First Detail
First Detail
Here is a basic guide for detailing your new 300 for the first time. Some basic things you will need are two plastic buckets, wash mitt (don’t use any type of sponge or towel) chanelli, Micro fiber, Terri, lambs wool type. Any of these are available at any auto supply store. Car wash soap, foam applicator pads, Electric leaf blower, wheel brush (soft bristle) waffle weave micro fiber towel, smaller MF towels, clay bar, all purpose cleaner, garden tank type sprayer, (optional) hose and water. Detailing chemicals: clay bar,spray and shine, paint cleaner, paint sealer, poly-seal (optional) dressing, wheel cleaner.
Make sure you work in the shade. Fill one bucket with car wash soap and water, the other with plain water. In your tank sprayer, put a mild solution of liquid dawn. NOTE, we will use the dawn for the first detail only NEVER use dawn for regular washings. The reason we are using it now, is because we want to remove ALL contaminants plus any wax you or the dealer might have put on your finish. First spray water on the entire car, wheels and wheel wells also. Now spray the solution on the car from the tank sprayer. Starting from the top of the car, using your wash mitt wash the car as you normally would. Make sure however that you use the fresh water bucket to rinse out the wash mitt, then to go the soapy water. Save wheels for last. Change soapy water as often as necessary depending on how dirty your car is. Now rinse the car. Get a fresh bucket of soapy water, using your wheel brush, clean your wheels and wheel wells, rinse.
Before you dry, clay the car, (read the sticky for clay bar procedure) wash again to remove any clay residue. Use the leaf blower and blow dry the car, final drying use waffle weave MF towel. Spray dressing on the tires and wheel wells.
Paint cleaner/polish. Put a small amount of paint cleaner on your foam pad, using back and forth motion work product into the finish. Remove with a small MF towel, Work in small sections at a time, do not allow product to dry. Do entire car. Keep in mind the claying removes contaminants “ON” the finish and paint cleaner will prep the paint by removing oxidation/minor scratches/blemishes and prep the car for final application of the sealant.
Next, using a new applicator pad, apply a small amount of sealant to the pad, apply a thin layer over the finish, allow to dry 20 minutes, (this allows the sealant to bond to the finish) remove with MF towel. You should put a layer of sealant on the wheels as well.
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Gary, Owner Perfect Auto Finish
"Perfecting the art of automotive detailing"
www.perfectautofinish.com