I plan to clean my car 100%, well I want to try...at least the exterior..
I want to wash, clay bar, polish, and wax my car..

1. is this the right order?? can they be done right after one another or should I wait between certain steps??

2. I have a noob question..what does polishing do for the car??

3. also what kind of applicator(pad?) should I use for polishing and waxing?
I don't have a PC, is it ok???

4. what kind/brand of polish and wax should I buy??

any tips??

 

I was in the same boat as you two weeks ago.

That is the right order for your car, but you need to add some steps.

Wash > Dry(if you want) > Clay with either clay lube, or using the wash water(Why is why previous drying is optional) > DRY > Polish > Seal > Wax

I'd recommend sealing it with an AIO, because they are longer lasting than waxes (From what I've read/heard) and last about 5-6 months, where Waxes last 2-3. There is a Sticky at the top of the W&W forum you should read. I did about 2-3 hours of reading, and 2-3 hours of video watching, before I attempted anything on my car.

2: Polishes smooth the surface, and correct problems in your clear coat/paint. Such as swirls (Which were my problem), and scratches. Once again, read the sticky.

3: I would HIGHLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Recommend purchasing a polisher, or borrowing one. I attempted to do the TRUNK of my car, and my arm was killing me. When I recieved my UDM (Upgraded PC basicly) In 5 minutes, it made what I did look like a joke. It's without a doubt worth the money + time saved.

4: It's really up to you. I used Sonus because I saw a post from the creator of Autotopia (a detailing website/forum/supplier) and the results were amazing with the products, on a car like mine, and thats what made me choose Sonus. Look at the Suppliers Website Sticky and look for Kits for Detailing, Will save you some money, and they are usually set up to work wonders.

As far as Tips? Read and Watch as much as you can. I've done 1/2 my car, and the results are amazing, I'm just waiting for more pads for my UDM. I'm actually going to watch a guy detail a car later today (It's 12:35 AM here) and get some tips, because he does it professionally)

Good Luck. Post some pictures :-D

 

jaeden09- i am very impressed... you are fairly new at this and your suggestions are right on.
i would add that klasse aio is a good product- there are several synthetic choices. for newbes my fav is finish first. very easy to use and gives great shine and protection.

absolutely the first step is to read and watch how to videos, as you suggested...

jaehoppa- post back any more questions and we will make you one of us soon!!

 

I went and watched some guy today that details cars professionally.... and Thought he was a complete joke... He was using "CarBrite" Polish (Singular....) and was dragging his cord to his buffer alllll along the car...

I used Zaino AIO(All In One) and I liked it really well. I had problems with streaking, but that might have been user error. I haven't tried Finish first.

As we said.... READ/Research alot and Watch alot of videos... they will help incredibly.

The guy I went and showed my car, I pretty much showed him up, and he was detailing a white car, compared to my Berlina Black. (White hides pretty much everything, and black shows any and Everything)