Waxing and Washing

[Tomahawk]

I want to wax my car today just wanted to get some ideas on what eveyone in using and how often? I bought the NXT Generation wax by Meguiars... Any thoughts?

 

Tomahawk

[mp2]

take a look at www.goodspeedmotoring.com . this web site has some of the best articles on detailing i have seen.

[5.4 Shelby]

I want to wax my car today just wanted to get some ideas on what eveyone in using and how often? I bought the NXT Generation wax by Meguiars... Any thoughts?

 

Tomahawk

This topic gets covered every once in while. You will get 50 different answers and 25 of them will be Zaino, 15 will be NXT and the rest will be good waxes that aren't used as much as the others.

 

A few things that I feel are important.

 

1. clay bar the car first (After washing). I put this first because I feel it is important. Claying will remove contaminates from the paint so that you don't push them around with the wax and scratch your paint. Even new, the car picks up rail dust and other contaminates during manufacture, storage and shipping. Meguiars make a clay bar that will work just fine. IT is easy to use and not real expensive. You will need quick detailer if it does not already come in the kit.

 

2. Wash the first time with Dawn dish soap. This will remove the old waxes if any are on the car. Then never use Dawn again unless you are changing wax brands/types. After that use a good car wash that will lubricate the paint and emulsify the particles to remove them.

 

3. Use towels dedicated to the car to dry it. You will get 50 diff answers on this too. Some like good quality microfiber (me), not the cheap ones , some like chamois, some like all cotton towels and some like Mr. Clean auto dry and a leaf blower to dry with. I am afraid the leaf blower will pcik up tiny rocks from the driveway and blow them into the paint causing scratches.

 

4. Wax several times over the next few weeks to build up a protective barrier. I clay each time I wax.

 

 

I go even nuttier than that. If you are interested in my system. PM me and I'll let you know what I do.

[Tomahawk]

Good advice... How do you use a clay bar... Any suggestions on hand or machine buffers?

[5.4 Shelby]

Good advice... How do you use a clay bar... Any suggestions on hand or machine buffers?

clay bar is easy. you must use it if you machine polish/wax. You just spray quick detailer on the car and rub the clay over the area, then wipe off the detailer. you will feel the grit as you use it at first and then it gets smoother.

 

I use the Porte Cable 7424 random orbital. Direct drive orbitals give you a much better chance of scratching and/or burning your paint. Avoid them.

 

The products I like to use come from griots garage. I'll edit a link in a moment.

 

Griots

 

That kit comes with polish #3. I would use #4 (finer) on a new car.

 

I love the orbital both from a results standpoint and ease of use.

[Sherri Leicht]

Good advice... How do you use a clay bar... Any suggestions on hand or machine buffers?

 

only spray a small part of the car at a time as you don't want it to dry! spray, clay, wipe, next section!

[ILSTANG]

I agree with the above recomendations. I have used zaino all alomg and the problem in the past was that it can take a week to get enough layers on because the the drying times that are recommended. This is now not a problem if you use theor XFX accelerator. I would even recommend using a clay bar on a new car because it is amazing the grid you can get. My routine can now be done in two days.

 

1. Wash with Dawn.

2. Clay bar using any car wash as a lubicant or use detailing spray.

3. Wash with car wash.

4. The first time i wax I like to use Zaino Z-5 with the ZFX accelerator. Three layers.

5. I follow this with Z-6 detailing spray

6. Three more layers of of Z-5 and another layer of Z-6 detailing spray.

1-6 can be done in a morning.

7. I then put on a layer of Z-2 profesional wax.

8. Then use Z-6 detailing spray. (there is a new product avail called z-8 grand final spray.

 

Results are awesome

[svtkeith]

I want to wax my car today just wanted to get some ideas on what eveyone in using and how often? I bought the NXT Generation wax by Meguiars... Any thoughts?

 

Tomahawk

 

 

Hawk,

 

I used pretty well everything on the market. And I've always went back to the Mequiars product. First I use Mequiars Deep Crystal Polish, then I top it off with the NXT.

 

The Polish gives the car that deep wetlook shine and the NXT protects it like nothing else can, IMO.

[Grabber]

I want to wax my car today just wanted to get some ideas on what eveyone in using and how often? I bought the NXT Generation wax by Meguiars... Any thoughts?

 

Tomahawk

I used the mothers claybar system on both my GT/CS and GT500. Then I use Ice by Turtle wax. It is a simple synthetic polish like zaino that you can get at the local autoparts store. Great stuff.

 

http://www.stangsunleashed.com/forums/inde...ic=5888&hl=

[brianspony]

I agree with the above recomendations. I have used zaino all alomg and the problem in the past was that it can take a week to get enough layers on because the the drying times that are recommended. This is now not a problem if you use theor XFX accelerator. I would even recommend using a clay bar on a new car because it is amazing the grid you can get. My routine can now be done in two days.

 

1. Wash with Dawn.

2. Clay bar using any car wash as a lubicant or use detailing spray.

3. Wash with car wash.

4. The first time i wax I like to use Zaino Z-5 with the ZFX accelerator. Three layers.

5. I follow this with Z-6 detailing spray

6. Three more layers of of Z-5 and another layer of Z-6 detailing spray.

1-6 can be done in a morning.

7. I then put on a layer of Z-2 profesional wax.

8. Then use Z-6 detailing spray. (there is a new product avail called z-8 grand final spray.

 

Results are awesome

 

Do you use Z-6 in between each coat of Z-5 and Z-2?

[5.4 Shelby]

I agree with the above recomendations. I have used zaino all alomg and the problem in the past was that it can take a week to get enough layers on because the the drying times that are recommended. This is now not a problem if you use theor XFX accelerator. I would even recommend using a clay bar on a new car because it is amazing the grid you can get. My routine can now be done in two days.

 

1. Wash with Dawn.

2. Clay bar using any car wash as a lubicant or use detailing spray.

3. Wash with car wash.

4. The first time i wax I like to use Zaino Z-5 with the ZFX accelerator. Three layers.

5. I follow this with Z-6 detailing spray

6. Three more layers of of Z-5 and another layer of Z-6 detailing spray.

1-6 can be done in a morning.

7. I then put on a layer of Z-2 profesional wax.

8. Then use Z-6 detailing spray. (there is a new product avail called z-8 grand final spray.

 

Results are awesome

I haven't tried Zaino, yet. It sounds like a ton of work. I'd think 7 layers of any wax would give you awesome results.

[carnut]

Uh, are we supposed to wash and wax our cars? I dunno, that sounds like an awful lot of work. Can't I just leave it out in the rain every so often?

[gt50035]

I want to wax my car today just wanted to get some ideas on what eveyone in using and how often? I bought the NXT Generation wax by Meguiars... Any thoughts?

 

Tomahawk

 

 

I use the NXT Tech Wax product too. Always use high quality micro fiber towels to remove the wax. I had some minor spider webbing from previous washes and the NXT completely removed everything. Deep shine. Also, I have switched over the Mr. Clean Spotless Auto Dry wash system. Very good system.

[brianspony]

I haven't tried Zaino, yet. It sounds like a ton of work. I'd think 7 layers of any wax would give you awesome results.

 

I know the Zaino process does sound like a bunch of work, it is a whole lot of work. Putting 7 coats on my Shelby will be the most coats of wax I have ever put on anything my entire life. This car is well worth it to me though. The thing that cracks me up is the ones that use this and get the ultimate gloss and then wash their car with dawn just to prevent wax build-up and start all over again. It's almost like going to an all you can eat buffet, stuffing yourself and then sticking a finger down your throat so you can start eating all over again.

[ILSTANG]

I agree that applying any good polymer product done correctly gives a good shine. I like zaino because it is easy to maintain once the initial coating is done. I have never started over again once the initial coats are on. I mainly use the detailing and recoat with Z-2. The wax goes on easy and comes off easy. I think the shine for shows is as good as any, but just look at Grabber's pictures because the ice he uses also looks awesome. I just drive my car on clear days otherwise use my pick up. I keep it covered in the garage.

[Mark25]

Claying is fine...just don't go overboard with it...and always be sure to use more than enough of the lubricant (Quik Detailer, etc.)...if you do a "dry pass" you can risk putting some fine scratches into the paint (especially visible on dark colors)...read the directions on the product carefully.

[Keith Lambert]

Okay, got the wash/wax stuff down... now what product do you guys recommend to clean/protect the black plastic and keep the wax haze off of them? How about cleaners for the aluminum wheels?

 

Thanks,

Keith

[5.4 Shelby]

Okay, got the wash/wax stuff down... now what product do you guys recommend to clean/protect the black plastic and keep the wax haze off of them? How about cleaners for the aluminum wheels?

 

Thanks,

Keith

Modern wheels are usually clear coated, so treat them like paint. I wax mine regularly.

 

Wax haze

[Alloy Dave]

I know the Zaino process does sound like a bunch of work, it is a whole lot of work. Putting 7 coats on my Shelby will be the most coats of wax I have ever put on anything my entire life. This car is well worth it to me though. The thing that cracks me up is the ones that use this and get the ultimate gloss and then wash their car with dawn just to prevent wax build-up and start all over again. It's almost like going to an all you can eat buffet, stuffing yourself and then sticking a finger down your throat so you can start eating all over again.

Zaino isn't a wax though...it's a polish.

[brianspony]

Zaino isn't a wax though...it's a polish.

 

I thought Zaino was Polish wax from Poland. There's a ton to know about car waxes. I never thought there was so much to consider. I hate to ask this because I thought I did a good job checking different types of car waxes and before I order Zaino on line, will Zaino polish protect my investment as good as a wax lets say from Meguiars? I have never waxed a car in my entire life. I do set the dial at car washes for wax and add the extra quarter.

[5.4 Shelby]

I thought Zaino was Polish wax from Poland. There's a ton to know about car waxes. I never thought there was so much to consider. I hate to ask this because I thought I did a good job checking different types of car waxes and before I order Zaino on line, will Zaino polish protect my investment as good as a wax lets say from Meguiars? I have never waxed a car in my entire life. I do set the dial at car washes for wax and add the extra quarter.

I don't know the specifics of Zaino, but, there are polishes, waxes and combination products (often referred to as cleaner wax or wax with scratch remover). I use polish about once a year and wax 3-4 times a year.

 

Polish contains fine beads of something that is mildly abrasive to "sand" out minor blemishes. There are often different grades of polish such as fine, medium, coarse. Most hand polishes are fine or even super-fine. You don't want to polish frequently as it can thin the paint. Polish will not protect the finish unless it contains wax. Choosing a polish can be tricky as it is hard to know what they contain, etc. The Zaino system seems to be a crowd favorite. As the above poster wrote, he polishes with 6 coats of polish and a coat of wax. I'm sure 6 coats of polish of any kind will give you a fancy shine. I use the Griots machine polisher and polishes. Machine polishing is not as hard as you would think, it is easier than hand polish, it does a fantastic job and it is fairly safe if you use a random orbital. Biggest problem is cost of the machine.

 

Waxes are marketed in a ton of different ways. Try them and find one you like. I'd stick with that kind unless you find a reason not to like it. If you don't want to polish, a cleaner wax will polish a little as you wax. I would avoid car washes in general. If you must use one, avoid the spray on wax. IT waxes everything (windows, rubber, plastic) and is not a good quality wax to begin with. It also does nothing to clean/polish the paint. Some good waxes that I have used are Griots (my favorite), Zymol (very impressed), Meguiars NXT (also very nice). Sounds like the Turtle wax ICE would be a good one to try. Most Turtle wax products can be trusted (they make Zymol, too). Just read the label and know what you are buying.

 

Bottom line - put as much time and money as you want into it. If you don't want to invest much of either, buy a clay bar and a good cleaner wax. Use them 2-4 times a year depending on your needs. If you want to get more involved, the Zaino and Griots systems will both give you satisfying results.

[Shelby3]

Is it OK to wax the stripes? I have a few spider scratches on my stripes will the wax take care of that little problem?

[ILSTANG]

I think the main difference between products is whether they have wax or no wax. Using wax on clear coat paint has never seemed logical to me. I think the polymer products are the best to use. They do not thin the paint they protect by bonding with the surface and tend to last much longer.

 

I wounder if anyone has experience leaning a cloth convertable top. I hav not even gottem mine wet yet. I have seen cars with the cloth top that have gotten wax on the cloth which leaves a white smear. What are people doing to clean their cloth tops?

[Orf]

What are people doing to clean their cloth tops?

 

303 Products

[150man]

What are people doing to clean their cloth tops?

 

I used a plain ol' lint roller on mine, and it worked great!

[svtkeith]

I think the main difference between products is whether they have wax or no wax. Using wax on clear coat paint has never seemed logical to me. I think the polymer products are the best to use. They do not thin the paint they protect by bonding with the surface and tend to last much longer.

 

I wounder if anyone has experience leaning a cloth convertable top. I hav not even gottem mine wet yet. I have seen cars with the cloth top that have gotten wax on the cloth which leaves a white smear. What are people doing to clean their cloth tops?

 

 

 

STANG, the clear coat is protecting the base coat which is the color and the clear is actually a colorless paint, so if you can protect it then it will protect your base color, JMO.

[TexasShelby]

On the cloth top, I've used nothing but water, a very soft brush when and if needed, sun to fully dry and a .99 lint roller when I dust the rest of the car. (At a car show I had forgotten the roller and ended up making a make-shift one with the blue/acid free masking around my hand and rolling it. It actually worked great.

This has worked on my McLaren Mustang since I bought the car new and this is the secong top since 1988. And is now working very well with the Shelby.

[Tx Shelby]

Try P21S they make products for all of the High end cars

I buy mine from Top of the line detailing

topoftheline.com

also they have other brands as well

plus they have all of the supplies to polish and wax..ie orbiters,cloths,clay bars etc

[Super Snake]

I used the mothers claybar system on both my GT/CS and GT500. Then I use Ice by Turtle wax. It is a simple synthetic polish like zaino that you can get at the local autoparts store. Great stuff.

 

http://www.stangsunleashed.com/forums/inde...ic=5888&hl=

 

I like the ICE as well, I have not tried the clay bar but since a lot of you recommend it I think I need to give it a go.

One thing I really like about the ICE is that it conditions the black rubber and plastic without leaving a chaulky haze

[svtkeith]

I like the ICE as well, I have not tried the clay bar but since a lot of you recommend it I think I need to give it a go.

One thing I really like about the ICE is that it conditions the black rubber and plastic without leaving a chaulky haze

 

 

lwell,

 

I've tried the ICE and really liked it, but it is a polish and not a wax. So for protection from the elements, a coat of wax still has to be applied over the ICE product.

 

Other than that it shines like heck. JMO.