[Ralph III]

Hello Zed,
You've been given a lot of advice, some conflicting or differing anyhow, but I'll offer my opinion.

1. Yes, purchase a clay mitt or sponge (fine grade) and use it on your vehicle. As long as you choose a quality brand and use plenty of lubrication, while cleaning it and the surface constantly; you'll have no issues. Just do small sections and don't worry about the bag trick. You'll know it's coming clean as you go through the process. I've conversed with Mike Phillips on many occasions, btw, being a retired professional detailer myself.

2. If you don't want to use a polish then purchase and use a cleaner-wax, such as made by Meguiars or Sonax. I'm sure many others make a good product also but Meguiars and Sonax are my favorites for paint correction. A cleaner wax has a slight amount of abrasives which will restore the luster of your vehicle that a wax alone cannot do. So, it's a combination polish/wax. I used to make my own mix when I did it professionally. Use it once a year for this purpose only, as with the clay mitt. Use your standard wax or sealant as often as you desire.

I was always a big fan of carnauba waxes (still am) but I'd highly recommend using Menzerna Power Lock or Wolfgang Paint Sealant. Those are absolutely phenomenal products that do not streak and they'll last a lot longer. They equal or exceed the shine and hydrophobic properties of anything I've tried including Si02 products. Trust me on this one.

My routine for many years was to wash regularly which included using a drying aid with carnauba wax in it. I'd then apply one of the Sealants above, about every two or three months. That really is still my routine although I've now incorporated Wolfgangs Si02 Silica. I'll apply that once a year after making my yearly paint correction. I'll then resort to my wash/wax/sealant weekly/monthly routine . Don't fall for all of the hype of ceramics. I'm not diminishing their quality and effectiveness, but a good routine is most important and such will insure your vehicle always looks it's best. Ceramics only allow people to go longer at neglecting their paint.

A little background. I've buffed and made paint corrections on well over 10k vehicles as a professional. I've also professionally painted more than a dozen vehicles for family and friends going back to the 80's.

Lastly, in regards to headlights. It depends on how bad they are. If it's minor than I'd recommend using 2000-2500 grit and step up from there, etc. Then finish with your cleaner wax and a little elbow grease, otherwise a rotary. If it's major, you'll need to use 400-600 grit to get rid of the imperfections and then apply a clear coat or PPF.

God Bless,
Ralph

P.S. Beautiful car