Detailing and waxing
 

I was just curious what cleaning supplies do you guys use for you car? I want to get that shine and make it look brand new? What car soap/material you think is best?

here go nuts :thumbup: pretty much all the info is there you need...

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical...cws_402_16.htm

I used this the other day:

http://www.rrlalena.us/images/nufinish_big.jpg

From what I've read on the forums and other research there are better options.

I swear i will never use Nufinish again. That stuff doesn't last as long as some other products like Meguir's Ultimate wax or Tech Wax, AND Nufinish is harder to apply, harder to buff off, and very unforgiving if you get that stuff on plastic trims.

I'm very happy with Meguire's Ultimate series of products.

all Pinnacle @ autogeek.net FTW!!!!!

Yes, I think there are. It is my understanding that Nu Finish is quite abrasive, so if you are going to continue to use it, follow the "advice" on the bottle - don't use it more than once a year.

So...Can I just wash and wax with a new type of wax?

Or is it pretty much a wax to claybar the whole care now :mad0260:

1)You can remove your old wax with a thorough washing using Dawn dishwashing liquid. 2) Use soft , clean sponges. 3) I use two buckets when I wash-one for the car wash and another full of clean water to rinse your sponges after you've washed part of the vehicle, before loading up the sponge with more detergent. This approach keeps your car wash and sponges free of the dirt and grime you are washing off your car. 4) Frequent rinsing is critical to keep soap from drying on your finish and prevents water spotting. 5) For me, the most critical part of good car wash is the pre -wash hose rinse. This will help remove the dirt and grime on the car that, if not removed before washing, will simply be damaging your car's finish as you rub it into the finish during your wash. 6) After washing, rinse thoroughly. 7) Dry with 100% USA cotton bath or hand towels. 8) Dry gently-you are only removing the water from the car, not cleaning it during this process. 9) Clay Bar only if necessary to remove defects or problems in your finish and do it only if you know what you are doing to avoid damaging your paint's clearcoat. 10) Follow with a high quality wax and follow the manufacturer's instructions. 11) Which wax or polish is the best can be debated for eternity. I personally use Zaino for its results, ease of use, etc., but there are other excellent waxes and polishes out there. This forum has tons of advice as to which wax to use and why you should use it. Try a few of the finishing products that are recommended and, like most folks here, you'll end up with a favorite product.

Interesting, going to wash with some dawn to get the old wax off!

Also going to invest in some better wax.

I detail for a living and would recommend for anyone who daily drive's their vehicles to look into getting polymer sealants instead of carnauba waxes. Carnauba lasts only about 3-4 weeks in the sun, with a high grade polymer sealant you can easily get 6months+ of protection depending on the product. My go to sealants are Sonax Polymer Net Shield and Menzerna Powerlock. I would also steer away from anything you can get from over the counter, go to detailersdomain or detailedimage for all your detailing supplies.

i bought ice wax and will NEVER buy another brand again, the stuff is amazing compared to everything ive ever used.

same here for Meguir's Ultimate wax or Tech Wax.
I only use that Nufinish polish if needed on some area. also it works like scratch x

For car washing you can't really beat Optimums No-Rinse Wash. That plus a two bucket method will keep your car super clean. Their tire dressing is nice too as it doesn't leave a glossy sheen on the tires but returns them to their factory fresh looking rubber.

Still has the best look to it, but still a natural product.

I noticed someone above said use a sponge? Yeah...No. Spongers keep the dirt on top so when your washing your car you are basically rubbing the dirt over and over again on the car. Use wool wash mitt.

i've been using ONR for quite a few years. I thought it was the best wash method until I tried the foam gun. I don't think anything has come close to the convenience and speed of washing with a foam gun in one hand and a mitt in another. need soap? just squeeze the trigger and foamy soap shoots onto the car. need to rinse the mitt? use the quick connect to detach the soap bottle and the gun sprays clean water at good pressure. I don't even need to carry a bucket around anymore.

I might not have been the best at using ONR but I'm noticing I'm cleaning the car better with a foam gun because when I wipe my car down with the waffle-wave towel, the towel stays completely clean. When I used ONR, my drying towel always got slightly dirty. I'm not even using expensive soap, just some cheap over the counter stuff I had left over from many years ago.

This is the one I'm using: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/butchers-75QGF4-Foamaster-Cleaning-Gun/dp/B009YKEWBK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1374000943&sr=8-4&keywords=foam+gun"]Amazon.com: butchers 75QGF4 Foamaster Cleaning Gun: Patio, Lawn & Garden[/ame]

A good waffle weave towel is a must for drying. a good one can probably only be found at one of the auto detailing specialty internet stores mentioned above.

I use the Cobra micro fiber towels when I was with ONR. I agree that sponges are a terrible idea on your paint.

www.zainostore.com/ best wax hands down wax my car once a year only.

Is the foam gun that life changing?

I have a black car and I used Nanolex nanowax. Out of all the waxes I have used in the past, this is by far the best, the easiest to apply and the easiest to buff off. Awesome product. I have no affiliation with anyone, I am just a guy that takes care of his car paint.

Steps:

1. take off the old waxes washing the car with dishwashing liquid.
2. clay bar it
3. two or one step Das6 polish with Menzerna polishing pads and cream
4. wash the caR WITH dishwashing liquid again as the polishing creams contain waxes
5. IPA just ot make sure
6 Nanolex Nanowax/NanoOne - I applied it by RO machine so it was very easy to put on.
7 Do 2-3 panels, wipe off with microfiber
8 Wait about 2 hours to "cure"

Do all the work inside, in a cool place. I also did the wheels. The shine is incredible, no streaks or anything.

I am waiting for it to wear off (4-6 months) and I will try a different product. 22PLE here I come baby!

try it. i recommend final rinsing with an open hose to let the water sheet off and thoroughly clean any soap off

Foam gun is the way to go if you have hose access. For those of us apt/city dwellers will have to stick with onr.