My detailing process. Plz tell me if there is anything else I should do.

[TitaniumSE]

Okay, this is how I clean my car and my parent's cars.

Step 1: I clean the wheels and tires first with this cheapo microfiber wash mitt from the dollar store using Gold Class Car Wash. Then I take the Meguiar's Super Plush Wash Mitt and dip that into a bucket of Gold Class Car Wash and work my way throughout the vehicle, making sure I don't miss a spot.

Step 2: I then dry the car with a towel from the house (Yes, I know it can scratch the paint, but I use it lightly, and I don't rub hard, just to remove MOST of the water) Then I get the little water left over with microfiber towels.

Step 3: I clay the car with Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit to remove overspray and any other contaminents. Then I use Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber to remove everything.

Step 4: I then take a Meguiar's foam applicator pad and apply Gold Class Liquid Wax throughout the whole car, let it haze, and then I remove the wax with microfiber applicator pads. And I use a microfiber towel to remove any wax leftover.

Step 5: I look over the vehicle throughly making sure there isn't any leftover wax, if there isn't, I clean the windows with Stoner's Invisible Glass, and I wipe it with microfiber towels.

And that's it.

So, is there anything else I would need to add to my process, and is my process any good? Please suggest some improvements. I know I need to get a proper drying towel, so I'm planning on getting the Absorber soon along with Meguiar's Water Magnet. As you can see, I don't even use polish, because I don't really know how to use it, and I can't find any off the shelf. Also, would I need ColorX to boost the color and depthness of the paint?

These are products that I'm planning on buying in the future:

the Absorber
Meguiar's Water Magnet Towel
ColorX
ScratchX
PlastX(sp?)
Meguiar's Versa Angle Brush
NXT Wax
Meguiar's Leather Conditioner (forgot what it's called, but it's not the spray on kind)

[ToyotaJimD.]

For your black '07, and likely the other cars, I'd use a plush wool mitt with both a suds bucket and a rinse bucket.

I'd apply a Protectant or a product like Back-to-Black on the trim before claying/polishing/waxing.

You should only need to clay once or twice a year.

Not sure why you need both an Absorber and a Water Magnet. Instead, I'd get a good waffle-weave microfiber drying towel and a door and jamb towel or two; or a large plush microfiber (or several smaller plush microfiber towels). Definitely quit using the cotton towels for drying. And I think there are a lot better towels out there than the Water Magnet. The Absorber is fine, I guess, if used right, but it's easy to use it wrong especially on a black car.

Applicators are for applying product (not removing). Get some microfibers with a bite that are suitable for removing product.

I would also apply wax in sections and let it haze (or whatever the instructions say) while you're applying to an adjacent section, and then remove -- when you do the entire car you're creating extra work for yourself because that first section is hard as a rock.

I would not use ColorX on a new car.

Try FX SynWax over NXT (longer-lasting) -- you won't find it at Target, but you'll find it at Autozone and Advance.

I like the Mothers Leather Conditioner.

[darksparkz]

His recommendations are exactly what you need. Great job.

Your doing good, good start on detailing. Definitely no need to clay more then twice a year. I'd get some Quik Detailer to use between washing for some light dusting. I'd definitely invest in some quality microfiber towels, even if you use the cotton towels lightly, it still has a higher chance of micromarring then a microfiber towel. You can use something to spray onto the tires for shine.

[TitaniumSE]

Whoever said my '07 was black?

[TitaniumSE]

[quote=ToyotaJimD.] I'd apply a Protectant or a product like Back-to-Black on the trim before claying/polishing/waxing.quote]


Does the protectant actually make the trim black permanently? Or for a short period of time? Or if I apply it and wax over it, will it stay black?

[ToyotaJimD.]

I thought somewhere I read that your Camry was black. My bad.

Back-to-Black is a trim restorer/protectant. It's actually creamy white in color, and it's for all colors of trim. I find it nice to use on virtually all of the trim except the metal finishes and anything that's painted body color or finishes you can't wax. Works nice on wiper arms, too.

Or use your favorite Protectant.

Just use something on the trim before you polish/wax... it saves headaches later and you want to protect the trim anyway.

[camrycoupe95]

Back-to-black is like a thick type gel that it provides a more durable sheen for trim. It doesn't permently make trim black. It lasts between washes or until it gets wet. The bummer is it can streak in the rain.

As said, the Absorber is great if you use it correctly. I've been using them since 1992.

[Pb]

Originally Posted by camrycoupe95

Back-to-black is like a thick type gel that it provides a more durable sheen for trim. It doesn't permently make trim black. It lasts between washes or until it gets wet. The bummer is it can streak in the rain.

As said, the Absorber is great if you use it correctly. I've been using them since 1992.

Mother's back to black is usually a thin milky looking liquid. It lasts a few months for me.

[ToyotaJimD.]

Originally Posted by camrycoupe95

Back-to-black is like a thick type gel that it provides a more durable sheen for trim. It doesn't permently make trim black. It lasts between washes or until it gets wet. The bummer is it can streak in the rain.

Try buffing it lightly with a cotton terry towel after application to remove excess product. Contrary to the instructions, it does not dry, especially on less-porous surfaces.