So I'm getting ready to detail tomorrow morning...
 

OK, after reading waxing 101 and some other boards I was directed to, and standing in front of the Pep Boys wax isle for an hour and a half, I think I'm getting closer to getting this down. (I'm one of those people that thought a wax and polish are the same thing and waxing is a 2 step process. Wash, wax)

So now I think I have what I need but I've been bombarded with too much info in the last couple of days on the subject so I'm sure I can get some advice and get some questions answered before I dive into this tomorrow morning.

Here's what I have so far + the Maguire's NXT Tech Wax for the last step. I have Pearl white so I figured from the Waxing 101 thread that this should work best on lighter colors and be easiest to apply.

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1267830184

My objective here is to get rid of the swirl marks that were caused by the dealer (I watched one of them wipe the hood of my car HARD to get some black spots out with a DRY towel on a DRY car. I couldn't tell him to stop fast enough. I don't understand these people :shakes head:) and to start off right protecting the coating and paint of the car.

So, my plan so far is to start off with washing the car with the two bucket system with some non-scented dish washing liquid.

Then clay the car with Maguire's clay kit, making sure that the area I'm claying is well lubricated. (I've watched some claying how to videos and think I got this down)

Once I'm done claying I'm going to apply scratchX section by section on the whole car.

Then finally apply the Tech Wax.

Questions:

Do I need to wash the car in between any of these processes with the washing liquid I have in the pic?

Should I spend the $35 on a random direction black and decker rotary tool from Pep Boys? Or should I stick to doing it all by hand? Will results vary or is it just a question of my arms holding up?

The Clay Kit came with the Quick Detailer which from my understanding is to be used as the lubricant. It also came with a small container of Maguire's Sealer Wax I think...Should I use the Sealer Wax as a step or is the Tech Wax going to do the same thing?

...
you went wrong with the products lol

Please, please, please, please do not embark on what you are about to without going to a true high-end detailer's shop to see what your results should be, and do not buy a POS Hack & Decker rotary. Take a look at this video please:


Detailing is an art. You have to be deft with what you are working on, and what you want to achieve. And I think Meguiar's should be beat to death for its ScratchX product and how they market it; they make it sound so easy—it's not. I would simply wash, clay, and wax for now. Learn a bit more about detailing before you ever take a machine to your car.

Why you say that? Meguires makes excellent products. I use all meguire products. From the car wash down to the interior detailer.

Agreed. Everyone has their own preferences, mine is Zaino. Their new border-free Microfiber towels are simply amazing, so damn soft.

LOL, I've watched this video and didn't plan on using a machine at all, just thought people might advise against doing it by hand...Should I really just return all this s*** and get a pro to do it? How much should it cost for a new car and does anyone have any recs for so-cal? I do prefer doing it by hand though, I enjoy learning and trust myself to do things slow but right than pay someone else and get jipped.

I can also return the scratchX and just clay and wax but I REALLY want to get rid of the swirl marks because I want to punch that guy at the dealer every time I see it on the hood.

i recommend this site Detailing Bliss check it out. You will learn alot. I personally think your fine. Just follow the instructions accordingly

Oh, and I'm sure the products aren't top notch but I was too impatient to buy things online one by one. A lot of people on this board recommended Maguire that's why I went ahead with their line of products. I also figured I can just return this stuff if they're not gonna work, that's why I haven't opened anything yet.

Thanks, I've been reading Detailing Bliss, I think me learning a lot is part of the problem...there's just too much on there.

Since you live in Glendale you can actually attend Meguiar's hands-on detialing classes that they give. You can learn more here: Meguiar's

It's better than no instruction at all and can get you started.

You will be fine man I recommend the following products for your detail arsenal.

Meguiars NXT 2.0 Wax
Meguiars Car Wash
Meguiars Quick Glass Cleaner
Meguiars Quick Interior Detailer
Meguiars Interior Shine ( Armor all Like Material to make ur interior shine )
Meguiars Endurance Gel Tire High Gloss
Meguiars Ultimate Quick Detailer ( For spot cleaning between washes to clean black spots)


Just check out Car Care Products: Car Waxes to Leather Cleaners, Meguiar's the Leader in Car and Surface Care since 1901 website. I get all my products from Auto Zone Pep Boys and walmart.

Enjoy!

I would recommend just starting off with the Wash, Wax, and Interior detailing to start out. Everything else will fall into place from there. Trust me. I been in your shoes.

You honestly dont need any kind of buffer. I personally don't use one. I like good ol fashion hand waxing and polishing.

I do agree that detailing is a bit or an art and science. PM me if you want any tips or info. I would be more than happy to help :)

Thanks, Will do.

Thanks, unfortunately they cancelled tomorrow's class because of weather or I would've drove down there. I'll most probably attend this class though, can't beat the price.

I detailed for the first time today... first true detail.

Used the Zaino kit and was pretty happy with the results! I would recommend trying it if you have the time to apply a few coats.