akincan

Just spent two mornings clay barring, polishing, and waxing the truck! (Half truck each morning). On the way home from daughters skating lesson today it rained! Dang it! Was going to take a picture of my blue jean screw xlt in the sun and show you guys but that photo will have to wait now.

Last waxin I used meguires professional products. The ones in the beige containers. That time I used a low cut polish and their #26 carnuba yellow wax

I was happy with the result then, not anymore! This time I clayed the whole truck. The only really bad spot was the hood, the rest of the truck was pretty good. Then I used meguires ultimate polish then the Ultimate synthetic wax.

Much better results this time. Now I wonder if the claying strips all the old stuff off and leaves a nice clean base for everything else. And that is why this time it seems so much better.

I also used mothers California all chrome polish on the grill, bumpers, running boards and wheels. Rember now it's an xlt with chrome package. And was pleased how much nicer it looks (chrome) than just washing those items.

Any suggestions for the rest of the black plastic? (Mirror housings, black bumper sections and the running board black step sections ).

This was just me, an amateur detailer having fun. Now I'm sure there is way better stuff out there, but it seemed fine until it RAINED!!!!

chickenwire

Wolfgang's trim sealant for the black. It's expensive but a single drop will do an entire bed rail cap.

Polish on the chrome is fine, but use your wax or sealant over those areas when done.

akincan

Thanks, I will put sealant on the chrome.. I forgot to mention that I used the clay on the chrome too. It definitely pulled crap off the chrome, on the running boards and bumpers. Just the chrome polish on the wheels

chickenwire

Clay bar your glass too. You'll be amazed at the results.

akincan

I was thinking about doing that. It was recommended in a few window cleaning tips I googled. I used tint safe cleaner in the up / down then left/right followed by buffing. The insides turned out well on all the glass.

However the outside of the front windshield still had some film on it. and the back doors outside too. Maybe the front needs to be done twice. Probably the two dirtiest spots on truck were the hood and front windshield.

The driver and passenger doors outsides turned out fine. Is the tint in the glass or is tint a coating on the outside? Truck is all stock

Thanks all

Brokemillwright

I use mostly all griots garage stuff. They are local, well priced and great results for me. The best of show carnuba is amazing on my oxford white, tho this timei uses the klasse all in one polish, then klasse sealant glaze topped with one coat of best of show that in the morning will habe been on for 24 hrs and I'll put another coat over and let it sit til the end of the day.


3 coats of best of show, applying each over the previoisly dried coat

Merlin

Some thoughts...

I like the Meguiars Compound and Meguiars Polish. They are great consumer products.
Megs Ultimate wax comes in liquid and paste. Both are polymers (no wax in them at all)
The difference between the liquid and paste is the chemical they use to make it a paste.
The paste and liquid are the same...So unless you like "The Mr. Miyagi" I prefer the liquid.

On a side note: The product they put in the paste (to make it a paste) can stain trim white.
There are other newer Last Step Products (LSP) that IMHO last a lot longer. Some claim 7 years.

Now on to decontaminating the paint: I like to spray paint with Iron-X then smear and rinse off.
If you spray Iron-X on your hand it is clear. If it hits contaminants it turns purple. Fun to watch.
After the vehicle is thoroughly rinsed off, I will then follow up with the "clay" decon process.
As far as claying...I rarely use a clay bar any longer. I use a Nanoskin Auto-scrub FINE grade.
They make a variety from a sponge $12. a mitt, DA polisher disc, and a full sized towel (my fav).
Be sure to "break in" your Auto-Scrub on your glass before using it on your paint to remove the film.

The polymerized rubber sponge will last 10+ vehicles. A clay bar will last 4-6 vehicles with needing.
A full sized Nanoskin Auto-Scrub towel will last 50-65 full sized vehicles. You get you monies worth.

I use the Auto-scrub and clay lube (I like a ImmoLube 10:1) or the Megs red bottle Quick Detailer.
The good thing is that, if the Auto-Scrub falls on the ground wash it thoroughly, and use it again.
If a clay bar falls on the ground you must throw it away. I use fine clay sometimes but it's rare.

Black Plastic: If your trim is a little "grey" looking I might suggest Shine Supply Trim Coat Black.
NOTE: Use rubber gloves when you "paint" as this has a black dye in it that can get on your fingers.
If you accidentally get some on your paint use a microfiber towel & isopropyl alcohol to remove it.

If you really want the trim to "shine" after it's darkened, I suggest coating the trim after with CQuartz DLux.
Most trim products are dressings & may last a week or two. A couple of rains or a car wash & they're gone.
Trim Coat Black & CQuartz DLux will last up to a year. Be sure & let Trim Coat dry before applying CQ DLux.
Yes, you can use CQuartz DLux without Shine Supply Trim Coat Black, if your trim is dark and in good shape.

Merlin