a few detailing questions...
 

alright, so i use the meguiars 3 step process but i was wondering how often u guys wax ur cars? I heard somewhere that u can wax it all u want but u should allow x amount of time between polishes...is there any truth to this? also, do u guys use any detailing sprays to keep ur car looking nice between waxings? if so, which ones would u recommend? thx all

peace

Most of the waxes from meguiars are self leveling. You can wax it as often as you want. Haven't tried any of the detailer yet.

I never use any kind of spray wax or spray detailer between waxes. Ill wash my car and dry it with "wax as you dry" by eagle one. Ive never been too fond of whiping dirt and dust all over my car to scratch it.

That is the point of using a quik detailer of some kind; by spraying on the surface and wiping with a MF towel you wont scratch the surface. When I return from a cruise or car show this is the exact process I use before putting my car cover back on. I really like Crystal Mist by Pinnacle since it contains some small traces of the Pinnacle Souveran carnuba wax that I use on my black cobra. This quik detail spray is fairly expensive at 20-25 bucks a bottle but it works great for me.

I used to use the clearkote brand quik detailer and I loved it as well; left the surface really slick and helped with static which reduces the dust "sticking" to your finish. The meguiars quik detailers are good as well; as you cannot go wrong with their product line. Hope this helps

You can apply a coat of wax every month if you like; it is not going to hurt it and just keeps your finish looking nice and protected as well. Even since my car sits in the garage I will put on a couple of coats every month.

good call on the spray...never even thought about the dust and dirt that collect during the day and me rubbing it into my paint...but then todd also brings up a good point also about using the detailer...i just bought the meguiars NXT quick detailing spray so i'll give it a go and see how it turns out, thx

not sure where you all are getting your info but it is not TRUE....however its a free world so do as you like.

How is it not true? Dust and dirt accumulates on your car no matter where you are unless its under an air tight car cover. People have their own way to detail or keep their car clean. I just choose not to whipe it down, and I pointed out why.

sorry bro, as u can see i edited my post...i was typing my response to matt's post when u typed ur response...both make since but i'm going to go ahead and use the spray

because by washing it you are going to put more swirls back into the paint then just using a QD and MF towel; obviously with a daily driven car it will have to be washed and I understand that; however in between washes I would QD the car instead of washing it but like I said to each their own as we have our own preferences.

looks like the cycle of use dictates the type of detailing procedures required.

My car lives outside and is my DD...I would NEVER rub anything into it unless I washed it first.

Not unless you use a leaf blower to dry it. :D

LOL...I use that and it is great.

Ive got some ****ty blower right now. But Im looking to get a Shop Vac with a 250mph blower on it.

I just use a toro blower and it works great with no issues.

Here's what I do.

I ALWAYS use a MF towel/cloth no matter what, even for drying, quick drying, spray detailing, windows, wheels, EVERYTHING. I have about 10 MF cloths, lol.

I use a California Car Duster to get lose dirt off. It has a sort of static charge so it lifts the dust and not spreads this (causing swirls). I only use this after I've waxed it or cleaned it real well. If it's just dirty I wash it using Rain-X or Armor All GEL.

I really liked Turtle Wax Platinum Series Spray detailer before they discontinued it. Then I used turtle wax ICE and Meguiars. Truthfully, I don't think anyone could tell a damn difference. What does matter is you need a quality MF cloth.

Windows: Meguiars NXT glass and then Rain-X spray with MF cloth
Tires: Armorall GEL (stays on for a month even with rain,washing, etc.)
Wheels: Mother Chrome Polish
Clear Pastic: Meguiars PlastiX (Headlights, Taillights, Intstrument Panel)
Interior: Meguiars Wipes (doesn't leave a shine which I like cuz of the sun)
Engine: Black Magic gel engine degreaser.
Engine Shine: ZIP All Around
Bug Remover: Turle Wax Bug/Tar/Sap remover
Wax: Scratch X for deep swirls. Meguiars NXT wax for finishing.

I use a 10" orbital buffer. I use a terry bonnet for the Scratch X and a MF bonnet with the NXT wax.
I'm gonna buy a porter cable as soon as I sell the Mustang.

I hope to open an auto detailing shop one day.

You can wash and wax as much as you want, but it is really a matter of how much exposure the car gets and not the frequency. Keep in mind that anytime you rub the car you run the risk of putting a scratch on it no matter how careful you are. I too try to avoid rubbing the surface with anything unless it is clean. I do use a california brush for things like light dust after driving to a show.

I use detail spray all the time after washing the car. My favorite is the Sonus detail spritz. I prefer it over anything I have ever used.

I wash, clay, polish and wax my car at least once a week and if I have time more than that. Your paint can never get too perfect. Ive never used spray detailers, Im just not to sure about them.

thats pretty much just wasting your time...
lol

you can never forget to clay bar your car before you wax. if you do thats baaaaad!! the clay picks up more dirt than a microfiber cloth will.

at least once a week...holy crap dude thats insane...i bet ur car is freakin immaculate...looks like i'll be buying a clay bar in the near future the way it sounds...

I disagree, especially with the polish, everytime you polish the paint looks deeper and richer. With red, black and blue its really makes a difference. Try Mothers Reflections and I know your mind will be changed. Its a polymer polish/wax and it does a great job with MG paint.

MG paint? :confused:

mineral grey?

yeah

polishing all the time is not a very wise thing todo. Because even the finest polishes are abrasive, each polishing job takes off some of the top coat of your finish, which may be clear coat or color coat. The ramifications of over-polishing can be serious, over-polishing removes some of the clear coat. In fact, using a coarse polish or buffing too hard can remove the clear coat entirely. This damage may not be evident until paint begins to oxidize, bubble or otherwise deteriorate without the protective clear layer.

SO DONT POLISH ALL THE TIME!!!

You should polish once or twice a year

Ill keep that in mind....

i thought i had heard that before, thx for the clarification bro