I've been trying to figure out how to polish. I've been doing some reading and it seems that polish helps remove swirls and minor scratches correct? What I was wanting if my truck has a few scratches, do I need to polish the whole truck or just where the scratches are. Also I got the #2 polish in the meguiars 3 step process would this to use. And how long should I wait after I polish to apply wax.

 

I just waited untill I finished the whole truck...then I started waxing at the place where I started the swirl remover. THere is enough time imbetween for everything to settle. Get some application pads and microfiber cloths. Rub everything in with the application pads, and then rub the polish/wax after the microfiber cloths.
~Phil

 

One of the first things you need to do before doing anything is to prepare the surface to be polished.

Also, please keep in mind that a polish and a wax are 2 very different things.

Best investment I made. Bought a PorterCable DA polisher.

Remove any wax on the truck first, use Dawn Soap, wash 2X. Dry with microfiber towels.

Visit a real detail supply house.
Get some nice polishing pads for your new DA. (use Lake or Meguairs)
Get a Meguairs BLUE clay bar
Get some misting spray (Final Inspection)
clay the truck.

Buy some Meguairs #80 or #82 glaze (Set DA to #5)
Remove with MF towels
The #80 and 82 have a cut of 3, if it doesn't take the swirls out, got to a deeper cut. No more than 6.
Follow up with Meguairs #21 sealer (set DA to #3)
Remove with MF towels
Follow up with some Final Inspection using a MF towel
NEVER NEVER NEVER use Cotton towels on your truck. ONLY Microfiber
Not enought for you? Use HyperDress on all the plastic parts outside of the truck or Meguairs Trim Detailer gell

Your paint will love you for it and people will stop you to ask you "who painted your truck"

Expect to spend 2-3 hours claying the truck.
Using the DA will change your life.

this all sounds crazy right? well it is...but think of it like this. It's therapy

 

Cool thanks for the info. I was at wally world and say some liquid clay today. Is this stuff any good. It looks like a clay and polish combined, but not sure. Anyone have any experience with this stuff.

 

I just did this exact detail and it came out amazing the only problem the sky openend up and rained for 3 days straight. I will seal again when it gets nice then wait 24hrs and wax. I have to thank RP for steering me in the right direction.

 

I've read multiple reviews on the stuff that you saw (ICE Liquid Clay from TW)... every single one that I've read basically called it garbage. The same is generally true for the Diamondite 'liquid clay' stuff that is out there too.

Stick with a real clay bar if you're going to clay. Stick with a real polish if you're going to polish. I'm not opposed to cross-over products and/or pushing the technology envelope but, this one doesn't sound like it'll make it very long at all...

 

Thanks Rockpick. I'll stay away from it. I've decided once the weather breaks just to try the meguiars 3 step process for my first detail. I'm going to wash, clay, wash, #1, #2, then I'll put the nxt on wait 12 hours put another coat on, then put on S100 as a topper. I"ll post pics if and whenever I get done. The weather here in WV is supposed to be crappy for about a week and half. It's either going to be too cold to wax, or going to be raining.

 

Sounds like a very solid plan of action to me. And, I concur on the weather... we're getting the same crap.

My truck hasn't been touched since.... June of 06'. Yes -- almost a year.

 

Say it ain't so!!!!!

Kevin

 

RP.... I've read a lot on here about how to detail my truck and what products everyone is using... pretty much every thread has someone thanking you for some advice you've given... haha, anyway, I just now noticed that you live in LaGrange.... I live in the Okolona area of Louisville... maybe when the KY weather makes up its mind to be warm for once, we could compare notes and do a good truck washing.... I can't wait for summer and cookout time to get here.... but I also want to get out and cruise a lil bit in my truck.... Let me know what ya think...

-biz

 

Rockpick is definite a wealth of information. Anyway I grew up in Okolona and was on the fire department. I now live in Fern Creek/Athens, Tennessee.

 

That's awesome!!! I haven't seen many people on here from KY.... and certainly not Louisville. I grew up in Fern Creek, but now live out here.... Can't wait for the weather to change so my truck can change..... got bog plans.... Oh, and I love your signature.... good shot. I need to do some photoshop action with mine...

 

Let's not discuss too much business here -- it's against the rules and I'm held accountable to the same rules as everyone else...

I'll PM you.