I posted this on another forum, this is just some of the important links from Autopia. I know that most of you are probably familiar with this website already, but I figured this would be resourceful to new members to this website who aren't, or people who are just looking for a specific section of detailing.

For those of you wondering how a lot of people manage to make their car look just like it came off the lot despite the fact it's almost 5 years old, this is the thread to look at. I suggest visiting Autopia, to get the gist of car detailing. More stuff can be added by users in here as well, such as their writeups, tips and tricks, experiences with products, etc, but Autopia is a great place to start.

Here are some very useful links you can use:

Intro to detailing

Car Detailing Chemicals

Detailing Accessories

Microfiber Detailing Products

Washing and Drying

Interior Detailing

Detailing Glass and Plastic

Claybarring and pre-wax Cleaning

Polishing

Waxing

Quick Detailing

Detailing Car trims, polishing, etc.

Engine Cleaning and Detailing

Enjoy! There's a few more on there that I didn't feel the need to put up, so once again check out Autopia, because it's a great place to buy detailing products and learn how to detail your car. Any questions, comments, etc. don't hesitate to pm me.

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Team Airborn

I see one thing that always bothers me about DETAILERS they are rarely trained by paint companies, and tout how you must protect your paint. I went to PPG and Dupont paint schools, and both companies said it is never necessary to wax a clear coat (it's job is to protect the paint) they do say to polish it periodically (which is what you do with the wax, just real wax will also seal the paint which can cause discoloring if the paint is too new)

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Steve
'97 GTP VS cam, ZZP PCM, and not much else yet

Now that right there is GOOD information.

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04 Indy SS build #972
XP, TOG's, Lightning injectors, 2.8 pulley, 105 CC springs, Wizaired, 3.29 gears, tripleedgeperformance ported blower, machined LIM, 180* tstat, RS12YC@.053, FP rewire, Alt rewire, stage 1 V boost, PRJ wires, Stage 2 IC

x2, very good information

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Team Airborn

I said something on another forum as was told I was an idiot for that. Just curious where does one go to learn to be a detailer? (they teach it in the paint schools some by the way)

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Steve
'97 GTP VS cam, ZZP PCM, and not much else yet

Wow thats awesome info archemedes. Ok so what do you think about random orbital buffers, I have read many times you wont get spiderwebbing from them, is this true? I know for a fact high speed buffers do this because my dad's trailblazer developed it. He uses a random orbital on his corvette and it still is lookin good.

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|| Forged Pistons || Powdered Connecting Rods || Stainless Steel Valves || Ported Heads/LIM || 105# Comp Cams Springs || Comp Cams OE-R Lifters || 3.2 MPS || XP Cam || Borla Cat Back || FWI || Pacesetter Headers ||

depends on the user, I never get the spider webbing from my high speed buffer (variable speed snap on with FOAM pads) I do all my final glaze by hand (old school can't bring myself to do the power glaze for some reason)

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Steve
'97 GTP VS cam, ZZP PCM, and not much else yet

Basically just about anyone can use a random orbital and not have to worry about hurting the paint. They are NOT fool proof but they are definetly more user friendly. With a high speed/variable speed buffer you definetly have to be careful. It takes alot of practice and patience. Some people are better than others with the high speed buffer. I typically use the buffer for "rougher" cars (severe spider webbing, scratches, severe swirls, holograming) then follow with the pc. But if you're paint is in pretty good shape, a random orbital may be all you need.

OK, I'm a dummy when it comes to appearance care and I take things too literally (also have trouble understanding what people are trying to tell me with just words and do MUCH better if I can watch and ask questions while they are telling me).

I'm guessing a random orbital is different from a high speed/variable buffer.
The I know what the 1st one is and assume the 2nd is missing the random orbital part. The older buffers.

If that assumption is correct then what are you talking about when you say "then follow with the pc"

And what do you use to polish clear coated cars?

Is there a list of things for someone to do to their car that doesn't take all day? Like me for instance. I might spend ah hour and a half to work on my cars appearance but if it takes longer than that, I'll never have the time. Is there anyhelp for someone like me?

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2004 GTP CompG
wizair| LQ4| S2IC| 3.0| 1.9RR| RS12YC| 160°| 39#|TOGX|3" Hogan DP| Corsa| tune
2007 = 13.034 @ 103.68 (TOGX, AL103, ZZP DP)
2004 = 14.576 @ 94.34 || 2005 = 13.822 @ 97.57 || 2006 = 13.224 @ 99.98 (PEMs,TR6IX, RT DP)

I polish with 3m perfect it II, and then 3m imperial hand glaze. The buffer basically looks like a big grinder, the polisher is what you find at parts stores labeled as buffers (2 handles on either side weighing a total of 5 pounds max) an hour and a half isn't enough time to do the job right, and trying to do stages doesn't work well (you need to wash it and sometimes may have to start over depending on what has gone on between) for you take it somewhere and have it done

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Steve
'97 GTP VS cam, ZZP PCM, and not much else yet