im going to spit shine my ram this sunday so i should wash first then clay bar her then wax her right? im young and semi new to "cleaning"
and im so close to ordering me some fukken wax!
I guess I should actually take the time to go through this start to finish for ya.
Before you start, I suggest taking off your watch, make sure you don't have a belt on. And, any micorfiber or terry cloth rags you plan to use, make sure you rip off any tags from them. Don't want to scratch the paint.
#1 Wash the truck wish Dawn dish soap. This will get off any old wax, and give you a good look at the surface.
#2 Clay the truck. Clay comes in different weights. So, if you don't know what one you should be using, ask.
#3 Wash the truck again, different bucket, wash mitt, and use a good quality car wash soap. Also, in this step, do the wheels, tires, and wheel wells. Also, not a bad idea, if you are going to do it, to do your motor here.
#4 Dry the truck. Open all the doors, the hood, the tail gate...everything. While you have the doors open, vacuum the inside.
#5 Polish the truck. Personally, I use Meguires Pure Polish. I would also suggest using a decent quality buffer. You can get away with using a random orbital. If you don't know how to use a variable speed or DA...you can screw up your paint. Doing the polish by hand doesn't do nearly the same job as using a buffer.
#6. Wax the truck. I personally like to use liquid over paste. i just think it is easier to work with. I go back and forth between Adam's and The Chemical Guy's buttery wax. I should also mention, keep the products away from plastic. If you think you are gonna hit it by accident...blue painters tape. Tape up the window trim and stuff. Or, just stay away from it.
#7 Dress the exterior plastic and tires. Do this before you remove the wax.
#8 Dress the interior
#9 Windows, exterior interior or vice versa...personal preference. Make sure you use a automotive window cleaner, and not your mom's windex. Especially if you have tint. If you have acid rain on you windows, you can also clay your glass, as well as wax it...just keep it away from the trim and the wipers.
From here is up to you...if you want to wax your wheels, polish your exhaust, polish your lights etc...but I think I pretty well hit everything.
Also, check out this web site. I personally don't use Meguires, other than for their polish. Not saying it is bad stuff, just have found that I like Adams and the Checmical Guys.
And, as far as maintaining the paint, you can never go wrong with Fukken Wax!
meguiars.com: FAQ - What's the difference between polish and wax? (Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle)
