Help Getting Started

[SignitrSideways]

Hey Everyone -

As a recent employed (yay) college grad, I'm finding myself with a little time, and a little more money available for detailing. I'm not looking to break the bank, and honestly am not sure if I can afford too much, but I would love to have a little more know-how and be able to make my car pop a little more for the spring that is quickly approaching.

I've done a lot of reading on here, but a lot of it doesn't apply since I can't afford a lot of the power tools required. My financial situation has jumped around a lot lately with going back to school, unemployed, employed, etc. Anyways.

As of now, I do a basic wash (2 bucket) w/ microfiber blah blah, waffle weave dry.

I've used Meguiars quick detail spray/clay, and then meguiars cleaner wax applied by hand. I know I need to get a finishing wax, not sure what would be best considering it will most likely be by hand.

The car is an '09 A4, and it is in pretty good shape, as I've done the above process at least 1x month, more like 2x in non-winter months. Also, its been professionally detailed 2x year since it was purchased in '08.

Considering a budget of $200 (maybe $300 if it will really make a big difference), what would you all recommend for my spring cleaning upgrade?

Appreciate any feedback!

Austin

[OTDetailer]

I would get a polisher kit. :)

[VroomVroom]

Good for you for exploring. My advice, FWIW: keep reading. For now, I'll suggest that you keep the cleaner wax on the shelf - believe it or not, you may be inducing some micromarring with it. Maybe try some Meg's NXT, for example...that'll give you durable protection and some nice gloss. In any case, as you do your research, this will only lighten your wallet by $20 or so. As you research, sign up for mailing lists on the big detailing sites - that'll keep you up to date on new products, sales, etc. Read the pro tutorials...if you're like me, you'll learn TONS of great stuff. The corollary....avoid youtube like the plague, unless you know the vids are posted by a true pro.

That said, I'll toss out some recommendations. Don't get into machine polishing yet. It sounds like you care about your car and are doing the right things to maintain the finish. If you do spend some money now, do so on a nice nozzle for your hose, and maybe even a foam gun. If you go that route, add on another $30 for some quick-connects so you're not always running back & forth turning on & off water. Buy good shampoo, and stock up if it's on sale. Likewise, buy good MF towels for your drying and cleansing/waxing efforts. Buy lots of cheaper towels for tires, under-hood detailing, and most everything (except glass) in the interior. Stock up on terry and foam applicators. Consider trying a really good paint sealant - you'll be amazed at the durability of the protection, wash after wash. Buy a good waterless wash. Buy a clay bar. Yada yada.

If you do decide to get into true paint correction, keep in mind that your Audi has a hard-as-nails clearcoat. You'll want a machine with good torque, and pads/polishes combinations that will cut effectively. I'll tell you, there is nothing like wiping off residue from a sealant or wax on a freshly corrected finish. You'll start a smile that will continue every time you walk up to the car for weeks after.

Enjoy the journey! If anything, hopefully this will help you avoid what I went through....spending a lot of money trying stuff I didn't like to finally discover what I do like.

[SignitrSideways]

Thanks for the replies guys - I truly appreciate it. I altered the wax as I detailed the car yesterday - it looks good! It's not quite as poppish as I was hoping, but I'm sure I'll have to upgrade to some power for that.

[AudiNoobCAN]

VroomVroom any suggestions on good paint sealants?

[VroomVroom]

Youbetcha.

My go-to's/favorites are:

Four Star UPP (Ultimate Paint Protection)
Blackfire Wet Diamond
Wolfgang's DGPS (Deep Gloss Paint Sealant - 3.0 is the most current)

What I really like about DGPS, particularly on dark cars, is that it really adds depth and gloss - you'd swear you just applied a good carnauba. Not that the other two look bad, of course, but they're more "traditional" in terms of sealants - optically clear, without adding to the overall look. Of course, after the curing time (generally 24 hours) you can top with your favorite wax without diminishing any of the protection.

This isn't to suggest there aren't other great sealants on the market. Meguiar's #20, #21, and NXT (hybrid) all have a great reputation. Same for Optimum Poli-Seal and whatever Menzerna is calling their product these days. IMO/IME, I haven't had a lot of luck with Poorboys EX or EX-P. Great convenience in sunlight application, but the durability just isn't there.

Finally, at least with the top three I mentioned, don't be dissuaded by the price. With all of these, you want to apply as light a coat as possible. Aside from making the product residue easier to remove, this also means that you use surprisingly little with each application. A 16oz bottle of UPP, for example, will easily last you two-three years, if not more.

Ok, one more finally...sorry. :) With sealants, it's worth reading the directions carefully. Most call for you to shake...shake....shake....and then shake some more before using. Because you're after such a light coat, with some products it's nice to prime the applicator with a few squirts of QD. As far as the applicator....quality foam. You're not doing any real "work" when you apply a sealant - you're just layering a light coat of product...so you don't want terry or any other material that could risk micromarring. Then there's setup time after applying. Usually the more, the better. In a garage environment, I like to let the Four Star and Black Diamond products setup for at least an hour...two or three is ideal, and even overnight isn't unrealistic if your schedule allows. Wipe the residue with a good MF towel, and enjoy your results. (AKA, insert throwing the towel on the hood and watching it glide off here.) Now you're into curing time. Wait 24 hours until doing anything else....if, of course, there's anything else on your list. Another coat of sealant, or a topper with your favorite carnauba.

Do this right, and you can easily expect four-six months of solid protection...even if you park outside. I hope that helps...

[FITZ TITS]

Search Junkman2000 on Youtube. He's widely respected in the Adam's community.

[AudiNoobCAN]

Thanks Vroomvroom.

What do you think of the Wolf's nano paint sealant?

[VroomVroom]

What do you think of the Wolf's nano paint sealant?
You know - I wasn't aware it existed. How's that for an answer? :) I love DGPS 3.0, if that helps at all. In terms of pure durability, I've never seen anything match Four Star UPP. Two coats over two days, and....bring on the elements.

[VroomVroom]

Nothing wrong with applying wax by hand - I've experimented with machine application over the years, and I always go back to doing it by hand.

Two questions: What color is your car? And, are you into ordering over the 'net, or do you prefer hitting a local store? If the latter, Anything with "Meguiar's" or "Mother's" on the label will yield happy results. I usually recommend Meg's NXT 2.0. Easy to use, nice gloss, and pretty good durability. Shopping online, there are lots and lots of great options. The Poorboy's "Natty's" series is a great value for the money. Blue looks really nice on dark colors, and Red is a must-try for folks who want that extra gloss and wetness, even if the durability isn't very strong. If you can devote the time, the best all-around results are usually found by using a good sealant, topped with your favorite wax.