detaildoc

Yeah, too glossy for me. I prefer a matte look.

Congrats on pulling the trigger on the Flex. I knew you would love that thing.

Ultima Tire and Trim Guard Plus or Zaino Z16.

I'd stay away from car covers.

Yes, that is where I seem to use the most with great results.

I usually use the Ultima after cleaning it with Optimum first since Ultima Interior Guard Plus does not clean. It is a great product. Have you tried the Ultima Interior Cleaning Gel? It works really well too. The Megs Quick Interior detailer is a good product too, but it doesn't protect the dashboard... The Ultima Interior Shampoo? Yes, I have that, it does work great. I use it a lot on the carpet and mats and it works great.

I usually use the Ultima after cleaning it with Optimum first since Ultima Interior Guard Plus does not clean. It is a great product.

An excellent product is Optimum Protectant Plus. SW03ES is right in that modern dashboards do not need protectants due to the coating, plus in addition the glass is made to filter out the UV rays anyway. However, I really like Optimum because it has a mild cleaner and it leaves behind a really pleasant leather scent and a nice matte finish as opposed to the greasy oily look of other products. I really like to use the Ultima Interior Guard Plus on the wood as it leaves a nice gloss.

You can try this: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/usc-3410.html

You're welcome. Like I said though, do not clay unless you are going to polish by machine because the claying will induce scratches on your soft Lexus clearcoat. Oh, you can get clay magic at any local autozone or other auto parts store. As usual, great advice ddoc! Do you recommend that I get the Ultima Elastrofoam Paint Cleaner instead of the clay bar? Do I still have to machine polish after the UEPC? No, forget the Elastrofoam Paint Cleaner. It is a terrible product. It does not remove contaminants as well, it is hard and messy to use and yes, it will still leave swirls on your paint, so yes you will need to polish.

You're welcome. Like I said though, do not clay unless you are going to polish by machine because the claying will induce scratches on your soft Lexus clearcoat. Oh, you can get clay magic at any local autozone or other auto parts store.

Yes I do and actually I will be in San Diego next Thursday July 31 for a morning meeting and then I was planning on maybe staying there to go visit some friends on Friday. I'd be happy to set something up with you. Just sent you a PM.

Welcomed! Haha, a black car, SUCKER! :P I am way to OCD to have a black car, any little scratch or dirt shows very easily. Like someone else said, "black is not a color, it is a part-time job." Nothing looks better though than a well polished black car. Hey, I'm in Riverside, which part of LA are you from?

Don't be sorry, I'm very glad you started it! Like I said before, I had always wanted to detail my car but felt overwhelmed before when I tried to learn about it. It sounds so stupid now. I think I have picked up a decent beginner's understanding and I don't know why I felt that way before. This thread made me feel much more comfortable as the position that you were in months ago is what I was in a couple of weeks ago. I've read this thread through 3 times now and everytime I do, I pick up a few things that I missed before. The best thing about it is that since you guys have been going back and forth with the discussions for months now, I don't have to wait for answers, they're already there. One order arrives Wednesday, the other arrives Friday! The funny thing is that even though I've never done a single detailing myself in my life, I'm already getting requests from friends to do their cars. Hmmm, maybe I should practice my skills on their cars first and THEN do mine ;) That is great. That is how most pro detailers start. First they do their car, then family, then friends, then all of a sudden you are getting paid a little money, then you increase your skills and confidence then you start charging more, etc. Next thing you know, you got a nice little extra income on the side, so you can blow it all in more detailing supplies. :P

Post a picture of the stain, that would be helpful. Using a leather protector is your best defense against stains. My top recommendation would be Leathermasters Protection Cream: http://www.detailersdomain.com/index.asp?P...&ProdID=198