newbie detailing questions

[mellow yellow]

After buying my car (red R Reg 8v gti ) a few weeks back I decided I would try to get the paint looking a bit better and had a quick look around for advice and decided to do the following:
Quick wash 2 bucket method (no grit guards though) with sheepskin mitt (Halfords) and simoniz shampoo (just had it knocking around)
Dry down with microfiber
Clay all over with megs clar bar kit
Wash and dry down again as above
Cut and polish with diamondbrite (sourced through a body shop friend) by hand
Wax with megs wax that came with the clay kit (one coat only)

This gave a much better look to the car but after reading in a bit more depth I feel myself becoming a bit more obsessive and want to make sure I do the best I can to keep the Golf looking immaculate, but on a reasonable budget, so now I’m after a bit of advice.

Now would I be best just investing in a good shampoo and wax or as I want it to be perfect should I start again from scratch?

Here’s what I would like to do, please let me know if I’m going wrong anywhere or if there are any improvements I can make.

Fairy liquid the whole car to take off whats on the surface and to start with a blank canvas.
Clay using the megs kit I have
2 Bucket wash with good shampoo and grit guard (dodo born to be mild?)
Dry down
Polish/glaze (dodo lime prime?) will this be ok by hand?
Seal (Chemical guys wet mirror finish) is this step worthwhile?
Wax (Chemical guys butter wet wax) how many coats?

And finally if all this is ok what steps do I have to take in future washes and when?

I know there are a lot of questions here but I just want to get it right from the start.

Thanks for reading.

Dan

[dragonfly]

Firstly don't use Fairy unless it's for your dishes (and not the wheel type either). A grit guard will help minimise grit being transferred back onto the paint. Either drag the drying cloth over the panels or pat.

You are on the right track. A good shampoo will break the dirt down without harming the wax finish. Clay when the paint feels rough. Polish (Dodo is good), followed by a glaze, optional is a sealant and finishing off with a good wax. I have recently bought Butter Wax but not used it. Again a good wax from Collinite, Dodo etc topped with the Butter Wax will give a nice finish.
Don't forget a good trim and tyre dressing.

[mellow yellow]

Thanks df

why no fairy liquid? it was recommended to me to get all previous wax etc out of the paint.

should i be applying a harder wax underneath the butter wax?

[dragonfly]

Fairy has a high sodium content which can dull the paint and encourage rust. You can buy a wax remover http://www.properautocare.com/remexwaxorse.html

I just think Fairy would be too aggressive on paint. Don't forget claying and polishing will remove wax anyway.

Personally I prefer a soft wax - I find it easier to apply and remove.

[waxamomo]

As Dragonfly has said, DO NOT use Fairy liquid on your paint, it will dry it out way too much.

Start as you have said, Dodo Born to Be Mild will be perfect, a very good shampoo.

Then Clay with your Meg's Clay Kit, this will remove the previous layer of wax.

Lime Prime will be the perfect polish to add a little shine to your finish.

Again, it sounds like you have the right idea with the Butter Wet Wax, or you could just buy Colly or Dodo and put a few layers on.

Don't forget a few good quality microfibres and applicators.

Chris

[mellow yellow]

Cheers chris,

Looks like i'll be visiting your shop very soon then 

[shorty0100397]

£5 free on your first order, be sure to get your promo code.  Ive just bought from Chris, very good products. 

[waxamomo]

Yep don't forget your discount code - gimme5

Chris

[Nik Patel]

Chris cool website, i will have to have a good browse!

Nik
www.simplydents.co.uk

[mellow yellow]

My new cleaning stuff arrived yesterday:

Dodo born to be mild
Dodo lime prime
Chem guys butter wax

Just waiting for some nice weather now so i can give her a claying session and use the new goodies.

Pics to follow when the weather sorts itself out!