Which products?

[Dave_R1001]

Alex, what would you suggest product wise to give my car a thorough going over and excellent long lasting finish?

Ive currently got Meguiars products along with some Klasse all-in-one (and another I cant remember! one silver bottle, one red?) But would like to get some new stuff.
What is worth keeping from my current lot? I like the Klasse but its quite hard work to use.

I guess really Im looking for a paint cleaner, polish, sealant and a wax?

[Dave_R1001]

Reading up a bit more, how does this sound?
1) Wash, dry car...
2) Clay car? Not sure at what stage is best?
3) to clean paint, Clearkote MOOSE WAX or P21-S Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser (or my current Klasse All in one?)
4) Poorboy’s Polish with Carnauba (Blue)
5) Some form of sealant glaze? (Poorboys? Maybe my current Klasse sealant?
6) Wax? P21-S?

Pointers on what to go for and the best process to use would be great!

Cheers

Dave

[Alex Creasey]

Hi Dave,

No worries..... The Klasse is very good and definately one of my favourites. It does take a little more time than others and favourable weather that isn't to hot but the finish is fantastic. Alot of people initially say the Sealant Glaze can be tricky to remove once it's been on the car for a while when left to cure but, using a damp cloth to remove makes it a doddle and also leaves no streaks.

The regime you've written is pretty much spot on. I'll write a few things down but let me know what Meg's stuff you already have.

Clay the car after you've done the initial wash + dry. Meg's clay kit is a good starting point or I've got my own 100g clay bars which you can use with something like Poorboy's Spray + Wipe, or even just use a shampoo solution. If you use a shampoo mix you'll probably need to rewash as sometimes it dries quite quickly without rinsing or wiping.

For a decent polish that can be used by hand if you don't have a machine but, will still remove light scratches and swirls, Poorboy's SSR 2 is one of the best. It has diminishing abrasives so won't dull or marr the paint, and is also good to use by hand yet will still leave the paint shiny, ready to be waxed or sealed. It will take a couple of applications but can be used in the sun and is easy to work. Using a terry cloth or Microfibre applicator to work the polish gives a little more 'bite' , as opposed to foam which glides more over the paint, again making the polish a bit more effective.

You can go for a paint cleaner such as the Klasse All In One now if you want to or feel the paint needs it just to bring it up even more after the polshing stage. An alternative would be Poorboys Pro Polish or even Meguiars Step #1 paint cleaner. These have no waxes in them so will leave the paint perfect for the sealant to bond to. Anything with wax in doesn't stop the sealant bonding, it just reduces the durability a little which doesn't bother the likes of myself but, others want the sealant to last as long as possible.

The Klasse Sealant Glaze is very good and I still highly recommend it, although if you want something a little quicker and easier (can be used in the sun etc), on your red Poorboy's EX-P would work really nicely and give a good, slick finish.

You've mentioned P21S Wax as the finishing coat, and it is probaly the best all round wax as it's easy to use and gives a great finish on pretty much any colour, the only alternative I might go for is the Poorboy's Blue Natty's Wax. It gives a very clear finish and either are very easy to use, just wipe on and wipe off, the Poorboy's is a little more sun friendly but it doesn't matter really.

Don't forget things like cloths etc..... Anything with a pile that can absorb dirt like microfibre or terry towels is good, as opposed to things like sponges or T-shirts which push dirt or polish/ wax residue off or along the paint which actually can cause swirls.

Any other questions just let me know.

Cheers.

[Dave_R1001]

Alex thats great thanks.

Ill send you a PM over with a list of what I would like. Ive got some Meguiars #1 but will go for the other pooboy's products along with a few cloths.
I can send you a conformation fax and pop a cheque in the post tomorrow?

Dave

[Alex Creasey]

No need for the fax Dave.
Pm'd ya back

[Duffman]

My appologies for the newbie question , but what is the claying for ?

[Dave_R1001]

Clay works to remove contaminents from the paits surface. Bird sh1t residue, tree sap, road tar etc.

It leaves the paint feeling silky smooth! lol Well worth doing a few times a year IMO.

[Alex Creasey]

What he said....

Theres a good article on clay and using it here:
http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=14

Cheers .

[Duffman]

Thanks , very useful link , I won't be green behind the ears for much longer when it comes to car detailing

[Dave_R1001]

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/ has some useful articles and a forum too

[Dave_R1001]

Got my delivery today

Many thanks Alex. Cheers for the freebie too