griots garage random orbital

[djomlas]

so my GF was very nice to get me a early b-day present, and got me a random orbital with polishing pads from griots.
so in the very near future i will be detailing my car with it (and probably her black MB that needs some care)

my questions is what procedure should i follow, meaning washing, dawn, clay...you know..

which polish should i use? also i am unclear on sealants(when to apply ), and i also have Z2 that i love.
so should i then wash the car, use dawn to get rid of all the stuff from before, then polish, seal, and THEN wax or?

any help is appreciated, im posting this early so that i can get the idea before i start doing things out of order.

[clb0099]

i use to work for a detailing shop (4yrs) and one of the worst colors to compound was a black car. I forget if for some reason the clear or something in the paint makes it almost scratch easily . The worst is the fact that black shows so much swirl marks depending on what compound or wax you use. I have 3m protects (compound ,swirl remover, and wax) . I had a blk mb too and used the the swirl remover when i compounded the car. I do suggest one thing that using like dawn to wash you car is a no no . The reason i say this is if your just using it to clay the car with then it's ok . After you compound it for any fine scratches then wax it you have pretty much sealed the paint. Now the next time you clean your car you have to use a soap make for car washing cause by using dawn or any other soap may very well strip the layer of way you put on your car . The wax may not come on that wash but slowly you will lose that the wax smooth feeling on your car. Go to pepboys or where ever and look for a car wash soap with wax in it to it adds another layer of protection on top of your already waxed car.

[djomlas]

well no, i do not plan to use dawn regularly, just for the purpose of claying the car.

[RandallNeighbour]

dj, do a thread search. There has been a TON of posting on the entire process of what to do and what to use etc.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Dawn is a High Alkaline Surfactant, not one you want to use regularly, or even biennially. The Griot's system is a positive thing - one which Mrs. MNBoxster is going to bestow upon me next month on my B'day...

Happy Motoring... Jim'99

[djomlas]

my bday is may 7th, but im getting it as a early b-day present, so kinda neat.

and Randall, i tried searching, but didnt come up with anyhitng that i can use....got a link?