ShovelMan

My car is gray and the paint is kinda crappy (back bumper, quarter panel on the back-right).

I've never waxed or polished or rubbing compound'd my car. Help.

Super-Bat

iTrader: (38)

Stock paint?
It'd be BSM - Bright Silver Metallic, or Sebring Silver Metallic... not "gray".

Do a search, look at the threads where the Pro-detailers showcase their work. Most have a list of the products they use.

anthony.fatica

iTrader: (10)

I use Zaino and absolutely love the results. I will try and post a picture tomorrow of my 11 yr old black paint after using it. It's expensive at first but it lasts for awhile and is cheaper than going and getting your car washed

LS1RedZ

iTrader: (19)

Also depends on how much money you want to shell out for a good wax. Autogeek is a good place to order some and they have some GOOD ****.

Funkster

iTrader: (97)

I recommend a good wax, (Zaino, Meguiars) and this guy:

therealcreeper

iTrader: (37)

meguiars 26

ShovelMan

WOuld you guys recommend Meguiers Ultimate Compound?

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

I use Ult. Compound for specific areas that have scuffing, swirling, or paint transfer removal. To Ult Compound the entire car will take a while.

I use almost all Meguairs Products, the biggest thing is washing the car right, clay bar and some paint correction is a good thing. Then for bringing some life back into the car use Show Car Glaze #7, remove and top with NXT 2.0 or Ultimate Wax (very similar products), and lastly with some #26 Hi tech Yellow.

After curing a good inbetween wax is Meg's Ultimate Quick Wax.

Meg's Compound Before/After in one pic. Done with a terry cloth and moderate passion. Notice how the swirl marks stop on the right.

ShovelMan

Dude, the top of my car is scratched to hell.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Depending on how much you want to do and how much patience you have is a key thing.

Go here and start soaking up some info.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...splay.php?f=64 FAQS

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...play.php?f=134 VIDS

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...splay.php?f=33 How To Article

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...splay.php?f=92 MYTHS!

Research and report back!

BOBS99SS

iTrader: (2)

Instead of buying a bunch of stuff it might be cheaper just having a detail shop do your car,have you ever used a buffer?

ShovelMan

Nope but my dad has one. He's been meaning to use it for a long time now but never got the chance to

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

The only issue is with a shop is if they are not good with the buffer, they WILL f*ck up your car, no business around here use Orbitals, even though its safer, they are trying to make money and time and unless you know the guy.

I dont trust.

So I got my own rotary.

anthony.fatica

iTrader: (10)

Hood reflecting top of garage after Zaino...Like I said, 11yr old black paint, you know how that is...

BadCompany VP WS6

iTrader: (6)

Wolfgang and Meguiars is what I have been using now.

I also have a small pot of swissvax coming to me shortly. That will be for more high end stuff along with for my own personal use (when requested by customers to make them feel all good inside)

BOBS99SS

iTrader: (2)

Man you must have some hobo ran detail shops in your area lol,I have 3 in my area that are great,now for one is they mess up your paint they fix it,use to work in a detail shop and trust me any shops insurance gets used.the shops in my area are not cheap by any means but you get what you pay for.figure if your car needs love and you don't have skills in this area would be best to have someone do it,instead of just getting a machine and going to town

Austin95

iTrader: (22)

Is there another step that you would go to after Ultimate Compund to get those swirls out left behind from UC?

icemanrd19

ive only ever used Meguiars

BadCompany VP WS6

iTrader: (6)

Are you wanting to use an over the counter product?

I'd follow up UC with M205 on a black or white pad if it were me.

If you're wanting an OTC product, maybe try swirl X or something like that to remove the small marring and "baby swirls" out.

SS LeadFoot

Zaino all the way. Easy to put on and take off. I wrote something on how I use it if you want a copy PM me, it's a little long to post.