crAzy

I would like to know what tools and steps it takes to detail my own car. I can see some decent swirl marks on my car. Would also like the steps on washing afterwards. I do use micro fiber towels, but never used two buckets as I have seen some of you guys do. Also my car will prob be washed once or twice a week as it is my daily driver and constantly washing it is just a hassle. So lets hear it please.

0David-Fermani

That's a pretty tall order to fill in just one post. There's so many varibles involved that can make your head spin too. But I'll try to address a basic go around in this response.

I would strongly suggest joining a non-biased detailing forum (Autopia.org) to get a basic familiarity of the products that most professional and enthusiast detailers are using as well as the process that works in real world environments like your own. Autopia has some of the internet's most experienced detailing veterans and the members love to help people learn the right way. Most of the people you see that teach people by way of the internet have started their detailing adventure on Autopia as well. Many other forums tend to focus on the sales push of the products they sell which might not always be the right or cost effective way of accomplishing your goals.

Basically, you'll want to 1st correct as many defects as possible on your paint using the least aggressive and easiest process and then concentrate on properly maintaining and preserving all your hard work. I don't recommend doing this by hand and this initial process requires a machine polisher.

What machines do you currectly own?

Tell us about the car you are trying to maintain, it's color, condition and what bothers you most about its appearance.

Also, keep in mind that every time you touch the paint of your car you're creating microscopic marring so keeping this at a bare minimum is very important. 2 Buckets are nice, but unless you are 1st and foremost removing the heavy debris from your paintwork this tool/process is basically useless. I would invest in a midgrade powerwasher to flush the heavy abrasives 1st prior to touching and rubbing them into your fresh paintwork.

Also, because drying your car is an act of touching it, you'll want to keep this at a minimum too. I would also get an electric leaf blower as this tool works great at safely and effectively removing water from your vehicle fast. Once this step is completed you'll only need a light spritz of a quality Quick Detailer to restore perfect clarity to your hard work.

And then there's the interior.........You'll also want to invest in a safe, quality interior cleaner. Avoid dressing interior surfaces as this promotes harmful resoiling and offers zero real world protection.

I'm sure there is alot to consider, but please let us know if you have any specific questions regarding the success of caring for your car.

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

Save and bookmark this for easy access to each specific step:

http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html

crAzy

Thanks for all the help. Will def bookmark. Now tools/products I can get? I don't have anything but microfiber hand towels.

Water_Walker

autogeek and adams have some nice video's that will get you started

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

If we don't offer it, chances are you don't need it. Seriously, come on by, call us, pm us, whatever you want or need we are willing to help. We offer a forum at www.autogeekonline.net to help with techniques for the products we carry.

We also offer a forum discount for most products. Also check the BOGO and free samples area to build up your collection step by step and to help find products you like and need.

NVaughn

Here's another good resource on the detailing topic:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...etailing-pros/

0Adam's Polish

Check out these videos.......

http://adamspolishes.com/video

cmonkey713

You can never go wrong with Autogeek products and technical advise, Mike Phillips videos are really good. Call them any time with questions and they will respond on the spot.

Scuba Ghost

Might have been mentioned before but preparation is the key. Also the venders who have posted carry quality products and are great people to work with.
Experiment. Try different waxes, sealants and detailers until you find what YOU like. Some people swear by brand X or brand Y. You might like brand W.

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

Its always cool to see a post from the past (12/2012) come back into play.

Let us know if anyone needs help.

tony58

Have you watched any of the Junkmans Videos?He can be a little long winded,but they are informative.He has a series of 20 or so videos.Here is one to get you started...