what am I doing wrong/clear coat & wax Q's

[shaolinfox30]

Hello all. NOOB here looking for suggestions. I recently had my Trans Am re-painted OEM red and PPG gold flake with clear on top of course. Nothind has EVER touched the paint except for micro fiber hash mitt, micro fiber wax applicator, micro fiber ploishing cloth and chamois for drying. I am currently using Poorboy's blue paste. When ever I wash I try to not use a lot of pressure and when drying I try to let the chamois "drag" accross on it's own weight. I am starting to see some light swirls in the clearcoat. Whe I wash/wax I try to use up/down or back/forth movements so as to not introduce swirlies. I guess my question is two fold: 1. what am I doing wrong and 2. what would be a suggestion for a new wax product under $40 (my poorboy container is getting low) I am intrigued by the dodo orange crush. Thanks

[jamesboyy]

Welcome to autogeek, swirls will happend no matter how hard you try just keep it to minimum so that around summer you can polish it to back flawless but I would diss the chamois and get a waffle weave cobra guzzler it soaks up more water and softer on the paint

[shaolinfox30]

Thank you. What would you suggest for a wax product that has great shine and also lasts more than a couple of weeks/ a couple of washes?

[trekkeruss]

If you want something longer lasting, don't use a wax, use a sealant (and if you want something that lasts longer than a sealant, use a coating). What is confusing is that some sealants are called wax.

Currently I am using Meguiar's Ultimate, which they call a wax, but it is really a sealant. I am happy with it. Of course Autogeek has lots to choose from; you can read user reviews to help you find one you like.

[shaolinfox30]

Thank you much!

[dpk20x]

If you want more shine you should polish your car. Then lock in that shine with a good coat of wax or a sealant or coating.

[281]

Are you using a 2-bucket wash method with grit guards?

[mac11wildcat]

Was going to ask the same question. That will help, but some swirls and scratches are inevitable. Do (or pay for, wherever you are in your detailing journey) a 100% full blown paint prep once with a full correction and then seal it and maintain. When its corrected and sealed nicely dirt has a MUCH harder time adhering to the paint and sometimes all thats needed is a rinse.

[cleanmycorolla]

"chamois drag" is where i figured it all went wrong......

get some micorfibers and a nice drying aid.

[lokerola]

I used a chamois on my 11 Charger - swirl city.

Switch to microfiber towels for drying. As others noted you should polish first since you have some swirls, then wax/seal.

Collinite 845 is my go-to wax. YMMV.

** EDIT - Nice Tans Am!