Automotive Detailing - No Idea What's Required

I'm in the process of preparing my Ford Ranger for sale - it's a PK series dual cab with a Flexiglass canopy. Recently I had someone come and rectify one decent body scratch and a bunch of other small imperfections that have accumulated over its 8yr life.

The bloke who did this suggested the car needed a good buff / polish, as the white paint is looking quite dull and not shiny or glossy at all (it's lived most of its life outside). This being the case, what's involved in bringing it back to a saleable state - can it simply be buffed nice & shiny or will it require cutting back and polishing again?

Should I even bother? What sort of cost am I looking at for a large/4WD size vehicle?

TIA for your advice.

Comments

  • Clean properly (2 bucket method with lambswool)
    Dry with chamois
    Clay bar entire body
    If paint is bad - cut and separate polish
    Wax

    Will take a full day at a guess DIY
    Or $800+ for a professional

    I don't recommend doing a buff alone as you will only burn the existing dirt into the paint further, you'll need to atleast clay bar it to remove the small deposits on the paint before buffing

    • The paint is intact, just not shiny or glossy. Given it's a work ute & will be marketed as such, I don't see an investment of $800 being one that will generate a positive return. Thanks for the info!

      • Best bet would be to grab a clar bar kit for $50 (SCA have 20% off online right now too) and run it over the car before you polish

        • Again thanks, took your advice & purchased a clay bar kit (thanks 20% discount code!) and some other items to give it a good wash and wax.

        • @Sir Casm:

          For best result,blonky is right.
          for your situation,without spending too much which you probably wont get it back fully considering you are selling,just wash and clay bar it,get a cheap wax/polish appky with mf cloth and see how it looks,try Nu liquid polish(not bad for the price,sure,you can spend more and buy boutique brand,but without spending more and do a proper prep,it's probably not much difference)
          http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Nu-Finish-Liquid-Po…

        • @028:

          Thank you also for the valuable information & advice. I grabbed a clay bar kit and some Turtle Wax, so with a bit of elbow grease I should have it looking shiny!

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