First post...looking at doing things right from inception!

[denali33]

These forum's are absolutely unbelievable..the amount of expertise and information is actually intimidating. I have been lurking for a little and decided to post. When I was younger my dad taught me how to wash a vehicle and often we waxed it. Fast forward now I am a big boy and have a big boy toy. What I am trying to achieve in reading these forums and getting hints is, preserving the paint as much as possible on my new vehicle and minimizing swirlies. I am not looking on going overboard and spend a considerable amount of money, but would like to do a + 1 on washing and waxing my vehicle. I have the time to wash it once a month and definitely wax it however much time permits. I have no problem waxing by hand as I enjoy the time and hard work put in.

Again I am a complete beginner so if my method or products is crap which they probably are.

Wash
Meguiars Ultimate Wash and Wax
Meguiars Hot Rims All Wheel and Tire cleaner
Microfiber Mitt
Microfiber Drying Towel
Microfiber Wheel Cleaner Brush that can Reach all the way in the wheel

Wax
Nothing yet

I basically make sure the vehicle is soaked through and through and wash panel by panel, cleaning off the mitt as I go. I try to keep the whole car wet until I am ready to dry to minimize water spots. Do I have the just of it for the washing part?

Waxing, which products do you recommend that aren't over the top but get the job done for a great shine and great protection?

On the rear quarter panel there is a patch where there is significant swirlies..the vehicle is new so perhaps it was a detailing burn? What can I do to remove these swirlies? The way the Ruby Red Metallic is it looks very different from certain angles exposing the flaws.

Interior : It is your typical Ford..leather seats with your array of plastics and brushed chrome as of now not using anything on the inside yet, recommendations?

I hope this finds the forum well and its in the right area, really looking forward to learning from everyone. Here is a few pictures of the vehicle.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/jonathan33/1491284_344595939012401_1547172837_o_zps43235f45.j pg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jonathan33/media/1491284_344595939012401_1547172837_o_zps43235f45.j pg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/jonathan33/131329_344596049012390_90468607_o_zps4ab26c4c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jonathan33/media/131329_344596049012390_90468607_o_zps4ab26c4c.jpg. html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/jonathan33/1601998_344595809012414_861997369_o_zps568d065f.jp g (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jonathan33/media/1601998_344595809012414_861997369_o_zps568d065f.jp g.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/jonathan33/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140119_111509_zpswwb1m1d_edit_1390174384823_ zpsbcvlojdt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jonathan33/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140119_111509_zpswwb1m1d_edit_1390174384823_ zpsbcvlojdt.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/jonathan33/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140119_111536_zps75ztx9eq.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jonathan33/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140119_111536_zps75ztx9eq.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/jonathan33/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131229_134525_zps599lb7br.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jonathan33/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131229_134525_zps599lb7br.jpg.html)

[Just02896]

Welcome to the forum! Nice Stang! Love the color!

I would use Wolfgang deep gloss paint sealant on that ruby red paint! It's much better than wax and is a great value considering the gloss, protection, and price point.

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant delivers a deep, wet, liquid shimmer unlike anything you can imagine. (http://www.autogeek.net/wg5500.html)

[denali33]

Welcome to the forum! Nice Stang! Love the color!

I would use Wolfgang deep gloss paint sealant on that ruby red paint! It's much better than wax and is a great value considering the gloss, protection, and price point.

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant delivers a deep, wet, liquid shimmer unlike anything you can imagine. (http://www.autogeek.net/wg5500.html)

Thank you sir for the link I was just checking it out and was also checking out Is it a wax? Or a paint sealant? (http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?28676-Is-it-a-wax-Or-a-paint-sealant)

I often heard of Sealant but did not realize it can be utilized the same way as wax, but your recommended product has a very long protection capability which I really like! According to the instructions a cleaner would be preferred before this application as in this one Wolfgang Pre-Wax Polish Enhancer is absolutely fabulous for producing that elusive, show-ready wet-shine look. This polish actually enhances and (http://www.autogeek.net/wg2000.html)

?

[Just02896]

Thank you sir for the link I was just checking it out and was also checking out Is it a wax? Or a paint sealant? (http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?28676-Is-it-a-wax-Or-a-paint-sealant)

I often heard of Sealant but did not realize it can be utilized the same way as wax, but your recommended product has a very long protection capability which I really like! According to the instructions a cleaner would be preferred before this application as in this one Wolfgang Pre-Wax Polish Enhancer is absolutely fabulous for producing that elusive, show-ready wet-shine look. This polish actually enhances and (http://www.autogeek.net/wg2000.html)

?

I've always used Menzerna compounds and polishes so I wouldn't be able to offer any info on wolfgang's polish enhancer. For your car, I would spot correct any swirls or minor defects and then polish the entire car with menzerna SF4000 and a DA buffer and then apply WDGPS. And yes it is a sealant, applies and removes with ease, and will give you a very wet looking and protective gloss for a long time! When its all said and done, you can expect reflections like this!

http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h384/just02896/image_zpsd724b358.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/just02896/media/image_zpsd724b358.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h384/just02896/image_zps60a175be.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/just02896/media/image_zps60a175be.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h384/just02896/image_zpse0f40d2e.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/just02896/media/image_zpse0f40d2e.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h384/just02896/image_zps98d4ba43.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/just02896/media/image_zps98d4ba43.jpg.html)

[BrianMcLeod]

Welcome!! Are you using the two bucket method with grit guards? And another bucket to wash the rims and do you wash the rims first?

[denali33]

Welcome!! Are you using the two bucket method with grit guards? And another bucket to wash the rims and do you wash the rims first?

For the wheels I am just spraying the wheel cleaner on first letting it sit then using the microfiber brush on them. Should I also be cleaning the sidewalls on the tires, I've never done that before just put the tire dressing on...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using AG Online

[DevilsNDetails]

I will have to second the recommendation of Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. Which, BTW, the entire line of Wolfgang products are on sale at Autogeek!

I didn't want to break the bank on keeping my new car perfect either so I purchased the Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover Kit found here: The Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-swirl-kit.html)

This has the Total Swirl Remover 3.0, Finishing Glaze, and the Deep Gloss Paint Sealant, plus some pads and microfibers and a quick detailer, and it's on sale for the next two hours down to $99!!!!

Add some extra pads of each color and pick up a Porter Cable DA and you're set for good unless some major scratching happens or you decide to take on other vehicles for spare money.

This is of course if you want to tackle to swirls and make sure the paint is truely perfect. Otherwise just keep washing well and learn from all the other AGO members. The Show and Shine thread is great for picking up bits of information and seeing proof if products working.

Again welcome to the forum!!!


- Dave

[aim4squirrels]

Howdy from Texas, Houston's a bit of a stretch from Dallas, but I'll help a fellow Texan out as best I can.

First, find the list of Mike Phillips videos on car care on you tube.

I think your are doing it right by concerning yourself with washing techniques first, as any polishing you do will go out the window if you have bad wash habits.

No carwashes with brushes, and that goes double for the brush at the coin ops.

If doing a traditional wash:

Quality soaps are important, there are lots of opinions here. I look for great lubricity at a good price point and landed on optimum car wash soap, but there are very good other choices as well.

one bucket, mitt, brush, etc. should be dedicated to the wheels and wheel wells and should never be used on the rest of the car. I currently wash my wheels with a chenille microfiber mitt. But my rims have easy access to the barrels even for my big hands.

Two bucket wash with grit guards is a minimum standard. Also, 2 paint safe mitts, sponges, towels, etc. Whatever you wash with basically. One dedicated to the upper 2/3s of the vehicle, the other for the lower third. I use the Microfiber Madness Incredimitt. It glides across the paint. Way smoother than the chenille mitts I used to use (which I have now delegated to wheel duty).

Foam gun or cannon - some think it's not necessary, I don't agree with them. I think they work very well. The idea is to pre soften and pull the dirt up off the paint surface, before you wipe it away with the wash media. A foam gun works without a pressure washer, a foam cannon needs one. Whatever you use, get a good foam cannon soap. Chemical guys honey dew produces great foam, as do others.

Drying the vehicle - do not overlook this important step. Water spots are the enemy, but so too can be a bad dryng towel. Touch the paint, as little as possible, and with the best quality towel you can afford. I like the Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy towel, but I've heard some say the Chemical Guys Wooly Mammoth towel is even better. I'm not currently getting scratches with my combo, so I'm afraid to wander from the path and try other things. Some folks suggest not touching the paint at all in the dying process and using only air, via a dedicated dryer or even a leaf blower. It's a good idea, but I can't seem to make it all the way around the car before I start getting spots from drying, so I blow out the seams, trim, and such with a leaf blower and dry the rest with the towel.

If you want to do waterless or rinseless washes, that's a different ballgame. Research that, because as you do, you'll come across lots of good tips and techniques.

For waxing, I suggest a sealant for now. Some waxes you fall in love with might not make it a month. A sealant will. I always used Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze with great results, but some think the removal can be tedious.

[denali33]

I will have to second the recommendation of Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. Which, BTW, the entire line of Wolfgang products are on sale at Autogeek!

I didn't want to break the bank on keeping my new car perfect either so I purchased the Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover Kit found here: The Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-swirl-kit.html)

This has the Total Swirl Remover 3.0, Finishing Glaze, and the Deep Gloss Paint Sealant, plus some pads and microfibers and a quick detailer, and it's on sale for the next two hours down to $99!!!!

Add some extra pads of each color and pick up a Porter Cable DA and you're set for good unless some major scratching happens or you decide to take on other vehicles for spare money.

This is of course if you want to tackle to swirls and make sure the paint is truely perfect. Otherwise just keep washing well and learn from all the other AGO members. The Show and Shine thread is great for picking up bits of information and seeing proof if products working.

Again welcome to the forum!!!


- Dave

I have read and see good things about the WolfGang Total Swirl Removal Kit, I will more than likely purchase this. I have a question that is a broad question obviously purchasing a DA Porter Cable Unit will make detailing a car alot easier, I just have a fear of ruining the paint with something motorized...but I notice in almost all of the instructions its showing the use of this equipment? If I follow the instructions verbatim I will not wreck the paint on the vehicle..that is why I prefer by hand its the lack of knowledge thats scaring me....

Can I apply the Total Swirl remover by hand with the orange pad, then the white, and so forth all by hand, until I feel comfortable..

[denali33]

Howdy from Texas, Houston's a bit of a stretch from Dallas, but I'll help a fellow Texan out as best I can.

First, find the list of Mike Phillips videos on car care on you tube.

I think your are doing it right by concerning yourself with washing techniques first, as any polishing you do will go out the window if you have bad wash habits.

No carwashes with brushes, and that goes double for the brush at the coin ops.

If doing a traditional wash:

Quality soaps are important, there are lots of opinions here. I look for great lubricity at a good price point and landed on optimum car wash soap, but there are very good other choices as well.

one bucket, mitt, brush, etc. should be dedicated to the wheels and wheel wells and should never be used on the rest of the car. I currently wash my wheels with a chenille microfiber mitt. But my rims have easy access to the barrels even for my big hands.

Two bucket wash with grit guards is a minimum standard. Also, 2 paint safe mitts, sponges, towels, etc. Whatever you wash with basically. One dedicated to the upper 2/3s of the vehicle, the other for the lower third. I use the Microfiber Madness Incredimitt. It glides across the paint. Way smoother than the chenille mitts I used to use (which I have now delegated to wheel duty).

Foam gun or cannon - some think it's not necessary, I don't agree with them. I think they work very well. The idea is to pre soften and pull the dirt up off the paint surface, before you wipe it away with the wash media. A foam gun works without a pressure washer, a foam cannon needs one. Whatever you use, get a good foam cannon soap. Chemical guys honey dew produces great foam, as do others.

Drying the vehicle - do not overlook this important step. Water spots are the enemy, but so too can be a bad dryng towel. Touch the paint, as little as possible, and with the best quality towel you can afford. I like the Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy towel, but I've heard some say the Chemical Guys Wooly Mammoth towel is even better. I'm not currently getting scratches with my combo, so I'm afraid to wander from the path and try other things. Some folks suggest not touching the paint at all in the dying process and using only air, via a dedicated dryer or even a leaf blower. It's a good idea, but I can't seem to make it all the way around the car before I start getting spots from drying, so I blow out the seams, trim, and such with a leaf blower and dry the rest with the towel.

If you want to do waterless or rinseless washes, that's a different ballgame. Research that, because as you do, you'll come across lots of good tips and techniques.

For waxing, I suggest a sealant for now. Some waxes you fall in love with might not make it a month. A sealant will. I always used Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze with great results, but some think the removal can be tedious.

Thank you for the advice sir, this vehicle will never see a automated car wash, its only by hand and garaged its a weekend warrior.

Quality Soaps, I am on the prowl and have read that the Meguiars Gold Class is economical...I am using the Ultimate Wash and Wax combo now but will replace with GC when done.

I use dedicated mitt brush to the wheels so I have that covered...

Drying : Microfiber Madness: Dry Me Crazy (25" x 17") - www.CarPro-US.com (http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-madness-dry-me-crazy-25-x-17/)
I will try this because my current microfiber seems to requiring alot of wringing out, I am not high on the blower idea.

Thanks man I appreciate it!

[DevilsNDetails]

The only way to damage your paint with a DA is to flip it over and scratch the paint with the case. Trust me. You have nothing to worry about.

You will love the total swirl remover!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using AG Online

[BrianMcLeod]

For the wheels I am just spraying the wheel cleaner on first letting it sit then using the microfiber brush on them. Should I also be cleaning the sidewalls on the tires, I've never done that before just put the tire dressing on...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using AG Online

Are you talking about the wheel wells if so I clean the with the same soap with the wheels and usually use the jet setting on them before I clean them also I use a brush!