What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, if you're serious about keeping your pride and joy looking mint, you need a system. I've spent 15 years polishing everything from dusty farm utes to high-end Euros, and the biggest mistake I see is blokes rushing the prep. Especially now it's Autumn, you've gotta deal with that baked-on summer grime before you even think about waxing. This checklist is your play-book for a proper results-driven detail.
The Gear You Actually Need
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Pre-Start Environment Check
What You'll Need
The Pro Workflow
Wheels First
Clean wheels while they're cool. Doing them last is a mistake because you'll splash brake dust back onto your clean paint.
The Pre-Wash
Rinse the car thoroughly. If you have a foam cannon, use it now to lift the red dust and grit before you touch the paint.
Two-Bucket Wash
One bucket with soap, one with plain water to rinse your mitt. Work from the top down. Be gentle, don't scrub like you're cleaning a BBQ.
Chemical Decon
Spray your iron remover on wet paint. Let it sit for 2-3 mins (don't let it dry!) then rinse. It'll pull out those hidden metallic bits.
Mechanical Decon (Clay)
Use plenty of lubricant. Slide the clay over the paint until it feels smooth as glass. This is where the real shine starts.
The Dry
Use a large drying towel. I like to 'sheet' the water off first with a low-pressure hose, then pat dry the rest.
Seal and Protect
Apply your sealant. This protects against that brutal UV and makes the next wash ten times easier. Follow the bottle's instructions exactly.
The 'Is It Done?' Checklist
What You'll Need
Watch Out
One Last Tip
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