Exterior vehicle detailing.... need info.

[Supergumby5000 5,000+ posts]

I want to give the new truck a nice polishing. It could use it.

Any info on a process here? All ive ever done is wash/dry/wax.....

I figured i'll get some decent power tool polishing wheels. Are there any products i should look into? I always see threads and ish on people doing like 6-stage detailing projects.... wtf are they doing?

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[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

Use a clay bar, then wet sand with fine grit (by hand) and polish with some compound. Finish off with a coat of wax.

Works for me...

 

[Supergumby5000 5,000+ posts]

Use a clay bar, then wet sand with fine grit (by hand) and polish with some compound. Finish off with a coat of wax.
Works for me...

hmmmm, is this just done to get any debris out of the paint/even up the clear coat or something? Not sure if thats something i want to try on my vehicle for a first time around. Maybe i'll do it on the roof or something first.

 

[TMali 10+ year member]

i use 3m rubbing compound with a buffer

expensive stuff though...

Store Locator | NAPA Online

finnished off with meguiars Ntx gen wax (by hand)

Meguiar's Direct NXT Generation® Tech Wax® 2.0 Paste

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

hmmmm, is this just done to get any debris out of the paint/even up the clear coat or something? Not sure if thats something i want to try on my vehicle for a first time around. Maybe i'll do it on the roof or something first.

Think of it like this.

1. the clay bar removes debris that's stuck to the paint

2. wet sanding removes the debris the clay bar leaves behind and begins to remove the outermost layer of the clearcoat.

3. compound (rubbing or clearcoat) furthers the removal of the outermost layer of clearcoat. You should use a buffer for this. Be careful! Don't apply too much pressure in a given area for a prolonged period of time.

4. A good coat of wax protects the fresh surface.

I'm no expert on this subject, but I have detailed several of my personal vehicles over the years with great results...

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

double post ftl

 

[SAZCLASSD 10+ year member]

I use a bunch of chemicals on the exterior of my truck everytime I wash it......Mean Green, Wire Wheel, windown cleaner, tire shine, and engine shine. Makes the truck look brand new without even waxing it.

 

[outsideshot23 10+ year member]

claybar and wax/... mequires has an awesome kit... Then next time you can just wash it and use wuick detailer and it will feel like you just waxed it... wd-40 under wheel wells.. i know it sounds crazy but you will be amazied

 

[xtremekustomz 10+ year member]

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