I did a BRIEF site search for info on detailing. I ran out of time. I was told today that my XF needs a 'Clay and Wax' by a guy at Buff Masters. $100. Not too bad for detailing, right??? ( I do not want to do this myself). Any advice from members? Plz send thoughts/advice. I appreciate it!

Alicia

 

I'd get the full skinny on what you are getting. Ask if you will get:
- Clay bar treatment - removes "crud" that accumulates on the clear coat)
- Polishing (to remove the swirls from the clear coat)
- Waxing

If getting all three done, that is probably not too bad of a price. I don't know that I could trust my cars to someone else though.

 

You can buy a claybar kit from Meguairs at Wally world for about $15. Enough to do 4-5 Crossfires. It is as easy as waxing and a good opportunity to bond with your car and show her some love. Even easier when it is a roadster. I find a good cigar and a glass of single malt scotch makes it an even better couple hours.

 

OK - I am now thinking this will be a good DIY Memorial Day project. No cigar and I'd better save the alcoholic component until I know what I am doing - and - hopefully - doing it right. One experienced 'clay and wax' person has signed on to help me. I'll let y'all know.....

Alicia

 

Much better to do it yourself IMHO. I plan on working over a couple of my cars this weekend myself.

 

Claybarring a car is not hard. I do it twice a year, when I wax the car and treat the top.

DO IT, Alicia, you will feel better after and so will the car's finish! (Really)

If you have an experienced supervisor, you';ll bee fine.

 

Clay is easy and it gets you up close to the paint so you'll get an intimate knowledge if all the tiny rock chips and sundry imperfections, which can be good or bad depending on how picky you are.....I have a fairly long list of spots to deal with that most folks would miss at a casual glance and it drives me up the wall !

If you drop your clay bar onto the driveway DO NOT pick it up & continue to use it - you'll scratch the dickens out of your paint with the embedded grit. Grab a fresh piece.

 

Off-topic, but you need to jump in on my cigar thread

 

There are great detailers out there if you do your homework. My body shop does detailing when the shop is slow. I love to do mine but. There are times I think driving it a block away and having them do it while we bullshit and have a beer.