kchisarik Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 Hello all, My name is Keith, proud owner of a new 2011 Camaro. I am in love. now the fun part (cleaning) begins, right? Did I mention it is black. Now I bought black knowing full well they are hard to keep looking good, I had a black mustang that I sadly screwed up pretty good when I was younger, but I digress. I have been reading forums, watching videos and I think I have a plan and would love your input on it and any suggestions you might have. Frankly I'm a little scared to swirly her up. The paint is almost pristine, it has a minor swirl above the door where the dealership buffed out a very minor scratch before I drove it off the lot (before I knew to not let the dealer touch it). The plan: 1) Watch every Adams and Junkman video ever made (check) 2) Wash using the two bucket system with grit guards (check) 3) Purchase a foam gun (on its way) Here is where it gets hazy... 4) a good wash and clay bar treatment with detail spray to lube? I have never clayed before and frankly didnt know detail clay existed, it this pretty newbie safe to do? 5) Polish after claying... Hand versus PC - this is the one that scares me, do I start out with PC, or hand? the thought of putting that machine on my jet black paint makes me sweat thinking about it, even after watching the JunkMan video where he just about sits on the PC, in one spot, using the heaviest compound known to man... LOL. Is it really that safe? Newbie friendly, recommended? Which ever I choose, for new paint do I start with swirl and haze or go right to fine? 6) Seal / Wax I was thinking Brilliant Glaze followed by Americana, for that "dripping wet" look like the video says, but then he throws in buttery wax to confuse me... opinions? Thanks all in advance !!!
Bill-V8V Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 HI Keith, welcome to AF. There are a lot of NJ members, maybe one is close enough to show you how it's done Don't stress out about it, get the PC and practice on a friends car
StormChaser Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 Welcome!!! You are on the right path. 1) You cannot screw up your paint with your clay bar unless you are absolutely brutal in force!!!! It's almost unheard of! The clay is easy. Use a size of clay about like a golf ball....spray some DS (Detail Spray) on a window and flatten the piece of clay. A) Clay bar your windows first Clay your top part of the car 2nd C) Clay your bottom part of the car 3rd D) You can even clay your wheels! I use a piece of clay for wheel only..never mix and match the bars with paint vs wheels. PC is not a scary tool. It's not impossible to damage your paint but it takes a LOT of effort to damage your paint with the PC. I saw the Junkman in person in PA this past april and he proved that in front of me. You watch the video's once or twice and you will be FINE!
LDM Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 Welcome, and nice Camaro. Like the others have said, you're on the right path, and both claying and the PC are newbie friendly. With new paint you should be able to get away with just Fine Machine Polish, but just like in the videos, do a test section first to find out exactly what's needed. As far as wax goes, just stick with the Brilliant Glaze/Americana and don't worry about the Buttery at this point. Although Buttery is a great wax in it's own right, Americana is better and if you can afford it, go for it. If you want to be confused, you can apply Machine Super Sealant first, and then the BG/Americana, but it may be easier just to keep things simple at first.
kchisarik Posted July 20, 2011 Author Posted July 20, 2011 Great advice, keep it coming I appreciate it greatly! Also I forgot one question, drying with a leaf blower.. smart or overkill? I did it this weekend as I thought the JunkMans "the less you touch the paint the better" theory was sound, but I think my wife thought I was nuts. Happy to do it, if it is worth it, but if a good microfiber dry is as good, that thing is a little heavy
LDM Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 I don't really think using a blower to dry is overkill. You may get a few funny looks, but it really does help. It's the best way of getting the water out of all the corners and crevices that would otherwise hold water and drip later. Just make sure you're using an electric leaf blower, as a gas powered one could possibly deposit exhaust and oil particles on your just cleaned paint. I personally pool rinse to get most of the water off, follow up with my Vac N' Blo with a dedicated blow hose, and then get what's left with the Great White Drying Towel and some Detail Spray.
mc2hill Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 Welcome Keith! The plan: 1) Watch every Adams and Junkman video ever made (check) Repeat step 1, Repeat step 1, Repeat step 1 !! Watch the videos several times to be sure you don't miss anything!
camaro2ssblack Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 Great advice, keep it coming I appreciate it greatly! Also I forgot one question, drying with a leaf blower.. smart or overkill? I did it this weekend as I thought the JunkMans "the less you touch the paint the better" theory was sound, but I think my wife thought I was nuts. Happy to do it, if it is worth it, but if a good microfiber dry is as good, that thing is a little heavy I agree with all the replies above and since we have the same color Camaro, I can confirm you definitely need the PC and 5 minutes after you start to use it you will realize its harmless and the results are incredible. I personally did a wash > clay > shr > fmp > bg > americana on mine and was simply blown away! I also dry with my leaf blower and I agree, that thing is heavy but I actually dry my car 100% with it. I pull it into the garage and do the sheet rinse and leaf blower. Then do the door jambs, trunk and under the hood with the drying towels. The leaf blower is my least favorite part of the whole routine and drying with a towel would be much easier but its safer on our cheap GM black paint
Redvenm Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 :welcomebanner: to our gang. Leaf blower...absolutely, the less you touch the paint the better. PC absolutely, once you get a good look under some good lighting without a doubt there will be microswirls. Pc will fix. Follow suggestions above about product selection. Two things 1. in the event you drop the clay, throw it in the trash!!! Break Adams bar into thirds for just this scenario. 2. Only use the best mf towels on the paint, double or single soft towels. Anything else in my experience will cause you microscratches. Have fun:mail:
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