So I had to stop by one of those Simoniz express car wash places the other day. I had to go out of town for a funeral and wanted to have a clean car for the trip knowing i'd encounter love bugs and the like.

Anyway, the guy sold me on the express wax for 39.99. Applied with an random orbital sander type deal and then hand buffed off. I was quite pleased with the results, even more so after I went back through a car wash and the bugs were basically falling off the car on the rinse.

So my question to all you serious detailers:

I need recommendations for a random orbital applicator, and a good 'express' wax that I can do myself.

 

I've been using a Porter-Cable random orbital buffer for 6 years and would highly recommend it. Easy to learn to use it and many, many hours of trouble-free operation. The model I have is 7336.

Also recommend the Prima line of polishes and wax products.

 

+1 on the Porter Cable

I would guess the express wax was a synthetic if applied with the PC. Sometimes I use Menzerna Full Metal Jacket (FMJ).

You might consider using a glaze......great for making us amateurs look like pros LOL

Spend some time at www.autopia.org . An orbital can do more than put wax on too.

 

Btw.... not sure what you mean by "express" wax. You want a fast wax job just for a quick way to make your MINI presentable... use whatever strikes your fancy.

But if you're serious enough to invest in a r/o buffer, then you should also be serious enough to spend the time properly detailing and maintaining your paint.... claying, polishing, waxing.

Yes ?

 

Griot's Garage 6" and 3" Variable Speed Random Orbital's...


you can't go wrong!!

 

I intend to get more serious about it in 3 months when I have a garage to work out of. But for now I'd just like to keep a quick coat of something on it that 1) keeps it presentable 2) keeps it somewhat protected from the every day stuff.

the stuff they used was Simoniz Express Wax

 

If you want to apply the wax with the r/o buffer, go ahead and buy one as it will be well used when you get serious about caring for the paint. Me... still prefer to apply wax by hand.

Never used that wax but pretty much all wax is "express". By the time you get around the whole car, the first panel you applied will be dry enough to buff off... unless it's a very humid day.

Go with a long lasting wax instead of worrying about an express one.

 

+1 I use all the Griot's stuff. Easy to use and consistent.

 

I use Prima Hydro after every wash and it stays looking freshly waxed and protected. Super easy and fast. Faster to dry the car with it than without. Tons of threads on here about it.

 

Tech Wax 2.0 - I can wax my entire crew cab truck bed cover and all in a couple hours with it by hand. Beads like crazy.

They also carry a polisher here.

 

I agree with Mini44----the very definition of "express wax" is Prima Hydro. Just spray it on and you'll actually have better durability and less potential damage to your paint than the $40 Express Wax you chose.

You can buy several bottles of Hydro that will last you through the year for that amount of money.

But as to your question, you don't need a random orbital buffer to apply a wax. Prima has 3 wonderful hand applied waxes depending on your preference. Actually they have 4, but one of them gets the best results using a buffer.

Prima Hydro (Hand--spray on)
Prima Hydro Seal (Hand--wipe on)
Prima Banana Gloss (Hand -- wipe on)
Prima Epic (Hand or buffer)


With Prima Hydro, you can wash your MINI, and simply spray on Hydro before you dry it and you'll find significantly improved gloss. We use Hydro on the Fisker Karma's which we maintain every one to two weeks. When they come back from days of road grime testing with bug juice all over the front end, the water beads nice and large and the bugs rinse off with just a hose. This is only washing and Hydroing.

In case you aren't familiar with the Fisker Karma, here it is. Washed with Prima Mystique and waxed with Hydro. Takes about 1 hour from beginning to end with our 25 step process.

 

Richard,

I'm very curious to know what your 25 step process is?

Nick

PS As for express wax, you can't beat Hydro.

 

What about the black wheel arches etc - Does Prima Hydro leave a white residue on them?

 

Never has for me.

Then again, I never use it as THE wax on my MINIs. I use it to supplement my main layers of wax (Prima Epic--which will turn your arches white). So I used Hydro sparingly, spritz it lightly on my car about every other wash.

 

What website has the best price looks spendy.

 

In my experience, vendor prices don't vary much. Hydro is not cheap but a 16 oz bottle will last about 15 washes or more.

I buy it by the gallon... cheaper per ounce, naturally.