Prepping for my First Detail

[jDant]

Hey guys, like the title says, I'm looking to take a day and do my first detail on the car since I got it. I've taken a cross-country trip in it already and there's a few swirl marks and minor scratches here and there, plus some serious road grime. I've scoured this section of the forums trying to compile a list of all of the stuff I will need to do a proper job. Here's what I've got so far separated into the steps of the wash/detail:

It's a DIB if that makes a difference. I have a paint fix stick from the dealership too and I'm not sure where in the process/if I even need to use it for some of those minor scratches/swirl marks.

Wash:
- 2X 5 gal buckets
- wash mitt- sheepskin
- grit guard
- soap
- wheel brush
Dry:
- california jelly blade (?)(read somewhere that these can speed up the drying process dramatically)
- waffle weave drying towel
Clay bar:
- clay bar
- lubricant
(wash again)
Glaze and/or polish:
- glaze
- polish
Paint sealant:
- paint sealant
Wax:
- Mother's California Gold Carnuba Paste wax
- wax applicator (?)
Post-wax misc detailing:
- quick detailer
- plastic dressing
- tire dressing
- Brasso metal polish on the exhaust tips

I'm looking for feedback as to the products required at each step, the steps themselves (such as glaze versus polish) and anything I may have missed.
Couple questions off the top of my head:
- Do I need a drill and attachment for the polish and/or wax or will doing them by hand work/be better?
- Should I do all three steps regarding polish, glaze, and paint sealant? Or are they the same, redundant, etc.

I plan to watch instructional videos and all that before going through with the wash/detail so I don't screw up the job. Any additional tips are welcome too! I'm hoping this can be a good reference for other noobs like me in the future too.

Any and all help is much appreciated!

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[JohnK]

I'm not a fan of touching the paint to dry it. I bought an electric leaf blower and always dry the car with it after washing it. Comes out great. I definitely wouldn't use the California Jelly Blade!

 

[Dramad1]

Autogeek has some great package detail kits. I went with a pinnacle/Klasse kit. Comes with everything you would need to for a great detail. Order a few extra micro fiber towels and your good to go.

 

[Khyber]

it's not about which product. it's about technique and patience to get results

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