Need educating on the reality of buffering/scrutinizing auto detailing.
I'm posting this because I really want a break down on how to cut and buffer my BLACK '02 Trans Am using an orbital washer. Along with that, I'm interested to know when the proper time would be in the process to apply corrective paint. I plan on using these techniques I learn here on my '02 and I want my knowledge to be complete as possible when I do bring 'er under the knife.
Lets start first by what procedures should be taken to ensure complete paint safety? I have heard that a heavy or a lazy hand with the orbital washer can cause severe paint damage and great care must be taken. This rumor is actually the very reason why I'm posting this now! Any advisories, past experiences, are welcome! I want to go into this with full knowledge!!
Secondly, what products do you all recommend? The swirlies/scratches are pretty bad on my car unfortunately, so stronger products I will probably need.
Thirdly, my car has had the shit driven out of it through its life (a lotta hwy miles ><) so my understanding is this process is going to go like this.
Washdown, claybar, 50/50 dawn/water wash, orbital washer, rewash?, reapply polish, stand in awe at the work.
So now, during this process, would it be wise to apply corrective paint after the claybaring process, or before it?
I have numerous hood chips that I want to attack with a corrective paint set, I believe I have heard of a set that gives you a small pen tool so you can nitpick the littlest marks, if anyone knows the name of this, please divulge that information.
Fourthly, I have the stock '02 aluminum rims, and I am interested in what products would be the most effective at gaining, and keeping the shine that they have? I have been using Eagle aluminum wheel cleaner but it leaves a haze and it bugs the fuck out of me.
Fifthly, the biggest auto detailing conundrum aside from how to get the spider webs out of my paint for me has been how to effectively clean the windows. I have used the obvious technique with Windex, to little avail. It leaves behind streaks that drive me insane no matter how hard I try to get rid of them, so how would I effectively clean the windows?
Any other advice, anything at all any of you can add would be greatly appreciated. I am HIGHLY passionate of my car and I *HATE* the way the paint looks, throughout my time owning it I've washed it no less than 3 times a week, dedicating no less than an hour of my time to it each time, even the smallest water spots are unacceptable to me! The previous owner was careless, however I love my baby and the damage he left behind will be tended to with loving hands.
I appreciate any advice you all can give, and thank you all so much in helping me expand my knowledge.