pad and product, remove.

Seal with PC and product of choice, finishing pad, remove.

Remove matts, vacuum and shampoo.

Blow out/clean interior nooks and crannies, cup holders, brush vents etc.

Wipe down plastic/vinyl with diluted APC.

Vacuum, clean vinyl/leather/cloth seating with water and cleaner of choice, then treat.

Apply 303 or other protectant to necessary areas.

Vacuum/clean carpeting, door panels.

Door jambs.

Theres probably over 100 items attended, and I have obviously selected to not mention everything.

Now, just a few items off the top of my head are cleaned in no particular order:

Headliner, instrument panel, turn indicators, shifter, e-brake, steering column, interior lighting and mirrors, ashtrays, seatbelt clips, doorhandles, locks, rear view mirror, seat adjustment handles/knobs, sheeeeeeeesh, it goes on.......

Im sure theres a lot more.

I pretty much am an outside first, then inside. This may go against all rules or "proper procedures" but I like to see the outside clean while im working. If i have to keep getting in and out of the car, looking at a dirty surface, I get discouraged. One doesnt really pay a whole lot of attention to the interior when detailing the exterior. Just my method of madness...............

Oh, and glass is last.........

[Juztang]

Nice writeup Patrick!

[bsk_500]

Wash

claybar

Dry

Polish

Glaze

Sealant

Wax

....how does this look? it`s my 2nd day here Autopia. i just got my new scion tc so i want to keep it clean and new. i`ve learn alot from everyone here and i thank you.

[Juztang]

You have the correct process down! Just remember only so much can be done by hand. You will need something like a Porter Cable to correct swirls and scratches.



With your car being new, the finish should be in pretty good shape. Another thing is to get some good quality microfibers for buffing and drying.



What products are you going to be using? Different sealants have different cure times.

[bsk_500]

i have not purchase any products. i am not sure what to use. still trying to get answers from everyone here. still doing my research. as for now i only have Wash, claybar, Dry, Polish, Glaze, Sealant and Wax down. now all i need is what product i should.

[a.k.a. Patrick]

Glazes arent necessary, they`re more of a "boutique" step.......

[bsk_500]

a.k.a patrick, i think so too. my number one concern is to protect the clear coat from pealing. my other car, the clear coat is pealing really bad. it`s a 1992 honda prelude. since i bought the car i have never polish or wax. it`s because i didnt know any better! cause of Autopia, i am well educated now!