How soon do I start?

T

Therm

New member
I have purchased a 2004 Acura Tl. Is a dark gray color. I do not garage and it is a daily driver. I just want to know what can I do to keep it relatively swirl free from the start. I did a search and really didn't see anything about pre swirled cars. Am I too early to worry about this? Thanks for any help!
 
:welcome to Autopia



Quote: How soon do I start?



~One man’s opinion / observations ~



Before there any swirl marks or other imperfections on your paint film surface, how…read on



I’ve put this together to help you ‘find your way around’, it’s a lot of reading but worthwhile.



After reading the House Rules (upper left of the home page) that will tell you a bit about our operating procedures (and then Acronyms) Suggest you start at David’s guide (Learn icon – Car Care Topics) and/or (Forum – University) you could also research FAQ (go to Interact-Features-FAQ) or Interact (Search) and then ask your questions on (Forums - University) there are also tips on products under Shop (How-To) plus be sure to check on the discounts available to forum members. And there’s the (Reviews) section that includes the Hall of Fame, where contributing members have posted their evaluation of products.



The Autopia “Guide to detailing eBook� (eBook Subscription) contains 15 chapters packed full of car care 'how-to' information and covers most facets of vehicle detailing (best of all, it’s free). If Autopia solves just one of your detailing problems it’s worth the price of admission



"Learn the prep b4 using good products, it will save you $$$ in the long run." hondaguy2582



~Hope this helps~





Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



justadumbarchitect *so I question everything*
 
The best way to avoid swirls is to pay attention to how you wash and dry you vehicle. Most swirls are caused by improper drying and automatic carwashes. Always rinse vehicle thouroughly and work from top to bottom using a quality chenille or lambswool mitt and quality soap (megs Gold Class) Remove the hose nozzle for your final rinse and dry using a quality microfiber towel and blotting the surface. I am sure others will chime in with other ideas which I am sure are great and this is just my process. Good Luck with the new TL, beautiful car
 
I think I'll beat everyone else by saying;



AIO + SG



It's actually more fun to buy lots of stuff, but that'll do ya good.



Oh, and I'll also say the other thing people will say. Read Dave's Ebook.
 
I strongly agree with elortt. The most important thing you can do with a new car is learn proper washing techniques with the proper products (good quality wash mitts, good quality towels, etc...). Yes, you definitely want to get a coat of protectant on, but if you're not washing and drying correctly, you're still going to get a swirled car.



John
 
Sealants last longer and provide greater protection then carnuba.



Here are a few sealants



Five Star - Ultra Paint Protectant

Wolfgang - Deep Gloss Paint Sealant

Poorboys - EX (has carnuba in it)

Poorboys - EX-P (pure sealant)

Klasse - All In One (used as a cleaner/prep before sealant)

Klasse - Sealant Glaze



Carnubas



s100

Pinnacle Souveran

Zymol Carbon



A few polishes I like.



1Z - Ultra Polish (badly damaged paint or scratches)

1Z - Paint Polish (light scratches and swirls)

Menzerna - Final Polish (works great after the PP and give the paint that extra pop)



If you are serious about keeping your car looking new i highly sugest a Porter Cable (PC). This is how i apply all my polishes, saves alot of time and sweat. Also you will need a few quality Microfiber (MF) towels. So far i'm very happy with Pakshak MFs these are available at www.pakshak.com . The amout you will need will depend on the number of products you use. I apply all waxes/sealants by hand with a Meguiars foam pads. You can also do with with the PC and a finnishing pad.
 
Therm,



To quickly find out if you have any swirl marks or other imperfections of consequence in the paint of your new car, tonight drive to the nearest shopping center that has flood lights on poles about 30 feet above the ground - the whiter the light, the better. This will show you where the swirls/imperfections are.



Next, park the car at various angles to the sun at noon on a bright sunny day - this will show up any hologramming that doesn't normally show up at night under lights.



Take pictures of both if you can and post here for guidance/suggestions before making a large commitment to product purchases. At the same time, read, read & read some more. Let the search button become your best friend.



Finally you will be able to make intelligent , cost-effective purchases that address your immediate problems.























THEN you can go nuts buying every "product du jour" and every conceivable tool for every situation.:D :D :D (Like the rest of us here)
 
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