Natural White Paint detail process...

[masphx]

OK,

I have started to 'detail' my 98. The paint is a single layer natural white so no clear coat. I love this paint! Totally foggy and tons of contaminants in it to start with. After a wash/ clay bar and wax looks pretty new and shiny. I have only done two panels (front right fender and pass door) as it is taking a long time to clean the paint before I apply the wax.

My question...

Is there a product that I can use to clean the paint faster then the clay bar? It is foggy and collects almost anything right now ( like my finger prints off my dirty hands). I would guess the process would be wash/ paint cleaner product/ clay bar (if I still need to do this step?) followed by the Wax? Trying to find a faster process since its 100- 110 degrees here even in the shade!!

As I said I have two panels done already. I will take a picture to show you guys the difference.

Mason

 

[farmerjon]

OK,

I have started to 'detail' my 98. The paint is a single layer natural white so no clear coat. I love this paint! Totally foggy and tons of contaminants in it to start with. After a wash/ clay bar and wax looks pretty new and shiny. I have only done two panels (front right fender and pass door) as it is taking a long time to clean the paint before I apply the wax.

My question...

Is there a product that I can use to clean the paint faster then the clay bar? It is foggy and collects almost anything right now ( like my finger prints off my dirty hands). I would guess the process would be wash/ paint cleaner product/ clay bar (if I still need to do this step?) followed by the Wax? Trying to find a faster process since its 100- 110 degrees here even in the shade!!

As I said I have two panels done already. I will take a picture to show you guys the difference.

Mason

It's a 105 right now too. bah, it's hot!

 

[4R99JB]

I hear you! I remember when I lived in Glendale AZ. Got home from work and went straight to bed then got up at midnight to go out and do stuff. It's hot (and humid) in Texas too. I couldn't imagine spending the time to clay bar this vehicle. I'm actually thinking of getting an orbital polisher.

:iagree:

 

[T4R2014]

I don't really think that there is any substitute for a clay bar that is faster. The process is clay bar, compound, polish, then wax.

 

[Millerad1651]

I don't really think that there is any substitute for a clay bar that is faster. The process is clay bar, compound, polish, then wax.

Agree 100%. The clay bar gets the top contaminants off. Then, when you are done with that, the cleaner compound takes off the top layer, blending in minor imperfections and making the paint look like new. Then, the polish deepens the shine and seals the paint. The final wax adds a protective layer that keeps contaminants from sticking tithe paint.
Try and find some shade and let the body cool down, then work one step at a time. If that's not possible, look into renting a bay somewhere for a day. Not sure about where you're at, but I've heard of garages renting out bays. BTW, you can use the compound with or without an orbital buffer...much much much easier with one...and you'll be able to use your arms the next day!
Disregard the little sign up there, hit it by accident.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Not sure of your skill level but you could wet sand as opposed to clay barring it. It's not for the timid though. And I do agree with everyone else, sand/clay bar, then compound, then polish, THEN SPRAY IT AND WIPE IT DOWN WITH A 50/50 WATER TO RUBBING ALCOHOL MIX, then wax it. The spray and wipe down takes the grease out of the paint from the polish before you seal it with wax. Not a huge deal on a white car but makes a world of difference on a dark car.

 

[LittleCaesar]

If you don't have a dual action polisher, I'd use this as my wash/clay/compound/wax for $20:
Walmart.com: Meguiar's Brilliant Solutions Paint Restoration Kit: Automotive

For the compound, put it on, then take it right off. Find a tree for shade or detail early in the morning so that the metal is relatively cool when applying it.

Wash, clay, compound, wax, then look over your hard work and enjoy.

 

[masphx]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Here are the pictures of just the clay bar and wax job...

First panel done (front fender)...

Front passenger door and front fender done in the following...

Still need to do the rest of the rig but overall pretty happy that the paint can look so good after years of neglect.

 

[Millerad1651]

That kit that LC recommended above is what i used. What you've done so far looks good. It will look even better after taking the compund to it, then polishing and waxing. THe deeper you go, the better it will look. Then you want to make sure you protect for the future, so make sure you wax it well.

 

[silver4est]

Is 2002 natural white still a single stage paint? My clear coat is peeling pretty bad from Arizona sun. Going to repaint the hood. Rear quarter on pass side has some peel as well but I don’t really want to paint that panel unless I can blend into the roof line. Natural white blends well is that correct?

 

[Scramble]

Is 2002 natural white still a single stage paint? My clear coat is peeling pretty bad from Arizona sun. Going to repaint the hood. Rear quarter on pass side has some peel as well but I don’t really want to paint that panel unless I can blend into the roof line. Natural white blends well is that correct?

You answered your own question, if it has a clear coat it's not a single stage paint.

 

[silver4est]

That’s what I thought. Wasn’t sure if 02 got clear or it’s been painted before

 

[prcGTI]

OK,



I have started to 'detail' my 98. The paint is a single layer natural white so no clear coat. I love this paint! Totally foggy and tons of contaminants in it to start with. After a wash/ clay bar and wax looks pretty new and shiny. I have only done two panels (front right fender and pass door) as it is taking a long time to clean the paint before I apply the wax.



My question...



Is there a product that I can use to clean the paint faster then the clay bar? It is foggy and collects almost anything right now ( like my finger prints off my dirty hands). I would guess the process would be wash/ paint cleaner product/ clay bar (if I still need to do this step?) followed by the Wax? Trying to find a faster process since its 100- 110 degrees here even in the shade!!



As I said I have two panels done already. I will take a picture to show you guys the difference.



Mason

I recommend using a clay bar mitt.....same process as clay bar but waaay less time, less chance of dropping and befouling the clay, and you can reuse it multiple times.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y1OBG8Q/ref=cm_sw_r_em_tai_cQgPAbZC40C3B

I still use the clay bar for stubborn areas but while it’s not cheap the clay mitt works awesome and is loads faster.


prcGTI

 

[BlackCat914]

I’m a bit of a paint snob, and I never use a clay bar. Too time consuming. You need a good quality micro polish like Menzerna, a porter cable, and some time. And FWIW, my truck is off road all the time and isn’t a pavement princess.