With much experimenting I think I've come up with a six step bulletproof method for a great and long lasting shine. After this, you'll be ready for the show!
OK, so where do you start? First is a trip to the local auto parts store to pick up some necessary products. In this list of items I've mentioned brand name. This is only because these are the ones I use and have had great success with. If you find a equivalent or better product, feel free to substitute it. The real trick to success here is the application. Pick up these items:
It's important that the car is completely clean before doing any of the waxing. This insures that there is no dirt or dust on the paint that might scratch the surface. Add the appropriate amount of car wash soap to a warm bucket of water. Rinse down the car first with high-pressure water. Now, starting from the top of the car (ie: roof) wash it down with the soapy water and the sheep-skin hand mitt. Try to break it up into sections and between sections rinse the soap off (ie: wash roof and hood then rinse. Wash the upper half of the sides then rinse again...) Keep in mind, when rinsing don't use the high pressure wash. Remove the nozzle and just let the water flow out. The water will sheet off and leave less beads of water...meaning less water spots!
Dry the car with the chamois.
Approx. Time: 60 minutes
The pre-wax cleaner will help to remove any of the old wax, oxidation, and contaminants that are stuck to the paint. This is not a step that needs to be done everytime you wax, only about every second or third wax application.
Apply the pre-wax cleaner to a clean terry cloth and apply to the car's paint. Make sure this is done in a cool, shaded area. Do this to approximately a 3 foot by 3 foot section then buff it off gently with another clean terry cloth. When buffing, turn the cloth over frequently. Repeat this application/buffing until the car is complete.
Approx. Time: 60 minutes
The sealer helps to seal in the paint with an extra layer of protection and also helps to reduce fine swirl marks. This step does need to be done everytime you wax. To some, it may seem like an unnecessary step, but I think the results speak for themselves.
The application is much the same as the pre-wax cleaner. Apply the sealer to the car's paint using a clean terry cloth. Make sure this is done in a cool, shaded area. Do this to approximately a 3 foot by 3 foot section then buff it off gently with another clean terry cloth when it starts to haze. Do not leave the sealer on for too long as it will be extremely hard to buff off later. When buffing, turn the cloth over frequently. Repeat this application/buffing until the car is complete.
Approx. Time: 45 - 60 minutes
In between the sealer and waxing steps, an application of the detailer spray (note: In my experience, Mothers Showtime seems to be the best) should be used. It will clean up any left over sealer left on the paint after the buffing and helps to bring out the gloss in the paint.
Apply it as per the manufacturer's instructions. Spray it on, wipe it with a cotton terry cloth and gently buff it with another dry terry cloth.
Approx. Time: 15 minutes
The wax is the final layer of protection for your paint and that mirror like finish. This step does need to be done everytime, the sealer does a good job but that extra layer of protection does make a difference.
The application is much the same as the pre-wax cleaner and the sealer. Apply the carnuaba wax to the car's paint using a clean terry cloth. Make sure this is done in a cool, shaded area. Do this to approximately a 3 foot by 3 foot section then buff it off gently with another clean terry cloth when it starts to haze. Do not leave the wax on for too long as it will be extremely hard to buff off later. When buffing, turn the cloth over frequently. Repeat this application/buffing until the car is complete.
Approx. Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Steps three to five only need to be done twice a year. If you wish to do it more frequently then be my guest. In between these periods, repeat step four and use the detailer spray to help maintain the paint's glossy finish. I recommend using the detailer spray everytime you finish washing and drying your car. This way you you can spray and buff the finish without having to worry about fine scratches from dust. Ever thought the manufacturer states you can use the detailer spray to clean off light dirt and dust, DON'T! If it's just a light dust cover, use something like the California Duster before using the detailer spray to gentle dust-off the paint's surface.
Approx. Time: 15 minutes
I also endorse the Zaino Bros products as well. They carry an excellent line of products that produce great results. They are a little more money than the products I've recommended above, but they cut down on detailling time and to some that can be worth the extra cost alone.
Hope I've been helpful and happy detailing!
