How to Clean your car (properly)

[S40xs]

I've recentley signed up at detailingworld.co.uk, not had any chance to test any of the hows too's out as yet due to financial and time restrictions - not to mention i need to sort out the damage on one of my doors and touch up some paint!

They seem a friendly bunch with loads on info!

Wobbley - does the clay make that much a difference?

[Wobbly Dave]

Dunno yet - got side tracked this weekend getting stuff ready for the BBQ

[Rufe]

i couldnt find a clay bar for love nor money yesterday. tried everywhere around here, sold out.

so i made do with another good wash and a good polish, but was a bit gutted no where had clay bars to try. cars looking pretty clean at the moment anyhow

[Wobbly Dave]

You can buy claybar from the site at the top of the list.

[Murphy]

Clay bar makes loads of difference.

[Wobbly Dave]

I have already started with the claybar and it is suprising the muck that is coming off with it.

[Rbphot]

The Clay bar is great, Had my car valeted/Hand wash at the weekend then went over it with Meguiars Quik Clay, and loads of crap was lifted up.

Than put a coat of the Meguiars NXT polish/sealer on, will be putting a second coating on this weekend, even with one coat the shine is amazing.

Tip get good quality cloths/terry towling ones like Meguiars.

Will try to post a pic after the next coat.

Ray

[Wobbly Dave]

Bought some cloths. Do I need to seal after claying?

[arbee]

Bought some cloths. Do I need to seal after claying?

Absolutely, stick some lush wax/sealant over the top as the clayed paint is bare to the elements. will also give it a deeper shine too

[Wobbly Dave]

Washed, Clayed and Polished my car this last Sunday with assistance from Titch and Bubba (big thanks!).

The depth of shine is substantially better than polishing alone. I will post some pics later.

When I come to clay it next time (in about 6 months or so) I shall do a 2nd stage wash to remove the excess lubricant/clay residue.

I used Presta fast wax to achieve a great shine, made evident by the way the water fell off when it rained this morning.

[Murphy]

I use a body scrub after the clay bar, then a polish - the result is knock out !

[Wobbly Dave]

I am wondering if I have got sufficient sealing of the paint following the claybar? Should I be thinking about removing the polish with paint cleaner and then using a sealer?

[Murphy]

I use this stuff after my clay bar dave:

http://www.shop.edirectory.co.uk/aut...225&afid=88888



Then a bit of meguiars gold class



http://www.meguiars.co.uk/


That is pleanty.

[Rbphot]

If you go onto the site on the last post, and use the online advice, you will get a good idae what products the recomend depending on time and what end result your looking for.

Ray

[Wobbly Dave]

Just order some more bits to improve my wash and polish techniques.

[arbee]

I'm seriously considering importing a Porter Cable polishing machine from the states - maybe I could do the rounds on the forum to help pay for it!

[Wobbly Dave]

I'd be paranoid that the risks of damaging the paint with a machine rather than by hand, would far outweigh it's advantages.

Get stuck in with the claybar first and see how you go.

[arbee]

yeah the clay bar, i see can seriously help take the crap off the paint, but I am sold on the idea of a polisher - the dual action machines such as the 'PC' are meant to be a lot safer than the rotorary only machines. take a peak and read some testimonials on detailing world - you'll be convincved!

[Wobbly Dave]

Having read some more it would be interesting to see if some of the more serious defects I know of on my own car could be addressed with a P/C 7424. Fingernail test is imminent!

[Wobbly Dave]

This is what Meg's said about my car


Meguiars Car Care Guide:5232
Especially Prepared for: Wobbly Dave

Vehicle: Volvo C70 T5 1999

WHAT YOU TOLD US

Your Paint: Undercover - Never
Paint Condition: Light Colour Original Paint New/Like New
Appearance Goals: Absolute best all of the time

Time Goals: Whatever it takes to make my car look its best
Noticeable Imperfections: None Tree Sap Fine Swirls Stains/Blemishes Bugs Heavy Swirls Water Marks Road Tar Scratches Industrial Fallout Overspray Bird Droppings Oxidation/Fading
The information you have provided helps us advise you on the best way to take care of your paint finish. Please ensure you also read the label information on the bottles before using products.

Wash
Why this is prescribed...
Regular washing with a non-detergent, gloss-enhancing product will help preserve shine and maximize the life of the wax/polymer sealant coating. Mass market washes claim they won't strip wax but they do.
What to Use...
You can safely & easily remove dirt, grime and fresh contaminants using MEGUIARS GOLD CLASS WASH.

The advanced formula has special conditioning agents that leave the paint finish so slick that the water actually sheets off. Apply using a soft sponge or wool mitt.
Frequency...
Since your car is often exposed to the elements you should wash it every week as contaminants tend to get baked on very quickly.

Note:If you notice some contaminants aren’t being removed when washed, try increasing wash frequency.

Surface Prep.
Why this is prescribed...
Even though your paintwork is in new/like-new condition, it will still need a surface prep step to correct the imperfections you told us about and to maximize the clarity of the finish.
What to Use...
Most of the problems you described can be safely removed using MEGUIARS SCRATCH X which is a mildly abrasive formula that's totally safe for prepping a new/like-new finish. However, baked on contaminants and some swirls, scratches or etch marks can be difficult to completely remove. Scratch X will dramatically improve the finish. Apply using a Meguiars Hand Applicator Pad, then wipe-off with a Meguiars Ultimate Wipe Cloth to avoid any surface scratching.
Frequency...
You will only need to repeat the process if & when the same problems reoccur. However, since your car is often exposed to the elements, you may need to use MEGUIARS QUIK CLAY occasionally to remove bonded surface contaminants.

Polish
Why this is prescribed...
You told us that your are looking for the best possible finish, however since your car isn’t a dark colour you can achieve maximum results without needing an individual polish step.
What to Use...
You can use one of our unique formulations that will polish & protect in one step.

Protect
Why this is prescribed...
Polishing oils bring out colour & shine and Waxes keep the finish that way, by protecting it from the elements. Our special one step polish & protect formula also enhances wetness of gloss & shimmering effect.
What to Use...
To bring out the full richness of colour and create clear, sharp reflections while adding long lasting protection, we recommend MEGUIARS GOLD CLASS WAX.

Apply using a Meguiars Hand Applicator Pad, to the entire car and allow to dry to a haze. Wipe off with a Meguiars Ultimate Wipe Cloth.

Frequency...
Considering your time & appearance goals and the fact that your car is often exposed to the elements, we recommend you reapply every 2 or 3 months.

Maintain
Why this is prescribed...
Since you're very particular about your vehicle looking its best, this will help you keep that "just waxed" look in between washes.
What to Use...
To safely & quickly remove dust, grime, waterspots, fingerprints etc & keep you car looking sharp every day, you should try MEGUIARS QUIK DETAILER. Simply mist on then wipe off with a Meguiars Ultimate Wipe Cloth anywhere, anytime
Frequency...
Use as often as you like in between washes.