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30mpg · 03-28-2006, 08:35 PM

So -- I keep it pretty simple and am happy with my results. Wanted to give those that know better than I do a chance to share thoughts.

I use a cheap car-wash fluid. Had been using Zip-Wax Car Wash for about 15 years. Switched to Meguiars Car Wash fluid recently and am equally happy with the results. This leaves a thin layer of protection on the car and water does bead. Of course, I first rince the car with clean water at a low-medium pressure (not high!) and only then use a sheepskin-style sponge. I try to not let any part of the car dry with soap on. Then use a leather chammois to dry.

Every so often, I immediately follow the wash with a Meguiars #26. I will never wax unless I washed first, otherwise (even invisible) dust will cause scratches. Very simple to do, doesn't require a lot of elbow grease. This clearly makes water bead up.

If I'm really feeling work-happy, before I put the #26 on, I'll put a Meguiars #7 (show car glaze). This really does give an amazing deep shine, but needs a #26 afterwards to protect.

For the wax and glaze I use a CLEAN terry cloth to apply, and a CLEAN lint-free diaper-type cloth to remove. I find it important to keep changing the cloth when removing glaze or wax, even if the cloth looks clean, it seems to get clogged up reguarly. Also the applicator cloth gets caked on if not changed frequently enough.

I do one section of the body at a time, so as not to let it dry too long. I believe it's very important to, as all the instructions say, not do this in direct sunlight nor very hot climate. This cases the product to dry out and become very difficult to work with.

That's about it. I use either Armor All Tire stuff or the tire dressing du jour. I do not spray, as the instructions would have you do, because overspray gets onto the paint.

This results in an amazing looking car and a shine that lasts for some time.

Would appreciate any feedback on this, and hope it helps someone.

cheers,
Albert.

03-28-2006, 08:35 PM	#94 (permalink)
30mpg CO Touring, April '05 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 250 Images: 1	Mine looks great So -- I keep it pretty simple and am happy with my results. Wanted to give those that know better than I do a chance to share thoughts. I use a cheap car-wash fluid. Had been using Zip-Wax Car Wash for about 15 years. Switched to Meguiars Car Wash fluid recently and am equally happy with the results. This leaves a thin layer of protection on the car and water does bead. Of course, I first rince the car with clean water at a low-medium pressure (not high!) and only then use a sheepskin-style sponge. I try to not let any part of the car dry with soap on. Then use a leather chammois to dry. Every so often, I immediately follow the wash with a Meguiars #26. I will never wax unless I washed first, otherwise (even invisible) dust will cause scratches. Very simple to do, doesn't require a lot of elbow grease. This clearly makes water bead up. If I'm really feeling work-happy, before I put the #26 on, I'll put a Meguiars #7 (show car glaze). This really does give an amazing deep shine, but needs a #26 afterwards to protect. For the wax and glaze I use a CLEAN terry cloth to apply, and a CLEAN lint-free diaper-type cloth to remove. I find it important to keep changing the cloth when removing glaze or wax, even if the cloth looks clean, it seems to get clogged up reguarly. Also the applicator cloth gets caked on if not changed frequently enough. I do one section of the body at a time, so as not to let it dry too long. I believe it's very important to, as all the instructions say, not do this in direct sunlight nor very hot climate. This cases the product to dry out and become very difficult to work with. That's about it. I use either Armor All Tire stuff or the tire dressing du jour. I do not spray, as the instructions would have you do, because overspray gets onto the paint. This results in an amazing looking car and a shine that lasts for some time. Would appreciate any feedback on this, and hope it helps someone. cheers, Albert.