I always wash my car everytime it gets dirty, I wax it about twice a month and am looking into going into futher depth of detailing my car. I was wondering what steps I should go through to do this and what products I should use. Also, I have heard that polish grinds through your clearcoat and then ruins your paint, is this true?

BTW: I have a 2000 clover green Integra GS-R if that matters at all


[Modified by reVVin, 7:00 AM 8/24/2001]

 

I'm no expert...but i like to wash my car under a shady place...dry it..then clay it using detailing clay..then i polish..then i add two layers of wax...its alot of work but its worth it...the clay makes your car smooth as glass!..try it.

 

1st hand wash every time its dirty using a wash mitt... tip.malco ultra violet soap is a great soap with a wax inside. (this does not replace monthly waxing) this soap will keep up your wax coat throughout the month.
2nd over waxing is no good... once amonth to twice is ok ..use an easy on easy of wax. i prefer malco flash wax. combined with the ultra violet you get great protection. claying the finish ocassionaly is a good idea not with every wash though.
3rd drying takes special care. dont use chamois or absorben cloths. destroy the wax coats you spent hours applying.. towel dry with a soft clean towel pop the hood,fuel gate,trunk and open all doors. drying inside these will keep your car looking imacculate
carpet stains ...try steel wool and stain remover
trouble with dust on the dash...try pledge grab it mitts no chemicals in em
if you shine your tires apply tire shine with a sponge staining brush
meguires hot rims works well on all wheels and doesnt eat clear coat
you can wax wheels, windows, and lights i prefer waxing my winshield to rain
x
i detail cars so if you have any other qwestions id be glad to help i covered as much as i could think of right now

 

fme switching up step two and three would definatly help

 

GLD's plan

1. Wash about once a month.

2. Clay about twice a year.

3. Pre-wax cleaner in-between the clay.

4. Add 1+2+3 = wax every 3 months.


Your paint surface should still be very good right? So that's all you need to keep it in very good condition. It does not take much, and there is really no secrets. Over doing it will not get you any more benefit. The idea is to do it right, when you do it.

As for wheels & tires. I'm sure you already know. The hard part is to take the time with a small toothbrush and get every bit of crap out.

And don't forget the interior, door jams, and inside window. Use the rags you dirty to clean the wheelwells, underbody, shocks, muffler. In other words, where ever your arm can reach.

You already know what to do. Just spend the time to do it. Some guys think I'm crazy when I say a minor "car wash" take 3 hrs. And a good paint surface detailing take 3 days (note: I'm not working on it 24 hrs a day, but you get the point cause I break down each process, and the stuff I use take more time to dry.)

 

using a toofbrush can ruin the clearcoat on rims and if your car isnt a show car only;wash it more than once a month... ... it wont take three hours there-after


[Modified by buttski, 4:06 AM 8/26/2001]

 

I recommend all Meguiar's professional products. You will not be dissapointed!