Detailing Question

Hello Everyone,

Just joined the forums a short while ago, and have been getting alot of good information on posts. I was wondering if you would be able to give me some advice on detailing. I am going to be overhauling my GF's car this weekend to get rid of some stubborn water spots (that I dont think have damaged the paint surface) and fine scratches that she has. I plan to do the following: Oh she has a 2001 Dodge Neon (darker purple color)

Step 1: Wash car.

Step 2: Mothers Clay Bar System.

Step 3: Re-wash car.

Step 4: Meguires Step One Cleaner. (This was part of a 3-step system I purchased awhile ago. She also has a ScratchX product that she had boughten. Should I use this without the cleaner or should I use both. I have never used ScratchX before.

Step 5: Meguires Step Two Polish.

Step 6: Meguires Step Three Wax.

Quick question I own a MVP SuperLine 10" random orbital polisher. Ive noticed they make three different types of pads, one is a white one looks like a terry cloth pad, the second is a yellow foam type pad, and third is a real fluffy polishing pad or something. Which pad is better the white terry cloth looking one or the yellow foam type pad.

Also I usually apply the polish and waxes by hand and only use the orbital polisher for removing. Should I be applying with the buffer as well for better results?

Hey thanks alot for reading, and please if you have any other recommendations or you see something I should be doing differently please let me know, as I am looking to learn better ways.

Thanks Again

There is no need to wash the car after the clay bar.

Apply & Remove with the random orbit buffer for better results -- followed by a final wipe down with clean micorfiber towels

The cleaner does basically the same thing as the clay bar. I would go with the clay over the 1st step cleaner since you are polishing after. Polishing is also a "paint cleaner" by removing a fine layer of paint. Scratch X for the scratches.

Apply product with foam pads
remove polish/wax with wool pad(fluffy pad)Terry cloth also works for removal. Use different pads for each chemical.

Always work out of direct sunlight on a cool car.

1. Wash/dry
2. Clay bar
3. Polish
4. Meguiars New car or show car glaze(fills in micro scratches left by polishing & adds depth to the color)
5. Wax

Remove polish/glaze before it dries, let wax dry before removing. 2 thin coats is better than 1 heavy coat.

I have a differing opinion....
As for washing after clay, some do , some dont, I dont but my method differs from others, I use only water while claying. Inexperienced clay users sometimes leave a residue behind, thus promoting a rewash.....
being as your dealing with a dark car, a orbital polisher would be best, but may not be an option.
Doing it by hand can yield great results, if your patient, a full detail, and I use a 5 step method, will take 5-6 hrs.
As for a cleaner doing the same as a clay treatment, I totally disagree, otherwise there wouldnt be clays ! Clays are made for deep cleaning, they go beyond what cleaners can do, they efficiently remove industrial fallout, i.e., brake dust, rail dust, chemicals, water spots ( to a degree).
Its a necessity for a thorough detail.
Im not real familiar with Meg's products, but I believe the 1-2-3 punch would be, there cleaner, then polish, then wax.....
My approach would be.....:
Wash
Clay while wet (after rinse) (or with wash suds, then rinse)
Dry (microfiber or Big Blue absorbant towel)
Paint cleaner (removes prior waxes and promotes better bonding)
Scratch removal only if necessary (basically a rubbing compound)
Polish (removes fine scratches, makes paint glossy, preps for wax)
Glaze( if necessary) ((Fills unremoved scratches)
Wax (seals paint surface) ((Rarely U.V resistant))

My products for your circumstance would be:
Mothers clay
3M SMR
Blackfire polish
Blackfire Polymer sealant
S100 Carnauba
:bigthumb: