hey im about to detail my car for the first time. i was wondering do you need to take off the wax before you detaill the car? also how do you take it off? what are the steps in detailling? how long do you have to wait after you polish the car to put the wax on. can you put the wax on the buffer or do you have to use a pad? i have the Ultimate Buffer http://autogeek.net/ultimate-detaili...e-pro-kit.html here a link of what i got. what pad should i use for polish and wax? i dont really have any swirl mark i think. i will be using adams polishs and waxes

 

Theres are a bunch of stickies on the top of the forum that guides you to detail your car.

 

if no swirls, you should not polish...

the steps are:

actually for me the first step is the interior- vinyl and leather cleaners, then preserve the leather.
1. wash the wheels, then wash the car (use clean water for the car)
2. dry it
3. inspect it- if its rough, clay it- if its swirled, polish it

4. after clay, and/or polish, or if you dont have to do either, the next step is protection. i like synthetics topped by wax. for someone new at this, i like finish first for the synthetic and p21s for the wax.

and for someone new at this, experimenting is what makes it fun- do a bunch of reading first then go for it. and keep posting up questions. soon enough you will be posting up answers!!



gee- i forgot the most important step!!

after its done, step back with a beer and admire your work.



then, get out the camera- take some pics...

then post em up here and pm me for your wacko badge!!

 

finally getting around to this-

here is our "how to" thread:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=221878

check it out and post back questions

 

what if i forgot to use the synthetics and i wax it after the polish?

 

no problem at all... good question, and i should have addressed it earlier.

synthetics are a new thing- they just last longer and shine differently.
wax is fine-

 

can you use different brand waxes for each layer? also if i wanted to add synthetics how can i do it?

 

[QUOTE=albe,Mar 5 2008, 07:02 PM] can you use different brand waxes for each layer? also if i wanted to add synthetics

 

did i do this right, i put the wax on the pad and buff it to the car. am i suppose to put the wax on the car and wait?

 

depends on the brand- read the label and it will tell you.
easiest is p21s- wipe on a small section the way the wind blows over the car (not in circles), and wipe off before it dries.
most waxes you wipe on, and can let cure (sit) before you buff it- but you gotta read the label to find out which your wax wants you to do.