jpticar

iTrader: (1)

Hey, I'm hopin to do some detailing on my car this weekend and I was just wondering what order I should do everything in. First off I am going to wash the car with some dish detergent to get all of the old wax off. Then I have a meguires claybar, 3M rubbing compound to remove any swirls on the car, and meguires wax. What order should I use these products in after the initial wash???

NightWindDriftr

iTrader: (4)

Wash (w/ Dawn if that's your prerogative)
Claybar
Re-wash to remove claybar residue (don't use Dawn again)
Compounds/polishes
Wax

jpticar

iTrader: (1)

cool thanks for the help!!!

ZaneO

No need for Dawn if you're polishing.

It would probably be best to follow the compound with a lighter polish to remove any hazing and fully burnish the finish.

superchargedbandit

It Removes The Old Wax

PSU 98

iTrader: (4)

So does a cutting pad full of compound/polish. If you're going to do that then it's redundant to use Dawn to wash, but if it makes you feel better about the job it probably won't hurt anything

Gipraw

iTrader: (10)

I agree with both statements ..

also, no need to rewash after clay bar if you use a QD spray as your clay lube.

jpticar

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the input guys. Ill prob wash with dawn first just to know that im starting off directly on the clear coat (mental thing).

Gipraw - what do you mean by a QD spray? u talkin bout the spray that comes with the kits?

Gipraw

iTrader: (10)

yes .. quik detail spray .. if you use it to lube your clay (and you should), then there is no reason to rewash .. rewashing just gives you another chance to create swirls .. remember that every time you touch your paint, you are either damaging it, or protecting it .. washing it falls into the damaging category. proper technique and products will greatly minimize your potential for damage, but it still exists.

while using car wash soap as a lube will work .. QD is better because it has more lubricity, and it will not cause the clay to break down, which can happen with some soaps.

any brand QD spray will work Mother's, Meg's. Poor boys, etc .. just make sure it is a QD, and not a spray wax.

Ling_650vette

iTrader: (1)

Washing it again just removes some of the left over residue so you arent swirling that around on the paint with a polishing compound.

Can you create swirls with it? Possibly, but as you said using the proper technique and proper products wont hurt anything.

And the whole Dawn thing is debateable. Some people feel it leads to more oxidation within the paint, others believe its a great stripper and cuts down to a nice smooth finish. IMO, damn near any car wash soap works and if you're going to clay and polish it anyway, there's no need for dish soap.