Washing/waxing tips need
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From: Houston, Texas
Washing/waxing tips need I just bought a black '98 Trans Am that is immaculate. What washing and waxing steps should I take to keep it looking good? Keep in mind, I can't buy the expensive stuff. Thanks.
for weekly washings i use turtlewax car wash, turtle wax liquid claybar and finish it with turtle wax liquid ice. the liquid ice is a pain to get off, works best if you do the wax on wax off mr meyge move with a damp cloth and a dry cloth, but once you get the haze buffed out is is very very smooth and deep looking.
Use two sponges..............one for the dirty stuff(wheels fenders etc) and one for the hood and upper portions of the car. Just make sure to use a good clean sponge for washing. Also wash in a front to back motion...........if you do leave small scratches it will be hard to see them.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Amarillo, Texas
It doesn't necessarily take much money to maintain your finish properly.
Here's the way I recommend:
Supplies:
-car wash soap with high lubricity
-high quality sheepskin wash mitts
-foam gun (optional)
-2 buckets with grit guards for paint
-1 bucket and mitt for wheels
-high quality microfiber towels
-210+ mph electric leaf blower
-high quality sealant and/or wax
-quick detailer
Method:
-Wash wheels/tires/wells first to prevent spotting on paint and glass
-Don't use the same mitt or bucket for wheels that you use on your paint. The brake dust, etc. from your wheels will cause scratches and swirls in your paint.
-Using foam gun, cover vehicle in a thick layer of foam (optional)
-Use two buckets for washing paint. One with a soapy mixture, the other with plain water to rinse the mitt between panels.
-Never use circular motions. Always wash, dry, and wax using front to back and top to bottom motions.
-When vehicle is fully cleaned, allow a slow, steady stream of water to flow over each panel...sheeting the majority of the water off
-Use the leaf blower to blow all water from flat surfaces, mirrors, lights, etc.
-Remove any remaining water with a waffle weave drying towel and detail spray
*The less you touch the paint, the less chance of marring*
Keeping a good sealant and/or wax on the paint will assist in cleaning and reduce chances of marring.
Here's the way I recommend:
Supplies:
-car wash soap with high lubricity
-high quality sheepskin wash mitts
-foam gun (optional)
-2 buckets with grit guards for paint
-1 bucket and mitt for wheels
-high quality microfiber towels
-210+ mph electric leaf blower
-high quality sealant and/or wax
-quick detailer
Method:
-Wash wheels/tires/wells first to prevent spotting on paint and glass
-Don't use the same mitt or bucket for wheels that you use on your paint. The brake dust, etc. from your wheels will cause scratches and swirls in your paint.
-Using foam gun, cover vehicle in a thick layer of foam (optional)
-Use two buckets for washing paint. One with a soapy mixture, the other with plain water to rinse the mitt between panels.
-Never use circular motions. Always wash, dry, and wax using front to back and top to bottom motions.
-When vehicle is fully cleaned, allow a slow, steady stream of water to flow over each panel...sheeting the majority of the water off
-Use the leaf blower to blow all water from flat surfaces, mirrors, lights, etc.
-Remove any remaining water with a waffle weave drying towel and detail spray
*The less you touch the paint, the less chance of marring*
Keeping a good sealant and/or wax on the paint will assist in cleaning and reduce chances of marring.
