New 2014 Ram 1500 CC. Should I Clay or just Polish/Wax
- Thread starter Kevin_Roy
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jayincali
Junior Member
I would do a full detail as listed below, never too early to start. Your paint is fully cured, as it was probably built 3-4 months ago. If it was just freshly painted, I would wait about a month to do anything.
*2 bucket Wash (dawn soap if you like)
*Clay
*2 Bucket wash again
2 bucket wash is one bucket is rinse water, other is soapy water. On a black finish you would really benefit form this as it will keep swirls way down. Wash with soapy water, then rinse out the mitt in the rinse water to get most of the dirt/grime out. This will keep your soap bucket clean.
*Examine your paint, any swirls then start with a light cutting polish with polish pad.
If your paint was like mine and swirl free (hard to believe the dealer didn't leave me any lol) then I would use a non-cut/super fine polish with polish pad.
*Depending if you want to seal the paint or just top with wax.
If you want to seal the paint then use an IPA wipe down (1/2 mix of water/alcohol) then Opti Seal, will last about 6-8 months. Or a more permanent sealant is Opti Seal which will last forever, only way to remove would be to use an abrasive polish. But your finish needs to be perfect because you will seal in any defects.
If you just want to wax, then no need for an IPA wipe down. A great wax is Collinite 845, awesome wax and will last awhile (4-5 months) depending on your environment.
*2 bucket Wash (dawn soap if you like)
*Clay
*2 Bucket wash again
2 bucket wash is one bucket is rinse water, other is soapy water. On a black finish you would really benefit form this as it will keep swirls way down. Wash with soapy water, then rinse out the mitt in the rinse water to get most of the dirt/grime out. This will keep your soap bucket clean.
*Examine your paint, any swirls then start with a light cutting polish with polish pad.
If your paint was like mine and swirl free (hard to believe the dealer didn't leave me any lol) then I would use a non-cut/super fine polish with polish pad.
*Depending if you want to seal the paint or just top with wax.
If you want to seal the paint then use an IPA wipe down (1/2 mix of water/alcohol) then Opti Seal, will last about 6-8 months. Or a more permanent sealant is Opti Seal which will last forever, only way to remove would be to use an abrasive polish. But your finish needs to be perfect because you will seal in any defects.
If you just want to wax, then no need for an IPA wipe down. A great wax is Collinite 845, awesome wax and will last awhile (4-5 months) depending on your environment.
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^^^^^^^ Good advice!!!
Jay
Jay
Kevin_Roy
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Thanks for the info. I used Meguires Wash and Wax Soap or whatever with 2 separate buckets of water using a Microfiber Mitt and Drying Towels. Hopefully that was ok. I have never heard of Collinite 845. I have heard of Adams. I just want the best Polish/Wax I can get for this black paint job.
jayincali
Junior Member
I haven't tried that but after reading a bit about it, I might want to try some too lol.
Adams is a good product, though I have found other product that I like better and does a better job. JMO though, I know the Adams fan boys will chime in lol. Check out auto geek dot net, they have everything under the sun for detailing.
And yes you did a good job with what you have. I actually use a leaf blower to dry my truck. Since I have Opti Seal topped with Colllinite 845, the water blows right off. I'll wipe it down with a quick detailer and MF towel after drying to make sure I don't have any water spots and to give it a bit-o-shine.
Adams is a good product, though I have found other product that I like better and does a better job. JMO though, I know the Adams fan boys will chime in lol. Check out auto geek dot net, they have everything under the sun for detailing.
And yes you did a good job with what you have. I actually use a leaf blower to dry my truck. Since I have Opti Seal topped with Colllinite 845, the water blows right off. I'll wipe it down with a quick detailer and MF towel after drying to make sure I don't have any water spots and to give it a bit-o-shine.
Lobster Poutine
Senior Member
jayincali
Junior Member
As do you Primo...
kkreit01
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Depends. Wash it, and then feel the surface. If it's smooth, just put a coat of sealant on. I'd only clay if it needs it. Many times, a new vehicle does. There are many deciding factors. For me -- living in the Midwest, I'd wait and clay in the Spring.
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Kevin,
I'm just east of Austin. If your close, give me a shout and maybe we can get together and talk more about this detailer stuff.
jay
I'm just east of Austin. If your close, give me a shout and maybe we can get together and talk more about this detailer stuff.
jay
ATXHEMI
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Sounds like a Southside run to me. It's been awhile Jay.
ATXHEMI
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I'm glad I read this thread. I've been wondering what the 2 bucket wash was all about. Makes perfect sense now. 
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