Some direction for the newbie

[mhollo90]

Hey guys, so I've lived at an apartment complex for two years now. I recently got ONR and used it today and loved it. My only problem with it is that I need it done a little quicker. I used the two wash bucket method and I have seen another method where someone uses a spray bottle and mixes it with ONR, and some QD. Would that be a quicker way, or would I just have to bite the bullet and take my time?

I'm not doing any polishing yet, but I do have access to a garage and I am very eager to start. What kinds of products should I start out with? I know I need a DA, some polishing pads, and wax applicator pads, and a good polish and wax. So, there begins another question what are good beginner/easy to use polishes and waxes?

So far my detailing routine has been done on my wife's 2007 Mazda CX-7. I use ONR, with two bucket and microfiber sponge method. I towel blot after each panel. After the wash I use Wizards Magic Touch which my father-in-law recommended and then I use invisible glass to clean the windows and that's about all I have time for until my wife starts yelling at me to come in and help her with my son...

This little routine works well for me, but it could always be better. The paint is riddled with swirl marks, marring, knicks, and scratches. Like I said I'm eager to get to it, but hesitant because I still don't have a solid understanding of polishing and paint correction.

Some rookie mistakes I've already committed:
- I use Costco brand MF towels
- I don't wax or seal the car that I'm working with.
- I don't take my time because I know my wife is just waiting for me to finish...

That just about covers it. So any help in the right direction would be appreciated. I've already read all of the beginner links, religiously, but I learn better from interaction like YouTube videos and conversing with people. Anyways, thanks in advance for any help offered.

 

[tom p.]

I don't know how you will work around your stated time "constraints".  Polishing the vehicle you describe and the subsequent necessary steps will represent the better part of a day for a neophyte.


 


My perception of the basics:


 
<ul>[*]Decon
[*]Clay
[*]Polish (Porter Cable or equiv.)
[*]sealant
[/list]

IMO, weekly washing is 90% of the deal.  If you don't have access to the car, I'm not sure what to suggest apart from an auto car wash :cringe:

 

[Clasik Chevy]

mhollo- How dirty does your car get and how often are you cleaning it?


 


What I found works the best is to start with a full deep cleaning, Clay (I use the synthetic sponge kind, super easy to use), DA polishing job (I use a porter cable), and apply a good sealer last. Now, all I do is No Hose my truck once a week in the garage, buff the windows, and I'm done. The truck looks great, no marring, swirls, etc. The No Hose leaves behind a little bit of polymer each time which I like because it protects and adds shine.


 


Tell your wife to give you 4 hours or so one day, then this simple routine won't take you more than 15-20 min a week.