Help me not mess up my car...

[MidnightSun]

ok so this is my first car i have a black camaro how should i go about taking car if it? like what should i use to wash it how often things like that and it's got a black leather interior what should i use on that? help me please wise people of camaro5

[Chobbs11]

do a quick search. there are tons of threads related to your questions. here is the first think I saw when i typed in "how to wash"http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...highlight=wash

[1BADLS3]

Originally Posted by MidnightSun

ok so this is my first car i have a black camaro how should i go about taking car if it? like what should i use to wash it how often things like that and it's got a black leather interior what should i use on that? help me please wise people of camaro5

Always a good idea to do a search...hundreds of hours of answers have been put into questions like this. It's 'buffet' style--take what you like and pass on the rest.

A few pointers, though:

There are people on here that will convince you to buy specialized products (ahem...Adams...Zaino, etc) and that you need a full detail bay to properly take car of your car. You don't.

Learn your wash technique first, then get crazy about products.

A simple rule of thumb for black cars is to hand-wash them only. Wash top-to-bottom, front to rear, wheels last, and swap wash mitts for the wheels (or completely wash the mitt afterwards before the next use). On horizontal surfaces, wash the same direction as the body lines. On vertical surfaces, wash from top to bottom, vertical strokes. Doing so keeps light from bouncing off horizontal swirl marks and hairline scratches. Dry with a water blade and/or synthetic chamois. DO get the water off. All of it. Every time.

Then, read up on paint care, claying, and waxing. You can bore yourself with that later; first perfect your wash technique because that's the start and key prep activity of every good detail job...

[lets_go_bills]

You ask a question like that and you'll get a hundred different answers.

You need the basics: two wash buckets with grit guards, two wash mitts, car wash, clay, polish.

Purchase a kit from a place like Zaino or Adams.

[wrbear]

Originally Posted by 1BADLS3

Always a good idea to do a search...hundreds of hours of answers have been put into questions like this. It's 'buffet' style--take what you like and pass on the rest.

A few pointers, though:

There are people on here that will convince you to buy specialized products (ahem...Adams...Zaino, etc) and that you need a full detail bay to properly take car of your car. You don't.

Learn your wash technique first, then get crazy about products.

A simple rule of thumb for black cars is to hand-wash them only. Wash top-to-bottom, front to rear, wheels last, and swap wash mitts for the wheels (or completely wash the mitt afterwards before the next use). On horizontal surfaces, wash the same direction as the body lines. On vertical surfaces, wash from top to bottom, vertical strokes. Doing so keeps light from bouncing off horizontal swirl marks and hairline scratches. Dry with a water blade and/or synthetic chamois. DO get the water off. All of it. Every time.

Then, read up on paint care, claying, and waxing. You can bore yourself with that later; first perfect your wash technique because that's the start and key prep activity of every good detail job...

+1000 There’s a lot of hype pertaining to new products and people will swear by them and they cost $$$$$$. Learn your technique first and foremost and find YOUR level with products. The products aren’t like a life time purchase. You will run out or wear out and go out and buy something else in time and tweak your preference out. Remember $$$$ doesn’t necessarily mean the best method or even a bunch of people touting a particular product. You’ll get the hang of it by the time your 90…lol

[2LTRS]

Originally Posted by 1BADLS3

Dry with a water blade and/or synthetic chamois. DO get the water off. All of it. Every time.

The water blade will destroy your paint... If so much as a speck of dirt gets caught under it you'll be sorry you bought one. Especially with black! Read some if the posts here in the forum - seek some other detailing advice via adamsforms.com or detailingbliss.com.

[Chobbs11]

Originally Posted by 2LTRS

The water blade will destroy your paint... If so much as a speck of dirt gets caught under it you'll be sorry you bought one. Especially with black! Read some if the posts here in the forum - seek some other detailing advice via adamsforms.com or detailingbliss.com.

+1000000000000

[Moni]

Hi... my car is black also. If you haven't you need to watch Junkman's videos. Great info, they all work great for black. I just recently switched to Adams products and they are great. I have been very impressed with them. My car looks awesome because of both of these.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59171

[MidnightSun]

thanks guys

[Ghost1LE]

I understand that people think Adam's is overrated, but the reason those who use it recommend it is because It's not only the best (Maybe equally as good as Zaino and some others) but Adam, Dylan and Ashley are always there to answer any questions, and they offer a 110% Money Back guarantee so if you don't love it ( Which I guarantee you will) you get more than you paid back. If it's brand new and has no swirls, then just get the two bucket wash system, car wash soap, a hand wax kit and the Gallon of Detail Spray because you will use a ton of it. Honestly, it's your decision but just take care of your car no matter what you use and definitely give Adam's a try.

[Junkman2008]

Originally Posted by 1BADLS3

A simple rule of thumb for black cars is to hand-wash them only. Wash top-to-bottom, front to rear, wheels last, and swap wash mitts for the wheels (or completely wash the mitt afterwards before the next use). On horizontal surfaces, wash the same direction as the body lines. On vertical surfaces, wash from top to bottom, vertical strokes. Doing so keeps light from bouncing off horizontal swirl marks and hairline scratches. Dry with a water blade and/or synthetic chamois. DO get the water off. All of it. Every time.

Originally Posted by wrbear

+1000 There’s a lot of hype pertaining to new products and people will swear by them and they cost $$$$$$. Learn your technique first and foremost and find YOUR level with products. The products aren’t like a life time purchase. You will run out or wear out and go out and buy something else in time and tweak your preference out. Remember $$$$ doesn’t necessarily mean the best method or even a bunch of people touting a particular product. You’ll get the hang of it by the time your 90…lol

[Chobbs11]

Lol! Love that pic!!!

[ddunerider]

Adams!!! Just do it!!!

[FL1CK]

Mine is black, and right now I can't wash it, or polish it. It's in the shop after a hit n run. Hopefully it comes back in really good condition. (tomorrow)

I use Adams AND Zaino.

[scythezo6]

For the love of god pls do not use a water blade.

I only use a high quality chamois to dry my car if I'm in a rush or feeling lazy. For the best results in terms of drying and preventing swirls - use a leaf blower. Leaf blowrs can dry the car completely even in the spaces around tail lights headlights sidemarkers mirror etc. You know the places where you get dried water running down the paint after you wash.