Seeking Advice...

[G35Coupe]

hey guys I was just wondering if someone would be so kind to give me some advise. It is finally time to wax and detail my car, however, I am extremely broke, so I figured I`d give it a shot. Now, I`ve been reading up on technique, products, etc. but I still have one question. In what order should I do the following:



Clay Bar

Wax

Polish

Remove minor scratches and swirls (which I have, unfortunately )

Or any other necessary steps to make my car look perfect



Any advice would be great. Thanks!

[ConglomrationAL]

Wash

Claybar

Polish (This removes minor swirls and scratches)

Wax or Seal (Whatever you choose)



This is the correct order

If you have any questions don`t hesitate to ask here or PM me.

~Albert

[Setec Astronomy]

Likely being extremely broke and removing your swirls are mutually exclusive, you will likely need a machine. The proper order for the steps you have listed would be:



1. Clay

2. Swirl Remove

3. Polish

4. Wax



You will need some elbow grease. You don`t say if you have any products yet, if you are trying to spend the least money, I would suggest you clay, then some Meg`s #9 followed by a wax. Or you could do the Deep Crystal system. Mother`s I believe has something similar.

[mikelea4ever]

do you have a machine or are you doing it all by hand?

[G35Coupe]

Im gonna do it all by hand. I plan to use all meguiar`s products. Any other suggestions? I`ve never done this much detail on my own car, so anything will help. Thanks!



Maria

[G35Coupe]

...and I`ll definetly be using a lot of that elbow grease. I`m a perfectionist, so imagine. lol

[Less]

Unfortuantely you aren`t going to do much for swirls and scratches by hand. I would get some Megs Scratch X to treat small spots where a scratch is prominent. It`s a great scratch remover to use by hand, but it takes a lot of work to do just a small area.



Either the Megs or the Mother`s 3-step system is the way to go. First is a Pre-Wax cleaner, followed by a glaze, and topped with a wax.



Also, when working by hand, you MUST have the right towels for the job. Make sure you pick up some polishing microfiber towels. They are the ones with the very tight weave and shallow nap. You`ll probably see MF towels at the store that say they are for Glass, that is pretty close to the texture you want. Polishing towels are just a bit more plush than glass towels. They have a looped construction that will definitely make it easier to remove product residue.



You`ll also need some softer towels for final buffing.



If you`re on a budget, target is the place to go. You can get MF towels for polishing, buffing, drying, and all-purpose jobs. You can also get MF applicators with a velcro handle for about $4.

[Jim L]

Meguiar`s products are pretty good but Autogym are pretty good also.

This is what I would do:

Wash

Clay bar ( try to use yellow, it will give you smoothness and less scratches)

Swirl Remover and Polish together ( find a product that comes together, cheaper and save time)

Wax or Sealant



Good Luck

[kleraudio]

to the OP just take everyones previous advice and have at it! If your still into detailing after you see the new shine you have you can step it up to the next level and pick up a PC and some "boutique" polishes and waxes.



Its what most of us here did. Dont forget to take pics.



And by the way, you drive the car i WANT!! What color/year is it?



Jim

[G35Coupe]

thanks for all the advice. Now that I`ve read all about it, I`m going to try it probably this weekend or the next. But I have to admit, I am a little nervous because it is my 1st time.



Jim:

I drive a 2007 g 35 coupe black/black 6MT. As for the pics, I`ll be sure to take some before and after shots.

[kleraudio]

Man thats a SWEET ride! Cant wait to see it once its all done!



Remember have fun, thats the most important part of all of this.



Jim

[zingyginger]

Not to hijack the thread but where can I find yellow clay? I`m in California.

[G35Coupe]

thats ok...whats the difference between the yellow clay and the white anyway? is the yellow less abrasive?

[G35Coupe]

check out the avatar.. its small but its something

[G35Coupe]

One more question before I forget, Will Meg`s Deep Crystal system take out my swirl marks as effective as Scratch X? Note: my swirls are very light... but I would like to treat my entire car. thanks!



MARIA