b737dog

First off, I am somewhat ****. Get if from my Father. I used to enter my Porsche 928GT in concours events and became somewhat of a product snob. Meguiars products are good. There are products I like better but Meguiars will do you just fine. Good sources for products and techniques are www.properautocare.com, www.autogeek.net, www.superiorcarcare.com, and www.autopia.org. Some very good info on these sites. I never use circular motions. The most important thing you need to do is prep the paint before applying a wax or sealant. You possibly need to clay. I do not use clay because my cars stay garaged and out of the elements. Wash with a good/safe mit, dry with a waffle weave or big blue drying towel, polish and then wax. Let wax cure for 24 hrs and wax again to really give the paint some extra pop. The referenced websites will take you through all the steps. I learned a whole lot on autopia.org. Lastly, post pics here when finished. I am detailing my new IS350 next week and will post pics.

dcreamer

I was DUMB enough to purchase my new 07' on Feb 10th. I ASSUMED the worst weather was past for the east coast. NOPE, got three scratches on the hood and one over the drivers door with less than 800 miles........prayin for spring.....and a good detailer......

Burst32

Yea I started the coats of touch-up paint today. It looks good, you can't really tell unless you get really close and look for them. I am going to find someone who can give me an idea on how to get those light scratches off the hood, they REALLY show up in the sun. Also, on the trunk, there are those swirl marks that look 3D in the sun, like they are hovering over the surface, if you know what I mean, does anyone know how to get those out, or will a good detailer get them out for me. I am just now starting to study how to really detail my car. I am waiting until I am back home for the summer until I start doing that, but i am interested to learn

Burst32

Yea I started the coats of touch-up paint today. It looks good, you can't really tell unless you get really close and look for them. I am going to find someone who can give me an idea on how to get those light scratches off the hood, they REALLY show up in the sun. Also, on the trunk, there are those swirl marks that look 3D in the sun, like they are hovering over the surface, if you know what I mean, does anyone know how to get those out, or will a good detailer get them out for me. I am just now starting to study how to really detail my car. I am waiting until I am back home for the summer until I start doing that, but i am interested to learn

y2ks2k

This stuff don’t bother me no more. I have had enough new cars now over the years that I pretty much know crap is going to happen ot the car. I washed my car the other day and found a crap load of problems (big ol door ding). But you know what, its a car. Its gonna happen to the car. Within the first year, you will have something wrong with the exterior. I kind of see my Lexus as a car now. I don’t wash it 2 times a week like I used to back in 1995... Hell I take it through the car wash. I just enjoy driving the cars now and I don’t really care what everyone thinks when they see it. I don’t have to worry about where I park it and when. Life is so much less stressful, there’s so many more important things in life.

omihomiii

what's the best way to get rid of buff marks?? Cutpolish?

b737dog

What exactly is a buff mark? Probably a semi-abrasive polish and an orbital buffer. Always start with the least abrasive product.

ES3

Regarding clay, I know it's done after a wash, but can clay ever add more scratches? Or is that a risk worth taking in order to get any remaning dirt removed. Also what solution do you use with a clay bar, soapy water?

b737dog

The sites I previously recommended go into much detail on the clay process. You use a lubricant with it like quick detailer. Read the info on the sites. Very informative.

ES3

Thx will do... was just looking for the cliff-notes version!