prb2

A lot of the people here are members at AutoGeek as well (I am under the same handle). I tend to buy my stuff from Detailed Image because they are fairly close to me and I get the stuff quickly. AutoGeek is in FL. I've gotten stuff from them and it's shipped pretty quick. It should get to you almost overnight. The showcar package looks good. It seems to have a good across the board selection of stuff. I've got the Proter Cable DA. It's a good machine and hard to do any damage with it. I don't know what else you have, but you should have as many microfiber towels as you can. I've got about 20 at this point and will pick up a few more as the summer goes on. Also, a Quick Detailer is a must. I use Optimum Opti-Clean. It''s great for between washes. There are so many products out there to choose from. I just happen to get the ones I've got. AutoGeek Online has a endless amount of information. Do some reading before you make your purchases but I don't think you can go wrong with any of their products. Paul

It can get to be very confusing once you see the enormous amount of products out there. It really boils down to what you are comfortable with. You can always expand the products you use as you learn more. So, 1) Wash - is the basic starting point. 2) IronX is one method of cleaning contaminants out of the paint 3) Claying is another method of cleaning contaminants out of the paint Alternate 4) If you want to polish, the polish is just a way of preparing the paint for the Wax/Sealant step. You can use the polish to do different thing like remove swirls or get a more even finish to the paint so that wheh you put the last products on, you are putting those last products on the best finish you can achive. It isn't necessary to use IronX, Clay or Polish. You can go right from washing to waxing if you choose to. But the final results will depend on which steps you include and which you exclude. If you exclude polishing, you can always go back and do the whole thing over and add the polishing step. Same with IronX and claying. The main reason to do any of this is to protect the surface of the vehicle. The second reason it to have something that looks great. 4) Wash/Dry Vehicle is getting the car ready for the Last Step Product (LSP). 5) Sealant/Wax These two steps are really up to the person doing the work. They are the same thing but they are different. Sealants are a newer product that gives you longer/stronger protection for your paint from the elements. Waxes tend to give a warmer/deeper shine to the paint as well as protection from the elements. Just not as durable as Sealants. If you live in New England, it might be you prefer Sealants because the winters are generally harsh and there isn't as much chance for repeated waxings when it doesn't get above freezing for weeks on end. I you are in Florida, maybe you'd prefer waxes because it brings out the beauty of the paint better than sealants, and the weather doesn't really impact how often you can refresh the wax. Maybe you want to use both so that the sealant gives you longer protection and the wax makes your color just burst. There really isn't a right or wrong answer, it's just a matter of experience and preference. If you choose one method, and don't like the results you can always change the next time you do things. Hope this is some help. Paul

You might want to add a step in between 1 and 2. Here is a link to the product http://www.detailedi...P600/500-ml-S1/ It's called IronX and it removes contaminants from the paint that claying will not get unless you use a more agressive clay which is likely to create swirls. I just did my new Edge and was amazed at how much of a difference the IronX made in the condition of the paint. I followed up the IronX with a 'fine' grade of clay and then sealed the paint with Menzerna Pro Lock (which I think is a great sealant). IronX is easy to use, just spray it on, wait a few minutes for it to work and then hose it off. It does have a strong odor to it so you don't want to use it in an enclosed area, but it's a great product. Paul

Good idea. Never occured to me to use the wrung out mf towel for initial mop up. I'v been trying to learn as much as I can before doing things. Right now, the cars only 2 weeks old so what I've done is wash it and added a sealant. Just trying to protect the finish until warmer weather arrives. Then we'll see if I'm up to a complete detail. Paul

I will have to confess that maticulous washing of my vehicles has been an evolutionary process. For many years my primary vehicles were also my work vehicles so washing was secondary to working. My last truck was an F150 Lariat and I would use a touchless car wash to clean it, then I'd have it detailed a couple times a year. Now, I have had my new Edge for 1 week and I ventured out to wash it today (I'm starting off just trying in to clean it. I'll get to the other details as I learn). Here are my first impressions for what they are worth. First, you know if washing your vehicle makes you nervous, you are a real noob. It was quite windy so I left the garage door closedand washed with ONR but the first thing I felt I was lacking was light. You need good light if you are going to do this type of thing right. Second, I needed more MF waffle towels. One large one was not enough to dry the entire car. Everything I have is new so I used my general purpose MF towels to finish the job (I'll order more waffle towel today). Third, the sheepskin glove was nice, but I felt that using my general purpose MF towels worked better with the ONR for washing. If I could have rinsed the car off more before starting, the sheepskin would have been fine. I started out thinking that using a blower to help dry was an expensive toy. I'll think again about that. I was not happy trying to get into those little crevices and get them dry. Also, you don't have to do it all at the same time (I was happy to take a break between drying the car and doing the wheels). I will do the interior later this week. Something else I found was, when drying, I had a damper towel in one hand to do the initial mop up of water, then I used a dryer towel in my other hand to finish drying. That seemed to really get the car 'dry'. You can't have too many towels. Lastly, I am really thankful for people who share their knowledge about how to do this kind of thing. All and all, I had a good time getting the car clean. I'm looking forward to the next detail steps. Paul

I'm out west of you Rich. Easthampton. Paul

Just took delivery of my 2012 Edge Limited on Friday and thought the best thing I could do for myself is join up here. I've been reading the posts for a while now as I looked for another vehicle. I traded in a 2004 F150 SuperCrew Lariat which I loved but I wanted some better gas mileage and I didn't need a truck for work anymore. I decided on the Edge because I could get a slightly bigger vehicle and still have the 4 cylinder (EcoBoost) engine. I just got a couple of the bells and whistles. The Vision Package, EcoBoost Engine and Navigation (MFT). So far I've been very pleased with everything. I spent the weekend reading the manuals to get a better feel for using all the features. For an old man, it's like Christmas in February. My first stop is likely to be the Detailing page. I want to keep this thing looking new. Paul