Hi,I have a 2 week old metal grey metallic octavia and would like to get a great deep shine and protection for the paintwork. The problem I have is the sheer amount of advice and help is mind boggling and after 3 days of trawling this forum I have literally 100s of product names. The questions I would like to ask are which products should I buy for the car to get the most out of its colour? I am looking to purchase:snowfoam,sealant and wax. I assume at this early stage Polish isn't necessary? Any help would be much appreciated.

An all in one polish will help buddy, it will prepare the surface ready for a wax. May I recommend Prima Amigo for that colour. It is epic!

What are you looking for in your wax? How many times per year are you willing to wax? You can get show waxes that will last 6 to 8 weeks (give more gloss and a deep, wet look), or you can get a more durable wax that will last 4 to 6 months dependant on conditions(tend to look a bit more sterile and less WOW, but last longer).

Snow foam wise I always use Bilt Hamber autofoam.

Hth, just a little more info on the wax needed bud.

Have you read some of the guides?

This is the best:

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/car-care-advice.html

It will give you some idea on products too

The problem about asking in forums for opinions, is that you will get many different answers and be still non the wiser

Thanks for replying, I am happy to wax my vehicle every couple of months. Roughly how long would it take a novice like myself to wax a car?

Would you suggest claying is worthwhile on new paint or could I actually so more harm than good? Sorry for all the questions, I am just a bit bamboozled with all the options.

Waxing takes around 30 to 60 minutes (With experience)...Some waxes allow you to wax the whole car before buffing off, others a panel at a time

Read the instructions carefully

Yes its worth claying after applying Iron fallout (IronX type product)

I have seen an incredible amount of contamination on a new car (usually picked up from the transport Train to the Docks in Germany)

Follow that with a light polish..I typically will use an AIO product (Carlack 68 or Auto Glym SRP) and top that with your wax choice

Once done you will have a car that is far better than a Dealer ever prepares!!

Like Chris said, there are many waxes out there that will do you well. Pete's 53 by chemical guys springs to mind for a darker colour which is reasonable, bilt hamber finis wax which is more durable. Find something that you like the look of, read some reviews and then ask on here if anyone has used it, which we probably will have.

Around 30 mins should be ample to wax a car. Remember, less is more, the thinner the layers of products, the easier it is to remove and the better the results. The haze you are left with after application and before buffing is just wasted product.

if your paintwork feels rough to the touch, then clay. If not, I wouldn't bother as it is totally unecessary. Iron remover, however, is a good idea.

HTH, Neil

Thanks for the information I will put a shopping list together. Just a couple more things if you don't mind, I am going to purchase a paragon drying towel and a mm incredimitt. What would you suggest as a decent Polish cloth/sponge to apply and then to buff off? Finally I have some meguiars nxt generation car shampoo that I used to use on my old car, it has always seemed OK when I have used it do you have any experience of using it and do you think it is any good?

Thanks for the information I will put a shopping list together. Just a couple more things if you don't mind, I am going to purchase a paragon drying towel and a mm incredimitt. What would you suggest as a decent Polish cloth/sponge to apply and then to buff off? Finally I have some meguiars nxt generation car shampoo that I used to use on my old car, it has always seemed OK when I have used it do you have any experience of using it and do you think it is any good?

Paragon is a good choice..Why not get this pack too..eBay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Microfibre-Cloth-10Pack-PREMIUM-40X40-Automotive-Car-Valeting-Car-Detailing-/321802545994?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item4aeced2b4a

I use Megs Gold Class, NXT is on a par..So no problem

I'll add my 2 cents and recommend Carlack and Collinite bundle. Proven to work looks good and is excellent value for money, forget about trying to get the "best" you will end up chasing your tail and your wallet will be a lot lot lighter.

 

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/complete-detailing-kits/collinite-476s-carlack-kit/prod_408.html

 

Just a recommendation but good luck with what route you go down plenty of knowledgeable, friendly people on here to help and advise you.

Thanks very much for the advice guys. I'm glad I posted now. I will let you know the results.

Thanks for the information I will put a shopping list together. Just a couple more things if you don't mind, I am going to purchase a paragon drying towel and a mm incredimitt. What would you suggest as a decent Polish cloth/sponge to apply and then to buff off? Finally I have some meguiars nxt generation car shampoo that I used to use on my old car, it has always seemed OK when I have used it do you have any experience of using it and do you think it is any good?

 

 

Some good products and options mentioned there. 

 

Another option on good quality/high gsm cloths via Ragmaster.

I use a selection from Paragon, Ragmaster - both very good value.

 

http://www.ragmasteruk.co.uk/our-products/

Rather than cheerlead for a particular product I'll simply add that a two week old car given a decontamination and light polish with an AIO should look pretty dam good what ever you choose to top it with be it wax or sealant.  If later on you choose to experiment with different products for the finish then more fool you (but we'll be here waiting  :p )

 

The cloths in chris' link are very nice general purpose mfs, they (paragon) do also do a higher gsm deeper pile cloth if you were so inclined.  I havent had the chance to try the ragmaster ones yet but Samuir is a fan and thats good enough for me.

 

Solid choice on the incredimitt, I use the pad version as I prefer to keep my hand out but personal preference.  Happy to also recommend CYC as a supplier or polished bliss if you only getting a few bits and dont quite hit the free delivery elsewhere.

 

Lastly, after you are the work you will be putting in getting the motor shimmering, I assume you are familiar with the 2 bucket washing method, and detailing spray type products to help it keep looking its best between "waxes".

 

have fun