As seems to be the case with all these sorts of posts............ I'm new to the detailing malarky.

Been pouring over the forums for the last few weeks with the end result being me getting into an ever quicker head spin with all the abbreviations and such that go with detailing.

Anywho......

I'm fine with the 2 bucket method of washing and the array of wash mitts and microfibres are fairly self explanatory.

First question.....Is the Meguires clay kit, the one available from halfords, adequate for a beginner such as myself? And with that in mind is the detailing spray that comes with it absolutely essential as a lube or is there an equally effective but cheaper lube I could use?

Second.....

I want to use a wax on top of a sealant for my last stage. I'm much more concerned with the protection... (in terms of time it lasts and barrier provided) ...provided by both the sealant and wax than I am with the amount of shine they produce........reason being is that its all relative and a clean well detailed car will still outshine your average joe's efforts.....

Ideally I want a wax and sealant that will not leave any white residue on the black rubber trim..........is this possible?

And just in case it has any bearing on any recommendation, i've got a race blue vrs.

thanks in advance for putting up with another one of these posts

1. The Megs Clay is good and yes the lube that comes with it is essential. However if you get the Bilt Hamber clay you can use water as the lube. Bilt-Hamber Laboratories - Polish and Wax - Auto-clay

2. For a wax try Collinite 476, it is very durable and shouldn't leave any residue on trims or powder. For a sealant Poorboys EX is worth a go.

A good base with give a good finish.

cheers fella.....

on the wax and sealant combination......

are there any likely issues with certain waxes not bonding to certain sealants?????

Now you're gettting very technical! I've not had any issues using Poorboys EX and 476 or Klasse All in One with P21S wax. Some people use a sealant and some miss this stage. For youself I would first see if the paint needs a claying. Then use a good polish, sealant (optional but worth a try) and finally a wax.

thanks again.......

it has been said that i think about stuff in a bit too much detail.....

Ideally I want a wax and sealant that will not leave any white residue on the black rubber trim..........is this possible?

Agree with Dragonfly's responses and just to add on the above point, I am afraid your careful process will be the only thing to prevent you getting anything on the rubbers, unless you 'tape' up all the areas that you don't want to apply Wax or Sealant too........

I just cheat and use the AG bumper care after waxing, covers all the black marks and makes everything shiny shiny. Dont have any tape or the inlination to go round taping everything.

I just cheat and use the AG bumper care after waxing, covers all the black marks and makes everything shiny shiny. Dont have any tape or the inlination to go round taping everything.

I use AG Vinyl and Rubber care on my trim after polish/waxing too , for the same reason.

i started using meg's gold class on the trims and plastics on bumpers, it covers up the wax marks just the same, but how long does it last and when it wears off will the marks show up again?

i started using meg's gold class on the trims and plastics on bumpers, it covers up the wax marks just the same, but how long does it last and when it wears off will the marks show up again?

Ground in polish or wax on black trim will re-appear if just covered over unfortunately..............