Hi guys I've been reading what posted in the section and want to try to really clean the car tomorrow.

I got a few good scratches and some swirls so I think I def need to clay. Thing is I have to wash it at a car wash with a hose bc I live at a condo complex. I'll be doing it all by hand so any suggestions would really help. What products are good and cheap and will clean up some small scrapes I have on the paint from cones and peoples jackets rubbing on it. Help me in the right direction lol, thanks

 

In all honesty, you won't have too much success removing swirls/scratches by hand. That's usually a job cut out for a machine (PC/Flex/Rotary). You may be able to hide the swirls temporarily with a wax, but they'll come back after time.

If you have some free time, check out this guide by my friend Charles. It goes into good depth about polishing:

http://www.paintcare-n-detailing.com/polishing.html

 

I tried it by hand.....no go especially on BO. Here is a link with some results of my learning adventure. I actually like black now. Good luck.

https://www.myg37.com/forums/car-car...-question.html

 

you need to get a orbital buffer. i use one from meguiars. other than that everything will like don said, show up after a wash or two. Try to use not cheap but quality products at a good price.

Try meguiars. they are not the best but not the worse either for off the shelf products. I know some people here will say meguiars is krap but i think its great for price and availabilty. you need the buffer though bro

 

VIP... You are in a similar situation to many people. Living and keeping a car clean in an apartment complex can be tough.

Don is correct... It's hard to remove scratches and swirles by hand. You really need a random orbital such as the Porter Cable 7424 or Flex VRG and a good polish like the Menzerna line.

If you can wash often and I guess I mean weekly, I'd recommend some ONR for you... Optimum No Rinse. It's easy to use and has amazing lubrication to remove dirt without scratching your paint. I wouldn't recommend this on excessively dirty cars which is why I recommend using it often if you use it.

Check out the Ask a Professional thread for a ton of other information or feel free to post up or PM me or DetailedImage for anything. We'll be glad to help.