Any car detailers out there? Best wax...

Midcoastcustoms

Midcoastcustoms

"Live life like the captain of a sinking ship"
Spring is here and its time to wax the cars. I was wondering if there was any DTTer's out there who possibly detail for a living and what products they are using? I am looking for something that can be applied by hand not machine (polisher).
 
No such thing as best wax, it comes down to prep work. Your paint has to be flawless before applying any wax, most of todays waxes (store bought) are good. I know you said hand applied, so this what I would recommend:

Wash with Dawn dishing soap
Buy good quality microfiber towels
Wet sand any imperfection
Tape or remove any emblems
Apply wax according to manufacture
Buy a bottle of quick detailer Use a MF towel to apply

The luster won't last that long on a gas tank due to fuel spills when filling, but if you are careful or carry MF towel to wipe right away you should be okay. You can also buy a wax that has fillers, it's a temporary fix to swirl marks.

Hope this helps
 
Sorry I didn't realize you said cars, wax on wax off. You can follow the steps I mention but there nothing like using a machine polisher. I use to detail my own cars before but it's too much work so I stopped. Everyday I go to work I have to pass a gravel pit and there is dust from truck going in and out, even worst their street sweeper causes more dust, so my car would be dirty the next. You never want to use a quick detailer over dust or use those mops you see at the auto part store.
 
I had always heard that you did not want to use dawn to wash. Since it is a degreasing detergent, it actually strips wax. But that is what I have been told...
 
t71ford said:
I had always heard that you did not want to use dawn to wash. Since it is a degreasing detergent, it actually strips wax. But that is what I have been told...
Click to expand...

True, this step is to strip old wax and to start clean, I only recommend this step when you want to start fresh. After a car has been waxed you should use a good quality car wash soap there after.
 
I agree... dawn will strip old wax, if that is what you are intending. The original palmolive is a great car wash soap to use between waxes (is that a word?)

I really like Meguiars #26 wax for dark colored paint. Meguiars will require some time. Apply to small areas, then immediately remove (I usually use 3 microfiber towels, one damp to apply and the other 2 dry to remove).

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+YELLOW+16

For lighter colors like white or silver, Race Glaze Polish/Sealant works really well.

http://www.raceglaze.com/polish.html


Race Glaze is super easy. Apply using a damp microfiber towel to 1/2 of the car, then remove. Then the other half of the car. Done.
 
Palmolive is probably has harsh as dawn, but I'll bet your hands would be softer too, that Madge would approve.
 
Mequire Gold Standard paste wax. Follow instructions and it is fairly easy on-off.Use micro fiber towel to get off.Wash car after wax with COLD water. Really shines.bj
 
i use water dry it then apply plexus kinda expensive but leave a nice shine.. kick ass use a micro fiber rag tho...
 
Carnauba wax. Looks like hard yellow floor wax my mother used on hardwood floors. Most of the major companies produce it, but I'm sure Maguiars does because I have some.
Make sure the car is nice and clean and apply a nice even coat a panel at a time and polish it off when it dries to a haze.


38 years painting cars. 1 Porsche Club of America 1st prize for early 356 class twenty five years ago. I finished with carnauba on that car.
 
most any wax will do...

prep work is key though. If you want to do a detail RIGHT, expect to spend 4 or more hours on it. Start with a nice hosing down, lather with soap, hose down again, and then clay bar. youll be shocked how much dirt is embedded into your paint.

another tip.... always use a good vinyl/rubber spray on your door seals. keeps them from drying out. Learned that tip from my uncle who has owned and maintained a 1967 Mini and which still had all the seals in mint condition 43 years later.
 
Thanks for all the input guys. After talking to a few detailers I ended up ordering some wax from this company http://www.collinite.com/ . I guess they have been around since 1912 and are from New York. I found a seller on e-bay that offered 3 of their waxes (915,476,845) for $49.95. Never used any of there products but am excited to give them a try.
 
kustomizingkid said:
I pay the bills detailing... love doing it, gives me a chance to work on cars I'm only in the dreaming point of owning.

Best wax is all opinion based... but for the money my favorite go to is Colinite 845, super durable, super easy to apply, love the stuff.

http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/collinite/466.html

If anyone is interested I can put together a thread with all my bike detailing tips and product suggestions...
Click to expand...
Actually I do have a few questions for you. I was taught to polish/wax by people who learned the old school ways on single stage paint (no clear coat) obviously a lot has changed since then. The two products I usually use to polish are wizard's turbo cut, then 3m perfect it, and then wax after that. The turbo cut takes care of any thing after 1000 grit wet color sanding. I still use these methods with single stage urethane without clear with really good results. My question is whats the best way to polish a clear coated car/bike or is it even necessary before waxing? Also post a thread about detailing with methods and products that have worked well for you. I'm sure many people would appreciate that.
 
First question is what are you using to polish, power tools, by hand? DA buffer, rotary, or one of those useless 10" RO units?

Second what type of buffing pads are you using? Microfiber, foam, cotton?

The proper compounds depend more on what buffer, and pads you are are using than the type of paint.
 
kustomizingkid said:
First question is what are you using to polish, power tools, by hand? DA buffer, rotary, or one of those useless 10" RO units?

Second what type of buffing pads are you using? Microfiber, foam, cotton?

The proper compounds depend more on what buffer, and pads you are are using than the type of paint.
Click to expand...
The polisher I have rarely gets used its a 9" (Wen?) 1000-3000 rpm with a cotton pad. The next car I am going to detail is a black 2004 Pontiac Gran Prix. I always clay bar first then would like to polish/clean by hand before a waxing and was thinking of using Meguiar's Deep Crystal Cleaner because its non abrasive. Then wax with collinite marque d'elegance. Since this is what you do any insite would be greatly appreciated. Honestly I i don't trust my skills enough to touch a black car with a machine polisher.
 
Ohhh man, where to start...

I guess it really depends on how serious you are, if you are will to spend a little more money to get better supplies or just want to go ahead and improve your skills with the
current buffer.
 
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