Detailing steps

[maxsd250]

I know it's in here somewhere, but I can't seem to find the steps (1 thru ....) for a complete detail. 

Thanks

[mc2hill]

There was a chart available at one time, but I believe with the introduction of new products it quickly goes out of date.  

 

 The listing of videos is a good place to start.

 

But,

Exterior

• Clean wheels and tires
• wash (Rinseless or Car Wash Shampoo (+ 2-3 oz of APC)
• dry
• Clay (if needed - do 'baggie' test to confirm)
• polish  - hand or machine)
• protection - Sealants or Wax (or both! - but Sealant first) 

 

Interior

• vacuum
• clean surfaces  
• treat surfaces  
• OR do both steps in one with TID

 

Admire...

 

[CMDChase]

We'll put!!

[Slava]

Well put MC. Only step I would take out would drying. After washing you can go int claying.

[Chris@Adams]

I might add watch the video's.........

[Masaharu]

Well put MC. Only step I would take out would drying. After washing you can go int claying.

I understand the logic of skipping the drying since we use our preferred claying lubricant while claying and it seems unnecessary, but won't the rinse water leave behind spots on the vehicle if it's allowed to sit and dry? Will claying remove those spots as well? I just get nervous about that part.

[mc2hill]

I understand the logic of skipping the drying since we use our preferred claying lubricant while claying and it seems unnecessary, but won't the rinse water leave behind spots on the vehicle if it's allowed to sit and dry? Will claying remove those spots as well? I just get nervous about that part.

 

If you are polishing after claying, then you will remove any of the clay residue and/or spots.

 

Where I live it is very humid and so the drying step is usually required, but I do not get it completely dry.

 

[Numbr3t]

After claying I typically do a full wash with car shampoo to get the clay residue off, Is that unnecessary?

[Ricky Bobby]

Yes unless the car is severely neglected and you think there is residues.

 

I never wash my car again after claying, hell I don't even dry it. I just give the final rinse after a wash, and either get a fresh soap bucket and clay using soapy water, or spritz down the wet panel with clay lube (detail spray, or my current favorite which is Rinseless diluted 1:16 with distilled water, making waterless wash, better for claying in my opinion since V2 detail spray does deposit some wax) and then after claying is done all around I give one more rinse down with the hose, and dry as normal.

 

Then I'm all set to start correcting and polishing.

 

Work smarter not harder!

[Feets31]

Here is the original Adams order of doing things.  Keep in mind this at least 2 years old and does not have the new products in it.

 

Welcome to Adam’s.

We're here to help you Discover Your Shine Potential

The fact that you’re holding this detailing guide in your hands means that you’ve

come across the most effective, easiest to use car care products available to

today’s car and truck enthusiasts – the Adam’s Premium Car Care collection.

We’re not just saying that either. All of our products are designed to be easy to

apply, safe for all finishes, and to achieve the very best results. Whether your

goal is to remove swirl marks, to add water-beading protection, or to give your

car a shine that literally turns heads Adam’s has the products to help you

discover your shine potential.

Above and beyond our products, though, we offer something that no competitor

can match: the very best, most attentive customer service in the industry. Have a

question about an Adam’s product? Call, e-mail, initiate a live chat on our

website, or post to adamsforums.com and you’ll get help almost instantaneously

– and that’s no joke. Our team is fanatical about helping customers with any and

all detailing challenges.

All of us here are so sure you'll love our products and customer service that

Adam’s offers a 110% satisfaction guarantee on everything we sell. If we fail to

meet or exceed your expectations just return the unused portion of the products

and we’ll refund you 110% of the purchase price.

Detailing 101

The easy steps to an amazing Adam’s shine

Achieving detailing perfection is actually quite simple – just follow the proper

steps and use the right products. Now, that said, every finish is different so you’ll

need to take some time to refine your technique as you work your way through

this guide. The most valuable tool in any detailer's collection is patience.

To help with this journey we've provided some key words and explainations

below. Take some time to familiarize yourself with terms.

Clay Bar - A semi-soft man made product used to decontaminate paint prior to polishing.

Many types of contamination bond with exterior surfaces and cannot be removed by washing

alone. Clay removes these contaminants safely and without damaging the finish. Clay does

not remove scratches or swirl marks.

Polish - Chemicals comprised of liquids and solids, the abrasive qualities of these products

can vary depending on the use. Polishes are used to remove imperfections from paint and

provide no protection for the finish.

Sealant - Synthetic chemical compounds used to provide long lasting protection to automotive

finishes. Typically sealants offer the best protection against the elements, and feature very

bright, mirror-like, reflective properties.

Glaze - Used for aesthetic purposes only, glazes offer very little in the way of protection for

automotive finishes, but they do offer greatly enhanced gloss and shine on paint, glass, and

chrome with minimal effort. They can also be used to help hide minor imperfections and are

most commonly layered over a sealant or under a wax to provide protection.

Wax - Naturally occuring ingredients like carnuba, sometimes reinforced with synthetic

polymers, used for providing protection on painted automotive finishes. The quality and

quantity of wax found in a given product will determine the durability, ease of use, and

aesthetic characteristics. Waxes are most typically used for their ability to provide very deep,

wet, glossy looking finishes.

Dressings/Conditioners - Chemicals used in the restoration and protection of automotive

trim, surfaces like vinyl, rubber, plastic, leather, and other similar materials. Regular

conditioning is important to prevent fading and UV damage of these delicate materials.

Microfiber - Man made, synthetic fibers that are up to 100x finer than a human hair. Woven

into a variety of textures for different uses, microfiber is the safest choice for cleaning delicate

finishes. Beware, not all microfiber is created equal and low quality microfiber can easily

cause damage to paint.

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1. Clean the Wheels

Never clean wheels while they are hot to the touch.

A. Use a strong spray from the hose to break up dirt

and grime on the wheels, tires, & fender lining.

B. Spray Adam's Green Wheel Cleaner onto the wheel

surface, including the inner wheel hoop.

C. Thoroughly clean brake dust from the wheels using

a soft wheel brush.

D. Scrub the inner hoop of the wheel.

E. Spray the tires and inner fender lining with Adamʼs

All Purpose Cleaner.

F. Scrub tires and fender lining with stiff a brush.

G. Rinse the wheel thoroughly with a strong spray

from the hose. Be sure no chemical is left behind.

H. Rinse your brushes, proceed to the next wheel, and

repeat the process.

2. Clean the Engine

A. If you are unsure or leery of using water in your

engine compartment consult Adam's for advice before

beginning. Never clean a hot engine.

B. Cover any exposed filters or unsealed electrical

connections with aluminum foil or plastic bags.

C. Use a broad fan spray from the hose to gently rinse

the engine compartment.

D. Spray Adam's All Purpose Cleaner onto soiled

areas. Dilute 1:1 first for delicate finishes.

E. Gently scrub using a soft brush.

F. Rinse using a gentle spray from the hose.

G. Remove any foil or bags, close hood, and start the

engine. Allow to idle for a few minutes.

H. Shut engine off, open hood, and towel dry any

remaing water.

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3. Prep Two Buckets

A. Place Grit-Guard bucket insert into the bottom of

each of the 2 buckets.

B. Fill first bucket to approx. 3/4 full with clean water.

C. Place wash pads on top of Grit-Guard at the

bottom of the second bucket.

D. Add 1-2oz of Adam's Car Shampoo directly onto

the wash pad.

E. Use a strong spray from the hose directly into the

wash pad to create thick lather of suds.

4. Wash the Vehicle

Do not rinse soap until entire vehicle has been washed.

A. Using a strong spray from the hose, rinse from the

top of the vehicle down.

B. Make sure to knock large particles, like bird

droppings, loose using the hose before proceeding.

C. Use soapy wash pad from the bucket and begin

washing from the top to about 2/3rds way down.

D. Between each section rinse the wash pad in the clean

water bucket, scrubbing against the Grit-Guard.

E. Reload the pad in the soap bucket with fresh

soapy water and continue around the vehicle.

F. Once upper 2/3rds are completed switch to a

second wash pad and complete the lower sections.

G. Make sure to rinse and reload the wash pad often.

H. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly using a strong spray

from the hose, be sure to get soap out of tight spots.

I. Remove the nozzle from the hose and reduce

pressure to a very slow trickle.

J. Use this "Sheet Rinse" from top to bottom. The low

flow of water will push water beads from the finish and

reduce the amount standing water.

5. Dry the Vehicle

Move the vehicle into a garage or shade if possible.

A. Use forced air dryer, like Adam's Blaster Sidekick,

to blow excess water from mirrors, moldings, badges,

wheels, and other areas first.

B. Mist the entire vehicle with Adam's Detail Spray.

C. Use Adam's Great White Drying Towel to dry,

starting with the glass first, then moving to the paint.

D. Spray more Detail Spray as needed to counteract

water spots or streaking.

F. Work from top down. Wring towel out as needed.

G. Dry wheels with a separate towel.

H. Open the doors/trunk/hood, mist with Detail Spray,

and dry any pooled water.

I. Close doors/trunk/hood, inspect exterior, touch up

any drips or spots that may have appeared.

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6. Clay the Exterior

Perform 'plastic bag test' to determine if clay is needed.

Place hand into a plastic sandwich bag & gently rub over

the surface. Rough? Clay it! Smooth? Skip it!

A. Remove Adam's Detailing Clay from the storage jar

and plastic wrapper.

B. Tear off approx. half of the bar, return one half to

the jar and store for later use.

C. Stetch and fold clay several times then press flat.

D. Spray a panel with Detail Spray.

E. Rub Clay with medium pressure on finish until

smooth. Work in straight lines from multiple directions.

F. Finish one panel at a time and repeat.

G. Stretch & fold clay multiple times after each panel.

H. Clay glass as well to remove water spots and other

road contamination.

I. Always clay the lowest sections of the vehicle last.

J. Discard clay if it is dropped and switch to a new

piece.

K. Store clay in the provided jar. Add a single squirt of

Detail Spray before sealing lid to keep clay moist.

L. Leave residue on the finish if only light

contamination was removed. Rewash and dry if more

significant contamination was removed.

7. Dress Exterior Trim

A. Apply a squirt of Adam's Super VRT to a foam

block applicator sponge.

B. Apply to all rubber moldings, plastic trim, etc.

C. Use Adam's In & Out Spray to treat hard to reach

areas. Don't worry about excess on paint or glass.

D. Wipe any uneven looking trim with a dry, plush

microfiber towel.

8. Paint Correction

Use the list below to determine your next steps and

which will suit your individual needs. For more

information on each process refer to our instructional

videos at www.AdamsPolishes.com

POLISHING BY HAND:

(Proceed to Step 8HP)

• Safe, easy, and ideal for paint already in

near flawless conditon.

• Limited results, requires significant work

for anything less than minor improvement.

• Best for those detailers looking for less

than complete paint correction.

PORTER CABLE POLISHING:

(Proceed to Step 8PC)

• Ideal for light to modearate swirl &

scratch removal or paint in average shape.

• Safe for novice detailers and machine

polishing newcomers.

• Best for beginners or serious hobbyists.

FLEX MACHINE POLISHING:

(Proceed to Step 8FX)

• Faster correction of neglected or heavily

damaged finishes.

• Recommended for people with prior

machine polishing experience.

• Best for serious enthusiasts or detailers

seeking faster results and restoration of

more seriously damaged paint.

8HP. Hand Polishing

Hand polishing is limited in the amount of

improvement that can be acheived. The process will

improve, but not perfect your paint. If you're looking

to achieve perfection proceed to the machine

polishing sections.

A. For significant hazing, swirls, and other

imperfections start with Adam's Swirl & Haze

Remover otherwise proceed to 'G' in this section

B. Apply a small amount of Swirl & Haze Remover

to the Orange Hex Grip Applicator and work

into the paint.

C. Address the areas around door handles

where there tends to be more significant damage.

D. Proceed to polish one panel at a time, adding

more polish to the applicator as needed. Use

caution near trim and avoid getting polish into

unwanted areas.

F. Do not remove the residue at this time.

G. Apply a small amount of Revive Polish to the

Blue Hex Grip Applicator and work into the

paint directly over the previous product residue.

H. Proceed to polish one panel at a time, adding

more polish to the applicator as needed. Use

caution near trim and avoid getting polish into

unwanted areas.

I. Finish the vehicle, then remove the residue

with an Adam's plush microfiber towel. Use Detail

Spray to aid in removal of stubborn residue.

J. When complete proceed to step 9.

8PC. Porter Cable

Refer to the instructional videos for more detailed information

on the Porter Cable polishing process.

A. Always inspect the tool prior to starting any machine

polishing process. Check backing plate, pad, cord, and

housing condition for any unusual wear.

B. Select an area approximately 2ft x 2ft to serve as the

'test area'. Choose a section that represents the average

condition of the paint on the entire vehicle.

C. Attach the Orange PC Polishing Pad to the backing

plate, making sure its centered.

D. Apply a large "X" of Swirl & Haze Remover to the

face of the polishing pad.

E. Prime the pad with a single squirt of Detail Spray.

F. Set the machine at speed 1 and place the pad in flush

contact with the paint before starting.

G. Turn the machine to the on position and spread the

polish over the 2ft x 2ft test area.

H. Shut the machine off, increase the speed setting to 5

or 6 depending on your comfort level.

I. Switch the machine on again, and using medium

pressure, move the machine in a slow methodical pattern

over the test area.

J. Overlap each pass of the machine by about 50% and

make sure to work in both north-south and east-west

patterns.

K. Continue to work the polish until only a semitransparent,

greasy residue remains. This is known as

"flashing" and indicates the polish has been broken down

completely.

L. Do not remove the residue at this point.

M. Remove the orange pad and install the White PC

Polishing Pad. Make sure its centered.

N. Apply a large "X" of Fine Machine Polish to the face

of the polishing pad.

O. Repeat the steps "E" thru "K" with the new products.

P. Remove the residue using an Adam's Single or

Double soft towel depending on your preference. Use

Detail Spray if residue is difficult to remove.

Q. Inspect the finish. Satisfied? Proceed in the same

manner around the entire vehicle adding only 3-4 pea

sized drops of polish to the pad with each new panel.

R. If desired result is not acheived begin process again,

starting with the Green PC Polishing Pad and Severe

Swirl Remover and repeat the steps from the beginning.

S. Continue to step progressivly down thru each product

combo using the same process - green, orange, then

white. Remove the residue and inspect the finish.

T. Once the entire vehicle is polished proceed to step 9.

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8FX. Flex Polisher

Refer to the instructional videos for more detailed information

on the Flex polishing process.

A. Always inspect the tool prior to starting any machine

polishing process. Check backing plate, pad, cord, and

housing condition for any unusual wear.

B. Select an area approximately 2ft x 2ft to serve as the

'test area'. Choose a section that represents the average

condition of the paint on the entire vehicle.

C. Attach the Orange Flex Polishing Pad to the backing

plate, making sure its centered. The Flex pads have an

approx. 1/8" gap around the edge by design. Make sure to

visually center the pad as best you can.

D. Apply a large "X" of Swirl & Haze Remover to the

face of the polishing pad.

E. Prime the pad with a single squirt of Detail Spray.

F. Set the machine at speed 5 or 6 depending on your

comfort level.

G. Place the pad flat on the paint, pull the trigger lightly

and use low speed to spread the polish over the test area.

H. Gradually increase the speed by pulling the trigger

slightly more until eventually working at full speed.

I. Using medium pressure, move the machine in a slow

methodical pattern over the test area.

J. Overlap each pass of the machine by about 50% and

make sure to work in north-south and east-west patterns.

K. Continue to work the polish until only a semitransparent,

greasy residue remains. This is known as

"flashing" and indicates the polish has been broken down

completely.

L. Do not remove the residue at this point.

M. Remove the orange pad and install the White Flex

Polishing Pad. Make sure its centered.

N. Apply a large "X" of Fine Machine Polish to the face

of the polishing pad.

O. Repeat the steps "E" thru "K" with the new products.

P. Remove the residue using an Adam's Single or

Double soft towel depending on your preference. Use

Detail Spray if residue is difficult to remove.

Q. Inspect the finish. Satisfied? Proceed in the same

manner around the entire vehicle adding only 3-4 pea

sized drops of polish to the pad with each new panel.

R. If desired result is not acheived begin process again,

starting with the Green Flex Polishing Pad and Severe

Swirl Remover and repeat the process.

S. Continue to step progressivly down thru each product

combo using the same process - green, orange, then

white. Remove the residue and inspect the finish.

T. Once the entire vehicle is polished proceed to step 9.

ADAM'S MACHINE

POLISHING TIPS:

Avoid polishing on hard edges.

The paint in these areas is thin

and could be damaged by

aggressive polishing.

Badges and emblems can have

sharp edges which will ruin your

pads. Stay clear of these areas.

Painters tape can be used to

mask off vinyl graphics, trim, or

anything else you want to avoid

hitting with the polisher.

Never use a more aggressive

method than needed to get the

job done.

Always work a test area to figure

out the process first. Don't do

the entire car and realize you

didn't get the result you wanted.

Once the pad is primed with

polish, only add a few pea sized

drops with each new section.

Polishes are always easier to

work with in moderate

temperature, work in shade

whenever possible.

Be patient! Machine polishing

takes time to master and

practice makes perfect!

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9. Machine Super Sealant

Machine Super Sealant is a product designed to be applied using

Porter Cable 7424xp only. For hand applied options proceed to

the next step.

A. Install the Gray PC Waxing Pad onto the Porter Cable

7424xp.

B. Make sure the pad is centered on the backing plate before

beginning.

C. Set the machine speed control to 3.

D. Apply a large "X" of Machine Super Sealant to the pad

face.

E. Put the pad flat on the paint and turn the machine on to

begin spreading the sealant over the finish.

F. Use very light pressure, just enough to keep the pad in

contact and spread the product evenly over the finish, add

more sealant to the pad as needed.

G. Allow 30-45 minutes for the product to cure.

H. Buff away the residue using a clean Adam's Single or

Double Soft microfiber towel, use Detail Spray to aid in

removal if needed.

I. Wait 12-24 hours before applying any other products to

the surface. If any clouding or hazing is present the next day

remove with Detail Spray and a clean microfiber towel.

10. Brilliant Glaze

Glazes are used for appearance reasons only and do not provide

protection for the paint. Use Brilliant Glaze as a supplement after

sealant or before waxing for more depth and shine.

A. Brilliant Glaze is a very liquid product, shake well before

and during application to keep mixture consistent.

B. Pour a liberal amount of Glaze onto an Americana Hex

Grip applicator, Yellow Hex Grip applicator, or microfiber

applicator pad.

C. Spread evenly over the paint, glass, chrome, and any

other smooth surfaces.

D. Brilliant Glaze cures quickly and will haze when it's ready to

remove. If hazing takes more than a few moments application

is too thick or ambient humidity is too high. Try using less

product or spreading the same amount over a larger area to

thin it out.

E. Add more Brilliant Glaze to the applicator as needed to

treat the rest of the vehicle.

F. Remove the residue using a clean Adam's Single or

Double Soft microfiber towel depending on your preference.

G. OPTIONAL - Brilliant Glaze can also be applied using the

Gray PC Waxing pad and Porter Cable polisher. Make sure to

use a clean pad and apply at speed 3 or lower with light

pressure. Spread evenly for best results.

Sealant, Glaze, or

Wax: Which is

Right for You?

Choosing the right product or

products for your car depends

on a lot of factors.

Sealants offer the best

protection and longevity, but

sacrifice some of the deep show

car look in the process.

Glazes are easy to apply and

give intense gloss and shine in a

hurry, but lack the ability to

protect the finish.

Waxes provide a deep, wet,

show car look and good

protection from the elements.

If you can't decide on which

product or combo of products

will best suit your needs join our

free online forums at

www.AdamsForums.com!

Get feedback from other

customers just like you on what

they prefer. Plus tips from

detailing pros to help you make

the best decision!

Join Our Free Online Community at www.AdamsForums.com

11. Waxing

Adam's offers 2 types of carnuba wax - Buttery Wax &

Americana Premium Paste Wax. Proceed to the steps for the

product you'll be using.

ADAM'S BUTTERY WAX

A. Shake the wax well before beginning applicaton.

B. Pour a liberal amount onto a Yellow Hex Grip

applicator, or microfiber applicator pad.

C. Spread the product thinly over one panel at a time.

D. Add more wax to the applicator pad as needed,

repeating the process on each panel, being careful not to

cross panel gaps or cake product into badges.

E. Once entire vehicle has been treated remove the wax

residue using an Adam's Single or Double Soft microfiber

towel depending on your preference.

F. Remove any stubborn residue using a squirt of

Adam's Detail Spray.

ADAM'S AMERICANA PREMIUM PASTE WAX

A. Before first use open the lid and remove the

applicator and the shipping insert.

B. Allow a few moments for the applicator to

decompress and discard the shipping insert.

C. Using the applicator lightly agitate the surface of the

wax until the face of the pad has a very thin coating.

D. Use the edge of the pot to scrape any loose wax

flakes from the pad before beginning application.

E. Spread the wax thinly over 1 panel, making sure not

to cross any panel gaps or get product into crevices.

F. Refresh the applicator with more wax as needed and

apply to a second panel.

G. Remove the residue from the first 2 panels using a

clean Adam's Single or Double Soft microfiber towel

depending on preference.

H. Repeat the process, applying wax 2 panels at a time

then removing until the entire vehicle has been treated.

I. Apply a 2nd coat of Americana to the paint if desired,

but do not exceed more than 2 coats as it may cause a

haze to form on the finish.

J. Avoid using Detail Spray or any other products over

the Americana for approximately 1 hour after the

application is completed.

12. Clean Up & Caring

For Your Accessories

Proper care and maintenance of your detailing

accessories will ensure a long useful life. Take the time

to clean them after use and store them accordingly.

WASH PADS

A. Using a strong stream from the hose rinse from

the middle outward to dislodge any particles.

B. Flip the pad and repeat the process.

C. After rinsing wring out by hand, comb thru the

fibers with your fingers and inspect.

D. If any debris remains repeat the process.

E. When rinsing is complete hang dry in a clean

area out of direct sunlight. If fibers become matted or

tangled use a hair brush to refresh the material.

FOAM POLISHING & WAXING PADS

A. Saturate the pad with Adam's All Purpose

Cleaner to break up residues.

B. Agitate the cleaner with your fingers.

C. Using a strong stream from the hose rinse until

the water runs clear. Repeat as needed.

D. Squeeze excess water from the pad.

E. Set out to dry on a wire rack or similar surface, in

a clean area, out of direct sunlight.

F. DO NOT store foam pads or applicators in an air

tight container or bag.

MICROFIBER TOWELS

A. Pre-treat any heavily soiled towels with Adam's

All Purpose Cleaner.

B. Machine Wash on a cold or warm water setting

with extra rinse cycle if the machine is equipped.

C. Keep microfiber separated from other materials

like cotton. Wash dark or very dirty towels separately.

D. Use only liquid laundry detergent, no granulated.

If available use an allergen free detergent.

E. Machine dry on a low heat setting.

F. DO NOT use any fabric softeners.

CLEANERS, POLISHES, & WAXES

A. Do not store any detailing chemicals in an area

where the temps will be below 40*F or above 85*F.

B. Always make sure lids are tight and closed

before storing. Turn spray nozzles to "off" position.

C. If storing products for a prolonged period remove

sprayers and replace with the red shipping cap

inserts and lids.

All Adam's Products carry a 110%,money back,

satisfaction guarantee. If you're anything less

than completely satisfied please contact us

to arrange for a replacement, exchange,

or refund of 110% of the purchase price.

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