My plan so far for cleaning/detailing

[newbimmerguy30]

Hi Folks,

Great info here on another thread two days back about cleaning/detailing. I read it all with great interest because I am in the same boat, so to speak, as the OP for that thread. My 335i is now two weeks on the road, and I have put about 450 miles on it so far. It rained a few times too, and the car has gotten a bit unclean (I don't feel like calling it 'dirty'). I was particularly concerned about water marks that can cause permanent damage, as well as wiping down water without scratching the surface and/or leaving swirl marks. These are some of the main problems I have had to deal with in my old car, but it was not as good as my bimmer so didn't matter a lot, anyhow, to cut to the chase... I followed the other thread, did some reading, and then bought the following items.

1. Chenille micro fiber washing mitts
2. Micro fiber wash cloths for wiping down/drying
3. Large bucket for holding clean water
4. Chamois cleaning towel - used it already after a plain water only wash, great!
5. Jelly blade for wiping water away
6. California Duster - great usage again, wiped down today after I bought
7. Meguiar's Gold shampoo & conditioner
8. Cherry shampoo - bought before finding #7, don't think it is as good, what y'all think?
9. Wax applicator pads 4 pack
10. Microfiber glass cleaning towels
11. Wheel detailing brush
12. Meguiar's quick detailing spray - used it already, have a question on this later
13. Meguiar's deep crystal paint cleaner
14. Meguiar's deep crystal polish
15. Meguiar's carnauba wax

I think that covers pretty much everything I may need in the short term for caring for my shiny black sapphire metallic beauty.

No clay in this list, do I need one now? or will #13 do...

I used the quick detailing spray to clean some smear/water mark left in the platform/small area under the door, potentially caused by water seeping underneath, or rain water when the door was open for brief period. I didn't notice that when I wiped down the car the other day after a quick wash, but today I saw it and it already caused water marks.

I feel so disappointed, just two weeks and already I could not prevent this. After wiping down with the meguiar's quick detailing spray and micro fiber, the dirt is gone and the paint is shining, but I can see faint water spots on it, what do I do to get rid of it?

Thanks for all that information from everyone, even though I wasn't the one who asked, I sure did benefit from reading this forum daily.

EDIT: one time for clarity

[chicagofan00]

Where did you go to pick up all that stuff and how much did the total come out to be?

[captainaudio]

Hi Folks,

Great info here on another thread two days back about cleaning/detailing. I read it all with great interest because I am in the same boat, so to speak, as the OP for that thread. My 335i is now two weeks on the road, and I have put about 450 miles on it so far. It rained a few times too, and the car has gotten a bit unclean (I don't feel like calling it 'dirty'). I was particularly concerned about water marks that can cause permanent damage, as well as wiping down water without scratching the surface and/or leaving swirl marks. These are some of the main problems I have had to deal with in my old car, but it was not as good as my bimmer so didn't matter a lot, anyhow, to cut to the chase... I followed the other thread, did some reading, and then bought the following items.

1. Chenille micro fiber washing mitts
2. Micro fiber wash cloths for wiping down/drying
3. Large bucket for holding clean water
4. Chamois cleaning towel - used it already after a plain water only wash, great!
5. Jelly blade for wiping water away
6. California Duster - great usage again, wiped down today after I bought
7. Meguiar's Gold shampoo & conditioner
8. Cherry shampoo - bought before finding #7, don't think it is as good, what y'all think?
9. Wax applicator pads 4 pack
10. Microfiber glass cleaning towels
11. Wheel detailing brush
12. Meguiar's quick detailing spray - used it already, have a question on this later
13. Meguiar's deep crystal paint cleaner
14. Meguiar's deep crystal polish
15. Meguiar's carnauba wax

I think that covers pretty much everything I may need in the short term for caring for my shiny black sapphire metallic beauty.

No clay in this list, do I need one now? or will #13 do...

I used the quick detailing spray to clean some smear/water mark left under the door caused by water seeping underneath, or rain water when the door was open for brief period. I didn't notice that when I wiped down the car the other day after a quick wash, but today I saw it and it already cause water marks.

I feel so disappointed, just two weeks and already I could not prevent this. After wiping down with the meguiar's quick detailing spray and micro fiber, the dirt is gone and the paint is shining, but I can see faint water spots on it, what do I do to get rid of it?

Thanks for all that information from everyone, even though I wasn't the one who I asked, I sure did benefit from reading this forum daily.

13 or 14 should do the trick.

[newbimmerguy30]

Where did you go to pick up all that stuff and how much did the total come out to be?

I visited my neighborhood Advanced Auto Parts (http://www.advanceautoparts.com) store. I didn't want to order online and wait. My two visits cost me under $130 for everything.

[carsnoceans]

It doesn't hurt to clay once before doing a complete detail using polish/ paint cleaner. Then you can use a good layer of wax to protect. However your daily usage decides a lot on the effort you will need to put it. A lot of outdoor use and keeping, will get the paint contaminated much quicker so might as well hold of claying.

I think #13 and #14 are similar products.

[thinkinbimmer]

dont use that jelly water blade thing on your paint....only on the glass. They claim it is safe on the paint but after using it multiple times on my last black vehicle it scratched it

[chicagofan00]

I visited my neighborhood Advanced Auto Parts (http://www.advanceautoparts.com) store. I didn't want to order online and wait. My two visits cost me under $130 for everything.

Hmm...don't have any of those out here in AZ, but I'm sure there is something very similar. That isn't too bad on the price either.

[carsnoceans]

Hmm...don't have any of those out here in AZ, but I'm sure there is something very similar. That isn't too bad on the price either.

Try Super-Target. They carry an extensive selection of Meguiar. If all fails, use Internet. :)

[cdm]

Best place --- www.autogeek.net. I'm a huge fan.

[Desiboy]

I spent nearly 300 on supplies, mostly autogeek as cdm suggested and detailersdomain.com (check the Detail Department section of this forum for a coupon there).

I would also support claying. People think they don't need to clay a new car, but I challenge them to use a clay bar and see just how dirty it really is.

[y2k540]

Try this out as well. Very informative how to sections.
properautocare.com

I have been using them for quite some time now.

Check out the grit guard for the buckets to minimize wash marks

TJ

[thekurgan]

It doesn't hurt to clay once before doing a complete detail using polish/ paint cleaner. Then you can use a good layer of wax to protect. However your daily usage decides a lot on the effort you will need to put it. A lot of outdoor use and keeping, will get the paint contaminated much quicker so might as well hold of claying.

I think #13 and #14 are similar products.

+1, even new cars can use a clay bar, just sitting on the lot or in dealer prep, the pain can get stuff glommed onto it.

[carsnoceans]

I spent nearly 300 on supplies, mostly autogeek as cdm suggested and detailersdomain.com (check the Detail Department section of this forum for a coupon there).

I would also support claying. People think they don't need to clay a new car, but I challenge them to use a clay bar and see just how dirty it really is.

Lol... I keep thinking how would it be when I get around to claying mine.

Desiboy, do you use any orbital buffers for paint cleaning or good ole' elbow grease? I have good bit of work to be on the hood, trunk lid and couple of door panels. Manually working them off might require to get a robotic arm before I am done.

[335i Driver]

dont use that jelly water blade thing on your paint....only on the glass. They claim it is safe on the paint but after using it multiple times on my last black vehicle it scratched it

I just wanted to add a plus one on this. I took a newly painted car, which I know was perfect, to a so called quality hand wash place and before I could get to the car to tell the guy STOP, he put the blade across the trunk, 1 stroke. Once dry and out in the sun I could see the tiny scratches perfectly in line with his stroke. With a magnifying glass it looked worse. Even the most microscopic dust particles constantly falling WILL scratch the paint and make it look poor over time.

[Desiboy]

Lol... I keep thinking how would it be when I get around to claying mine.

Desiboy, do you use any orbital buffers for paint cleaning or good ole' elbow grease? I have good bit of work to be on the hood, trunk lid and couple of door panels. Manually working them off might require to get a robotic arm before I am done.

As for getting around to clay, JUST DO IT! :) It's really not as hard as everyone makes it out to be, a good kit (the Meg's kit is sweet, comes with all you need) and a nice afternoon is all you need.

I don't use any orbitals just yet, but my horoscope lists a PC 7424 in my future ;). I'm currently maintaining, so while a buffer would be nice, it's not necessary. For repairing damage though, I'd definitely drop the cash and go with it. It's cheaper than a robotic arm ;).

[carsnoceans]

As for getting around to clay, JUST DO IT! :) It's really not as hard as everyone makes it out to be, a good kit (the Meg's kit is sweet, comes with all you need) and a nice afternoon is all you need.


Leaving it on doesn't hurt, does it? I thought it was strongly suggested before doing paint cleansing or polishing... but right now I am just trying to maintain a wash/ wax schedule. It will be tough to avoid the contamination in (my) heavy commuting.

[Desiboy]

Leaving it on doesn't hurt, does it? I thought it was strongly suggested before doing paint cleansing or polishing... but right now I am just trying to maintain a wash/ wax schedule. It will be tough to avoid the contamination in (my) heavy commuting.

Not really sure what you mean? Leaving the clay on you mean? You don't really get clay on your car, rather, the clay rubs over the surface and takes contaminants (and built up wax/polish, etc.) with it. You use a quick detailer solution as lubricant, so there are some shine properties because of that, but no real protection. Here's the order that you'd do it:

Wash>Dry>Clay>Polish>Last Stage Product[s] (sealant and/or wax)

Im really only planning on claying like 2-3 times a year. Claying provides a good base, after that, it's all about protection. A good sealant/wax will do that, and after that, it's just washing and waxing after a while and maintaining the clean and shine. Does that answer your question?

[carsnoceans]

Not really sure what you mean? Leaving the clay on you mean? You don't really get clay on your car, rather, the clay rubs over the surface and takes contaminants (and built up wax/polish, etc.) with it. You use a quick detailer solution as lubricant, so there are some shine properties because of that, but no real protection. Here's the order that you'd do it:

Wash>Dry>Clay>Polish>Last Stage Product[s] (sealant and/or wax)

Im really only planning on claying like 2-3 times a year. Claying provides a good base, after that, it's all about protection. A good sealant/wax will do that, and after that, it's just washing and waxing after a while and maintaining the clean and shine. Does that answer your question?

No, no! You misunderstood me. I meant, leave the contaminating particles on the paint.... do they just give a rough texture or they affect wax/ sealant longevity as well?

Rained here today. Since the office parking car lot is open the car was bound to get a good"rain wash"... since I just did a wax job on Saturday I was hoping to see the water beading away nicely. But much to my disappointment... there was plenty standing water on hood, trunk lid, roof and even panels (where it could)!!! Incredibly disappointing. If so many people swear by NXT Gen Tech wax does it have anything to it or I must be doing something really very wrong! :( :(

[Desiboy]

No, no! You misunderstood me. I meant, leave the contaminating particles on the paint.... do they just give a rough texture or they affect wax/ sealant longevity as well?

Rained here today. Since the office parking car lot is open the car was bound to get a good"rain wash"... since I just did a wax job on Saturday I was hoping to see the water beading away nicely. But much to my disappointment... there was plenty standing water on hood, trunk lid, roof and even panels (where it could)!!! Incredibly disappointing. If so many people swear by NXT Gen Tech wax does it have anything to it or I must be doing something really very wrong! :( :(

I'm no expert at this, but I think it really depends on the contaminants. Road tar and bugs can eat through clear coat. Double true for bird droppings. On my first car, I let a bird dropping sit on the car for like a week, ate right through, had no way of getting it off after that. Now, as soon as I see bird droppings, I pop out the Poorboy's Rinseless wash.

As for NXT, I've really heard mixed reviews. Do a search on Detail Department and you'll see what I mean.

[Stinger]

oops. posted twice. Deleted.

[Stinger]

To the OP, great start. I can tell you are going to be a detailing fanatic. Just wait though, it will get very pricey as you develop your skills and start spending some crazy money like I did recently after getting a Flex Random Orbital Polisher. Now that's some sweet detailing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yht1uHJLNlQ