Originally Posted by adreano17

Preface: THESE ARE NOT AFFILIATE LINKS. I AM NOT SELLING ANYTHING, THIS IS ONLY A GUIDE by<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->https://aperfectshinedetailing.com/.

I made a wash/detail guide for one of my coworkers. Although I no longer use these methods with ceramic coating, this is what I would do if I was not coated.

There are MANY products on the market now. I can only speak on what I know. While there are many choices now, most of these can be bought at Walmart minus some materials listed.

I may have missed some things, but here:

Wash/Detail recommendations:
MATERIALS

DA Orbiter - https://www.harborfreight.com/8mm-ra...der-64528.html
Pads:
Cutting (for Ultimate Compound) https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-c...pad-63291.html
Polish (for ….polish) https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-p...pad-60309.html
Finishing (for apply wax NO PRESSURE NEEDED) https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-f...pad-60310.html

2 Buckets for wash - 1 additional dedicated for wheels
Grit guard for the wash buckets (https://www.amazon.com/VIKING-Bucket...a-883476340945). These can be bought anywhere really. Walmart now also has for cheap.

Costco OR Sam’s Club should have a bulk pack of Microfiber towels. Buy some, use once and buy more when used. Do NOT overspend on these other than these two retailers. 32 ct should be about $15ish.

WHEEL WASH
Always wash the wheels first. Use a dedicated rag for the wheel as it gets gritty. This is what I use and works fine but still have to do a bit more work on it. https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-20499...a-570021168883

1. Spray and let dwell for 5 min
2. If dried, wet up the wheel with a little bit of water
3. Agitate all of the wheel with a dedicated mitt and brush (something like this https://www.amazon.com/detailing-17i...motive&sr=1-11 that has a long brush, soft surface brush and some other smaller ones for the corners. Any brush you use here should only be used for wheels moving forward)
4. Rinse
5. Apply Iron X per directions on bottle and then rinse.

This step alone may take a lot out of you.

ACTUAL CAR WASH

This is good for the first time you do the decontamination. https://www.meguiarsdirect.com/megui...oner-64oz.html

After you washed that good for the first time, then use https://www.meguiarsdirect.com/megui...wax-48-oz.html after. You can still use the Gold Class between washes if you choose, but the ceramic one will give more water beading properties.

If you take a break, put the car in the garage so no dust will fly on it.

DECONTAMINATION

This IronX is great. https://www.amazon.com/Carpro-Iron-R...a-522353579747

You only need to use once every 6 months. So it lasts a long time.

After you remove the iron with the instructions on the bottle, then use the clay kit. https://www.meguiarsdirect.com/megui...-clay-kit.html
They have a non-ceramic option as well that I typically used, but the quick detailer in the box can be used after for drying and quick surface removal of bird **** and things..

Note: At this point, it should now be very smooth if you rub your finger tips lightly over. There should be no bumps or friction. DEFINITELY take a break now and protect the car in the garage if possible.

POLISH

Depending on how bad your swirls are, you may need to use this one good time. https://www.meguiarsdirect.com/megui...ound-16oz.html

It is abrasive and really cuts to level any deep swirls. Typically everyone can benefit from using this for a proper prep even if it’s just once.

After the ultimate compound is done, The regular Ultimate Polish should further refine any remaining swirls. https://www.meguiarsdirect.com/megui...lish-16oz.html

Both of these products should be used with a Dual Action (DA) Orbiter while applying moderate pressure to let the product cut the surface. Visually, this should now be relatively swirl free and flaw free.

FINISH

This is what is going to give you your protection, and final look. There are many options, but this is going to be one of the easier to use products. https://www.meguiarsdirect.com/megui...wax-16-oz.html This should give you your final shine and be very easy to work with. Will probably need to do this step once every 2-6 months.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments. Follow me on IG (instagram.com/bwitoatx.f) and Youtube (youtube.com/c/bwitoatxf)