New to detailing

AweSam8

AweSam8

New member
Hi everyone!

So pretty much, a member from bimmerpost-dot-com referred me here to learn about detailing. I just wanna learnt he basics. I have never clayed or polished before. To be honest, I used to think waxing and polishing were the same thing. I learned about Bar Keeper's for exhaust cleaning on the other forum I mentioned---fantastic product.

I'd like to learn more here. I'm very interested in near permanent sealants like Opti-Coat or CQuartz Finest, but I'm too afraid to try it myself.

As far as my ride goes, I have 2014 BMW 335i in Estoril Blue II.

I had a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 for 6 years, and that thing was a swirl mark animal---and boy did it have major front side road rash!

The products I use are Meguire's Quick Interior Detail, Invisble Glass, Rain-X, Zaino Leather Cleaner, Zaino Leather in a Bottle, Meguire's Hot Wheel Cleaner, Turle Wax Shampoo, different types of tire shine, a wheel brush, a chenelle MF mitt, a sheep wool mitt, a MF drying towel, the Absorber, California Blade, a bunch of terry towels, and a bunch of MF towels. (I don't think I'm forgetting anything else...)

I threw away a bunch of old Mother's Wax and Meguire's Quick Detailer (over 7 years old!).

Any more basic products I need?

Thanks everyone!
 
Welcome.......

I got here years ago because of Dave too.

Don't sweat the final (lsp) products till you have it polished well. If you coat it, seal it or wax it before polishing well, the final products will show every blemish
 
BUT make sure you do protect it with sealant or wax. Good polish or not, it still needs to be protected
 
Ronkh said:
Welcome.......

I got here years ago because of Dave too.

Don't sweat the final (lsp) products till you have it polished well. If you coat it, seal it or wax it before polishing well, the final products will show every blemish
Click to expand...


What is "Isp"? So, I'm confused---Don't wax/sealtn without polishing because it will show the paint imperfections, but wax/seal anyway for protection???

EDIT: LSP = last step product. Thanks to the stickie thread! So I'm hearing a lot about clay, polish, IPA, seal, then wax... which one of these are truly necessary?

Thanks Ronkh!
 
AweSam8 said:
Hi everyone!
Click to expand...

Welcome to Autopia Forums, it is nice to have you here!

So pretty much, a member from bimmerpost-dot-com referred me here to learn about detailing. I just wanna learnt he basics. I have never clayed or polished before. To be honest, I used to think waxing and polishing were the same thing. I learned about Bar Keeper's for exhaust cleaning on the other forum I mentioned---fantastic product.
Click to expand...

Welcome to an exciting and rewarding hobby as well :)

I'd like to learn more here. I'm very interested in near permanent sealants like Opti-Coat or CQuartz Finest, but I'm too afraid to try it myself.
Click to expand...

Many of these products, particularly the premium Black Label Diamond Surface Coating is so easy to use that it makes waxing difficult. The only thing to be worried about is having the paint polished to your desired level. But again, that is part of this fun hobby: Learning how to and then applying new skills in order to make your ride look better.

As far as my ride goes, I have 2014 BMW 335i in Estoril Blue II.
Click to expand...

Gorgeous!


I had a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 for 6 years, and that thing was a swirl mark animal---and boy did it have major front side road rash!
Click to expand...

Nice, I have 2011 Speed3 (Gen-Pu). Now I understand why you went with the turbo bimmer.

The products I use are Meguire's Quick Interior Detail, Invisble Glass, Rain-X, Zaino Leather Cleaner, Zaino Leather in a Bottle, Meguire's Hot Wheel Cleaner, Turle Wax Shampoo, different types of tire shine, a wheel brush, a chenelle MF mitt, a sheep wool mitt, a MF drying towel, the Absorber, California Blade, a bunch of terry towels, and a bunch of MF towels. (I don't think I'm forgetting anything else...)

Any more basic products I need?

Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...

It sounds like you hare off to a good start. The first thing I would recommend investing in are better wax/dry products to keep from putting swirl marks in your new baby.

Proper washing and drying is the key maintaining your vehicle.

Start with 2 5-gallon wash buckets.
Add a Grit-Guard insert to each bucket.
Use an extremely soft wash tool (mitt or sponge).
Trade in the absorber for a soft microfiber waffle weave towel.

Here is an article worth reading: Autopia: How to Wash Your Car
 
welcome to AF. you have a good collection starting there.
you picked a good time to join because the turkey day and christmas deals are probably around the corner

the learning and indecision has only begun. haha
 
AweSam8 said:
What is "Isp"? So, I'm confused---Don't wax/sealtn without polishing because it will show the paint imperfections, but wax/seal anyway for protection???

EDIT: LSP = last step product. Thanks to the stickie thread! So I'm hearing a lot about clay, polish, IPA, seal, then wax... which one of these are truly necessary?

Thanks Ronkh!
Click to expand...

sorry, I know my post was not clear.......

My opinion is I wouldn't worry about coating the vehicle till it is well polished because it will not look as good as it could. As far as wax or sealing it, it needs to be waxed or sealed (for protection), but ... personally I wouldn't worry about "the greatest look etc" until the finish is as good as it can get. and at that point I would coat it

hopefully someone else can clarify my post for you cuz it's kinda confusing to me too :redface:
 
Dear AweSam8

Welcome to Autopia!

I'm pretty new, too, but right off the bat I believe you should upgrade your regular car wash shampoo to Duragloss 902, Blackfire Wet Diamond Conditioning Shampoo, or Optimum Car Wash.

And watch for Black Friday sales here. You want a Master Blaster for drying your car without touching it.
 
Welcome AweSam8 :welcome:

My suggestion is to "get to reading and watching YOUTUBE" lots of great information. Most problems start with the washing and drying even on a new car. With a dark color you're going to see more swirls, halos and fine scratches. After a good wash, start with a fine clay with plenty of lube, then move to a polish to remove any marks. When you get the paint just where you want it follow up with (IMO) a sealant. If you want a deeper shine add a layer of good carnuba wax. We can talk all day, but in the end it comes down to how much work you want to do, what you feel comfortable doing, and which products you choose.

Charlie
"The detail is in the details"
 
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