*Advance warning: after reading through numerous threads, everyone on here seems to go to great lengths to take care of their exteriors. I thought I did, then I became a member here..I look like a third grader compared to you guys I like washing/waxing and I want to take care of my brand new MINI, but I don't see myself going all out and buying a million things and doing it every weekend. I want a healthy, but simple, approach. So..here we go*

Color is LsB/black. I got it almost a week ago and I noticed this morning that rain water is sheeting, and even I know it's a tell-tale sign of "wax me!" syndrome. I've put in some extra hours this week and seeming I've got a busy weekend ahead and it's due to rain again next week, I want to get my first wash/wax in today. Thus, I don't really have time to go order a ton of crap online so I'll be hitting Autozone/Target and getting what I can.

My previous car was used but I enjoyed washing it and keeping it shiny and beady. (Go read the disclaimer again before reading this next sentence ) I always used NuFinish as my "wax"...now I know it's just a polish. I'd do it by hand 2-3 times a year since I was in college and it was generally tough to do it more than that. This past VA winter was especially brutal, we couldn't even find the hose until the beginning of April. I'm about to move into the city right outside of DC in an apartment, but I'll still have access to a driveway/hose/etc at an immediate family member's house.

So, here come the questions:
1) I know I should pick up some wax. Duh. Everyone on here raves about Epic but obviously my first wax will need to be store-bought. Any suggestions for LsB? Should I go synthetic or carnauba?

2) Before, I'd apply the NuFinish with a microfiber cotton towel. I still have a bunch, can I just keep using them? Again, trying not to have a million different things floating around my new apartment...

3) Any good use for the NuFinish polish? Maybe post-wax?

4) I plan on getting a claybar. Any specific kind better than another, or is it all generally the same? I doubt I'd need a claying now, the paint feels pretty darn smooth. So that could probably be ordered online if necessary

5) I always used a shammy cloth to dry my car, then another microfiber to get any pooled-water. Anything wrong with a shammy?

6) When it comes to waxing, is it bad to leave the wax on too long? I'd often wax two sections, go back and wipe off the first, then do another, then wipe the previous, etc etc etc. I'm wondering if it might be easier to just do an entire side, then go back, then do the back and front, go back, then do the other side, and go back.


I know these seem like the typical newbie questions, but I've done quite a bit of hunting through these threads and the amount of info is overwhelming. I have the time/resources to do a good job, I just don't want to have to buy a ton of all new stuff only to have to find somewhere to store it and figure out how I can afford the process. Yes, it's a $30k car and "$100 is nothing", but it just seems excessive to me, so work with me here

 

Lol once you experience "REAL" detailing supplies , its pretty hard to turn away. The difference in product is exceptional. Spend a few extra bucks and order from Octane Guy or Detailers Domain, you wont be disappointed. I personally use 1z einszett, german stuff... not too pricey but excellent results.


No shammy's, I used them on my older cars and now a waffle weave microfiber works better than anything I've dried with period. I will never use anything else other than a WW Microfiber.

Buy some good stuff, dont you think your first wax should be a good one? usually good waxes will last a good amount of time.

Whenever i do a full detail i use dawn soap to fully cleanse the paint of old wax etc. then clay the necessary areas.

If you do one FULL detail and a good one at that, it makes follow up washes a breeze as contaminates will not adhere to the paint as easy.

Im sure one of the pros will give ya some info and they are extremely knowledgeable. my .02


ps: i am def over the $400 dollar mark in products so i have tried a lot of stuff. Order some product vs the OC (over the counter) stuff. You WIIIIIILLLLLL see a difference.

For OC stuff i used to use meg. NXT paste

 

Deep breath,,,,,,,,,, This will probably light a few fuses. LOL
I found out by pure accident that there is a product called finish restorer, I think they renamed it to scratch and swirl remover, by 3M. It is tough to find anymore, but worth the hunt. Small black bottle and it was around $10. I am cheap and would not have paid that for a 12 oz. bottle if I would have known it, at first. Up side is it goes a long way.
Use an orbital polisher and work the stuff in, doing very small sections because tha stuff is hard to get off if it sits for any time. When you finish and things are to your liking, change bonnets and use your favoite "polish" with the obital polisher. It does a better job at polishing and floats all the restorer off thay you miss.
I could read a nametag in a Chevy Pickup from 15 feet away. It lasted for years and was a tough finish. I would polish one a year and really had a hard time telling the difference.

Good luck and congrats on the Mini.

 

Hi there whaoo_shoe,

I have been using the Zaino wash and wax system for a couple of years now. My husband first got it when he got his Infiniti G35, silver. I use it on my Chili Red Clubby and it makes her red paint sparkle and my black roof shine like a mirror. When I am out of the Zaino wash, I also use Mother's Gold which I think I saw in Target today. Zaino wax is a great product. The first application or 2 should be done with a special additive that you mix in (included with the kit), but follow up waxings can be done with the plain wax, as an in-between. I gave my Clubby 2 coats after I bought her in May, and I just gave her another coat 2 weekends ago. Last weekend, I applied an additional coat to the hood and roof. The black bonnet stripes and roof show water spots first, so I try to protect those the most. I live in South Florida and the rainy season can be brutal.

I am pretty sure that the manual recommmends carnuaba wax and possibly one other type, but go ahead and check.

For washing I use a super soft furry glove, almost like a chamois. For drying, we use only waffle weave microfiber cloths. I use 2 at a time; one cloth to remove most of the water, the second directly behind it to really dry the surface. And for the Zaino wax, I use a small round sponge applicator that is covered in cotton cloth.

For the black trim around the exterior (wheels. etc), I use Black Wow. You must apply this sparingly, and with a steady hand so as not to get it on your paint, but the black trim looks so good when you're done. I applied it in May, and again 3 weeks ago. Every few months should be good. Not only is the black trim dark and not too shiny, but I like that it really keeps the road grime from sticking. I use a small rectangular sponge to apply the Black Wow.

Finally, for the black interior and tires, I use Aerospace Protectant. I think my husband got it online, but maybe auto stores have it as well. It cleans, restores the black luster, and has a UV filter to protect the rubber/vinyl surfaces. I apply it with a microfiber cloth.

A last suggestion: consider getting a clear bra for your hood, grille, and sideview mirrors. I got one and it really protects against dings in the paint. The clear bra is a 3M product that gets applied right over the paint, and adheres until you have it removed. You should get it professionally installed, but it is a great investment to protect your MINI's beautiful exterior. If you are interested in learning about the clear bra, you can check the website of the place I went to, www.autosupershield.com.

Good luck!

 

Zaino



Lol just pushing your buttons

 

man, who are you guys?

 

Stay away PRIMA MAN

 

Well I think I'm just gonna cave and go the Prima route anyways. Everyone raves about Epic and I think I should do a synthetic wax anyways. I was thinking about going the carnauba route, but it appears to give a yellow glow to it, which would look terrible on Laser Blue. I want to bring out the deep cool hues, not give it warmth. That, and if this winter in DC is anything like the last...well, synthetic will make my heart happy(er) knowing something long-lasting is on there. It didn't go above freezing for 40 days last winter at one point..ugh

So, I'm just gonna do a wash today, that's it. I'll order some Epic and go buy a claybar. And what the heck, I'll get some Hydro. But that's it! No eight microfiber towels or teeny brushes or extra shiny glaze or whatever

Another question: if I use a microfiber towel to apply the Epic, can I wash it and then use it again? Or will the wax destroy my washing machine?

And I still don't understand the shammy hate. I love mine. It gets 95% of the water, the rest comes up with a single 24x24" towel...easypeasy.

 

they will scratch your paint sir! 1zeinszett FTW

 

 

 

I use Klasse every 6 months... so amateur!

 

No one mentions Griot's Garage.... why?



I've used them for years without issues.

 

Laureller... 1zeinszette for pepper white... "DO IT come on just DO IT"

 

Double post