I have decided to use the Mothers California Gold 3 Step Process. I have just started the Step 1. But I noticed that it was not taking off all the old sap and stuff. The paint still felt kind of rough. Should I use a clay bar instead, before, after? What do you suggest? I have never detailed my car this far before, just the normal wash and wax!
Thanks!

 

wash it with dawn liquid soap first
this will take off sap, old wax, etc.
then claybar it and this will take off anything left over
then do your 3 step

 

I did wash it with dawn. So step 1 & 2 are a waste? I should just go straight to step 3 (wax) after the clay bar? I thought step 2 was what actually gave it the shine and the wax just protected it?

 

o sorry about that
i wrote my post wrong
use dawn, claybar, then do ALL of your 3 step system

 

I would not have used Dawn. I like to use a ph balanced car wash that will take off some wax, but will not introduce alkalines or harsh detergents like dishwashing detergent. Dawn is a good step if you are using the Zaino process. Its ok since it takes off a lot of wax, but Dawn is harsh, and it doesn't take off all of the wax. Step 1 is supposed to do that. I am a veteren of this system, so if it seems that it did not take off the sap, then make a second pass over it. If you still see spots, you then may have to re-clean with a more abrasive polish, such as 3m fine cut swirl remover (exact name escapes me). Gliptone's Pro-Buff Paint Cleaner is an excellent, over the counter cleaner. This product WILL take care of most lingering issues.

Step 2 is a mild polish that smoothens out the surface from the step 1 cleaner. If you've gotten out most of your issues to your satisfaction, then use step 2 to clean up the haze and roughness that's in the paint. Once your surface is clean and smooth, and without any glaring issues, then its on to step 3, the wax.

It is a good idea to use the claybar before you start the steps, but it isn't necessary if the paint is in good shape. Clays will not remove all of the wax, thus the paint cleaner is the vital first step. Large or coarse particles on the paint, however, may need to be clayed to prevent marring.

I would encourage you to get to know Mother's California Gold 3-step wax system, as IMO it is a great product to get good waxed results, and it is a good way to introduce you into the wide array of detailing products and methods. Once you've developed your wax and detailing routine, you can expand on your array of products by trying other excellent detailing products "over the counter" and on the web. There's always an opportunity to learn and expand on your detailing process!!! Happy waxing!

P.S.....start to do some research on various pc's and other random orbital buffers. They make the cleaning and polishing steps much easier when its mastered.

 

I am planning to use a clay bar to take off the tree sap and mother's scratch remover over the whole car because cats are stupid. Then I will hit it with the 3 step california process. My question is do I really need to do step one? Since the scratch remover and step one are both polishers what is the point? The scratch remover should take care of the polishing. If I am wrong please correct me so I don't screw up and have to redo something.

 

Awesome!! Those were the answers I was looking for!!!