I just purchased some products for my first "real deal Holyfield" detailing venture. Thanks to the wonderful advice from 03gtmustang I believe I ordered some of the best stuff out there and as of right now I'm waiting for the last package to arrive so I can get this thing started. I was browsing through pics on here and noticed some cars/trucks tapped off before the detail. My question is this. What kind of tape do you use, what all do you tape, and how time consuming is this? Is there anything else involved in prep work that I need to know? I am borderline OCD and want everything to be right lol.

BTW my goodies that I purchased are.
-PC7424
-Lake Country CCS 6.5" pads and 4" pads. 5" backing plate and 3.5" backing plate
-Mothers Clay Bar kit
-Menzerna Nano Polish 106FF
-Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant
-Pinnacle Signature Series II wax

Another question. After applying the polish, sealant, and wax. Should I use the PC after each application to take it off or use a microfiber towel?
I'll post pics with the finished product. Thanks for all the help you guys gave me.

 

i am by no means and i mean BY NO MEANS, a hard core detailer. neve worked in a shop, or anything. but when i go to do a "NANCE" style detail, i usually tape off all the plastics, window seals, etc. yeah it takes a little time, but for me it is easier to do that than worry about getting wax and what not on these things. i am somewhat detail oriented about certain things, my truck being ne of them. so to me it is worth the extra time. but there are many many many people on here far more experienced than myself. they will chime in. hope my .02 cents help.

 

Man that is a nice list of product...good stuff for sure.

To remove product after application, use good, very good quality MF towels.

I would like to see your before and afters.

As for taping up trim, I HIGHLY recommend it. Takes only a few min.

 

I use 3M or Duck brand blue painters tape. I will tape anytime I am working on something other than a hood or tailgate .. and I will tape the tailgate on some models.


Remove your product with good, high quality microfibers ..

removal using a PC and bonnet can cause micromarring, due to bonnet loading.

It took less than 10 minutes to do this tape job ..

 

Dont forget to get a dressing and get the wheel wells, tires, and hit up the plastics with something!!!

My biggest reccommendations have to do with the clay anf MF towels:

CLAY: Dont be afraid that you are using too much lube
Dont push down hard--- it will work for you
Cut it in 1/2 so that when you drop half, you dont feel so bad trashing it
When the clay gets dropped (It will), TRASH IT!
Constantly knead the clay to get a clean working surface

MF TOWELS:
DO NOT SKIMP! Buy quality towels
Do not try to save a load of laundry by using a towel more than 1 time
when the towel starts to lod with product, flip to a clean side
NEVER push down hard when removing product
Have what seems like WAY more towels than what you need.

Good luck! We want befores and afters.

 

Thanks for the help guys, I think I'm all set now. I'll shoot some before and afters.