This is probably a repost and a noob question, but I got a different Mustang last month and its black. I always will end up with nasty water spots and such.

What is best step by step process for cleaning the exterior.

 

With black vehicles I usually use the 2 bucket wash method to avoid swirls and fine scratches. Use one bucket for your rinse water and another bucket for your solution. Each time you do a panel rinse your mitt out in the rinse water before you put it back into your solution. This will really minimize the chance of putting dirt back into the paint.

I mainly use Optimum No Rinse. With this product you just use 1 gallon of water with 1 ounce of product. Wipe a panel with your mitt and then you wipe off right away with a microfiber towel. You do this for the whole vehicle. With No Rinse you won't get waterspots or have to worry about water dripping out of cracks and crevices, plus it leaves a just waxed look.

Always make sure you use high quality microfiber towels, especially on black.

 

When cleaning my black pony, I always make sure to wash it when the paint is cool and when the car is sitting in the shade.

Wash your car using a good car wash soap. I choose to use Meguar's car wash and detailing products.

Dry the car using a good chamois or microfiber towel ASAP to avoid water spotting.

If between waxes, I use Meguar's quik detailing spray after drying to add a little shine and to remove and water spots / streaks that I may have missed.

I hope these tips work well for you.

 

Thanks for the tips, ill try them.

so do guys wash, clay bar, polish, and then wax?

 

Yup, that seems to be the best way to do it.

A little work, but most people will agree that it's worth it.

 

Remember that the prep work is the key to the best possible finish. Claying,polishing, and swirl removal are going to make your paint look its best. Sealants and waxes add some more looks plus protection.

 

1+ for prep. A PorterCable 7424is a great investment. It will really help.

 

...microfibers....lots of microfiber towels...can't say it different, just louder.

 

.....does 14 micro-fibers count [&:] Thats what I ended up using when I did my dads black vette [8D]

 

I use 3 microfiber cloths to entire dry the car....

Having a nightmare black car myself, I would highly highly highly highly suggest a Porter Cable kit from www.obsessivedetail.com

I was ready to set my car on fire and remove Black from all my crayon boxes. I've never hated a paint color so much in my life - it's such a difficult color to properly care for.

The PC will remove any accidental swirls/light scratches you put in the paint, then you'll be able to use the PC to quickly apply glazes & sealants. Since your car is black, I'd recommend trying Optimum Opti-Seal from Obsessivedetail.com. I've always had huge trouble with water spots - if you get a coat or two of the sealant on your car - these water spots will no longer etch your paint. You can lightly spray with detail spray & wipe the spots off with no damage or evidence of it ever being there!!