Newbie question – basic wash and wax

[fredroe]

I’ve waxed cars, motorcycles, boats and trucks for 35 years, starting out with a $0.99 bottle of Turtle Wax when I was about 10 years old. I’ve always used the “karate kid” method of application but recently purchased a PC7424, and a nice assortment of foam pads. From reading this forum, I also bought Megs 105/205 and Menz 85RD for my personal fleet. Over the upcoming holiday, I’ve agreed to wash and wax four daily drivers in trade for BBQ and fireworks. Before buying the DA, I would have planned to wash, rub on a coat of Megs #6 cleaner wax then stand back and admire my work. I don’t think I’ll have time for the complete 105/205/85RD treatment for the upcoming project. I’m thinking wash, maybe clay bar and finish with a cleaner wax or cleaner sealer. I’d love to know what process and products you guys use when trying to provide a basic wash and wax.

[ScottB]

for a good and effective all-in-one type deal, consider XMT360 or Optimums Poly-seal.

[itzJoker]

XMT 360 is also on BOGO (buy one get one free)

I plan on using XMT 360 today on my mom's BMW

[Redneckmafia]

I myself have been doing the what I call quick wash and wax for customers and they have all been very satisfied.I wash and clay them with a dish soap then I wash it again with another wash with Flashwax Deep Purple wash & wax soap and then give it a coat of Klasse AIO then follow up with Flashwax Grape Gloss spray wax & detailer and my customers love the outcome...A few pics the GMC has never been waxed since the day it was bought and the Ford is 11 years old ans has never been waxed either...
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x74/JCianfrocca/CianfroccaAutoDetail038.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x74/JCianfrocca/CianfroccaAutoDetail029.jpg

[fredroe]

Appreciate the good info. I’ll be ordering some XMT-360 this afternoon and studying more on Redneckmafia’s wash/clay process. One more question before I order for supplies. I have a couple of CCS green pads bought for applying all-in-one. How long do the pads typically last? With four cars to clean up I’m wondering if I should order more.