Auto Cleaning/Waxing

[kenstogie]

What are the BEST and EASIEST Car washing and Waxing procedures??

What Products do you use??



Recently purchase a new vehicle (not actual car but identical) and have actually cleared the garage out of all the junk and am detemined to take care of it....

[Ashcan Bill]

Well, I don't know about the "Easiest" part. If you truly want something to look good, you're going to have to expend a little energy.

Personally I use Zaino products and I've even had my Lexus dealer ask me what I did to make the car look so good.

Zaino

[bvilchez]

I personally use Meguiar's 4 Step process.

[mhailey]

Originally Posted by bvilchez

I personally use Meguiar's 4 Step process.

(although I do the three step: clean, polish, wax. Don't know what the 4th step is).

[bobarian]

Originally Posted by mhailey

(although I do the three step: clean, polish, wax. Don't know what the 4th step is).

Stand back and ?

[md4958]

I tried turtlewax ice for the first time last year... goes on easy, and I can apply it right in the sun, no white residue or buildup.

http://www.turtlewax.com/main.taf?p=2,1,1,1

[replicant_argent]

All you will ever need to know, or experiment with (x 100) will be found here:
http://www.autopia.org/



knowledge for newbies to pros, and everything in between.

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by Ashcan Bill

Personally I use Zaino products and I've even had my Lexus dealer ask me what I did to make the car look so good.

Zaino

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

All you will ever need to know, or experiment with (x 100) will be found here:
http://www.autopia.org/

Zaino Brothers and Autopia is all you need to know.

Zaino polishes as just simply incredible. Follow the directions right down to the towels that you use and you will be simply amazed.

Also investing a in good polisher such as the Porter Cable 7424 and pads will help immensely.


Ron

[kenstogie]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

All you will ever need to know, or experiment with (x 100) will be found here:
http://www.autopia.org/



knowledge for newbies to pros, and everything in between.

I have been checking that sight out but it's info overload. I have a new car so if I seal it well now and garage it, it will last with less effort.


My plan thus far is to

A- wash with a good soap (Mother's Maguires etc) Dry with 100% cotton
B- Clay bar it (if needed)
C- Wash it again
D- Klasse high gloss sealant.
E- Repeat C for more protection.

That's my plan anyway any feel free to give me constructive critisism.

[HK3-]

For me- Meguires soap, Ice or SC1 for wax.

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by kenstogie

My plan thus far is to

A- wash with a good soap (Mother's Maguires etc) Dry with 100% cotton

Forget the "good" soap to start with. You are really wanting to strip the car. Use Dawn dish washing soap for the washes until you start to add your polish. The Dawn will do just what it does for your dishes - remove the dirt, wax, oily deposits, etc etc.


Ron

[poker]

Originally Posted by RGD.

Forget the "good" soap to start with. You are really wanting to strip the car. Use Dawn dish washing soap for the washes until you start to add your polish. The Dawn will do just what it does for your dishes - remove the dirt, wax, oily deposits, etc etc.


Ron

I agree with using Dawn as soap. The only thing ya gotta remember is to definetly wax after using it since it definetly will remove all the old wax.

[bigswol2]

Meguiars, Mothers, Griots or Klasse

[poker]

I use only P21S on my cars. An orbital polisher is worth its weight in gold if you're a car fanatic. I have a Porter Cable 7424 and love it.

Wash
Clay
Wash
Polish
(optional wash)
Wax
Buff

=

[replicant_argent]

Also a 7424 owner, btw... and for VERY simple, good wax, follow Pokers method, and use Collinite insulator wax. It goes a long way, and it is very easy to use, slightly different depth than some, but still rocks well on paint or wheels.
I also have about 12 other type of high end waxes and polishes, but for simplicities sake......

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

and use Collinite insulator wax. It goes a long way, and it is very easy to use, slightly different depth than some, but still rocks well on paint or wheels.

I also use Collinite wax, but their carnuba limited edition. Really clear, long lasting and fairly easy to use.

Also, another clay bar user. I have a fine and medium, Magic Clay I think it's called. Use the spray lube with it too. Sometimes use 3M hand glaze between clay and wax.

I buy Meguiar's gallon size jugs for Wheel Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, and Hyper Carwash.

Connolly's Hide Food for leather, Pledge for the wood, and Vinylex for the plastic.

[kenstogie]

I am going with a Sealant because as I have read it is superior protection and duration. If I am so inclined I could throw some actual Wax over the sealant for a superior shine.

--Kelly, if you seal it well when new would you need to Polish it?

--Any good resources for 100% cotton towels? Or are there other drying options?

[replicant_argent]

Originally Posted by kenstogie

I am going with a Sealant because as I have read it is superior protection and duration. If I am so inclined I could throw some actual Wax over the sealant for a superior shine.

--Kelly, if you seal it well when new would you need to Polish it?

--Any good resources for 100% cotton towels? Or are there other drying options?

Picture sealant as a dress shirt and a wax as the jacket....


Ok , just kidding a little, but the wax is like a sacrificial layer over the sealant, so you can use both. And the wax helps it give some paints that incredible "depth," especially with a pearl coat or a micro flake paint. Some people actually "layer" different waxes.... I dunno if I am gonna buy that, or the time, but hey, if you wanna play, some evidently lay on top of each other well....

Also, a GOOD microfiber towel is softer, and easier to use than cotton towels or chamois.

[poker]

Originally Posted by kenstogie

I am going with a Sealant because as I have read it is superior protection and duration. If I am so inclined I could throw some actual Wax over the sealant for a superior shine.

--Kelly, if you seal it well when new would you need to Polish it?

--Any good resources for 100% cotton towels? Or are there other drying options?

I cant say much about the sealants (Menzerna comes to mind) since I like traditional carnuba wax.

The only towels I use are microfiber. Pretty good deals all over the web. I used to use autogeek.net for most of my stuff