Hello -
I`ve been visiting this forum for a couple weeks now trying to answer my questions, and I find the massive amount of information helpful, but overwhelming. I did read the Guide to Detailing and that helped quite a bit. I`ve never detailed before and now I have a better understanding. I`m hoping that some of you can provide me with expert opinions on what I should get. I`ve bolded my products and questions to make it easier.
First the car - I have a Flint Mica Scion tC with just over 12k on the body. From what I have gathered this paint is not the heaviest quality to start with.
The problems:
- The body has some light scratches in one area from what I think was a bush scraping against it. They are not down to the metal, I believe they just scraped the clear coat.
- The rear lower bumper has some wax residue so it looks haze.
- It looks like the hood may have some slight swirl marks.
Besides these issues I want to correct, I`d like to do an in-depth exterior detail on the car. I`ve never waxed or polished it - I want to make sure I do it right with the right products the first time.
So here is what I am thinking I need to do/get - please correct me if I am wrong in the steps, if there is a downside to the product/brand I am using, or a better alternative and help me fill in the `unknown` areas.
First off, I need to give the car a good washing before I start. From what I gathered, Sonus Gloss Shampoo seems to work really well. I need help picking a wash mitt (not sure what type/brand works the best w/out scratching)...perhaps Meguiar’s Gold Class Wash Mitt? I`ve been told that a chamois actually does damage as it pulls damaging particles across the hood as you dry so I am looking at the Sonus Der Wunder Drying Towel. Good choice or hype?
Next, I need to tackle the scratches and swirls. I believe that Meguiar`s SCRATCH X is the product of choice here. I understand that this product doesn`t fill in scratches, it actually blends the edges of the scratches so they aren`t prominent. I`m not sure of the process for applying yet, and I`ll look that up on the forums, but am I doing at the right time (right after the wash/dry) and what products do you recommend I use to apply this?
I then plan to polish the car. I read in the guide that if a car is pretty new, I just need to use a paint cleaner with a mild polish compound such as Klasse All-In-One...true or should I use a traditional polish? Again, I`d like to get suggestions on what to use to apply.
I would like to clay my car, but I`m not sure where this falls in...after the polish/before/or instead? This one I have no clue on which brand - Sonus, Meguiars or Klasse. Reviews are all over the board on clay.
Finally - I`m going to wax the car. I`ve used P21S Carnauba Car Wax on a previous vehicle of mine...applying it by hand and very happy with the result. However, this was years ago and I know technology has changed in the industry with the synthetic blends and whatnot. My upmost important thing in choosing a wax product is safety for the paint, and of course durability. So it P21S Carnauba still a top choice for wax or is syntectic better (safety and durability)?
Oh one more thing - the wheels. SONAX Rim Cleaner Gel R 2000 looks like my choice for wheel cleaner. I don`t want anything acidic as I`ve seen Scion wheels ruined before. Good choice?
I understand that everyone has their own opinions, and I really want to hear what you have to say. Even if you only have an opinion on one thing such such as wheel cleaner...please share.
I plan to maintain this car to look factory new for years to come, so it`s important that I choose the right products and techniques. As I said, I`ve gone through the forums and read quite a bit, including reviews, but I`d like to have opinions for my car in one place. The above products are based off of what I have read so far, but I still have some product/technique unclarity which I want to clear up so I appreciate any input that I get from these forums!!!
Thanks!!!
*Admins - please move if this is in the wrong forum
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