New Car - First Treatment

[BobMcC81]

Hello

 

I have been an Adam's fan and user for years. I'm familiar and comfortable with restoring a older finish but struggling to get things in order for my 3 month old 2014 Ford Escape.

 

For machine polishing I currently own an orange, white and blue pad.

 

To start wash and clay bar with detail spray I'm familiar with but after that I'm not sure how to proceed on relatively new factory finish paint.

 

I assume it is some combination of Polish - seal - wax.

 

I'm hoping to get guidance on:

 

What product

What order

Which Pad to use with which product.

 

Thanks for an education

 

Bob

 

[Ricky Bobby]

For a 3 month old car, unless its been through an auto wash, you shouldn't need more than 1 section pass of polish I would imagine.

 

After the wash and claying is complete, go for this method:

 

1)  White foam pad - White Finishing polish

 

(if defects are still present, step down to the Orange Foam pad with the Orange Correcting Polish)

 

2)  Liquid Paint Sealant as LSP

 

-Top with Brilliant Glaze if you use it (I don't) or Americana wax as needed, you should get approx 5-6 months or more from a coat of paint sealant.

[Sizzle Chest]

^^Sounds like good advice! 

 

Welcome to the forum Bob!  There are also a TON of videos here that will show you tips/techniques/order of use/etc...

[Norton]

Welcome, Bob!

 

Ricky Bobby's advice may be spot-on, depending on the condition of your car and your level of OCD.  I offer the process I followed, if you tend toward the OCD...

[Chris@Adams]

What color are you working on? Does your car live outside? There are a lot of variables on tackling your new paint .....in other words if it's white and 3 months old you probably won't need to polish and if it lives outside I would apply LPS.

[BobMcC81]

Thanks everyone for the advice.  My shopping cart runneth over

 

Chris - It's a burgundy reddish color that enjoys a garage most of the time.

 

Bob

[Chris@Adams]

Based on that color there is a good chance that you may need to polish....PFP and white foam pad, probably will do the trick.Americana would be my choice it will give you a richer look.

[BobMcC81]

Thanks everyone. I think I'm close:

 

Wash

Clay

Paint Finishing Polish - White Pad

Buttery wax - Black pad

Sealent - Black Pad

Brillaint Glaze - Red Pad

 

Look like a good plan?

[Beemer]

Your order is off a little:

 

1.  Wash

2.  Clay

3.  Polish

4.  Seal

5.  Glaze

6.  Wax

[BobMcC81]

Thanks Beemer, now it's off to spend the money!

[Beemer]

Remember to take your time and enjoy yourself.  You don't get any prizes for rushing through the process.

[BobMcC81]

Well I found on the shelf a half full bottle of FINE MACHINE POLISH.  I'm sure the new PAINT FINISHING POLOSH is a newer improved formula but any suggestions as to wheteher it would hurt to save the money and use the FINE MACHINE POLISH I still have?

 

Thanks

[Beemer]

Nope. Fine Machine is great stuff.  Use it up!

[BobMcC81]

I'm finally getting started today.  I know I should use my porter cable for the polishing but is by hand better or worse for the seal glaze and wax?

 

Seems like the power would be overkill

 

Thanks

 

Bob

[LFairbanks]

I have 3 machines and do all my glaze and wax by hand.  I use the machine and the grey pad with the sealant.  I have done the new sealant by hand as well.  You can do the glaze with the red pad as that is what it is for.  I have it, but still do it by hand.  Have a great day, and have fun.