I think I've been detailing my car wrong...
 

I first use a Meguiars car soap to clean it and then I use a Meguiars cleaner/polish/wax as a final step (3 in 1 type thingy). Is this bad or does it just not do a good job of shining and protecting?

I mean, people compliment me all the time on the looks.....but I want the paint to be protected. Can someone recommend or let me know what they do in steps - including products and names? I also would like to know about a sealer of some sort because I don't understand this. Why can't these things be easier...........which is why I bought the cleaner, polish wax in the first place.....[&:]

THANKS!!!!!

RE: I think I've been detailing my car wrong...
 

Meguiars has a 5 step paint care intsruction

1-washing
2-cleaning
3-polishing
4-waxing
5-maintaining

Are you combining the products into one bottle?
If you need more information go to MeguiarsOnline.com. It is a great forum for asking all of your paint care needs. You would need to join to ask any questions on that forum, it is free to let you know.

RE: I think I've been detailing my car wrong...
 

No 3 in 1 thingies--you don't want your wax in with abrasives.

Check out Juztang's ObsessiveDetail.com.

RE: I think I've been detailing my car wrong...
 

I'm not a believer in the all-in-one products for enthusiast use. They may be fine for the guy who only waxes his work truck once a year...

Step 1 - Wash and dry car out of direct sunlight
Step 2 - Evaluate the finish with your clean hand and inspect for bonded contaminants.
Step 2a - If you find bonded contaminants, claybar the paint.
Step 3 - Evaluate the finish with your eyes and inspect for swirls and scratches.
Step 3a - If you find swirls and scratches use Scratch-X, glaze, or a cleaner/wax, depending on finish.
Step 4 - Polish the paint with a pure polish.
Step 5 - Apply one to two thin coats of wax.

Steps 3, 4, & 5 CAN be done by hand, but much easier, faster, & better with a Dual-Action buffer.

RE: I think I've been detailing my car wrong...
 

Sweet...thanks!

RE: I think I've been detailing my car wrong...
 

Check out my website for some high quality products that work excellent. All of my products go on easy and come off easy with no residue, they can also be used in the direct sun. Let me know if you have any product questions. Thanks!

Justin