Yes mate usual steps are the wash/clay/tardis/polish/pre cleansers/glaze/wax
But as I'm sure you can appreciate that's a once/twice a year job and should make maintaining much easier throughout the year.
I do a big one in march/April depending on weather to get rid of all the winter grime and in sept/oct to prep for winter and usually break out the summer wax in between which has a better finish but not as durable.
It does get quite expensive and addictive but you're getting a stunning car do your efforts will be worth it. Blacks the hardest to keep looking good but when you do it looks stunning!!
You would clay before de-tar?
My 'instinct' would be to de-tar first, but I'm far from an expert.
Any reason to do clay first?
Is this done before doing any of the stuff with all the bits that have been recommended, or instead of?Not sure how this fits in with all the other "stuff".
Not sure on what prep work is needed, would be best to check with a detailer.
I would IronX and Tardis before using clay bar, get rid of all but stubborn dirt.
I would probably clay after applying tardis the less contaminants the clay picks up the better.
I've tried iron x before and although could see it turning red wasn't sure if it really made much difference myself.
I would certainly give a new car a light clay.
Make sure it's as clean as you can get it after washing/tardis/iron etc etc then I usually use water and a little bit of dodo juice born slippy as the lube. I then cut a clay bar in half and keep one piece in a cup of hot water and use the other half folding regularly.
Keep swapping every few minutes so the clay is nice and soft. If you drop the clay on the floor bin it straight away!!
I think I now know how a newcomer to AV must feel when coming from zero or next to no knowledge and experience, and being overwhelmed by the plethora of equipment and opinions.It makes you wonder whether it's worth the expense and the effort! As I know it certainly is worth the effort and expense on the AV front, I must persevere with getting to grips with this.After all, next to a house purchase, this is my next most expensive "purchase".
Which clay bar do you use?
I have used the Meguiars clay kit but Ive moved on to this stuff
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-clay/cleanyourcar-fine-polyclay-200g-/prod_367.html
And the born slippy dodo stuff.
Both should last you a very long time unless you park your car under trees or live near an airport/railway.
It is a bit daunting to start with and it maybe just worth buying a few bits n pieces to start with and just add one or two bits a month.
I used to be massively in to detailing and got a 6 x 8 shed full of equipment plus a few nice jars of wax in the fridge but my passion has dropped off a bit over the last few years since starting a new job and having my own place.
Bilt Hamber is excellent and uses water (plain tap water) as the lubricant which is very convenient and cheaper than having the additional cost of sprays.
Its about £10-£11 from whichever source you prefer. Go for medium rather than soft. The bar is big enough to last for a few applications so cut up.
As has been mentioned - use keep the clay bar in a small bowl of warm water as this keeps it malleable.