Detailing & Appearance Discuss washing, waxing and detailing information as well as interior/exterior cosmetic modifications. This includes neons, body, cosmetic wheels, etc. Even under the hood detailing.

Washing, waxing, and polishing advice

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Old 03-20-2007, 08:58 AM
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As was mentioned, you polish before you use wax or sealant. ScratchX is a decent one for use by hand. There are also some polishes by 1Z (sold online) that are supposed to be good for use by hand. Otherwise you are much better off buying a polisher to do polishing. It will be easier, and much quicker.

95SLE has a good process there for washing. Sol also hit it with the difference between wax and sealant. Collinite is one exception to the rule of short lasting waxes. I have 845 Insulator Wax on mine for over five months now. I think it is just about gone now, but it did a nice job. A common practice is to put a sealant on for the long protection, then let it cure for a day, and top with wax for the better look.
Old 03-20-2007, 03:36 PM
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Default wash and wax

I use windshield washer fluid on the glass. That is what you clean your windshield with and it is cheap. You can use any empty spray bottle as long as you rinse it out real good first.
Old 03-20-2007, 06:07 PM
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Grimm:
I use the 1Z line of polishes with a PC and I am pleased with the results.
Old 03-20-2007, 07:46 PM
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Default Re: wash and wax

Originally Posted by HLB
I use windshield washer fluid on the glass. That is what you clean your windshield with and it is cheap. You can use any empty spray bottle as long as you rinse it out real good first.
Washerfluid in an old Windex bottle works excellent.
All I would recommend is a good wash, dry, Clay bar, Polish, then wax afterward.
some polishes recommend that the car sit outside in the sun for a full day to allow it to "bake" Liquid glass is like that, IMO it is one of the better bangs for your buck.
Old 03-20-2007, 08:16 PM
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clay bar all your windows too. headlights, tail lights, etc. And when you are done with the car, do the wheels with it too. You must throw it away after the wheels though. You dont want to rub brake dust all over the car
Old 03-20-2007, 08:22 PM
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Default Re: wash and wax

Originally Posted by SSEimatt93
some polishes recommend that the car sit outside in the sun for a full day to allow it to "bake" Liquid glass is like that, IMO it is one of the better bangs for your buck.
Yes, I agree.

However, let'* not confuse terms. LG isn't a polish since it'* not an abrasive. It says 'polish' on the can, but it'* really not. Just a sealant...
Old 03-20-2007, 08:44 PM
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And a tip on the clay bar: cut it into two or three pieces. You don't need a big piece, and it will make it easier to knead when you are looking for a clean surface on the clay. I cut mine into three pieces, and usually can do at least one car from one piece depending on how contaminated it is.
Old 03-20-2007, 08:59 PM
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Plus if you drop it on the cement or dirt you won't ruin an entire bar.
Old 03-24-2007, 10:03 AM
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thansk everyone! that is excellent advice! Now I can truly make everyone on the road jealous, and they will wonder where my great cleaning expertise came from
Old 03-24-2007, 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Grimm
And a tip on the clay bar: cut it into two or three pieces. You don't need a big piece, and it will make it easier to knead when you are looking for a clean surface on the clay. I cut mine into three pieces, and usually can do at least one car from one piece depending on how contaminated it is.
Good tip. I'd claybar more but all I can find is the mother'* kit for like $15 bucks. Cutting it in thirds will save me a lot. Thanks!


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