Proper First Detail

GSquared

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Hello all,

This was briefly talked about in the main CTR thread, but I just wanted to get something in a cohesive thread on the first detail procedure.

As we all spoke about, obviously decline detail from the dealer, but then what?

Do we have a list of dedicated materials for the first go? Is there something different to use for that first one rather than every one after that?

Any details are appreciated. (Wash, Wax, Sponge, etc Types!)

Thanks!
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This guy seems pretty authoritative. Only downside is he only recommends his own products rather than stuff you'd be able to pick up locally. But I think his mantra of "touch the paint as little as possible" is a good one.
 

Tyler

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I'm actually going to be doing a write-up on what my process is - as well as what an alternative 'lesser' version would be.

Keep an eye out for this!
 

Prelude2CivicX

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Josby thanks for that vid you posted a lot of great info! I love doing my own details and am very specific when doing so but this dude is on a whole different level. Lol. But definitely lot of knowledge on there for sure.
 

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Hello all,

This was briefly talked about in the main CTR thread, but I just wanted to get something in a cohesive thread on the first detail procedure.

As we all spoke about, obviously decline detail from the dealer, but then what?

Do we have a list of dedicated materials for the first go? Is there something different to use for that first one rather than every one after that?

Any details are appreciated. (Wash, Wax, Sponge, etc Types!)

Thanks!
What products do you currently have on hand? New car prep really isn't much different then dealing with any other car.
 


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What products do you currently have on hand? New car prep really isn't much different then dealing with any other car.
some of us, haven't had a car worth (in our minds) the time to detail properly, we want to start out with the best possible information for DIY at a reasonable cost.
 

KMG

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some of us, haven't had a car worth (in our minds) the time to detail properly, we want to start out with the best possible information for DIY at a reasonable cost.
I will work on putting together a package that members of the forum can purchase @ a discounted price from Detailed Image if that is what everyone is looking for.
 

gtman

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Everything you need to know about properly detailing a car:
 

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GSquared

GSquared

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What products do you currently have on hand? New car prep really isn't much different then dealing with any other car.
I have Meg Gold Class, some Meg Wax, some of that Optimum No-Rinse Wash+Wax, bunch of microfiber towels and that's about it. I don't have anything in terms of clay though.
 

gtman

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I know many will say you should clay a brand new car because the paint probably has contaminants. But to me, if you wash the car and the paint feels smooth, skip it. I bought a 2017 EX-L in May and after washing, I used a sealant and then wax. It looks awesome.
 


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I have Meg Gold Class, some Meg Wax, some of that Optimum No-Rinse Wash+Wax, bunch of microfiber towels and that's about it. I don't have anything in terms of clay though.
Do you have buckets and grit guards? Megs Gold Class is a good shampoo so your fine with that.

I know many will say you should clay a brand new car because the paint probably has contaminants. But to me, if you wash the car and the paint feels smooth, skip it. I bought a 2017 EX-L in May and after washing, I used a sealant and then wax. It looks awesome.
Your not going to feel it with your bare skin. This is where you need to do the baggie test. Take a sandwich baggie and put your hand in it and run it across the paint, and that "smooth" paint likely won't feel so smooth anymore. When trying to squeeze the maximum amount of gloss and depth out of the finish, all these small things factor into that. I hear the comment all the time about why would you need to do a new car, and people are usually shocked at just how much room for improvement there is on their new car.
 

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Do you have buckets and grit guards? Megs Gold Class is a good shampoo so your fine with that.



Your not going to feel it with your bare skin. This is where you need to do the baggie test. Take a sandwich baggie and put your hand in it and run it across the paint, and that "smooth" paint likely won't feel so smooth anymore. When trying to squeeze the maximum amount of gloss and depth out of the finish, all these small things factor into that. I hear the comment all the time about why would you need to do a new car, and people are usually shocked at just how much room for improvement there is on their new car.
I guess I have ONE question.. can you "over clay"? - I mean if you are well lubed, can you tell when you are "done" easily, or is that where experience really matters?
 

KMG

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I guess I have ONE question.. can you "over clay"? - I mean if you are well lubed, can you tell when you are "done" easily, or is that where experience really matters?
You can typically tell when you have removed everything just by the sound and the feel of it. Or you simply dry the surface and do the baggie test on it again to be sure you have it clean.
 
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GSquared

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Do you have buckets and grit guards? Megs Gold Class is a good shampoo so your fine with that.
I have 2 buckets and no grit guards, I guess I should get those, but they come in a few different sizes? I'll measure my buckets and see what I need to get...
 

KMG

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I have 2 buckets and no grit guards, I guess I should get those, but they come in a few different sizes? I'll measure my buckets and see what I need to get...
Grit Guards really don't come in different sizes, however some buckets will vary a bit in size. I prefer to use 3.5 gallon buckets as they are easier to move around. I am working on putting together a basic kit that I will post up here sometime today.
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