Neglected unpolished Tuscan

[rejn]

I've just got up to clean my car for the first time this year - I think it really must be the most neglected Tuscan around. Last summer I washed it regularly and even gave it a polish at one stage, but now the paint is starting to look a bit sub-optimal. There are a load of minor scratches; you can still see where some stickers were on the car last summer (and they were only on for a weekend and washed afterwards); there are loads of swirls in the paint; from a distance, the areas around the backs of the door look grubby; and finally, there are marks from where drops of water have dried on the car a while ago.

Last summer I bought a set of polishes, etc (from Mothers, where I'd read great reviews) - the trouble is I don't really know where to start - I feel a bit like a rubbish fat American golfer who's just bought the best set of Callaway golf clubs but can't hit the ball - can anybody give me some advice of what I need to do - or, even better, can anybody recommend where I can get a polishing masterclass to learn to use all the kit I bought?

I'm out in the car in early May so would like it to be looking at it's best by then, so any help gratefully received...

[FLAT 6]

Personally I've given up trying this sort of this myself. A good car prep specialist will have your car looking a million dollars for c. £100 and it'll stay that way with the occassional wash and chamois (have to dry it otherwise you get those water marks).

[Mustang Baz]

Richard - try using the Mothers 3 stage approach which you should be able to source online from MaxxWaxx here on PH. It takes time, but with clay-barring, it will clean deeply and last a long time. The full process of washing and then the 3 stages took me best part of 5 hrs last summer, and the finish lasted well over 3-4 months. Well worth it and easy when following the instructions.