Forgive me, but am I going about this right?

[UpstateHate585]

I have looked all around here and the internet but I apologize if I missed it. But I just recently got a 2010 2.5i hatch. It's my first black car and I am learning how to keep it clean (or at least try) I want to wash it this weekend but there are swirls and such from the dealership that I want to get rid of if possible. I plan on going somewhere sometime to get a legit detailing done, but not soon enough. So I have done some researching and just wanted to make sure I am going about this in the right order lol. I dont have a buffer or anything so I have to do it all by hand. Let me know if I am missing something

Wash (shampoo/water) and dry
Clay bar (Looking at the Meguiars clay kit)
Swirl x (not too sure on how to use this since i have never waxed. I don't want to screw anything up)
Spray wax

maybe tire wet

does this look like an alright order of stuff? is there anything on there that might make my paint go to crap (I'm most scared of the swirlx)

Thanks for bearing with the stupid questions

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[reddevil07]

sounds like a good plan of action. swirlx is pretty easy to work with. first off, its not like a wax so dont let it cure on the surface. Work a smaller section at a time and dont be afraid to put some "passion behind your polish". after working it onto the surface, clean the area with a microfiber and you should be good to go!

[Kean]

Originally Posted by UpstateHate585

I have looked all around here and the internet but I apologize if I missed it. But I just recently got a 2010 2.5i hatch. It's my first black car and I am learning how to keep it clean (or at least try) I want to wash it this weekend but there are swirls and such from the dealership that I want to get rid of if possible. I plan on going somewhere sometime to get a legit detailing done, but not soon enough. So I have done some researching and just wanted to make sure I am going about this in the right order lol. I dont have a buffer or anything so I have to do it all by hand. Let me know if I am missing something

Wash (shampoo/water) and dry
Clay bar (Looking at the Meguiars clay kit)
Swirl x (not too sure on how to use this since i have never waxed. I don't want to screw anything up)
Spray wax

maybe tire wet

does this look like an alright order of stuff? is there anything on there that might make my paint go to crap (I'm most scared of the swirlx)

Thanks for bearing with the stupid questions

....there is a lot to go over and you would be better off doing some research on the subject so you can get a good understanding of the basics first. You may want to start here:

Detailing Library

Its a collection of links I put together last year to help in these types of situations. Having said that, I'll add a couple of notes to your list based on my own personal experience....

Wash (shampoo/water) and dry
- This is a very basic description of the washing process and the place you really want to concentrate on as far using proper technique, proper tools and quality products. This is where the majority of your blemishes will occur.

Clay bar (Looking at the Meguiars clay kit)
- This is fine but I would make sure you have an understanding of the process, how the clay works and how to properly assess your finish to see if it is necessary.

Swirl x (not too sure on how to use this since i have never waxed. I don't want to screw anything up)
- Swirl-X is a relatively mild "polish" with no waxes or sealants in its formulation. You use something like this prior to applying an LSP (last step product).

Spray wax
- Spray waxes (QW's) are fine but they are mostly an "in between wash" type of product with little in the way of longevity. IMO/IME, they are no replacement for a good LSP (wax/sealant). Duragloss Aquawax is a good QW that can be misted on each panel as you dry (adding lubricity and protection in the process).

maybe tire wet
- This one is subjective depending on the type of shine and characteristics you are looking for.

I would add an interior cleaning product to the mix, a good sealant/wax (LSP) and perhaps something to help protect some of the exterior plastic bits. Also, if you are going to try to correct the paint by hand (or machine for that matter), start with a test spot first. After washing your car (and claying it if you decide you need it) use low tack painters tape and tape off an area about 1'x1' on one of the panels. This will be your test spot where you can try your polis(es) and LSP. ....apply & assess as you go. The idea is to get this area to the point where you are satisfied with the end result. At that point, you will have a better idea of the time/effort needed to do the rest of the car. Make sure to pull the car out into the Sun to check your progress and results as you go. ....if you find you need something more aggressive than Swirl-X, try Scratch-X 2.0 and/or Ultimate Compound (both by Meguiars as well). UC is the more aggressive of the bunch and will require follow up by a lighter polish (like Swirl-X) when used by hand so keep that in mind. You may just want to use the Swirl-X and live with whatever scratches are left behind for now.

[Noek]

^ What he said

Also, as an owner of an OBP, I can assure you that a black car looks awesome when it is clean. The flip side is, it is only clean immediately after you wash it, as you might know by now.

Hard to keep clean, shows every imperfection, and Subaru paint is soft and scratches easily (but is fairly easy to correct as well).

But this is what you get:

[80884]

A must for any black car owner http://www.rejex.com/, I've owned 3 black cars, never a black subaru and I can tell you from experience this stuff is awsome.

I own a white Sti now since I drive it 365 days a year and I still use this stuff. easy to use, works great and last long (4-6 months).

What does it do? just imagine a rain-x for paint, only better and it protects whats underneath...your paint.

What I did with my car...
Good wash - something that will strip any wax etc from the car.
used claybar - only if needed.
Show stopper polish
Added Rejex

Good luck.

[lovin' it]

I would definitely know what your doing before claying. Use a mist of your choice or the stuff that comes with the kit(Meg's, Adam's, etc..) Kep the surface you are working on wet with he mist and don't presshard just rub back and forth real fast and light. Look at your bar and see how dirty it is frequently and kneed it if it has any dit at all. This will take awhile on a new car since it has raildustand and other junk.Take a look on Youtube and you'll see videos of how to clay. I would suggest a three step process but that's up to you; look at Zaino's, Adams, Mothers or Meguiars.

[UpstateHate585]

Thank you sooo much everyone. You guys are awesome. I did notice a small scratch on my car. its barely felt with my nail, like almost not felt at all. I tried the hand in the plastic bag thing, but it was too hot and the bag just stuck haha

[UpstateHate585]

also one more question(that will prolly spark another question),

swirlx or scratchx? im not sure on which one to use. I am concerned on taking too much off my car and ruining it

[Kean]

....here are a couple of articles to give you a little more insight into those two prodcuts:

The Aggressiveness Order of SMAT Products
The SMAT PACK - Everything you ever wanted to know about Meguiar's SMAT products...

In a nutshell, Swirl-X is less abrasive than Scratch-X but Swirl-X will likely only be effective on only the lightest of scratches. ....and if you're doing this by hand, it will take a lot of effort. In either case, I really wouldn't wory about taking off too much clearcoat material in the process. They are both relatively light polishes to boot.

[Amnizu]

As always, Kean FTW +1 to both his posts.

Never ever ever ever let anyone "give" you a free car wash. Especially a dealer.

Otherwise, to get rid of the wash swirls is going to be a tall order by hand, you might want to consider filling or glazing them instead if you only have hand tools.

Best of luck!

[Jeff84]

I've also just got a 2010 Impreza hatch 2.5i dark grey Subaru... base though... not premium one...