Brand New IS350 Help *LONG READ*

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donm3ga

New member
Greetings,



My Lexus IS350 is a little over a week old. I've read almost everything in the "AUOTPIA LEARNING LIBRARY" and to be honest, it's quite a bit of information. Being new to the detailing hobby, I am a bit confused and overwhelmed with the wealth of information on this website. I've read the "READ ME" first archives and I've abused the "SEARCH" function. I think I may have broken the "CLICK & BRAG" button. I may be new to his forum, but I am not new to forums in general.



After reading everything I still have some questions, and am in need of a little bit of guidence.



Last night my friend scratched my IS350 with a fishing pole on accident. The scratch is not deep nor is it long. I would say the scratch is 4 inches long. I lightly ran my finger over the scratch and I was unable to feel it. Since last night, I have decided to detail my whole car. I've looked at my paint and there are very few light swirl marks. Here is the game plan, please any suggestions are welcome as well as product recommendations. This is all based on my reading from this website. My car is black btw.



Wash - Sonus Gloss Shampoo or Meguiar's Gold Class using a two bucket system. Not sure what to use to apply the soap to the car though, suggestions please.



Dry - Mircofiber towel? Suggestions please.



Clay - I think I can pass on this step for now being as my car is new.



Fixing the Scratch and Light Swirl Marks - Sonus SFX-1 or SFX-2, application via foam applicator. Take off via Sonus Der Wunder Polishing Towel.



Seal - Klass All-In-One then Klasse Sealant Glaze via microfiber towl.



Wax - P21S Carnauba Wax via foam applicator. Take off via Sonus Der Wunder Buffing Towel.



Product recommendations are highly recommended. Please suggest any improvements you discover in the process.



Thank you for your help. I am starting to frequent this site.
 
donm3ga said:
Greetings,



My Lexus IS350 is a little over a week old. I've read almost everything in the "AUOTPIA LEARNING LIBRARY" and to be honest, it's quite a bit of information. Being new to the detailing hobby, I am a bit confused and overwhelmed with the wealth of information on this website. I've read the "READ ME" first archives and I've abused the "SEARCH" function. I think I may have broken the "CLICK & BRAG" button. I may be new to his forum, but I am not new to forums in general.



After reading everything I still have some questions, and am in need of a little bit of guidence.



Last night my friend scratched my IS350 with a fishing pole on accident. The scratch is not deep nor is it long. I would say the scratch is 4 inches long. I lightly ran my finger over the scratch and I was unable to feel it. Since last night, I have decided to detail my whole car. I've looked at my paint and there are very few light swirl marks. Here is the game plan, please any suggestions are welcome as well as product recommendations. This is all based on my reading from this website. My car is black btw.



Wash - Sonus Gloss Shampoo or Meguiar's Gold Class using a two bucket system. Not sure what to use to apply the soap to the car though, suggestions please.



Dry - Mircofiber towel? Suggestions please.



Clay - I think I can pass on this step for now being as my car is new.



Fixing the Scratch and Light Swirl Marks - Sonus SFX-1 or SFX-2, application via foam applicator. Take off via Sonus Der Wunder Polishing Towel.



Seal - Klass All-In-One then Klasse Sealant Glaze via microfiber towl.



Wax - P21S Carnauba Wax via foam applicator. Take off via Sonus Der Wunder Buffing Towel.



Product recommendations are highly recommended. Please suggest any improvements you discover in the process.



Thank you for your help. I am starting to frequent this site.
Click to expand...



Wash - Megs GC, you could use a foam gun for the soap but they are expensive (60$).

Dry - MF towel is fine (waffle weave MF to be exact)

Clay - Not so fast, pal, new cars can have plenty of rail dust/contamination

Seal - looks good

Wax - looks good.
 
BMW335i said:
Wash - Megs GC, you could use a foam gun for the soap but they are expensive (60$).

Dry - MF towel is fine (waffle weave MF to be exact)

Clay - Not so fast, pal, new cars can have plenty of rail dust/contamination

Seal - looks good

Wax - looks good.
Click to expand...

Any recommendations on taking of the scratch and slight swirls marks?
 
donm3ga said:
Any recommendations on taking of the scratch and slight swirls marks?
Click to expand...



You could use ScratchX by hand on the 4 in scratch. For the rest of the swirl marks you could use something like AIO but if you are doing this by hand I would not expect any sort of noticeable improvement overall. You should look into a PC with a light abrasive like Optimum Polish, Poli-Seal, etc.



By all means try the Sonus by hand, but I would not expect drastic improvement by hand.



IF I were in your situation I would definetly buy a PC with a variety of pads and a nice polish like Optimum.
 
PC is short for Porter Cable correct? I'm thinking about investing in one.



MORE READING!



So for fixing scratches, removing swirl marks, sealants, and waxes I use the PC to apply and a Microfiber towel to take off right?



Reading tells me this, but I would just like some personal experience testimonials...Foam Pads leave zero/minimum swirl marks correct?



Thanks again.
 
To be honest, I think you'd be well served to switch out AIO, SG and P21S with Clearkote Vanilla Moose and Carnuba Moosewax. These products will serve to hide small swirls... and they will absolutely save your sanity working on black. Additionally, Clearkote products give a great deep, wet look that I don't think the K-twins can match on black.



Use SFX-2 on the deep scratch, SFX-1 over the car to remove most of the swirls, then Vanilla Moose over the whole car to remove the finer swirls and hide everything that's left.
 
My thoughts:



Clay clay clay... You "might" be very surprised what you see when you check the clay!



I would definitely invest on a PC with both 6.5" AND 4" pads. Because your car is new, you may not necessarily have to polish out the entire vehicle. Thus the recommendation for 4" pads. These are a bit more concentrated in the "effective" area of the pad so you have a bit more control of what section you're trying to correct. The 4" pads are also great for applying LSPs.



Get some grit guards (2 preferrably) and don't be afraid to use an ounce of car wash soap per gallon (strictly speaking for Meg's Gold Class & NXT soaps) of water. Add the soap TO the water and mix it by hand. It's actually okay if you don't have a lot of suds... just make sure the water/car wash solution feels "slick".



Take your time when washing your car... it isn't a race by any means. It takes MORE time to correct a swirled vehicle than to wash it, IMHO.



I just did some minor correction on my 05 IS300 and yes, a PC "can" completely eliminate certain types of swirls, but only minimize deeper scratches. For this task, I used Menzerna IP on a 4" orange pad and then moved up to Menzerna Final Polish II also with an orange pad. The PC was set between 5 and 6.



Hope this helps,

Mike
 
Thanks for all the information. I'm just hesitant to use so many products on the the new car because, well its new. I looked at all the diagrams that show how layers of clearcoat and paint work. It makes me think twice when I use a polish that will remove a small layer of clearcoat at such an early age in the cars life. I want my factory paint to last. Also, since my car is brand new the paint on her is great with minimal swirl marks...I'm afraid I will be messing that up.



Since this is my first time washing her and I am new to the detailing hobby, I was thinking about just washing her with Meguiar's Gold Class applied via Sonus Microfiber Der Wunder Mitt using a 2 bucket system. Dry her up with some Der Wunder Microfiber towls. Then apply some Klasse AIO, since it serves as a paint cleaner, polisher, and car wax. I don't want to use things that are too abrasive since this will be my first time using the PC. I know there isn't one product out there that does it all, but I think the Klass AIO will do for now as I learn. Is the Klasse AIO good enough for a final finish/sealant?



The scratch on my car is very very minor, it almost looks like a swirl mark. Do you think the Klasse AIO has any chance of removing the scratch?



What other products are not abrasive or have very very very light abrasion?



Your input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
themightytimmah said:
To be honest, I think you'd be well served to switch out AIO, SG and P21S with Clearkote Vanilla Moose and Carnuba Moosewax. These products will serve to hide small swirls... and they will absolutely save your sanity working on black. Additionally, Clearkote products give a great deep, wet look that I don't think the K-twins can match on black.



Use SFX-2 on the deep scratch, SFX-1 over the car to remove most of the swirls, then Vanilla Moose over the whole car to remove the finer swirls and hide everything that's left.
Click to expand...



The man knows what he's talking about, I'd skip the Klasse products all together. CMW has plenty of durabliity to only need applying 3x a year, sure it's not twice like with AIO/SG but it will look a heck of a lot better, and provide more warmth to that black paint. Not to mention the nice hiding ability it has too.



Klasse on black :down

Clearkote on black :2thumbs:
 
themightytimmah said:
To be honest, I think you'd be well served to switch out AIO, SG and P21S with Clearkote Vanilla Moose and Carnuba Moosewax. These products will serve to hide small swirls... and they will absolutely save your sanity working on black. Additionally, Clearkote products give a great deep, wet look that I don't think the K-twins can match on black.



Use SFX-2 on the deep scratch, SFX-1 over the car to remove most of the swirls, then Vanilla Moose over the whole car to remove the finer swirls and hide everything that's left.
Click to expand...



Couldn't agree more. We both have balck and can attest to the difficulty of keeping it perfect:



Wash: Sheepskins @ Wal-Mart (Eurow). Feel for the softest. GC shampoo is fine



Clay: You will find varying opinions. I would hesitate in your case simply because you are new to detailing and claying, if done incorrectly, will mar the hell out of your balck finish and, without a pc to fix our mistakes, you will begin another thread telling us how horrible things look. So, IMO, skip the clay unless you are going to buy a PC.



Polish: The suggestions above apply here. I would invest in a PC as this hobby is addictive once you achieve perfection.



Finish: I personally like VM + RMG. In your shoes I might spot treat the scratch you are referring to with a heavier polish as above. I would then proceed with VM over the entire car. I don't think I would use a heavy polish on a new vehicle unless it was called for. After VM, I would use RMG to the whole car. I personally like Natty's Blue as a final wax but other here would use Souveran if the funds were available.



GL,



JJ
 
Thanks for the helpful information everyone. I think I am going to go with the pretty basic route for now and seeing as I am a detailing virgin. No PC and no clay...not just yet atleast. I contacted some local detail specialists and I think I am going to pick up this kit, let me know what you guys think: ClearKote Killer Combo



Wash: Meguiar's Gold Class



Polish: Clearkote Vanilla Moose Hand Glaze



Finish: Clearkote Carnuba Moose Wax



What do I use to apply the Meguiar's Gold Class soap though? I'm hearing a lot of different things. Just like anyone else, I don't want swirl marks. Microfiber Wash Mitt? Foam sponge? Sheepskin? Wool? Also what brand should I use?
 
donm3ga said:
Thanks for the helpful information everyone. I think I am going to go with the pretty basic route for now and seeing as I am a detailing virgin. No PC and no clay...not just yet atleast. I contacted some local detail specialists and I think I am going to pick up this kit, let me know what you guys think: ClearKote Killer Combo



Wash: Meguiar's Gold Class



Polish: Clearkote Vanilla Moose Hand Glaze



Finish: Clearkote Carnuba Moose Wax



What do I use to apply the Meguiar's Gold Class soap though? I'm hearing a lot of different things. Just like anyone else, I don't want swirl marks. Microfiber Wash Mitt? Foam sponge? Sheepskin? Wool? Also what brand should I use?
Click to expand...



For only $10 bucks more than that kit, you can get the quik shine (you'll love this stuff, it has many uses)and compound moose (for the future when you get a pc). Plus Danase.com offers a discount for being a forum member. It would be nice of you to support our forum sponsor as well. Bob is a great guy.



ClearKote Paint Care Package
 
I thiinl clay is pretty self explanatory. It can be scary at times though because you can hear it picking up grit, and it sounds like the clay it scratching your paint.
 
Been reading a lot about Zaino and I am considering using their products now. Atleast at the beginning stages of my detailing hobby and my car's life.



Z-7

Z-CS

Z-6

Z-8



Not referring to the Z-7, it says to apply all those products using 100% cotton on their website. Wouldn't that leave swirl marks? Would it be wiser to use MF towels to apply and remove?



Are Zaino LSPs that good since they are spray on form, or does it not matter? Thanks!



Zaino vs Clearkote
 
donm3ga said:
Been reading a lot about Zaino and I am considering using their products now. Atleast at the beginning stages of my detailing hobby and my car's life.



Z-7

Z-CS

Z-6

Z-8



Not referring to the Z-7, it says to apply all those products using 100% cotton on their website. Wouldn't that leave swirl marks? Would it be wiser to use MF towels to apply and remove?



Are Zaino LSPs that good since they are spray on form, or does it not matter? Thanks!



Zaino vs Clearkote
Click to expand...



NOT a good idea with a black, unpolished car. Zaino will make those swirls look very noticeable. Just buy the CK, you'll be happy, I promise. :cooleek:
 
donm3ga said:
Not referring to the Z-7, it says to apply all those products using 100% cotton on their website. Wouldn't that leave swirl marks? Would it be wiser to use MF towels to apply and remove?
Click to expand...



Honestly, yes, using a terry or cotton towel/app will generally scratch your paint. I have little respect for a company that charges 3 bucks for a POS terry app. Buy hey, Zaino employess touched it, so the price went up. As you can tell, I'm not a fan of Zaino. If you want a good sealant, go DG 105, it's as good as Z5 and half the price, not to mention it's easier to remove, and has a better *look* to it imo. But none of this helps you, you have a car that will not like a sealant in its current stage.
 
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