Car waxing and detailing

nature boy · « **on:** 17 Jul 2011, 04:58 pm »

I thought it time to revive an old thread here. I am someone who buys and holds cars for long periods of time so regular maintenance and cleaning is a must. I spent some time this spring with a detailer getting my brothers boat ready for splash down. Based on his suggestions, here is what I am using to maintain my current family vehicle fleet. The products work very well and are recommended.

Washing:

Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss Concentrate http://www.chemicalguys.com/Premium_Car_Wash_Shampoo_p/cws_301_16.htm

Monster Microfiber Extreme Towels (best ones I've found)
http://www.chemicalguys.com/MONSTER_MICROFIBER_JUMBO_ABSORBER_p/mic_1100_03.htm

I also apply a spray detailer after washes to keep the finish shiny.
Chemical Guys Synthetic Detailer (easy application & wipe down w/ microfiber cloth) http://www.chemicalguys.com/Spray_Wax_Anti_Static_Quick_Detailer_p/wac_116_16.htmSlick

Waxing:

Meguairs Mirror Glaze (put on before wax - gives deep luster shine)
http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-M20532-Ultra-Finishing-Polish/dp/B001O7PNXC/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1JSL5XTUYPQWT&colid=102ZBZOW6B2NK

Collinite No. 845 Insulator Wax (extremely durable, need to shake well - can be purchased on eBay w/ free shipping)
http://www.amazon.com/Collinite%C2%AE-Insulator-Wax-16-oz/dp/tags-on-product/B000JK2D06

I apply mirror glaze and wax by hand using foam applicators given I don't have a orbital polisher. Removal with a microfiber cloth.

NB

Mitsuman · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Jul 2011, 05:04 pm »

I use the pure Carnauba Collinite on my garage queen. After using a clay bar, it is the best wax I've ever found. I apply it with a damp sponge and use 100% soft cotton towels to remove it.

On the daily drivers, I've found Nu-Finish lasts the longest.

I only use cold water when washing, keeping the spray going the whole time I'm washing. No soap and buckets for me.

srb · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Jul 2011, 05:21 pm »

I have been using Griot's Garage products for over 15 years http://www.griotsgarage.com/.

You can, of course, order directly from Griot's Garage, but I have found another source, Auto Anything, http://www.autoanything.com/ which sells most of Griot's line as well as other lines, but always with free shipping (shipping can often be quite expensive for heavy liquid products). As an email subscriber I also get frequent 10% - 15% off order offers.

Although there are many other fine competing care care product manufacturers, a couple things Griot's did for me was educate me to avoid any products formulated with silicone and also in the use of Paint Cleaning Clay. Clay is quite amazing in removing contaminants in the paint that can remain unfazed by polish or elbow grease. I have also used many brands of spot detailers and absolutely love their Speed Shine.

Steve

nature boy · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Jul 2011, 05:29 pm »

Here is a good metal polisher (rims, etc.) I forgot to mention:

California Custom Purple Metal Polish
http://www.californiacustom.com/purple_metal_polish.html

NB

Gopher · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Jul 2011, 07:00 pm »

If you use an orbital or rotary, the meguiars m95 and 105 are truly revolutionary. Very good correction, very quickly that can pretty much be finished with a finishing polish.

Danase wet glaze is an old favorite. The jeffs werkstatt line is great as well. No shortage of competent products!

Photon46 · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Jul 2011, 08:32 pm »

Quote from: Mitsuman on 17 Jul 2011, 05:04 pm

I use the pure Carnauba Collinite on my garage queen. After using a clay bar, it is the best wax I've ever found. I apply it with a damp sponge and use 100% soft cotton towels to remove it.

On the daily drivers, I've found Nu-Finish lasts the longest.

I only use cold water when washing, keeping the spray going the whole time I'm washing. No soap and buckets for me.

Why do you not want to use any soap or detergents? I know that they will hasten the removal of protective wax. However, in the area I travel my cars constantly are assaulted by grease, oil, and nasty sticky insects. Water just won't remove the yuk I encounter on a daily basis.

Mitsuman · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 Jul 2011, 08:47 pm »

Quote from: Photon46 on 17 Jul 2011, 08:32 pm

Why do you not want to use any soap or detergents? I know that they will hasten the removal of protective wax. However, in the area I travel my cars constantly are assaulted by grease, oil, and nasty sticky insects. Water just won't remove the yuk I encounter on a daily basis.

Oil or tar I remove with WD-40, and bugs on the front I use a bug rag. No soap I know will remove bugs, just one of these and elbow grease.

Cold, fresh water is all I have ever used on my cars for 30+ years. Unless I get the Jeep muddy, then I will go to the high-pressure wash and use soap.

Gopher · « **Reply #7 on:** 17 Jul 2011, 09:43 pm »

Quote from: Photon46 on 17 Jul 2011, 08:32 pm

Why do you not want to use any soap or detergents? I know that they will hasten the removal of protective wax. However, in the area I travel my cars constantly are assaulted by grease, oil, and nasty sticky insects. Water just won't remove the yuk I encounter on a daily basis.

It's not that you don't want soap, just that you need the right stuff. Some folks use dish detergent and, aside from stripping protection, it dries out seals and plastic/rubber bits.

srb · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Jul 2011, 10:10 pm »

Quote from: Gopher on 17 Jul 2011, 09:43 pm

It's not that you don't want soap, just that you need the right stuff.

I'm with you. I use Griot's Car Wash. At $8 for 16oz it costs me $0.50 per wash, but it seems to lubricate and float off the dirt while minimally affecting the wax job, compared to some other (questionable) soap wash formulas.

The large gallon jug of Turtle Wax Car Wash I got at Costco for only $6 ($0.05 per wash) was crap in comparison, so I was glad to go back to and pay 10X more for the the superior product.

Steve

twitch54 · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 Jul 2011, 08:54 pm »

Quote from: Mitsuman on 17 Jul 2011, 08:47 pm

Cold, fresh water is all I have ever used on my cars for 30+ years.

Knowledge of ones water type / quality (hardness and mineral content) is equally important for those so anally inclined, IMO.

Gopher · « **Reply #10 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 03:23 am »

Quote from: Mitsuman on 17 Jul 2011, 08:47 pm

Oil or tar I remove with WD-40, and bugs on the front I use a bug rag. No soap I know will remove bugs, just one of these and elbow grease.

It all comes down to ones level of attentiveness to detail. The mechanical abrasion from the "elbow grease" and sponge will marr the $hit out of your clear coat and this is not ok with everyone.

Detailing is much like high end audio, Bose is good enough for some but it's certainly not THE end all.
Cold, fresh water is all I have ever used on my cars for 30+ years. Unless I get the Jeep muddy, then I will go to the high-pressure wash and use soap.

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #11 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 05:09 am »

Wash the car using Dawn liquid dish soap.
Get the Mothers California Gold Clay bar treatment. Don't try to do the car all in one day. Do a little section and another tomorrow. So on and so forth.
Final step is to apply Mothers California Gold Pure Carnauba Wax treatment.

The above steps are done by most of our professional car detailers in my area.

Works great!! I've seen cars with a very dull paint job and after this treatment they look darn near new.

Cheers
Charlie

enjoythemusic · « **Reply #12 on:** 29 Jul 2011, 11:45 am »

Nice tips. i buy from autogeek and use the Porter Cable 7424XP with 5.5 inch pads.

Meguiars Car Wash 62
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205
Meguiars Synthetic Sealant 2.0 (Mirror Glaze 21)

www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-meguiars-kit.html

For microfiber i prefer 'smaller' 14-inch towels and the best deal i found is a 50 pack
www.euroworeilly.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=121

Over the years i found that SLOWLY working the scratches/spiders/etc out is better and more even a result with no h'grams or possiblity of burning the paint than using a more abrasive buffer/system.

JMHO of course.

PS: i also have 3-inch pads, both sponge and wool, for attacking small spots that may need even more agressive action. Still, try never to go TOO agressive imho as it gives you more time to truly WORK the clearcoat/paint.

Mitsuman · « **Reply #13 on:** 30 Jul 2011, 07:51 pm »

Quote from: Gopher on 28 Jul 2011, 03:23 am

LOL

This ol' gal turned 14 years old in January, has 137k miles on it, has original paint, will run 13's at the strip and gets 30 mpg with the air on. I know how to care for cars.

enjoythemusic · « **Reply #14 on:** 30 Jul 2011, 08:03 pm »

Wow, that is one very clean engine bay

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #15 on:** 30 Jul 2011, 08:06 pm »

Quote from: Mitsuman on 30 Jul 2011, 07:51 pm

LOL

This ol' gal turned 14 years old in January, has 137k miles on it, has original paint, will run 13's at the strip and gets 30 mpg with the air on. I know how to care for cars.

You're my new best friend.

All that, and still has factory coils and wires. Well done Sir, I commend you.
Fron one Pontiac lover to another.....well f'n done.

Although, you should change your brake fluid, it's getting nasty. I'd recommend DOT4 from now on.

(my wifes black 6.0 Trailblazer SS needs a buff. You game?

)

Bob

Mitsuman · « **Reply #16 on:** 30 Jul 2011, 08:13 pm »

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 30 Jul 2011, 08:06 pm

You're my new best friend.

All that, and still has factory coils and wires. Well done Sir, I commend you.
Fron one Pontiac lover to another.....well f'n done.
Although, you should change your brake fluid, it's getting nasty. I'd recommend DOT4 from now on.

(my wifes black 6.0 Trailblazer SS needs a buff. You game? )

Bob

Factory AC Delco wires yes, but they were replaced at about 80k miles. Coil packs are indeed original. I run 2 ranges colder on plugs due to the smaller supercharger pulley and custom PCM, along with a 165 * T-stat. Gotta do everything you can to keep those forced induction engines cool.

And for the right amount of Moose Drool, we can talk about the TB.

Mitsuman · « **Reply #17 on:** 30 Jul 2011, 08:23 pm »

A parcel of Poncho's

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #18 on:** 31 Jul 2011, 04:43 pm »

Very, nice ! I was wondering how you were getting 13's in the quarter, now I see.

Bob

mcgsxr · « **Reply #19 on:** 31 Jul 2011, 05:02 pm »

I like a clean engine bay. Comes from years of bike ownership, where clean meant no leaks!

Here is my last car, a 1997 Honda Accord. I sold it and bought the 2009 Ford Fusion.