Man, I just did my wife's '12 Explorer but didn't take pics. I'll try to get some on my 530 if I can get to it this week.
Basically......
- I start with a thorough wash - engine, wheels, wheel wells, door jambs, trunk jambs etc...
- Then I give it another clay job to ensure that the paint is free from all the embedded dirt particles and gives me a ultra smooth surface to work with.
- I like to apply the Trim Restorer at this time so that if any polish or wax get on it, it will be easier to clean off. I will also apply my Bold N Bright on the tires.
- Once I have completed that I may or may not (depending on paint condition and tim) take PP with a Black foam pad on my Flex and clean up anything that I missed from the summer polishes or corrections.
- I also give the rims a hit with PP and then apply Wheel Sealant at this time.
- I should be looking pretty glossy at this point (other than wheel sealant haze).
- While the wheels are setting up I will generally start with one of my favorites, the EXP!
- I apply this with my Flex and Red pad at about speed 1-2 and let haze.
- After that, I will remove all the wheel sealant and then apply another coat.
- By this time I'm ready to buff off the EXP that I had just previously applied and then apply another coat for that extra shine and to make sure it has been fully covered.
- I also like to run around and hit all the door undersides and jambs with either my EXP or some Collonite 845.
- To finish up I'll go around and touch everything up including trim, tires and a final Spray N Gloss.
That's pretty much what I do for the exterior in a nutshell!