Hi All,

Since I bought my S about 6 months ago, I haven't really done much hardcore detailing (ie waxing and polishing) other than regular washings, etc. The car's paint is in pretty good shape (you can see a few swirls/marks in direct light, but other than that, it's close to flawless). Since I purchased the car, I've been taking care of it in the following manner:

I start with the wheels and use sonus wheel cleaner with a meguiar's wheel brush
Then I wash the car using NXT generation car shampoo in combination with a wool wash mitt, an OXO car body brush, and a small sponge for bug and other road tar.
To dry the car, I use the waterfall sheeting method to get rid of most of the water and then follow up with a california water blade, and a meguiar's waffle weave drying towel. I use stoners on the windows.
For the interior, I protect all of the vinyl pieces with 303 and clean and protect the leather with zaino z9 and z10.

First of all, any comments on what I've been doing so far? Is there anything I'm missing that I should get? Or is there something I should stop using.

Now, what I'm really interested in getting an opinion on is what products and methods I should use to protect and shine my paint. I've read a good bit of this site, but I'm still a little hazy on the difference between polishers, waxes, and sealants as well as what products are best etc etc. At this point in time, I can't really afford to buy a PC and all the accessories I would need nor do I really want to get that hardcore about it. WIth that in mind, what should I be doing to protect and shine my paint? Just clay and wax? If so, what products should I use and any tips how to apply them would be appreciated. Thanks and sorry for the long post!

 

As they say "the best offense is a good defense." The best way you can keep your car shiney is to prevent swirls. With that in mind, I would dump the CA water blade and OXO wash brush from your regimen. When used properly they probably won't cause swirls, but it's quite easy to misuse products like wash brushes or the CA Water Blade. So, IMO it's better to just not use them because they really don't add anything to your regimen. Also, get yourself a Grit Guard to put at the bottom of your wash bucket. This will keep the dirt in your wash water at the bottom of your bucket and therefore away from your paint.

 

My suggestion; since the paint is still good, just hit it up with a coat of wax every time you wash. That will keep it looking good for now. Then maybe every 3 or 4 months hit it up with a light polish. As for your interior work, well, you don't need to clean your seats all the time, just keep them protected like the rest of your interior. Cleaning shouldn't have to be done more than two times a year.

 

Thanks for the advice guys - very helpful! Marc, what products would qualify as a light polish? Any suggestions? Can I apply it by hand? Also, what waxes would you guys recommend? I might sound like an extreme detailing newbie by asking this, but what is the proper way to wax? How much wax do you put on the applicator and how often do you need to flip/replace the applicator while you're doing a wax job. Sorry for all the questions!

 

a light polish would be any swirl remover or paint cleaner-
they are best applied with a machine. to really get them to work by hand you would have a very sore hand and arm!! (been there, done that)

after you get the paint nice and polished:

for your wax, i think that the best first timers wax is p21s- a carnuba.
you wipe it on with the applicator that they give you, in a small section (apply front to back the way the wind blows over the car)- and wipe it off immediately with a good qualify micro fiber towel.
any protectant should be applied as thin as you can-

 

Thanks for the suggestion wanabe. Out of curiousity, what do you think of Klasse all in one? A lot of people seem to like it and they mention that it's a light polish and an acrylic wax. Also, what type of applicators do you guys use? I was thinking about getting some of those foam applicators with the handle from autopia. Anyone here have experience with them? I like them because it seems like I could just wash out the wax in the sink when it starts getting caked on there instead of using multiple applicators.

 

when customers ask me to keep it easy and simple as i assumed from your post..

I do wash, clay, (sometimes even pass on clay) , then NXT paste and that's it. Why ? easy to apply, easy to remove no real hassles.. the nxt tends to do a good job removing oxidation even by hand application

 

You didn't mention anything about your top. I use Ragtopp about once a month. I apply with a sponge and buff with a microfiber towel. Top looks great! Seems to last longer than the 303.

 

Thanks Redchili! I've been meaning to pick up some raggtop. Man...detailing really burns a hole in your wallet, doesn't it? Ehh, whatever...It's worth it

I've decided that I'm going to go with Klass AIO. Should I just top this with a carnuba like p21s for some extra pop? Any other suggestions?

 

A wax is a wax. I've used tons of different brands, and not one has been CLEARLY better than the rest. No need to use a wax on top of a wax. The Klasse should be sufficient.