Waxing your car

**JY07** · 09-01-2011, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

Plus never go in circles.

ohhh you gone and done it now

**usedcarguy** · 09-01-2011, 04:14 PM

I use a polymer such as Finish 2001 (if they still make it) or NuFinish. Basically the same product as the paint sealant the new car dealers sell as part of their mop and glow package. It's good for a few months, although not as deep of a shine as some of the caranuba waxes. It's all about low maintenance for me as i don't have the time to dedicate to be anal about it. And for rags? Nothing but microfibers. They are the best thing to happen to auto detailing industry for a long, long, time.

**Clonefan94** · 09-01-2011, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

Do you wax your car? If so what do you use?

I've tried a ton of different products but I always go back to Zaino. As long as you don't take your car to the power car wash, it lasts a long time. The only complaint I have is that it has more of a mirror shine than a deep shine.

I've also used Klasse, Pinnacle, P21s, etc.

I use Meguiar's products and have been very satisfied with them. This summer I bought the Meguiar's Ultimate polymer wax and have been very pleased with it. Great, deep shine. If you are ever testing out a new wax, no matter what it tells you, "You can use in full sun, wax your entire car at once, etc." I always do it in spots and test the drying time. Some of the newer car polishes can be really really tough to get off if they sit too long, especially in the sun.

If your car is older and you aren't getting the shine you desire, a clay kit, as others have mentioned here might be the thing you need. It gets rid of all that baked on surface crud taht you really don't see with the naked eye.

**dmclone** · 09-01-2011, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by zach

Final tip, recycle your old T-shirts as they are great rags. Use these to detail the outside and inside of your car. Paper towels scratch any and all paint, plastic and clear lens surfaces...speedometer, clock, radio, fake chrome outside, fake wood...

Z

P.s. I like mothers products too.

I agree with this but it's not usually the paper towels scratching things like clear lens surfaces. It's when you spray crap like Armor All on your dash and then it gets on the speedometer and you rub it in.

For my dash and other plastic parts I like to use some stuff called 303.

**dmclone** · 09-01-2011, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by usedcarguy

I use a polymer such as Finish 2001 (if they still make it) or NuFinish. Basically the same product as the paint sealant the new car dealers sell as part of their mop and glow package. It's good for a few months, although not as deep of a shine as some of the caranuba waxes. It's all about low maintenance for me as i don't have the time to dedicate to be anal about it. And for rags? Nothing but microfibers. They are the best thing to happen to auto detailing industry for a long, long, time.

I use NuFinish on my wife's car. I don't like the shine as much as some others but it lasts a LONG time.

**Ames** · 09-01-2011, 05:58 PM

Zaino is the best. You can layer it. I usually do Z2 and Z5.

**dmclone** · 09-01-2011, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by Ames

Zaino is the best. You can layer it. I usually do Z2 and Z5.

There you go. The Z5 looks good on black.

I added this to my garage a couple of months ago. Kind of pricey for what it is but handy and my old hands don't get tired.

**baylrballa** · 09-01-2011, 06:12 PM

**Ames** · 09-01-2011, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

There you go. The Z5 looks good on black.

I added this to my garage a couple of months ago. Kind of pricey for what it is but handy and my old hands don't get tired.

Interesting. I like it.

**HOTDON** · 09-01-2011, 06:22 PM

I've always heard great things about Zaino. I've had good luck with Zymol.

I'm also a huge fan of clay bars. Amazing how much more stuff they pick up. It took some black spotting off my red car that regular washing wouldn't remove, but my wife's silver car is where I really saw a major difference. All of the little bits of gunk and discoloration disappeared. It's adding more work on an already labor intensive process, but done right, the results are amazing.

**Klubber** · 09-01-2011, 06:30 PM

My last two steps are Meguiar's Tech Wax topped with Megs' #26 paste wax. As you probably know, cleaning the paint and or polishing (if needed) come before these two final steps. #26 is amazing on dark colors especially black.

Tech wax is synthetic so it has great durability. #26 is a pure wax with carnauba and adds deeper gloss and color. You can also layer it because it has no cleaning properties (pure wax).

**Psyclone Brian** · 09-01-2011, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by cyclonedave25

I do it in sections, so I give my arms a break from rubbing the dried wax off.

...you any good at karate?

**jdoggivjc** · 09-01-2011, 07:54 PM

Meguiar's 3-in-1 wax (cleaner, polish, and wax all in one bottle) with an orbital buffer. What can I say - I'm lazy as hell.

When I get around to buying a car that's worth it (like the Shelby GT Cobra I'll one day own after our house is paid off) I'll be a lot more "detailed" about waxing.