Preparing for my first FULL detailing.

[Jen Luckenbach]

NOTE: I have never done this, but I have been doing my homework.

1)shopping list:

-car wash, sample size just to try out
Mothers California Gold Car Wash 4 oz. Sample

-drying cloth
Meguiars Water Magnet is a soft waffle weave microfiber drying towel that's softer than terry towels and more absorbent than a chamois. Attracts water

-clay/ lubricant (I am excited to try this)
Mothers California Gold Clay Bar - Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Paint Saving System, detailing clay bar, 2 clay bars

-wash mitt
-microfiber towels
-rubber gloves (hope these will help me keep a grip on the clay)

-paint cleaner (too timid to use anything more aggressive/abrasive)
SONAX Premium Class Paint Cleaner, car polish cleaner, sonax car polish cleaner, Sonax premium paint cleaner

-wax (chose spray wax for ease of use and safe for the black plastic parts)
Optimum Car Wax is a spray wax made with real carnauba and synthetic paint sealants for protection & shine! high-grade carnauba wax and silicone

-2 buckets.

This is what I have in my possesion. What am I missing? (external only, for now)

2) Process:

-wash
-dry
-clay
-buff with microfiber towel (optional 2nd wash)
-paint cleaner (on with a pad, buff with a MF cloth)
-wax (spray on, wipe off with MF cloth)

Does this sound correct?

3) hope for a day under 90* and no other plans....

4) post pictures before, during and after (watch this spot)

Any and all comments, suggestions, and support welcome.
(anyone want to come help me?)

[Dogfather]

Sounds like a good plan.Can't overstate the importance of claying. You'll be amazed with the results. Don't forget to clay your glass. Sonax and Optimum make first class products.
My system (April and Oct.):
Wash
Clay Magic
Zaino All In One
Zaino Z2Pro
Zaino Clear Seal

Maintain with Optimum No Rinse Wash (a must have favorite product)
Adams Detail Spray
Interior:
Zaino Leather Soft Cleaner
Zaino Leather In A Bottle (smells great,like a coach store)
Meguiars Quik Interior Detailer (another must have)

[tunces outback]

NEVER DROP THE CLAY BAR !!! if you do it's history and never go in circles ( wash-dry-clay-wax)all front to back motions. Keep that microfiber towel away from your tires at all times. Wash and rinse the edge of your wheel wells the best you can. Any dirt from that area will really mess up your paint if your towel touches it. Visit Autogeek .com for some helpfull hints.

[Jen Luckenbach]

Thank you. I am hoping that tomorrow is the day.

[Jen Luckenbach]

Well, I did it.
Wash, clay, pre-wax cleaner and spray wax.

Actually, the car was really clean. They must have done a spectacular job at the dealership before I bought it (I have only had it since April).

Here are a couple of photos, not too great, but oh well.

[dboz]

Nice JOB. Take a few pics in the sun.

[Jen Luckenbach]

Originally Posted by dboz

Nice JOB. Take a few pics in the sun.

Thanks. And I will. Since I was not the one taking the pictures I was not thinking that we were in the shade, DUH!!

[tunces outback]

You did a great job on that little beauty and I have one more thing that I would like to share with you.
Every time I wash my car and after drying I go over it with a Detailer spray such as Mothers or Meguiar's. You spray a "little" on your microfiber towel and do a wipe down. It's called the missing link between a wash and a wax. Remember to get bird droppings off ASAP as it will etch the paint then hit it with the detail spray. Now make sure that you don't get a stiff neck because every time you park your car now and walk away you'll be looking back at that beauty and smile, that OK because most of us do anyway.

[Jen Luckenbach]

[barkeater]

Dress those tires.

Looks good. good job!