SupeR_DavE

ok,ok Im a noob to the complete detailing,I always keep my car looking good by washing and waxing,but I hear claying is good option for a deep cleaning,so I was going to clay my car,do I do it in these steps?

1)wash with dawn to remove wax
2) dry
3) clay car
4)rewash car with car wash
5)dry
6) wax her back up

did I miss any steps? or do I have to many steps?

tekstar

personally i don't like to wash with dawn but i'll let others comment on that

also, washing after clay is not necessary, though i know some people like to do it. just make sure you're using enough clay lube (quick detailer). do one panel at a time, and wipe off the quick detailer using a microfiber towel. if you let the quick detailer dry on the car, it will leave streaking.

bumblebeeS2K

unless you have a recent coat of wax, a wash with a good quality car soap and then a clay bar with a good lubricant should be more than enough to prep the paint for the next step. an additional wash after the clay isn't necessary, but some people prefer too. if you really want your paint to pop add a polish and/or glaze before the wax.

SupeR_DavE

so after the clay,and after I wash and dry the 2nd time if I choice to.I should polish and glaze?both? do I apply them like wax? or do they apply different? then wax?

wanabe

the guys above are right on...

you dont need to dawn if you will clay or polish-

and the steps are:
1. wash/ dry
2. --- the most important step = inspect, to determine what else needs to be done... if the paint feels rough at all then clay is the solution. if you see swirls or light scratches, polish is the solution. dont clay or polish if they arent needed.
3. clay and/or polish if needed
4. synthetic/ cure/ synthetic- as many as you want
5. wax
6. photograph and drink beer
7. post up pics here, along with products used

final step:

SupeR_DavE

thanks guys I think im ready to have fun,but one last thing Wanabe u lost me at

4. synthetic/ cure/ synthetic- as many as you want.....Im a noob when it comes to this

tekstar

Synthetics are man made sealants (not carnauba based). They act much like a wax, except they add longer protection. While a coat of p21s carnauba wax will last maybe about a month on my car, Jeffs Werkstatt Acryllic Jett Trigger will provide 5 months of protection (and my car is my dd, sits outside all day!)

Other popular sealants are Klasse Sealant Glaze or Jetseal 109.

Synthetics require cure time depending on the product. For example, for my sealant I will usually wait over night before applying another coat. You can add multiple coats of a synthetic in hopes of providing more protection.

Hope this helps

SupeR_DavE

I know u said u let it cure over night,but I live in a apartment complex and my S is not garaged,is it ok to the elements while it cures before I was to add wax like wanabe said or do I go no wax and just reapply synthetic

wanabe

thx tekstar- good explanation...

dave- our "how to" thread might be helpful too... spend some time with this and post back with any questions-

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=221878

SupeR_DavE

Thanks I would have done that but I just happen to catch u guys online,so I just asked to save time. Ill hit it back if I have anything else unanswered