OK after reading guides, walk through and countless baker21's logs (top notch on those BTW) I've got a few questions about my process, my kit and what I'm missing out.

Firstly I do have a pressure washer but it's an old aldi model so haven't looking into snow lances. Secondly I went a bit silly buying meguiars products at halfords 3for2 offer

So here is what I do at the moment:

External paint work

1. I wash the car using a regular car plan shampoo using the two bucket method and a wool mitt. I clean the boot, bonnet and door sills with Megs APC.

2. Once dry (using a waffle towel) I clay the car using the megs clay kit and speed detailer

3. I then touch up any scratches using meg's UC

4. Apply Megs nxt Tech Wax and buff up.

5. Touch up black trim with Gold Class Trim Detailer

Wheels and arches

1. as my wheels are fairly new I just clean them with APC then apply Jetseal 109 (freashly bought the other day )

2. Spray the arches with APC and clean up with brush

Engine bay

1. Cleaned with megs APC and touched up with GC Trim Detailer

Exhaust

1. Wire wool with megs Metal Polish

2. App pad with polish untill smooth

Interior

1. once vac'd I was down the dirty area with APC on a cloth (bottom of the doors, kick plates etc where your feet catch)

2. As I have a leather trim I treat it with GC Rich leather cleaner/conditioner

3. The dash and doors are a problem area. I don't have any product to treat this area - any recommendations?

4. Windows are cleaned with Meg's Nxt Glass Cleaner inside and out.

So am I missing out anything (besides the interior cleaner) or could perhaps improve on the process?

Edited 24 May, 201016 yr by wilsonian

OK after reading guides, walk through and countless baker21's logs (top notch on those BTW) I've got a few questions about my process, my kit and what I'm missing out.

Interior

1. once vac'd I was down the dirty area with APC on a cloth (bottom of the doors, kick plates etc where your feet catch)

2. As I have a leather trim I treat it with GC Rich leather cleaner/conditioner

3. The dash and doors are a problem area. I don't have any product to treat this area - any recommendations?

4. Windows are cleaned with Meg's Nxt Glass Cleaner inside and out.

So am I missing out anything (besides the interior cleaner) or could perhaps improve on the process?

Glad some of my threads will have helped mate.............

Process sounds good to me and as for your point above, I would try some 303 Aerospace Protectant or if you looking to source something else from Halfords I am not sure if they are stocking this Megs Product now:

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=6&products_id=806

Or

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/meguiars-natural-shine-vinyl-and-rubber-protectant.php?manufacturers_id=6

Or to be honest your Gold Class Trim Detailer may well be good enough.........

Thanks for the links. TBH I'll try the trim detailer but the last product I tried like that was a turtle wax restore and it left an oil residue over the dash which is horrible to touch.

I noticed you use Last touch and add different products to the wax process, any reason why?

Thanks for the links. TBH I'll try the trim detailer but the last product I tried like that was a turtle wax restore and it left an oil residue over the dash which is horrible to touch.

I noticed you use Last touch and add different products to the wax process, any reason why?

Most trim products may require a second application or a buff with a microfibre cloth to get the best out of them.............

I use Last Touch as a dryin aid and it's one of the products I use most on both my details and my own car detailing............ :yes:

Can you give me some examples of products in your last statement mate?

Good wash process IMO

BUT I would ditch the Megs NXT Wax in favour of a three layered application of Glaze, Sealer and Wax

Good process.

As Simon & Chris have mentioned, there are other methods to making the car shine.

A long time ago, I used to use Tech wax and found it to be pretty reasonable value.

When hand polishing, I prefer a combination of Klasse, following by a couple of layers of dodo juice. I think it works well on the Race Blue paint.

Also, I'd defo advise getting a snow foam lance at some point - I couldn't live without mine!

The NXT imo gives a good finish but is very short lived, agree with Chris go for a glaze/polish..seal..wax.

You only need to clay the car maybe twice a year.

cheers for the replies. don't getme wrong I normally only clay the car in spring and just before winter.

Baker - the products Ive ment were the following

zaino z-aio

z-6 ultra clean gloss

z-2 polish

z-8 spray seal

cheers for the replies. don't getme wrong I normally only clay the car in spring and just before winter.

Baker - the products Ive ment were the following

zaino z-aio

z-6 ultra clean gloss

z-2 polish

z-8 spray seal

As with many things mate, it's good to use what you have but with the choice of so many products on the market it is tough to know what to buy, for example I have 2 x Brand New Tech Wax 2's I bought and some original Next Tech Wax and I think I will never use them, just on the shelf now as I have found other products which are much better.........

I use the Z-AIO, Z6, Z2 and Z8 as this is recommended by Zaino and the process used by many Pro's, it may sound OTT but the difference in feel to the paintwork between each stage is noticable so the time and effort is worth it IMHO.

You could just lay down a Wax or Sealant but the only reason I use Zaino is to really add long term protection and depth.........