Newb looking for basics

R

Rolld

New member
Hey everyone I'm sure this has been asked a million times but was looking for some basic advice.

I'm looking for recommendations on washing and waxing my gray Altima. I don't have any power tools other than a cordless drill lol. The paint is in pretty good shape. Some swirls I would like to get rid of but overall it looks pretty good.

I've read thru and there are tons of products to choose from as you well know.

What would you recommend for some wash, wax and possibly getting rid of the swirls? And can these products be purchased in the typical part stores or does everything have to purchased online?

Again, I apologize for the lame question.

Thanks
 
First, welcome to Autopia!

Basic mantra: wash, clay, compound, polish, seal, wax - each as necessary. And that is just the exterior paint. ;)

For products, tons to choose from and we probably each have different favorites in each category. While you can get products that do these things locally, I find that there are very few things I do anymore except in emergencies. I happen to like Autopia Car Care (and Autogeek - sometimes). They have a large variety of the best products available and great customer support.

I happen to like Chemical Guys soaps; Speedy Prep pad instead of clay; RUPES & Griots polishers; RUPES & Meguiars compounds; 3D HD Polish & Megs M205 polish; Carpro Essence and Wolfgang or Blackfire WOWA sealants. (Not so much into waxing but, if I do, Optimum Car Wax.) But that is just me.
 
Thanks for the reply.

So in order to get the swirls that can't be done by hand? Or it's way easier with a DA correct?

Again, I know these are annoying questions just trying to get it all straight.

Thanks
 
Removing swirls can be done by hand. BUT it is a long and painful process and, in general, won't be as even as done by machine.

If I wasn't going to use a machine, I'd probably try to fill them with a glaze instead.
 
If you are going to attempt correcting imperfections, in my opinion and I believe most other members, you want a machine. I would suggest a dual action polisher. I'd also mention that there is a decontamination stage that can be added in to the solid advice already given.
 
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I appologize as I can't remember who put this together. It may have been Mike Phillips.
 

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So what about this. Meguiars 105 on a orange pad. Then 205 on a white pad? Is this a decent/proper way to go?


Then a sealant? Any recommendations? Then a wax? Again recommendations?
 
Wolfgang sealant, I would skip the wax and use a spray booster after you wash. (I dont know what wolfgang calls theirs_)
 
BlackFire's Crystal Seal is incredibly easy and won't require a wax. As far as your question on the polishes it is completely dependent upon what the finish needs.
 
Rolld said:
So what about this. Meguiars 105 on a orange pad. Then 205 on a white pad? Is this a decent/proper way to go?


Then a sealant? Any recommendations? Then a wax? Again recommendations?
Click to expand...

Meguiars 105 on an Orange pad is pretty aggressive to start with especially if you have no experience with it or a machine..
I have years of experience with M105 and it has its own little peculiarities one has to overcome to get it to work correctly - and when it does get that chance, it can really rock - in experienced hands... I always use it for cleaning up headlights, those little deep scratches, defects, etc., and taillights and it never fails to exceed expectations...

Perhaps start with a milder compound - again as has already been correctly stated - that will fill the needs you are working to achieve...

Any time we get to know the make model, color, and year, we can all think back to when we had direct hands on experiences with that subject, and tell you what we found out....

Good Luck !
Dan F
 
Thanks for the tip on the Blackfire. So going over the crazy amount of info and different products I may try the the 3D HD adapt. Is the 3D polish a requirement? Is it very possible the the adapt will take care of the swirls or will it need the 3D polish to clean it up even more?

I'm trying to correct the paint on a 09 Altima precision gray. Its not in horrible condition but would like to clean it up.

Thanks again.
 
Well I ended up buying a Harbor Freight DA. No more than i am going to use a DA I found it to be the best option for me. This was the first time to use a polisher so I can't compare it to anything else but it seemed to do fine. My only complaint is the switch was kinda a pain at times.

For polish I used HD Speed on a LC orange pad. Then sealed/wax with Poxy.

It seemed to get all the swirls out really good. There are a few scratches still left but I didn't want to get rid of too much clear coat.

I didn't take anymore pics cause its just a plain gray Altima lol. But it is really shiny and am pleased with the results.

I also cleaned up some wiper blade scratches on the windshield with The Carpro glass polish and rayon pad. I was really surprised. It's at least 98% better.

I know this is worthless without more pics. But wanted to thank everyone for the replies and suggestions. And for the vast amount of info on this site.
 

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your results look good. you will find that the more you use the polisher, the better you'll get. here's a good set of videos by a forum member on upgrades you can make to the harbor freight da to make it even better. the mods are easy to do yourself and really make a big difference in it's operation. http://www.autopia.org/forums/polis...-videos.html?highlight=harbor+freight+da+mods
car pro ceriglass is the best polish for glass and I am always impressed with the results whenever I use it too. have fun!
 
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