dms_dan

I HIGHLY recommend NOT wetsanding unless you know exactly what your doing. It will take seconds to ruin a paint job. At the bare minimum you will need a paint thickness gauge so you know how much paint you have left and how much you are taking off. Sanding a car down is not something that you should do just cause over a weekend.

Yeah mate I have done it a few times. I did a small write up here. The micromesh comes from thesandpaperman.com.au Headlight Restoration - Dans Method - VWwatercooled Australia

I feel sorry for the cars you buff then. Yes you do NEED to clay the car first. Whats your polish of choice? When you say you keep it polished I assume you mean chemically polished with some sort of synthetic as abrasive polishing will do nothing to protect the paint. You do need to have either a wax or sealant on the car at all times for protect from the things mentioned above.

Have a look at this thread mate. Its all covered. Looking After Your Ride - Using Professional Products - European Car Club of Australia Forums Dan

Glenn at Wax em Auto Detailing is pretty good. 0406553226

2 options mate. 1. Black Wow. great product for all exterior plastic. Really makes it look new again. 2, A Duragloss Wax eraser. Works very well for this sort of thing and has a nice applicator

Experience. Lots and lots of experience. Its a sealant and yes its good AT THE START but it dosnt last as long as they say unless you get the 6 monthly inspections and reapplication that you need to pay for. These cost around $500 as well. You will get better protection from 3 layers of Optimum car wax especially if you top it with something like duragloss aquawax when you wash the car. My user manual for my car says "a protective autobody wax should be applied at regular intervals" Dont know if yours says something similar. NXT wax is ok. its synthetic so has OK durability. Its not very user friendly being hard on and off compared to other wax's out there. It has fillers as well so it will hide minor marks. Also its quite uneconomical to use.

Paint protection is the biggest load of BS out there! You are far better off using a quality wax regularly, guarantee hands down it will beat your paint protection on looks and protection. Dealer paint protection dosnt last nearly the 5 years they say and it needs to be expected ever 6 or 12 months and re applied at your cost when necessary. IMO get this if you dont mind doing a bit of work http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/...al-0/lime_prime It will get minor swirls out and leave an incredible shine and great protection. 3 layers will last around 4 months if washed with a proper wash like this http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/...be_mild_shampoo. You will get at least 40 and up to 50 applications from that tub If your really lazy get this http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/.../need_for_speed it only lasts around a month though and cant be layered.

All the products you guys have quoted are filling the swirls and scratches. The only real solution is to remove the marks with an abrasive polish and machine. A good (cant stress this high enough!!) detailer will do it for you. Ask them what products they are using. If you want the best in QLD go to www.drivenbyshine.com.au

The awesome view I had whilst working Enjoy, Dan

Hey Guys, This one was done for preparation for All ford day which is on this weekend in Sunny Sydney. Car had never been polished, just waxed occasionally with nxt. It hadnt been waxed for a few months so the surface had all sorts of stuff stuck to it. The rear tailgate was the worst as you will shortly see! Got a stage 2 polish finished in P21S. The owner was extreamly happy lol. If your heading to all ford it will be with FPV Club im told. Pics Before Clay after ~20% of the tailgate!! After

General purpose cleaner and quick detailer followed by 303 Aerospace protectant or lexol vinalex for protection. Both have UV blockers, I prefer 303

No worries Butto. I sent a PM in reply.

You should use a quality conditioner every month if its a daily driver.