First Post/Detail

[commoditybroker]

Hello all!



First off, amazing forum! I have always been interested in detailing, and this board has a TON of useful information!



I have a 2000 Dodge Viper GTS (Black with silver stripes) that I want to detail myself. Upon purchase, I began using Zaino products (Z5 with ZFX, Z6 in between washes) with what I thought were good results. Upon closer inspection, I have a TON of swirl marks and spider web looking marks all over the car.



After a LONG weekend of reading posts, I went and bought a PC and some Menzerna Intensive Polish and Final Polish II with a orange pad and white pad for application. I figure that using this as a base will help to get the car looking good.



My question is, do I have to worry about using polish and a buffer on the car becasue of the stripes? They are NOT painted on, but I believe they are below the clear coat.



Any help/advice for me concerning this or anything else regarding my first detail??



Thanks!

 

[ZaneO]

If they are below the clear, I wouldn't worry to much. If you are really worried about them, use some painter's tape and tape them off.



Make sure to post pictures when you are done!

 

[commoditybroker]

Thanks ZaneO.



I intend to take some before/after pics....



Are the materials (polish, buffer, etc.) that I got appropriate for the car?

 

[MattZ28]

Menzerna polishes have had some great success stories, and they contain no oils/fillers, so you can apply Zaino right after polishing.

 

[ZaneO]

Your supplies should be fine. You might find it handy to have a yellow pad around for those bad spots you might come across. It'll save you time.

 

[commoditybroker]

Awesome!



Any other tips/tricks to watch out for? I am a bit nervous to use the PC since I have never used it before on a car, but I have heard that they are safe if used correctly.

 

[ZaneO]

They are 99% fool proof. Just take your time. I'm assuming you've bought proper supplies like towels, etc.

 

[commoditybroker]

Yep. Waffle weave MF towels for drying, I have used good spounges in the past...I believe I am good to go!

 

[ZaneO]

What about towels for removing the polishes and wax? Most people tend not to use sponges.

 

[commoditybroker]

MF to remove polish/wax also? Any brand in particular?



Oh yes....what about the Target brand MF towels? Any harm in getting those?

 

[ZaneO]

I personally don't use the ones from Target, Wal-Mart, etc. because those places buy based on price not quality and the quality control just isn't up to my standards.



I prefer Pak Shak towels - www.pakshak.com



There are many great vendors of MF towels on this site.