Should be picking up the new Mini next week. I would like to start off right and put some sort of sealant (Prima Epic?). Can you put this straight on the new car or should I perform some sort of prep work?

Thanks.
GP

 

You're going to want to get off anything the dealer put on it. So do a good wash with Dawn first, clay it, then put the wax on. Prima Epic is a great way to go.

 

sorry for my ignorance..ia m new here...
is dawn is the household stuff?

 

Yep! Just for the first wash, to get off any cheap-o wax the dealer might have put on.

From there, you can use the wash for whatever system you happen to decide you like best (Mystique, if you're going to go with Prima) for future washes.

 

Do you think I need to clay a new car?

Thanks,
GP

 

You should definitely clay a new car. Don't even bother waxing it until you've clayed. If you're in this forum, you won't be happy without doing it.

 

Another newbie just happening by. Can you explain the clay process or point me in the right direction to make sure I don't end up with swirls in the paint.

 

It's pretty easy. You can get a Meguiar's or Mother's clay kit at auto supply or even Wal-Mart or Target and it will have everything you need with the exception of a couple of extra microfiber towels. You Dawn wash the car, and then working in small sections (I probably do an 18" square at a time), spray the section with the provided lube, flatten the clay, spray the clay, and glide it with very little pressure back and forth in straight-line motion. When you finish the section, wipe away the excess spray and move on. Just keep the clay and paint wet and you'll do just fine. Use small pieces of clay (I split a bar into 3 or 4 pieces), and when the clay appears dirty, knead it and flatten it back out. When this no longer gives you clean clay to work with, put it in a separate container and use a new chunk. Use the old stuff for glass and wheels

 

This thread is one that i started 2 months ago when i was figuring out how to do the whole process. everything you need to know about Clay is in there.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ore+about+clay

 

Congrats on the new purchase.

You will want to.

Wash with Dawn
Clay
Paint Clean
Paint Polish
Wax

You should or it may be a good idea to look into purchasing Richard's (Octane Guy's) DVD on detailing.

Great for beginners and every detailer out there.

 

Download the free NAM Alliance article first issue...Heather and I go very indepth about clay bar.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/alliance


Richard