Car Wax
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
Clay bar, a good polish to remove the swirls and oxidation (i use Griot's Garage Machine Polish #3), then a good paste or liquid wax. ( I use Griot's garage Pure Carnauba paste wax or Best of Show Liquid Wax) My truck is an '03 Bright Red F150. It looks awesome if you can do it a couple of times a year. The last thing I used was the Paint Sealant from Griot's Garage. The truck is too big to baby that many times a year, and my Cobra gets most of the attention. They say it will last a year. I'm on month 6 and it still beads up and looks awesome with just a wash.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: SANANTONIO, TX
eagle 1 nano wax, turtle wax, and 2001 wax mixed up with just a touch of (kit) scratch remover and man it looks great!!!!! then after i buff it out i go over it with eagle 1 wipe-n-shine just in case i left a few smudges any where. i have done this for about 8 yrs now with the mixed waxes (except 4 nano wax part and the wipe-n-shine)and i like it, some may frown on this but it works for me. (black, orange/yellow, red, silver) i just added some show car glaze to my mix but havent used it yet, gonna try in a few days. thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
I just did this to my truck no more than 3 weeks ago. I used a clay bar and removed all the build up that had accumalated for god knows how long. I then used a buffer that I hooked up to my air compressor (you can use an electric buffer too) and used a polish all over my truck. I definitely recommend using some sort of buffer. The results are well worth it. After all this, I used the buffer again and applied the wax. I have a 2000 F150 and I must say the paint looks like I just drove it off the lot. I am not partial to any particular brand of wax, but you should definitely invest a little more money and get a higher quality. Hope this helps
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 0
From: Maple Grove, PA
Zymol is what i use....it's not a reflective shine like most of the others it actually make the color look deeper......i also use a buffer to put on and take off with microcloth......for polishng i use claybar and then polish then Zymol and the truck always gets commented on how good the paint looks
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Lowsyana
Me too on the Zymol and Orbital buffer. I use the PortaCable series with a Micro-cloth bonnet. I don't use the Zymol from the storefronts...I ordered mine and will post the name when I get back home.
I also use the Mothers "Reflections" wax on my new Black truck. The first thing I did when I got home after buying the truck was to clay bar it and put two coats of the Mothers Reflections. I let it sit in the sun after the first coat the first day and then put the second coat on the next morning and let it set in the sun again. I topped it off with their detail spray just to go over everything. The clay bar will work you pretty hard, but it makes a huge difference. I've done it once a year on all my vehicles and they are just as slick as when I drove them home. I may switch to Mothers for good!
I also use the Mothers "Reflections" wax on my new Black truck. The first thing I did when I got home after buying the truck was to clay bar it and put two coats of the Mothers Reflections. I let it sit in the sun after the first coat the first day and then put the second coat on the next morning and let it set in the sun again. I topped it off with their detail spray just to go over everything. The clay bar will work you pretty hard, but it makes a huge difference. I've done it once a year on all my vehicles and they are just as slick as when I drove them home. I may switch to Mothers for good!
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Sonova Beach, FL
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
From: Mid Michigan
hands down for me collinites number 845 insulator wax. Goes on the easiest and off nice too but the shine is incredible. It does not work on chrome it leave it in streaks. The next best I like is hammerhead boatworks it absolutey goes on & off the easiest and shines awesome, hands down the best for multi surface cleaning /waxing. They also make many great products. Both are on the web..
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Somebody before mentioned Griot's. Griot's Garage IMO makes the best car care products on the market, bar-none. Pricey but well worth the money. Try to check out the website or order a catalog from them, you'll be impressed.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Lowsyana
I just made a big switch this past week and it's made a huge difference in the look of my black truck. I clay bar'd the whole thing and then wiped down with a microtowel then used a polish called HighTemp Light from Topoftheline.com Applied with a PorterCable 7442 orbital and then wiped the whole thing down with 90% alcohol and final rub with clean microtowel. Last step was with Trade Secret from the same company. It's 100% pure Ivory Carnuba. Nothing like the carnuba crap you get off the shelf. Hand apply and rub off within 1 minute. It goes on and off as easy as any Polymer Sealant. I've got 6 layers so far and it's a completely different look than Zymol.
I've definitley found a better product for my black beast.
I've definitley found a better product for my black beast.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Hi guys.
You are all pretty much awesome. My primary line is Meguiars for one reason - results.
Here's the drilll a professional will follow.
1. Wash with automotive shampoo
2. Clay bar the surface
3. Condition with glazes
4. Protect with wax or polymers.
Meguiars has several lines of products including Consumer, Mirror Glaze Professional, Detailer, Body Shop and even a Furniture line.
The red bottles are the Consumer line and although good are meant to be just their bread and butter products. Professional products are where the rubber hits the road.
In the Mirror Glaze line you'll find #26, #20, #16 and the latest NXT Tech Wax in liquid and paste. They also offer a spray wax booster. This is almost the best they make. Mirror glaze #21 is said to be NXT Tech Wax "on steroids".
You can see all these products on my website at www.drdetailforless.com. Let me know what you think and if I can supply your want list let me know that too.
Dr. Detail
You are all pretty much awesome. My primary line is Meguiars for one reason - results.
Here's the drilll a professional will follow.
1. Wash with automotive shampoo
2. Clay bar the surface
3. Condition with glazes
4. Protect with wax or polymers.
Meguiars has several lines of products including Consumer, Mirror Glaze Professional, Detailer, Body Shop and even a Furniture line.
The red bottles are the Consumer line and although good are meant to be just their bread and butter products. Professional products are where the rubber hits the road.
In the Mirror Glaze line you'll find #26, #20, #16 and the latest NXT Tech Wax in liquid and paste. They also offer a spray wax booster. This is almost the best they make. Mirror glaze #21 is said to be NXT Tech Wax "on steroids".
You can see all these products on my website at www.drdetailforless.com. Let me know what you think and if I can supply your want list let me know that too.
Dr. Detail
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: fort dodge iowa
i just did waxed mine last week i used Meguiars Liquid Glass it gave my shine like no other i did run a claybar across parts of it then waxed it with liquid glass...first time ive used it and im sure ill probabily use it again...
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Although not a wax, I prefer the Zaino polymer system. Water runs off of it like a ducks back and dirt, tar and other stuff cleans off much easier. It's easy to put on and maintain. Long, long lasting shine. I apply it ever 6 months, although, I can get it to last almost a year.
http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...gory_Code=WBVS
http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...gory_Code=WBVS