[baldbandit23]

Hey guys,

As I anxiously await my 09 335xi Sedan (Space Grey) MANUAL, I wanted to get your opinion. What is the best overall 3 step approach for an exterior detail, doing it twice a year? I regularly wash my car and use PB SG. I have a PC and experience in using it. I was thinking clay, _, and then _. What would work best with Space Grey?

Many thanks!

3 more weeks to go

[zaxjax]

http://www.autopia.org/publish/categ...-To-Detailing/

[twinturboa51]

Clay is more like once a year for me. If you have good protection (sealant, wax) technically you shouldn’t have to clay it all the time, that’s what the wax and sealant is there for……. in theory. But my three step process is glaze, seal, and wax. I actually skip over the seal sometimes, depending on how much time I have.

[BlueSander]

What is glaze?... will having wax/sealant prevent swirlmarks?

[twinturboa51]

Originally Posted by BlueSander

What is glaze?... will having wax/sealant prevent swirlmarks?

Swirl marks are put into paint usually during the washing and drying proccess. having a good sealant and wax usually will prevent most swirl marks if they are fresh. what i mean is that a good wax only lasts maybe a month or two. a good sealant will probably double that time frame. if there are larger particles of dust/dirt/crap when you are washing/drying and you dont use the right materials then nothing will prevent you from getting swirl marks. if you glaze a car before applying a sealant and/or wax, it fills in the imperfections in your clear coat, making the paint stand out more. if you click on the detailed image sig on my posts they have a really good section on DIY detailing. i used to buy my stuff from an auto body supply shop but detailed image has good prices and some of the better detailing products as well.

[lizak187]

You should clay after every couple of wash's some even go as far as everywash(myself). If there is dirt in the paint you will grind it in no matter how good your paint protection is, 25 mins of your time with the claybar will save hrs of time when polishing.

Just my 2 cents
~steve

Originally Posted by twinturboa51

Clay is more like once a year for me. If you have good protection (sealant, wax) technically you shouldn’t have to clay it all the time, that’s what the wax and sealant is there for……. in theory. But my three step process is glaze, seal, and wax. I actually skip over the seal sometimes, depending on how much time I have.

[twinturboa51]

Originally Posted by zaxjax

http://www.autopia.org/publish/categ...-To-Detailing/

"Consumer grade detailing clay bars are designed to be used two or three times a year prior to polishing and waxing. At this frequency, detailing clay works great, and is perfectly safe. Simply use the detail clay as part of your major detailing regimen, but do not overuse it."

[JaysBlueE92]

yeh doesntover claying cause marring? I've heard even daily drivers should only clay a few times a year max?

[Detailers Domain]

Yup I only clay 2 times a year before the winter and right after, other than that don't hesitate to spot clay in the rear of the trunk lid, side skirts etc...places that will be prone to the elements...

yes clay is an abrasive so it can scratch, make sure you fold the clay bar often.

[normtrum]

Originally Posted by phil@detailersdomain

Yup I only clay 2 times a year before the winter and right after, other than that don't hesitate to spot clay in the rear of the trunk lid, side skirts etc...places that will be prone to the elements...

yes clay is an abrasive so it can scratch, make sure you fold the clay bar often.

I'm with you on this....I clay twice/year during my 2 full blown details....one of which I'm right in the middle of. I've got 1 more coat of FMJ to get on tomorrow. Then I will do some "spot" detailing if needed....say if a little flaw shows up unexpectedly.

OP - IMO the most important time to clay your car is when you first take delivery. It's always amazing to me how much contamination hits the paint of a new car. Rail dust is a given.

You probably already thought about this...but DO NOT let the dealer prep the exterior of your car.

[Detailers Domain]

yes really try not to let the dealer do anything to your car not even a wash..try to get it with the white tape on it.

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by phil@detailersdomain

yes really try not to let the dealer do anything to your car not even a wash..try to get it with the white tape on it.

Right. They will put swirl marks all over it.

[blakjack23]

Originally Posted by lizak187

You should clay after every couple of wash's some even go as far as everywash(myself). If there is dirt in the paint you will grind it in no matter how good your paint protection is, 25 mins of your time with the claybar will save hrs of time when polishing.

Just my 2 cents
~steve

No no no.

[ansch]

really, unless you live at a coal mine, you should need to clay more than twice a year. My car was last clayed over a year ago and I just recently ran the clay over it again and it did not pick up much dirt at all. I attribute that to a regular cleanse & wax routine. Car is a daily driver as well.

[BlueSander]

He does have a lot of motivation. I have been washing my cars every other week and i'm getting sick of it already.