Yep … another car wax thread
First, ownership of a Harley Davidson developed me into a fanatic when it comes to detailing and the brilliance of a shine to maintain that “show-room new” appearance. Secondly, I appreciate detail in processes to replicate success, so forgive the windy information but the intent is to clarify for the first time users. Last, I read where a site dropped the Zaino Brothers ratings in their “wax” tests because it was “protectant”; I agree with the logic. I believe it was all the hype for an approximately $100 system to assure the Zaino success that pushed me away from their product.
Regardless of a wax or protectant system, results depend upon the preparation, just like primer, sanding, and then painting a car.
A one time hand wash with Dawn dish detergent will remove previous waxes/protectants and oil contaminants. Use two clear coat safe The Detailer’s Choice deluxe wash mitts (Wal-Mart); one mitt is for lower panels and wheel areas that accumulate more grit and grime that can be carried in the mitt and possibly scratch the finish in more noticeable areas and the other mitt for the noticeable focal points.
Next, repeat the hand wash process with Mothers California Gold Car Wash (Discount Auto) to remove any residual Dawn detergents. Car washing and waxing should be performed in the shade where the finish remains cool.
Blow dry with leaf blower to avoid swirl marks; I used Black and Decker 195 MPH super blower/vac (Wal-Mart); don’t worry about residual water spots that dried too quickly.
Spray about a four square foot panel at a time with Mothers California Gold Showtime Instant Detailer (Discount Auto) and rub in any motion until slippery with Paint Cleaning Clay (Griot’s web site) in Griot’s circular Paint Cleaning Foam Pad clay holder and Velcro Strapped Pad Holder. Immediately wipe dry to a shine with 100 percent cotton 20” x 14” ribbed bar towels (Wal-Mart).
Using a 100 percent cotton super soft terry 5 inch diameter Darra applicator pad (Wal-Mart) rub a thin coat of the wax or protectant thoroughly in a circular motion on a 4 foot square area; I used Meguiar’s Medallion Premium Paint Protection (Classic Motoring Accessories web site) $19.99 plus tax and S&H. When dried to a haze, wipe off to a shine with 100 percent cotton 20” x 14” ribbed bar towels.
Yahoo … yeah baby !!!!!!! Six hours of work is now all worthwhile with a wet look and brilliance that no wax or protectant can exceed. I used these processes on a white Accord and a red with black top NSX. The results on the black broke my jaw when it hit the ground in awe
Downside … you need to buy darker sunglasses
First, ownership of a Harley Davidson developed me into a fanatic when it comes to detailing and the brilliance of a shine to maintain that “show-room new” appearance. Secondly, I appreciate detail in processes to replicate success, so forgive the windy information but the intent is to clarify for the first time users. Last, I read where a site dropped the Zaino Brothers ratings in their “wax” tests because it was “protectant”; I agree with the logic. I believe it was all the hype for an approximately $100 system to assure the Zaino success that pushed me away from their product.
Regardless of a wax or protectant system, results depend upon the preparation, just like primer, sanding, and then painting a car.
A one time hand wash with Dawn dish detergent will remove previous waxes/protectants and oil contaminants. Use two clear coat safe The Detailer’s Choice deluxe wash mitts (Wal-Mart); one mitt is for lower panels and wheel areas that accumulate more grit and grime that can be carried in the mitt and possibly scratch the finish in more noticeable areas and the other mitt for the noticeable focal points.
Next, repeat the hand wash process with Mothers California Gold Car Wash (Discount Auto) to remove any residual Dawn detergents. Car washing and waxing should be performed in the shade where the finish remains cool.
Blow dry with leaf blower to avoid swirl marks; I used Black and Decker 195 MPH super blower/vac (Wal-Mart); don’t worry about residual water spots that dried too quickly.
Spray about a four square foot panel at a time with Mothers California Gold Showtime Instant Detailer (Discount Auto) and rub in any motion until slippery with Paint Cleaning Clay (Griot’s web site) in Griot’s circular Paint Cleaning Foam Pad clay holder and Velcro Strapped Pad Holder. Immediately wipe dry to a shine with 100 percent cotton 20” x 14” ribbed bar towels (Wal-Mart).
Using a 100 percent cotton super soft terry 5 inch diameter Darra applicator pad (Wal-Mart) rub a thin coat of the wax or protectant thoroughly in a circular motion on a 4 foot square area; I used Meguiar’s Medallion Premium Paint Protection (Classic Motoring Accessories web site) $19.99 plus tax and S&H. When dried to a haze, wipe off to a shine with 100 percent cotton 20” x 14” ribbed bar towels.
Yahoo … yeah baby !!!!!!! Six hours of work is now all worthwhile with a wet look and brilliance that no wax or protectant can exceed. I used these processes on a white Accord and a red with black top NSX. The results on the black broke my jaw when it hit the ground in awe
Downside … you need to buy darker sunglasses
