[Sharpointer]

I bought my car 2.5 months ago used, and I never got it polished or waxed or anythign crazy...just got it washed at a carwash. Well, when i run my hand over the paint it feels really dry and I'm pretty sure that's the clearcoat completely gone.

I'm also pretty sure that i have plenty of scratches in it and I'm completely tired of the dull look my paint has.

Can anyone help me out? Should i do scratch/swirl remover first and then polsih and wax? I have no idea becuase I'm far from an expert

help!

[chaos311clarity]

the clearcoat isnt gone. its probably just dull.


youll want to start by washing the car with some dishwashing soap.

then use a claybar kit (can be found at any auto store or even walmart)... clay the car... and then use a light swirl remover/polish... then youll want to wax on top of that.


thats just a basic rundown of what youll need to do.

[tyler_sti]

Definatly needs a clay job. Be prepared, its pretty labor intensive! Hahah

[pearlwhitesti]

Thats what I though when I rubbed my paint the other day! I just need a good clay/wax/buff job. Zaino makes some good products!

[Sharpointer]

God dam**t...I didnt know I would have to do THATTT much work.

Doesnt dishwashing soap ruin the car??

[chaos311clarity]

Originally Posted by Sharpointer

God dam**t...I didnt know I would have to do THATTT much work.

Doesnt dishwashing soap ruin the car??

nope.. it just helps remove things. its lightly acidic or basic... i forget which... and that helps to get contaminents off of the paint.

[wrxcelration]

Originally Posted by Sharpointer

God dam**t...I didnt know I would have to do THATTT much work.

Yup...just check out my full exterior detail. My car was almost like yours

My 10 Hr Detail (by hand)

[chaos311clarity]

if you are not willing to take care of your car and put effort into maintaining its finish.... do not complain about dull paint.

[wrxcelration]

Well said chaos

[Sharpointer]

whoa whoa whoaaaaaa....I never said i didnt want to put in the effort, I just didn't know how much effort I would have to put in.

wrx - thats an amazing job you did, but hopefully I can get my car looking pretty good in a fraction of the time you spent. Im hoping to spend aruodn 3 hours on it....

I think I will wash it, polish, and then wax....I'm really not familiar with clay bar and I am afraid i will ruin the paint.

[wrxcelration]

Originally Posted by Sharpointer

whoa whoa whoaaaaaa....I never said i didnt want to put in the effort, I just didn't know how much effort I would have to put in.

wrx - thats an amazing job you did, but hopefully I can get my car looking pretty good in a fraction of the time you spent. Im hoping to spend aruodn 3 hours on it....

I think I will wash it, polish, and then wax....I'm really not familiar with clay bar and I am afraid i will ruin the paint.

Thanks
I would definitely claybar your car. If you dont get the base particles and contaminates off the car your polish and wax will mean nothing. It may take longer but it will be well worth it...Trust Me

[Igetitpoppin]

Claying a car is not hard and pretty straight foward. what I do is go get some quick detail spray and a clay bar. spray the area your gonna clay first and make sure theres enough quick detail to ensure its lubricated and just run the clay with your hand on the car. To do a good clay job should take longest an hour if its bad but its preety easy.

[wrxcelration]

Heres a thread on how to claybar

Question on clay barring

[Sharpointer]

I just read that and it helped a lot. The only question i have is what clay bar do i buy? Is there a difference between any of them...I'd prefer to pick something up at a local Autozone or something if possible

[wrxcelration]

Originally Posted by Sharpointer

I just read that and it helped a lot. The only question i have is what clay bar do i buy? Is there a difference between any of them...I'd prefer to pick something up at a local Autozone or something if possible

Glad to help.

Most people use either Meguiar's or Mother's
I used the Meguiar's clay bar kit. It comes w/ 2 clay bars(good if one gets dirty or you drop it), quick detailer, cleaner wax(step 1) and a microfiber towel(only quirk is that it should come w/o a tag). It runs for about $18 at Autozone IIRC.