Confused

[hayden]

Well I thought I had a plan but the more I read the more confused I get.

I've always kept my car clean and wax once in a while. I've decided I want to keep my new car looking good and thought I would clay it this weekend and put wax on it.

The more I read I see polish and paint cleanser so now I'm not sure if I should do that to get better results.

I have a 2008 BMW in Space Gray any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

[AeroCleanse]

Wash, clay, polish, paint cleanser, wax.

[robb01]

sure he needs the paint cleanser after polishing?

[YankeeFan]

Well I thought I had a plan but the more I read the more confused I get.

I've always kept my car clean and wax once in a while. I've decided I want to keep my new car looking good and thought I would clay it this weekend and put wax on it.

The more I read I see polish and paint cleanser so now I'm not sure if I should do that to get better results.

I have a 2008 BMW in Space Gray any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

It all depends how much time and money you want to spend on this. If you just want to clean the car and add wax that is fine. Depending on the wax it may not last all that long. Most people tend to use a paint cleaner to prep the paint, a sealant for durability, wait 12 hrs then add the wax also known as the lsp, last step product. Claying will help a little as it removes contaminants that regualr washing can't remove but there is so much more to do. Polishing will require a machine, DA or rotary. It removes scratches and swirl marks that will truly heighten the appearance and shine of the paint. Wash and wax alone, over time, just won't do that anymore. So, again, it all depends on how much time and effort (and money) you want to put into the process.

Howard

[AeroCleanse]

sure he needs the paint cleanser after polishing?

Can't tell without seeing it.

[MadOzodi]

If not a paint cleanser, at least an IPA wipedown after polishing. maybe even another wash.

[akimel]

Hayden, you might want to consider the following as a practical strategy for your new car, which I presume is a daily driver:

1) Wash the car using the two bucket method:

[ame="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7598756069207401372"]How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style[/video]

Dry with your waffle-weave towel. Some of us also like to first blot the water with an artificial chamois called the Absorber.

2) Clay the car, following the directions given here: Auto detailing clay. You will only need to claybar the car once or twice a year.

3) Apply a coat of Meguiar's ColorX or another cleaner wax. Gently massage it into the paint. I imagine the paint of your new car is in good condition, so you will not need to rub hard. You are massaging it into the paint hoping to remove light swirls and oxidization. Buff off according to the directions.

Wait 30 minutes.

4) Apply a thin coat of your preferred wax or sealant. (It is a great time right now to purchase a tub of Souveran.) If you wish (though this is optional), you may apply a second thin coat, waiting 30 minutes to 12 hours between the coats (the longer the better). If you are using a synthetic sealant, you will want to allow it to cure for 12-24 hours before applying a second coat.

The above represents the counsel I gave to my 26 year old son when he asked me what he needed to do for his Mazda RX8. He was thrilled with the result. For most of us what is needed is a simple strategy that we can execute on a regular basis. Of course, if you catch the detailing bug, you can always expand and complicate your strategy. Like me, you may even eventually succumb and purchase a PC polisher. The important thing, though, is to wash and wax your car regularly.

Good luck.

I'm sure my fellow AutoGeek members will want to correct and expand upon my proposed strategy.

Cheers,
Al

[Wendell Jarvis]

Wash, clay, polish, paint cleanser, wax.

1. Referring to the "Cleanser" would that the same as ie....Meguiars Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner ?

2. I would be concerned that if you added a sealant it would not bond, WGDGPS

[Rsurfer]

1. Referring to the "Cleanser" would that the same as ie....Meguiars Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner ?

2. I would be concerned that if you added a sealant it would not bond, WGDGPS

Why wouldn't a sealant bond to a paint cleanser such as Meg's? Done it many times.

[Emile]

1.) Wash car.

2.) Use a pre-wax cleaner or spray the car down with 50:50 alcohol:water.

3.) Apply wax.

4.) Buff off wax and be on your way.

Anything more than that and you're crossing the line from "I want to make my car look good" to "I love detailing my car."

Make the choice and these fine forum members will show you the way.