[in4maous]

I am new at this and want to learn the proper techinques to washing my black saphire 5 series. Yesterday I ordered a Gilmour Foam master, Meguiars NXT wash and wax kit, and a California blade from Amazon. I have never waxed or clayed a car. Can someone give me some pointers on what products to use (interior and exterior) and techniques to use? Youtube videos will be helpful.

NXT Wash & Wax Kit products:
NXT Tech Wax 2.0
NXT Car Wash
NXT Insane Shine Spray
Ultimate Quik Detailer
Microfiber Towel
Foam Applicator


Many Thanks

[Krozi]

in4maous, on Jun 9 2009, 02:27 PM, said:

I am new at this and want to learn the proper techinques to washing my black saphire 5 series. Yesterday I ordered a Gilmour Foam master, Meguiars NXT wash and wax kit, and a California blade from Amazon. I have never waxed or clayed a car. Can someone give me some pointers on what products to use (interior and exterior) and techniques to use? Youtube videos will be helpful.

NXT Wash & Wax Kit products:
NXT Tech Wax 2.0
NXT Car Wash
NXT Insane Shine Spray
Ultimate Quik Detailer
Microfiber Towel
Foam Applicator


Many Thanks

After you wash the car for the first time, try not to use the blade. The particles on the surface of the car will scratch the finish. If you have one, use a leaf blower, or a towel. After that clay the car. Claying is really simple, if you need help just go to youtube.com. Then you can wax the car.

That is the basic rundown for a simple wash, clay, and wax.

[v_therussian]

I just found this checklist, I think its pretty thorough and good, if you're just starting in detailing:

Wash and dry exterior paint (20 min.)
Scrub tires and wheels (20 min.)
Clean and polish exterior windows and mirrors (15 min.)
Clean and polish paint (60 min.)
Wax or seal paint (45 min.)
Polish chrome trim (15 min.)
Clean door, hood and trunk jambs (10 min.)
Clean and dress rubber seals (10 min.)
Dress exterior trim, tires and vinyl top (15 min.)
Vacuum (2 min.)
Scrub or shampoo floor mats (15 min.)
Shampoo carpet (45 min.)
Shampoo or wash upholstery (45 min.)
Clean dash and console (20 min.)
Clean vents (10 min.)
Apply dressing to console, vinyl and leather (20 min.)
Clean interior windows and rearview mirror (10 min.)
Empty and clean ashtrays (5 min.)
Deodorize vents and carpet (10 min.)
Protect carpet and upholstery fabric (20 min.)

Nice article for nooB detailers

ANOTHER good article

[richard313]

v_therussian, on Jul 10 2009, 04:12 AM, said:

Deodorize vents and carpet (10 min.)

how do you do that?

[kaiten408]

For the vents you can get something like Einszett Klima

if you PM your e-mail I can send you a really detailed .pdf on detailing

[pipper]

i'll add NEVER wash/wax in direct sunlight. (seems obvious, im just sayin)
and since i have black sapphire too, NEVER take it to a carwash...youre just begging for swirlmarks.
black is a p.i.t.a. to care for, but worth it when its clean.

check out all the waxheads on autopia.org ... you'll learn everything u need to know (and thensome) about detailing.

PS: nice choice with NXT 2.0 ... its the best (and easiest) OTC product ive encountered.

[kaiten408]

I wouldn't go so far as to say NEVER wash/wax in direct sunlight because there are many products nowadays that are formulated to work fine like in those situations, like Poorboys World and many Chemical Guys products.

But it's still best to do it all in the shade.

[BulldogE60]

There isnt much that I can add to this thread except that I just did it for the first time as well and it is one of those things that seem hard, but really isn't. You just have to do it.

[kaiten408]

Practice makes perfect.

How did your detail turn out George?

[BulldogE60]

kaiten408, on Jul 12 2009, 05:18 PM, said:

Practice makes perfect.

How did your detail turn out George?

It went pretty well for my first time I'm going to post up some pics later man. Thanks again for all the tips.