I am new to exterior detailing but I have read quite a bit about the topic. I am looking at giving my new ride its first real wash and applying a sealant. I have previously only sprayed it off with water but it has noticeable road grime on it now, most of which is salt from my vacation in Michigan. It also has some scratches on the hood that were there when I bought it. You will see my plan of attack below. Please comment if you see anything wrong or I am missing anything. Thanks!
Plan
1) Wash #1
2) Clay bar (follow with a rinse or wash?)
4) AIO mild polish/sealant OR finishing-polish followed by sealant
5) Quick detailer
6) Cold beer
7) Follow up with regular washes, maintain protection with quick detailer, and repeat polish/sealant periodically
Equipment
what I have
-assorted microfiber cloths from washing and drying my old car (will be relegated to wheel cleaning duty)
-old wash bucket (will be for tire cleaning)
-water blade (windows only)
-one new 5 gal bucket
what I plan to buy
wash
-grit guards (2 ea)
-5 gal bucket
-plush sheepskin mitts (2 ea)
-mild soap
-waffle weave MF towels --- for drying
-detail brush --- for wheels and exhaust
cleaning
-clay bar --- Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay or similar gentle clay
-clay lubricant (can I eliminate this and just use quick detailer for lube?)
polishing and protecting
-polisher --- Porter Cable 7424xp
-AIO light polish and sealant --- Chemical Guys Black Light OR finishing polish followed by sealant --- PO85RD and HD poxy
-grey pad --- for applying AIO OR polish+sealant
-yellow pad --- for working on the scratches on the hood
-MF buffing towels --- for removing polish/sealant after curing
finishing
-quick detailer
-MF buffing towels --- for buffing quick detailer
here is a photo of my car before my recent road trip to Michigan:
Plan
1) Wash #1
2) Clay bar (follow with a rinse or wash?)
4) AIO mild polish/sealant OR finishing-polish followed by sealant
5) Quick detailer
6) Cold beer
7) Follow up with regular washes, maintain protection with quick detailer, and repeat polish/sealant periodically
Equipment
what I have
-assorted microfiber cloths from washing and drying my old car (will be relegated to wheel cleaning duty)
-old wash bucket (will be for tire cleaning)
-water blade (windows only)
-one new 5 gal bucket
what I plan to buy
wash
-grit guards (2 ea)
-5 gal bucket
-plush sheepskin mitts (2 ea)
-mild soap
-waffle weave MF towels --- for drying
-detail brush --- for wheels and exhaust
cleaning
-clay bar --- Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay or similar gentle clay
-clay lubricant (can I eliminate this and just use quick detailer for lube?)
polishing and protecting
-polisher --- Porter Cable 7424xp
-AIO light polish and sealant --- Chemical Guys Black Light OR finishing polish followed by sealant --- PO85RD and HD poxy
-grey pad --- for applying AIO OR polish+sealant
-yellow pad --- for working on the scratches on the hood
-MF buffing towels --- for removing polish/sealant after curing
finishing
-quick detailer
-MF buffing towels --- for buffing quick detailer
here is a photo of my car before my recent road trip to Michigan:
