AZS2KDancer

I'll be hooking up a Spotless DI water filter in front of the pressure washer. The water in Phoenix, AZ is notoriously hard as a rock. The filtered water will be used to rinse, suds up, and wash. I'm still going to use at least two rinse buckets before the wash mit suds bucket after the foam application. i only get shade in early morning hours at my house, or vey late in the afternoon, where I will be washing the car. Up next for consideration is an EZ up type of sun shade. I am thinking about a 10 foot by 20 foot model.

GSteg

Sounds good. I too have CR Spotless hooked up to my pressure washer to prolong the life of the filter. I'm in southern California and our water is almost as hard as yours and it's been a godsend, particularly when it comes to washing my other black car. Did you already buy the filter?

AZS2KDancer

Yes, I've had the DI filter for some time. I have used it hooked up to my garden hose and a very nice nozzle with various spray patterns. My pressure washer arrived late last night. I haven't had time to take it out of the box yet.

AZS2KDancer

So here is a regimine that I’m going to try next in my next full wash. One question that I have before I start is how can I tell if I need Step 5, Paint Correction? This does not include softtop, glass, wheels or interior.

1. Touchless wash with pressure washer and foam gun connected via a De-ionizing 2-canister water filter system.
2. Touch wash with microfiber mitt, using 2 or 3 rinse buckets with Grit Guards prior to the suds bucket. (Wash with dish soap if doing Step 3)
3. Clay Bar (traditional clay or synthetic skin)
rewash to remove any residue.
4. Dry. Using a blower and quickly follow up with a deep-fiber micro-fiber drying cloth.
5. Paint Correction. Using a Random Orbital polisher for any swirl removal and polish paint. Wipe with microfiber towels.
6. Apply paint sealant, maybe add a coat of Carnuaba wax.

Your thoughts?

Fokker

Paint correction needs should be pretty obvious in daylight. Scratches, swirls, holograms, etc. should be pretty apparent. You can get lights specifically for identifying paint damage indoors or use high output LED flashlights to identify the areas that need it.

AZS2KDancer

Oh boy! Another tool!

AZS2KDancer

I’ll be trying to keep the car out of direct sunlight. Typically this work will be planned to be done under a shade canopy outdoors.

Vanishing Point

Regarding step #5, use the least aggressive method first as you can always step it up if the scratches/swirls don't come out. As far as a product line to use, I like the Menzerna products. They offer fine, medium and heavy correction compounds.
Also on #6. Be aware some sealants require the car be keep indoors, away from moisture/high humidity for 11 hours while it cures.

AZS2KDancer

I’ve ordered some iron and fallout remover to use prior the the clay bar step. The first time through this routine won’t be just a ten-minute wash.