New Paint + General Car Care Tips

[coupe]

DO NOT WAX IN THE SUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do everything in the shade and make sure your paint is cool to the touch, get a good halegon light like the one i posted if you cant see at all.

Also make sure you claybar first. I can tell from your questions claybaring has never been done on your paint.

[99GTCoupe]

Yeah, I have no clue if it was done before I bought it (but I doubt it)

I'll follow what you say about the sunlight (there's good light and I'm able to see quite well under the front yard tree), and am I right in guessing it's because it will either A) make the paint hotter and then the wax will not adhere; B) cause the wax to 'bake' (or something similar) onto the paint or dry prematurely; C) both of those?

This will be the first time hand washing my GA, and the previous cars I have hand washed I didn't wax or anything extra. I just want to make sure that I get everything right. I want my car looking great and I just don't want to mess things up

I'll most likely be picking up these products:
a Claybar (how much should be used, btw? a bar per car or just as needed? damn my n00bishness)
bottle of Long Hual or Race Glaze
Megs #26

What would you suggest for soap? I saw in one thread that Dawn was recommended for removing old wax, and that's as in the dish soap?, or is there something else also? I want to amass a list of the products I will need (types and one or two brands), and haven't been able to find a good thread with them via Search. Do you have such a list, coupe, or even a link to one? I have been trying to piece things together, but it would be much easier if I could get at least a general list of things

Thanks in advance

[Phuxed]

Claybar is a reusable bar of clay. basically you use a spray to lubricate your paint and then rub the ball of clay over it to remove contaminates. It doesn't really get "used up" per say, it's more like a towel...it won't start getting smaller on you . IIRC you should only use it to do three full cars before it's considered "contaminated," but coupe is more the detailing expert. IMO don't use the Mother's claybar, it's the only one I've used so far so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I just don't feel it did a good job.

[coupe]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Yeah, I have no clue if it was done before I bought it (but I doubt it)

I'll follow what you say about the sunlight (there's good light and I'm able to see quite well under the front yard tree), and am I right in guessing it's because it will either A) make the paint hotter and then the wax will not adhere; B) cause the wax to 'bake' (or something similar) onto the paint or dry prematurely; C) both of those?

If the surface is hot the wax will like you said *bake* on. It wont hurt anything but you will be workin your ass off to remove it.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

This will be the first time hand washing my GA, and the previous cars I have hand washed I didn't wax or anything extra. I just want to make sure that I get everything right. I want my car looking great and I just don't want to mess things up

I can only imagine the horror of your paint
Dont worry you wont mess anything up.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

I'll most likely be picking up these products:
a Claybar (how much should be used, btw? a bar per car or just as needed? damn my n00bishness)
bottle of Long Hual or Race Glaze
Megs #26

You can get clay magic clay bar kit from autozone for $10.99 and i can ussually get 5 cars worth out of it. Follow the directions on the back and you will be fine.

What i would recomend for you is:
Wash
Clay bar
Wash (optiniol)
Meguires colorx, (if you have a big lots get long hual polish/wax, use that instead of colorx) rub it into the paint with a wax applicator, let haze and then remove.
meguires #26 rub it into the paint with a wax applicator, let haze and then remove.


Get yourself at least 10 micro fiber clothes also, dont use anything else on your paint.
Also get yourself either a lambswool wash mit or micro fiber wash mit. Nothing else, no brushes or anything.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

What would you suggest for soap? I saw in one thread that Dawn was recommended for removing old wax, and that's as in the dish soap?, or is there something else also? I want to amass a list of the products I will need (types and one or two brands), and haven't been able to find a good thread with them via Search. Do you have such a list, coupe, or even a link to one? I have been trying to piece things together, but it would be much easier if I could get at least a general list of things

Thanks in advance

Dont bother useing dawn. People think it will remove wax but it really dosent. I know of a few ways that DO work but you wont need to remove anything anyway. From what it sounds like there is no protective barrier to remove.
I recomend NXT car soap, the sudsing is great and lasts forever.
Everything i recomended for you you can get at almost any auto parts store.

Remember to take your time and dont take any short cuts. Allow yourself at least 7-8 hours to do all this. Its totaly worth it!

After you have done all this, wash your car weekly and wax monthly with #26.
In the spring do all this all over again.

[coupe]

Originally Posted by Phuxed

Claybar is a reusable bar of clay. basically you use a spray to lubricate your paint and then rub the ball of clay over it to remove contaminates. It doesn't really get "used up" per say, it's more like a towel...it won't start getting smaller on you . IIRC you should only use it to do three full cars before it's considered "contaminated," but coupe is more the detailing expert. IMO don't use the Mother's claybar, it's the only one I've used so far so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I just don't feel it did a good job.

I can get 5 *dirty* cars out of it, cars that have never been clayed before.
If the cars im doing are clayed yearly i can get 20+ cars out of it.

There are different grades of clay, light, medium and heavy cut. The consumer brands are all light cut.

What alot of people dont know is that claymagic makes all the different brand clay bars. If you get meguires clay, claymagic made it, if you get mothers, claymagic made it etc.
As long as the paint feels like glass when your done, they clay bar has done its job perfectly.
A way to test if you need to clay is get a sandwhich bag (not a zip lock, its to thick) and put your finger in it and then run your finger down your paint (after you have washed it of course). You will feel what feels like sand or grit. When your done claying do that again. It will feel like glass.

[coupe]

Here is what clay magics box looks like:

[Phuxed]

I think I'm gonna look for some medium or heavy cut online then, cause it did well in some areas, but I don't think it felt like glass! Let me explain it this way...it's a 99, I got it last summer, I think the first time it was touched by hand was this last spring when I did it and I'm a n00b at this...my paint needs help! I'm workin on it and learnin though. Autopia.org is a really good site...if anyone wants to get into detailing, they have pretty much all you need to know.

[coupe]

Carquest ussually has medium cut clay bars. They dont come in a kit, but a kit is just a quick detailer and clay bar in a box

I recomend anyone wanting to learn read through this site:
http://www.paintcare-n-detailing.com/

[99GTCoupe]

Sweet, thanks a bunch. I'm gonna write down the supplies mentioned (plus, I can't remember the glass cleaner someone posted somewhere, but what would be good? I want a cleaner that will stop my glass from 'smoking over', within reason of course) and take a trip to Murray's on Wednesday or Thursday hopefully. I have to get a few things (jack, bulbs, etc) anyways. I probably won't get a chance to do a wax and such yet, so I will probably do a nice wash of my car and get all the crap off of it at least. A few things I wanted to clear up:

1) When you mentioned wash once a week and wax once a month, does that include winter? I -might- be able to wash my car during the winter, but remember that I don't have anywhere to go that's enclosed so I'd have to do everything in the snow and driveway >< Same goes for the wax, though I doubt I'll have anywhere to go to do a proper wax and such in the winter (why I love garages).

2) I noticed today as I filled up my car that I have those dreaded swirl marks!!! >< I suppose that I could leave them, if I can't take care of them, but I know that I can do it on my own.... but am wary. I can leave it for now, I'm not able to really do anything about them at this point and all, but can you tell me how exactly (and what's needed) to take care of them? Also, what again do swirls exactly look like? The ones I saw are hard to describe and I want to make sure they are not just 'nromal'. Are there any 'normal' markings that paint gets, or should a perfect paint job look like perfect glass?? (I don't have any new cars to look at )

Also, I'm running through Murray's online and found
Meguiars Car Wash: Deep Crystal; 64 oz. for $6.49
Meguiars Car Wash: Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner; 64 oz. for $8.99
Blue Coral Car Wash: High Foam Concentrate; 64 oz. for $4.44

How do they shape up to the NXT (which, btw, I cannot find on AutoZone.com or Murray's Online)?

It also looks like they do not stock the NXT, Clay Magic, #26, or Colorx; and they have a Meguire's microfiber cloth, but mostly Viking brand. How does Viking rate? I'll be checking AutoZone in a moment

For the wax applicator, would you suggest the Meguiars Even-Coat Applicator for $2.99?

Moving on to AutoZone now

Meguiar`s Mirror Glaze #26 Paste for $11.99
Meguiar`s Meguiars Color X Wax for $10.99

For mitts and applicators, all AutoZone carries is Schroeder & Tremayne (except for one Blue Coral applicator). It doesn't seem that AutoZone has many microfiber cloths and such, as well :P I would also like to state that I asked about Blue Coral because Jax's Kar Wash uses all Blue Coral products, so I figured I'd see how they shape up


Any help finding the products that you mentioned, coupe (at least the ones I didn't already find), would be greatly appreciated. Search functions (forum or web) seem to hate me ><

[coupe]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Sweet, thanks a bunch. I'm gonna write down the supplies mentioned (plus, I can't remember the glass cleaner someone posted somewhere, but what would be good? I want a cleaner that will stop my glass from 'smoking over', within reason of course) and take a trip to Murray's on Wednesday or Thursday hopefully. I have to get a few things (jack, bulbs, etc) anyways. I probably won't get a chance to do a wax and such yet, so I will probably do a nice wash of my car and get all the crap off of it at least. A few things I wanted to clear up:

I love either *stoners invisible glass* or NXT glass cleaner and 000 steal wool.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

1) When you mentioned wash once a week and wax once a month, does that include winter? I -might- be able to wash my car during the winter, but remember that I don't have anywhere to go that's enclosed so I'd have to do everything in the snow and driveway >< Same goes for the wax, though I doubt I'll have anywhere to go to do a proper wax and such in the winter (why I love garages).

No not in the winter. During the winter months your just gonna have to leave it dirty. Then once the weather breaks in the spring where you can stand to wash your car do it right away. In the spring just repeat the wash, clay and wax.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

2) I noticed today as I filled up my car that I have those dreaded swirl marks!!! >< I suppose that I could leave them, if I can't take care of them, but I know that I can do it on my own.... but am wary. I can leave it for now, I'm not able to really do anything about them at this point and all, but can you tell me how exactly (and what's needed) to take care of them? Also, what again do swirls exactly look like? The ones I saw are hard to describe and I want to make sure they are not just 'nromal'. Are there any 'normal' markings that paint gets, or should a perfect paint job look like perfect glass?? (I don't have any new cars to look at )

I would really not want to get into that with you right now until you get your car clayed and waxed. Removeing swirls (marring) is alot more indepth and requires some serious learning.
This is what swirls look like:
http://autopia.org/forum/showthread....ght=swirl+pics

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Also, I'm running through Murray's online and found
Meguiars Car Wash: Deep Crystal; 64 oz. for $6.49
Meguiars Car Wash: Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner; 64 oz. for $8.99
Blue Coral Car Wash: High Foam Concentrate; 64 oz. for $4.44

Get the Gold class.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

How do they shape up to the NXT (which, btw, I cannot find on AutoZone.com or Murray's Online)?

Autozone should carry NXT. If not find an advance auto, napa, pepboys, walmart etc. No need to order anything. The Gold Class is right up there with NXT.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

It also looks like they do not stock the NXT, Clay Magic, #26, or Colorx; and they have a Meguire's microfiber cloth, but mostly Viking brand. How does Viking rate? I'll be checking AutoZone in a moment :

Have you actually gone to autozone? They definately carry clay magic and mothers clay bar, #26, NXT and colorx. Its where i get all those things. But again, go to pepboys, advance auto, walmart, napa etc. You will find all of it without ordering.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

For the wax applicator, would you suggest the Meguiars Even-Coat Applicator for $2.99?)?

I preffer meguires hi tech yellow applicator. You should be able to get it at any parts store.

[quote=99GTCoupe]Moving on to AutoZone now

Meguiar`s Mirror Glaze #26 Paste for $11.99
Meguiar`s Meguiars Color X Wax for $10.99

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

For mitts and applicators, all AutoZone carries is Schroeder & Tremayne (except for one Blue Coral applicator). It doesn't seem that AutoZone has many microfiber cloths and such, as well :P I would also like to state that I asked about Blue Coral because Jax's Kar Wash uses all Blue Coral products, so I figured I'd see how they shape up

You have a target?
If so get the Vroom micor fiber towels.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Any help finding the products that you mentioned, coupe (at least the ones I didn't already find), would be greatly appreciated. Search functions (forum or web) seem to hate me ><

Spend a couple hours with a list and drive around to all the parts stored you know of, you will find what you need for sure.

[99GTCoupe]

Sweet, thanks. I got things written down, I just wanted to ask about those alternatives
Editing it now, btw, to incorporate your new info. As for the swirls, I checked the link and that's what I rememebr seeing, though I don't think mine looked as bad, not sure though

BTW - @ postx2


EDIT - I already read that Armor All and stuff like that is bad for your car, so my interior will just get a reagular wipe-down and such. I'll use probably Stoners to do the windows. I wanted to ask, though, if you reccomend anything like Rain-X or stuff like that for windshileds? Also, is there anything I need to be wary about, like windshield washer fluid that will mess up the wax or anything, or possibly any cleaners that will? Yes, I sound overprotective, so just shoot me and tell ne I have nothing to worry abotu (within reason)

[coupe]

What color is your car?

[99GTCoupe]

It is teh blackness

[coupe]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Sweet, thanks. I got things written down, I just wanted to ask about those alternatives
Editing it now, btw, to incorporate your new info. As for the swirls, I checked the link and that's what I rememebr seeing, though I don't think mine looked as bad, not sure though

BTW - @ postx2


EDIT - I already read that Armor All and stuff like that is bad for your car, so my interior will just get a reagular wipe-down and such. I'll use probably Stoners to do the windows. I wanted to ask, though, if you reccomend anything like Rain-X or stuff like that for windshileds? Also, is there anything I need to be wary about, like windshield washer fluid that will mess up the wax or anything, or possibly any cleaners that will? Yes, I sound overprotective, so just shoot me and tell ne I have nothing to worry abotu (within reason)

Waite till the sun is beeting right down on your paint and then look. I bet the swirls are as bad as that link. Or get a halogen and point the light right at your paint.
The armor all is a funny subject. Some say it hurts some say it dont. Ive never had a problem with it.
For interior read this:
HOW-TO Effectively clean leather, vinyl and plastic

[Ajaxus]

and yes, rain-x is a go. although ive noticed it leaves a residue behind, so you might wait a bit after applying it and clean the windows a second time, then you should be good to go.

[Phuxed]

Rain-X is awesome, but IMO the interior Anti-fog stuff is not. I've tried it before and no matter how hard I try, it leaves a residue that is worse than actual fogging windows. And as for Armor All, what's the bad stuff they say about it? Ive never had a problem.

[99GTCoupe]

Wash your car like a pro - by MSN
Check post #11


That's where I read it, but saw in other posts as well, I think
Yeah, I wouldn't trust Anti-fog stuff anyways, sounds kinda shady to me.

[Bouchie11982]

Patrick, stop whoring my thread!!!! LOL j.k im getting some tips as well....

[coupe]

Originally Posted by Bouchie11982

Patrick, stop whoring my thread!!!! LOL j.k im getting some tips as well....

Thats why im letting it go off topic becuase in what we are talking about you will also pick up some info that may help you take care of your car for the winter and especially your new hood. In a way its not off topic.

[coupe]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Wash your car like a pro - by MSN
Check post #11


That's where I read it, but saw in other posts as well, I think
Yeah, I wouldn't trust Anti-fog stuff anyways, sounds kinda shady to me.

03xGAxSE Is a phocking moron. He knows absolutely NOTHING about detailing. His posts in that thread are so retarded and misinformed its not even funny.

You can claybar your car daily if you want. After you get used to claybarring and can control how aggresive you are you can actually clay bar without removeing wax. Ive havent gotten that good yet and ive clayed hundreds of times but it can be done.

Abbrasive wax? No such thing. Waxes are not abbrasive what-so-ever. Polishes and compounds are abbrasive, not wax/sealants.

He talks about pads but dosent say what kind of pads. He talks about the color pads are but every company that makes pads uses different colors for different cuts. Like a yellow megs pad is a polishing pad but a yellow pad from lake country is a finishing pad etc (just an example).

This is why i tell everyone to stay away from detail shops, not letting the dealer detail or wash your car and not letting paint shops detail your car. Most of these people know NOTHING about detailing and you end up worse off than you where before you let them touch your paint.

If you want to hire someone, hire someone from autopia.org. Start a thread looking for someone in your area to detail your car.