New to this detailing malarkey, I thought I'd have a bash only because I'm lucky enough to own what I'd describe as a mint Mk1 vRS SE Fabia and want to keep it that way.

 

It has a few swirl marks and rear bumper scratches but is otherwise almost unmarked.

 

I've usually just washed the car with a premium shampoo then topped up the polish finish using SRM or similar or (take it easy on me here!) used a quick shine type spray (I know).

 

I have clayed cars before and thought to remove some slight roughness on the paintwork caused by overspray from when the garage I bought it off touched the front bumper up, I would clay the car and do a proper job on the paintwork.

 

As we have another car, I got to thinking if a job's worth doing, I may as well go the whole hog, so have just bought a DAS6 Pro polishing kit along with a selection of Menzerna cutting and polishing compounds.

 

Question is this, I normally use a Carplan "Trade Valet High Foam wash" hand-wash formula car shampoo.  Is this suitable as an initial wash/degrease prior and post claying and post swirl removal prior to polishing and waxing?

 

Also, is there a particularly recommended long lasting sealing wax (I normally use Maguiars #26) that you guys would recommend for hand or machine application?

I'd imagine your Carplan stuff will be fine just use a stronger mixture than normal to help strip any protection that is already on the car.

 

As for a long lasting Wax protection, i'd go for Collinite 476 or 845 if you prefer a liquid wax. Not much can rival it in terms of durability. This here is a very good combination which should last you quite a while - http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/complete-detailing-kits/collinite-476s-carlack-kit/prod_408.html

If you have a foam lance a shampoo and APC mixture will strip any protection off

Not completely

It will deplete it, but not properly remove it

A good claying and polish, followed by an IPA or CarPro Eraser(or similar) wipedown will though

Thanks Chris

 

I dont tend to like using the power jet washer these days, preferring a simple hose pipe set on "flat spray" when rinsing.  I'll use a stronger mixture than normal then when doing the pre-and post clay clean and perhaps another wash and rinse after buffing and polishing before the final wax sealant coat goes on.  Once I've depleted my Maguiars #26 liquid wax, I'll have a try with the collinite as you suggest.  Funnily enough, that's the same website where I sourced and bought the DAS6 pro kit.  Seems to have a good variety of car care products and the guy was very hepful when recommending which polishing pads to use (its all double dutch to me at the minute).  I ended up with the sonus pads and bought a few extra.

Using a tar remover like Tardis and Iron X or similar to get rid of ferrous fall out before you clay will make the claying easier and quicker too.

Good point. I have some bug & tar remover which I used for my bike, so I'll use that after the wash before claying.  Looks like this will be an all day job to do properly. 

Yes..A long day if you polish it as well