Got up early this morning and gave her a good washing, clay bar treatment and waxed her up good. Bought a couple cutting, polishing and buff pads to do some first time ever paint correction. Started on a the hood in a small section but I lost my cloud cover and the heat was causing the compound to dry up pretty quick. Ended up shelving it until it starts getting overcast again for round 2. Decided to just go with a wax treatment instead so all wouldn't be lost. Threw some tire shine on and not too bad! Never knew paint could be so "smooth" before, will definitely be making it a point to keep clay bar in my detail kit.
Downside is, there is a nice 1x1 foot square in the hood where I did a test with the polish. It is noticeable if you look at it the right way since its a bit shinier then the rest of the hood lol. Though I can't wait to tackle this project again, I'm happy with the results now, but I can't imagine how much sharper the black will be once its been hit with some polish and compound.
Also did a tire rotation...lost 1 wheel stud (rear) in the process when it broke off in the lug. Ran to the part store and got a new matching lug and stud, was going to attempt replacing it today, but my legs were already done so that will be next weeks project!
I detail the paint once yearly ever since I've owned my Voy. I follow the same steps I have for years. Wash with a heavy detergent soup, Dawn dish soap has been my go to the last couple of times to strip the clear coat of wax and any oils. Then I'll do the clay bar from top to bottom washing and keeping it clean with a half bucket of clean soap and water as I go along. There is a whole lot of rinsing going on while doing this from not allowing any soap to dry up and leaving behind spots.
I then go at it with a 5" d.a and cutting compound being careful along high edges and curves. You can work a bigger area then 1' by 1' , 2.5' by 2.5' is safe. I do 10 pass on each section switching between going vertical to horizontally. This cleans up all the swirl marks and light scratches really good. If there is any thing that still shows up I'll hit it with some wet sand paper starting with 1500 and working it to 3000 then give it on the once or with compound. Once again I always like to keep it wet so I'll rinse each panel as I finish it off. Never let the panel get to warm as you go along with the d.a. Keep in mind you just want to get the compound down work it some and then let off. Follow the same steps "always top to bottom"
Now bring out the polish and a 7" or 8" polishing pad... Oh and the orbital. Stick to the 2.5' by 2.5' sections. Lay on the polish making the same amount of passes as the cutting compound. This time no water just a whole lot of wiping with a microfiber cloth. Grab a new cloth as it becomes to saturated with polish.
Before you go on to waxing give it a last rinse and wipe dry with another microfiber cloth just to get rid of any sling you may have missed while going around.
Now get to hand waxing and enjoy your fine work.
I'm sure everyone has there own way of getting there cars paint looking right. This is mine and every year someone always asks me if I had the truck repainted. I smile and say... No "I just detailed it myself".