Maybe in another year, when my F150 paint has a year of weather and hard miles on it, I might do a super detailing on it.

But for now, I just have my little 07' Hyundai Accent with mettallic orange / red paint... which has lots of brush swirls / micro scratches in it.

So, from what I gather, a clay bar will just remove any old wax, road grime, etc, from the surface.... but it will not do anything to remove micro-scratches, correct ?

So then, step 2 would be some sort of superfine polish, to actually remove the scratches....

And step 3 would be some kind of wax ?

Are steps 2 and 3 going to be easiest (recommended) with a buffer ? .... a low speed orbital ?

Anyway, I know there are a lot of detailing fanatics here, who would put in a TON more work, and a LOT more $$$ to detail there F150's (plus maybe make it into a 9 step process), than I plan to do on my Hyundai....

But I'm just looking for the best bang, for the buck, AND the least sweat (it will probably be 90 plus degrees here tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll sweat plenty as it is :-)

Oh...... and what "decent" products am I likely to find (do I need to get from) Kragens, or Auto Zone ???

Put it this way..... I'm planning to do this, PLUS paint a boat trailer in the same day.....

Thanks,
Fish

PS, Keep in mind, even just another micro-scratching wash and dry is going to help.... so I'm just asking where I can best put another 3 to 6 hours, and maybe $50 into it..... (actually, darn.... I really need to get a new buffer....

 

From your expectations, I'd recommend a Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit, and either the Deep Crystal system, or a cleaner wax, like Mothers, Megs, etc. I used the Megs Cleaner Wax before I really got into detailing and I was really impressed with it after a couple coats; the whole secret is to work it in and let the fillers do their job.

The Deep Crystal System is 3 steps and will require more work, though the 1st step is the only one you will have to really work in.

 

welcome to the CD section...you have lots of opened ended questions listed here and most of them can be answer by reading the detail sticky.

There are a few simple paths to take however it depends on many factors, time, budget, desired results.

If you want to do this by hand, probably the easiest way to get to your goal is to wash, then clay the surface, then use the Megs Deep Crystal system found at most big box retailers.

There are lots of paths to take here and again, it all kind of depends on what you want to accomplish. If you want a better than showroom shine, that takes a significant investment in not only product but tools and time and some hard knocks education.

Probably didn't answer your question though.

 

Decided Id answer your questions this way.

Maybe in another year, when my F150 paint has a year of weather and hard miles on it, I might do a super detailing on it. Make sure you keep it up in the meantime, its a lot easier to correct minor swirls, scratches, blemishes, etc. than major ones.

But for now, I just have my little 07' Hyundai Accent with mettallic orange / red paint... which has lots of brush swirls / micro scratches in it.
So, from what I gather, a clay bar will just remove any old wax, road grime, etc, from the surface.... but it will not do anything to remove micro-scratches, correct ? clay will remove most of the grime, bugs, etc. make sure you use a lube. get either a mothers or megs kit.

So then, step 2 would be some sort of superfine polish, to actually remove the scratches....
And step 3 would be some kind of wax ? if your only doing a 3 step, then yes, its your Last Step Product.

Are steps 2 and 3 going to be easiest (recommended) with a buffer ? .... a low speed orbital ? step 3 is easiest, 2 is more time consuming. Id use a buffer for step 2 but step 3 by hand.

Anyway, I know there are a lot of detailing fanatics here, who would put in a TON more work, and a LOT more $$$ to detail there F150's (plus maybe make it into a 9 step process), than I plan to do on my Hyundai.... 9 step? haha, a little more than that

But I'm just looking for the best bang, for the buck, AND the least sweat (it will probably be 90 plus degrees here tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll sweat plenty as it is :-)
Oh...... and what "decent" products am I likely to find (do I need to get from) Kragens, or Auto Zone ??? There will be a ton of products to chose from. Megs and mothers will be the big ones that they carry. You might find some jewels there too. ive seen #26 at autozone, pick it up if you can, its a great wax. but the deep crystal system is very nice, give it a try.

 

I'm going to take notes from here in the morning, before I leave.

My car can be my gunea pig, so when I get the "really sweet F150", I'll know what to do with it :-)

Thanks again,
Fish