LukeV

Hi guys.

I've read several threads on this topic and I would really appreciate to make some order.

First of all I've got to ask you if you see any contrary using an high pressure cleaning machine (karcher 4.99) when rinsing the car.

Then, here follows a step by step procedure I suppose is the right one for detailing the car in the correct way (suggestions would be highly appreciated):

First of all I would clean the interiors and proceed with leather conditioning.

Then:

1. Having the car cold, I've got to make a first round with the washing machine (at low pressure I suppose, this time) just to take off much of the dirt and dust;

2. I would wash the tires and rims with a good product specifically designed for those (suggestions?)

3. I would wash the whole car beginning from the up with a sheep sponge (or MF) and a good car shampoo (Zaino 7?)

4.I would dry the whole car with an MF or chamois

5. I would clay (on this point, do you think it is necessary to caly a new car?) paying attention to lubrificate the parts I am calying (product suggestion?)

6. I would polish with a Porter Cable 7424 (which product do you suggest?)

7. I would wax (Zaino? or others?) with the PC and then Buffer with a good MF.

8. I would start again because when I'll get to this point my car will be dirty again

Could you add/improve/suggest products for each of teh steps above?

Thanks
Luke

BMW#7

I use a Bosch High pressure cleaner to rinse the car before washing. It is good for removing dust a debris. I don't think there is any danger provided you maintain the appropriate distance between the jet & the car. And of course use the flared jet, not the narrowest setting.

When rinsing after washing l use the water sheeting method with a normal hose.

I do also use the Bosch on the wheels. But I wash the wheels completely before starting on the body.

LukeV

Thanks a lot BMW#5; you have a car with exactly the same colour of mine.
Do you suggest me to clay and polish even if the car is new?
Moreover, is Clay needed also on bumpers?
Thanks
Luke

BMW#7

Hey Luke,

I clayed, polished & waxed my car when it was about 2 months old.

Claying & polishing are probably not really necessary on a brand new car but...

One can make a few safe assumptions:
~de-waxing is not always done thoroughly or properly before delivery to the dealer.
~some contaminants could have adhered to the car at various stages in the delivery or prep process.
~the dealer may or may not have applied wax before delivery

Given the above, it certainly makes sense to start waxing immediately. But not knowing what wax may have been used by the dealer (synthetic, carnauba etc. if any) you may as well start with a clean slate & with a wax product you are happy with. In this case you may as well polish to remove existing wax.

So why not just go one step further & clay the car? This will ensure a really clean surface to work with. And I personally clay the whole car including bumpers. The front bumpers are particularly prone to adhered road debris and insects.

The process is very rewarding and people always comment about the depth and shine of the Carbon Black colour.

evh5150

I have a dumb question?? What exactly is "claying"??

Kev525

Not such a dumb question as I'm in the dark as well.

tachyon

Not such a dumb question as I'm in the dark as well.
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You actually take a chunk of clay and with the aid of a lubricant spray (water + car wash soap) you rub it over the car surface.

The soft clay picks up impurities on the paint surface, and I suppose the clay also acts as a super-fine polisher too.

The result is a baby-butt smooth surface - to be treated with wax right away.

Here's tips from Zaino:

Cleaning with Clay

Kev525

Thanks - you learn something new every day!

evh5150

Wow. Never heard that before...Thank you very much!! May have to try that when that sweetheart hits the ground!! Going to order it right now!

stream

Claying is one of the most gratifying parts of detailing your car. Twice a year, after washing and before waxing, it makes the paint super smooth, and actually makes the wax application/removal process a lot easier. After washing and drying your car, put your hand in a plastic food bag and rub your hand over the paint surface--you'll feel little bumps in the paint, which are surface contaminants (tree sap, dead bugs, brake dust, etc). Try again after claying--you'll be amazed at the difference. After claying and waxing, you'll be amazed by how silky smooth your paint is. I've use Clay Magic for 15 years with great results:

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/awc-88256.html