Wash and wax formula

[pyles1735]

I've been waiting to wax my car until I had a proffessional detail my car since I'm new to the high detail cleaning world.

But, I did buy mothers California gold wash and wax and I wanted to check all the bases before I used it on my car. I've never used a wax and wash so I want to make sure its used correctly.

Sorry if this is a noncoherent post its been a long but liquid filled day by the pool.

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[Dugdug]

I have never encountered any problems when following the directions. But if you're looking for a step by step then here goes,

1) rinse vehicle (in shade preferably)
2) fill bucket with correct amount of wash/ water mixture
3) Wash all exterior with solution and a good wash mitt/sponge (that wont put swirls in the paint)
4) Rinse excess off and dry with a microfiber towel or anything that wont put swirls into your paint.
5) Clay bar treatment with lube
6) Dry any excess lube

Another thing, the wash and wax formulas are great and all but it will not replace a hand/machine wax. Stick around and read, ask more questions. It's not as hard as you think :)

[BobbyG]

Following the manufacturers instructions is the best way to get started in the right direction.

Do you intend to use this as a layer of protection for the finish?

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html)

Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Dual Action Polisher

1. - Working with a dual action polisher


Sectional Pass With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/24074-show-car-garage-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-polishing-da-polisher.html)
Removing Swirls (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html)
DA Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)
Waxing With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)

2. - My Porter Cable 7424, backing plate, and pads


Porter Cable 7424xp (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html)
Lake Country Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)
Lake Country Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)

[mwoolfso]

Mothers California Gold W&W is a very good product. The scent from this wash is amazing. That being said, the vehicle's surface is not going to go from it's current state to "smoothe as a baby's bottom" with just this product. You will, however, get a good pop in gloss.

Did I mention the amazing scent of this product? It stays around for awhile. :-)

Follow the directions on the back of the bottle and you are good to go. 1-2 oz. per gallon should do the trick. Personally, I never saw the need to get close to 2oz. per gallon, but on your first try go a little heavy and then scale down from there on your subsequent washes. At some point you will find the sweet spot that works best for you.

Did I mention.... ;-)

[FUNX650]

I've been waiting to wax my car until I had a proffessional detail my car since I'm new to the high detail cleaning world.

But, I did buy mothers California gold wash and wax and I wanted to check all the bases before I used it on my car. I've never used a wax and wash so I want to make sure its used correctly.

Sorry if this is a noncoherent post its been a long but liquid filled day by the pool.

Sent from my Desire HD using AG Online

How long ago has it been, as you have stated, did a professional detail your vehicle? And, did this professional:

-Clay
-Polish/compound to remove as many paint 'defects' as possible. (And, did this meet your expectations)
-Apply a paint protection product?

If so... and, after using much care in washing your vehicle, with your product of choice:

-Dry your vehicle, again using extreme care
-Should be no need to clay (use the baggie-test, for peace-of-mind, if so desired)
-Use a quick detailer/quick wax for "touch-up" purposes. Or,
-Apply another coat/layer of your wax of choice.

Of course, if the professional was lax in the steps/processes that has been earlier discussed/pointed out,
you may want to follow the steps/processes that BobbyG kindly listed in his posting.

To wit:

"Basic steps in order are":

Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax


-Just try to always enjoy your detailing experiences. I do!


:)

Bob

[pyles1735]

It hasn't been detailed by a real professional per se but it was cleaned when I got it last November from the car lot.

Since then Ive just kept it clean. I don't have a clay bar but plan on getting one this week, is the wash and wax safe to get on outside trim and windows?

And a side question, when using Meguirs 103 APC how should I dilute it and should I put the diluated solution in a bucket, bottle, or?
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[Dugdug]

It hasn't been detailed by a real professional per se but it was cleaned when I got it last November from the car lot.

Since then Ive just kept it clean. I don't have a clay bar but plan on getting one this week, is the wash and wax safe to get on outside trim and windows?

And a side question, when using Meguirs 103 APC how should I dilute it and should I put the diluated solution in a bucket, bottle, or?
Sent from my Desire HD using AG Online

It's safe on the trim. Not sure about Megs APC. I don't use it,

[robovalzuniga]

It hasn't been detailed by a real professional per se but it was cleaned when I got it last November from the car lot.

Since then Ive just kept it clean. I don't have a clay bar but plan on getting one this week, is the wash and wax safe to get on outside trim and windows?

And a side question, when using Meguirs 103 APC how should I dilute it and should I put the diluated solution in a bucket, bottle, or?
Sent from my Desire HD using AG Online

FYI, APC is strong stuff. Whenever I use it, it's usually in really grimy situations. I prefer keeping the dilitued mix in spray bottle.

I would be careful on what you use this stuff on, and make double sure you have your dilitution ratio's correct. Always use these types of strong products on a test spot before going all gung-ho!

[pyles1735]

What would be another vinyl cleaner and polished/protectant?

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