Need opinion on exterior detail...

[WuNgUn]

Hi all....I'm new to this forum, and I'm learning lots. However...
I want to know how to do a complete exterior detail.
My ride is a '02 SVT Focus (Sonic Blue)
I will be getting a PC orbital polisher in the spring, as well as a clay-block setup...
As of now, I've been using a Teflon Gel car wash and Mothers 3-step prewax cleaner and glaze and carnuba wax (however, I switched to Gold Class as the 3rd step as it last longer and shines better IMO), all hand applied with MF clothes...I take fairly good care of my cars finish, so it isn't in too severe of a condition, but I want it to look perfect!
I always use only back and forth rubbing action whenever I'm in contact with the paint, so 'spider-webbing' isn't a major issue, but somewhat noticable...
What I want to know, what wash solution do you recommend? Should I do a prewax clean prior to the claying?
Should I use another cleaner after the clay, prior to polishing (glazing)? Maybe just another wash?
And is a glaze not a real polish, like I've read, but just a scratch filler? If so, I need a fine polish (and maybe a slightly coarser grade polish for some small scratches)...what do you recommend?
Is Meguiars Gold Class good stuff, or is there something else that gives a better shine?
Should I just use the PC for the polishing step, or can (should) I use it for the final 'waxing' process as well?
Thanks!

 

[Big Leegr]

First, this may help you with an overall detail routine:

http://www.detailcity.com/showthread.php?t=3136

As to your questions:
I have a few different car shampoos. Depends on my mood, I guess. If you're happy with your gel, keep using it. However, the swirls may be getting introduced in this step. Maybe your gel isn't "slick" or lubricating enough. Maybe your mitt is old/dirty. Maybe your drying medium isn't clean or quite as gentle as you may need. Try to examine a section of the car to see if this is where the swirling is happening. For example, clean/dry the car, inspect it, or even take a digital pic of it, if you can, then "re-clean" an area and see if you see more swirls. Then re-dry it and check for more swirls. This may help you solve/address the issue.

I would clay first, then pre-wax clean. That way you are removing contaminants before rubbing with the pre-wax cleaner, thus lessening the chance of pushing around grit on your paint (bonded contaminant).

Yes, a glaze in its "true" form just fills swirls. Mothers is this kind of glaze. Other companies list their polishes and even their waxes as "glazes" so it's hard to say that this is "true" to every product listed as a glaze. You should have a "real" polish to remove the swirls. There are many reviews of products listed here in the "review/discussion" forum. Mostly online products, but some off the shelf types too.

As to the Gold Class... if you like it, that's what counts. I've used it and thought the look was good. The durability (In my experience, and referring to beading/slickness) wasn't that long. Again, there are lots of products mentioned throughout the forums. I will say, though, that for every product that's raved about by some, there's also some people that weren't blown away by it. Ultimately, it's up to your eye to see what's "best" for you.

You can use the pc for final waxing (with the appropriate pad) and that may allow you to get a more even, thinner coat applied. Again, some like using the PC for this, some prefer to do the last step by hand.

Hope this is helpful!