Detail noob need some help

[AngryBeavers]

Hey guys,

I've been browsing through here for awhile and I was really hoping for a sticky on some basic detailing as I am a total noob. I have been hand washing and drying my car regularly but before winter rolls around I want to do a full detail. I am totally clueless on how to do this stuff and super scared I'm gonna screw up my paint. I was gonna purchase this and just follow the directions on the products: http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G550...=1446041634&sr=8-2&keywords=car+detailing+kit

Is that a rip off? Better kit for the money somewhere else? Anything else I'll need?

Process as I understand it:
1)Hand Wash and dry
2)clay bar?
3)wax after clay bar
4)then do I put that scratchX stuff on to remove the microscratches? (Car is black and I have some ugly ones in some random places)

Sorry if the thread is redundant but I could really use some tips/advice, links to sites/videos as I am totally clueless on any technique beyond washing and drying.

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[jasonstang]

You wash, clay, polish, and wax.
That kit is good exactly what I use. I love Meguiar's stuff. However, when it comes to detailing, it's 70% techniques and 30% product.
What are you trying to do? Fix some swirl marks?

 

[AngryBeavers]

You wash, clay, polish, and wax.

So use the scratchX all over before waxing?

 

[jasonstang]

So use the scratchX all over before waxing?

If you have the scratches all over the car. ScratchX is usually used to remove small scratches not for a whole car application.
Most of the time you want get something milder like a polish.
Wax itself covers some of the scratches.
If you are gonna go crazy on detailing the paint you should get a random orbit buffer. Hand polishing takes too long and can do more harm than good when uneven pressure is applied to the clear coat.

 

[within1micron]

I suggest a cleaner wax. I have used Meguiar's. Zymol makes a good cleaner wax too. The cleaner wax's have micro abrasives that will smooth out and remove blemishes, swirl marks and minimize the appearance of light scratches.

Clay bars will not remove scratches. Clay bars are used with a light soapy spray to remove road grime and surface contaminants that imbed into the paint. I usually clay bar my car once a year.

 

[Old Guard]

Not totally off topic, because this question relates to a Ford Focus, and might apply to one of our Mustangs some day: What is the best way to clean an interior, including leather seats, carpets, and plastic surfaces to remove an unpleasant "human/plastic" scent? We bought the car almost new with about one month and 1,400 miles of prior ownership in McAllen, Texas during the summer. (Please don't recommend hanging a paper Christmas tree air freshener from the rear view mirror. Ha.)

 

[Khyber]

you want to remove the brand new car smell? whhhat

 

[Old Guard]

Unfortunately it is more like a recent human smell. Nothing "new car" about it, unfortunately.

 

[jasonstang]

Not totally off topic, because this question relates to a Ford Focus, and might apply to one of our Mustangs some day: What is the best way to clean an interior, including leather seats, carpets, and plastic surfaces to remove an unpleasant "human/plastic" scent? We bought the car almost new with about one month and 1,400 miles of prior ownership in McAllen, Texas during the summer. (Please don't recommend hanging a paper Christmas tree air freshener from the rear view mirror. Ha.)

Clean the seats and try cleaning out the AC system.
There are tons of cleaners can be used on plastics and fabric.

 

[Twin Turbo]

Try this for removing stubborn smells.

I've not had to use one personally, but I know of several professional detailers that use a similar system

http://www.autogeek.net/odor-bomb-car-fogger.html

 

[jasonstang]

Try this for removing stubborn smells.

I've not had to use one personally, but I know of several professional detailers that use a similar system

http://www.autogeek.net/odor-bomb-car-fogger.html

I would be careful using that. You never know what the fog does to your interior plastic.

 

[Twin Turbo]

Good call.

Personally, I'd get a recommendation from a pro detailer. I know my guy wouldn't use anything that would damage the car, but it's worth doing your homework

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