DrBlockHed

I've just started buying some stuff to clean my car for real. I wasn't aware how involved cleaning your car properly was.

I have black powder coated OE rims, I just want to ensure that Sonax wheel cleaner is safe on them? This seems to be one of the better wheel cleaners out there.

Also, I bought some blackfire gloss enhancing polish and wax, is it ok to use Adams detail spray and clay on it? GoFast in his thread said to use the same stuff, I wasn't aware that all of Adam's stuff is USA made, this is why I am consider switching.

Also any other tips on my first real clay/wash/wax? (I'm aware of the 2 bucket grit guard washing and am going to get a foam gun).

My car is white btw

DrBlockHed

Anyone?

ss4chad

iTrader: (26)

In my opinion it doesnt matter what soap you use to wash the car or wheels, except for Purple Power, DO NOT use that on your car. It will eat the clear coat off. The quality of cleanliness comes from how mush effort you put into it. A good hand job goes a long way no matter what soap you use!

I have bought expensive signature soaps before and they did well. I also used Baby Shampoo & Dawn and got the same results for more than half the price. The only difference is that the signature soaps are not as harsh and will make your last wax job last longer. But thats why they sell detailer wax in a spray bottle, you wash the car with Dawn and then hit it with a detailer spray wax and your good to go! Wax the car twice a year and you have a good protective coating.

This is just my opinion but I have 3 vehicles that I maintain in this manner and they all shine like new money!

Chad

BAD2theBONE

I also have an Arctic White Camaro SS and I find Meguiars to work very well... needing to wax mine here this weekend. White sure is a PIA to keep clean!

VAformula

iTrader: (8)

Just a small tip if you've never used the clay bar before, Don't rub too hard, the clay will leave a white residue which isn't that bad, but it needs to be buffed out or it will leave an odd looking patch on your car. Just make sure you keep the bar wet and the car and everything should come out looking great

BAD2theBONE

I've never used a clay bar before so what are the steps?

Wash, clay, wax?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Amen..........


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LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Yes. But keep the surface to be clays very soapy and wet.....or you'll damage the clear coat.

Wash, clay, wash again, then polish/wax.

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beyonddisturbed

iTrader: (5)

I keep a little container of water with a couple drops of dawn in it for while I am claying.

Adam's Polishes

Glad to hear you are considering our products!

Our Car Wash Shampoo is pH neutral, so it's a extremely gentle, yet effective cleaner for wheels with a delicate finish. Being pH neutral also insures that it won't degrade any protection that's currently on your finish.

If you need a little more aggressive cleaning power, our Green Wheel Cleaner fits the bill. It's designed to remove metallic-based contaminants (think brake dust) from wheels while still remaining safe for use on delicate finishes.

Our Clay Bar and Detail Spray work perfect together and will not react with any other products.

You're on the right track with the two bucket wash method. Be sure to use high quality wash pads/merino wool mitts to ensure you aren't inflicting and damage into your finish.

Lastly, detailing products don't care what color your paint is, you're only working in the clear coat. Most of the color specific products on the market contain dyed fillers in them that quickly degrade over time, so beware of those.


P.S. keep an eye out for a new product we will be releasing VERY soon that is an alternative to one of the ones I mentioned above.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

If you aren't planning on doing any polishing try and get the finest grade clay you can. Use lots of detail spray. Glide it over the paint and don't try to push down to hard. If you try and press too hard it can cause micro marring.