Waxing technique
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4th Gear
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Waxing technique
What is a good technique to use for waxing your car? I used to use a machine buffer but I'm not too sure about them anymore (afraid of swirls). I was thinking of just waxing it by hand using a microfiber towel is that what you guys use?
6th Gear
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I do my MINI ( using Klasse All-In-One and High Gloss Sealant Glaze) by hand. No need for power equipment with this product really. I also use the best microfiber I can find. Next time I might use my microfiber applicator pad and my concours buffing cloth (which I really like).
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Henderson, Nevada, USA
Greetings,
Much has been written and there are many opinions on this subject. My '04 MCS is Blk/Wht and very easily "spiderwebbed" I use Griot's products www.griotsgarage.com but there are many opinions on this too. You can visit their web site for more information about the subject. Generally you must wax a very clean car. Be aware of anything that is stuck or embedded in the paint as even the smallest particle can create those spiderweb scratches. Avoid the temptation to "dust" your car with anything other than a duster made specifically for that purpose and even then do it carefully. So after a good wash I clay bar the whole thing. Then I use a foam applicator to apply a very thin coat of wax (more is not better in this case). After it has dried to a haze I wipe it off with a clean cotton cloth by hand. Whatever you are rubbing on your paint, to dry, clean, polish or wax beware of anything that has polyester fibers as it can create spiderweb scratches too. Read the label of anything you use carefully; often 100% cotton cloths are seamed around the edges with poly thread! you can buy proper polishing clothes from Griot's and other suppliers specifically made for waxing. They may seem $$ but compared to keeping your car looking good they are worth it. Griots has a book on detailing (Car Care for the Perfectionist)that I think is worth the money but you can probably get enough education on the subject on this site to get your ride sparkling and keep it that way. I have four other cars including two classics and I use the same products and procedures on the as well. Hope this helps.........................mgg
Much has been written and there are many opinions on this subject. My '04 MCS is Blk/Wht and very easily "spiderwebbed" I use Griot's products www.griotsgarage.com but there are many opinions on this too. You can visit their web site for more information about the subject. Generally you must wax a very clean car. Be aware of anything that is stuck or embedded in the paint as even the smallest particle can create those spiderweb scratches. Avoid the temptation to "dust" your car with anything other than a duster made specifically for that purpose and even then do it carefully. So after a good wash I clay bar the whole thing. Then I use a foam applicator to apply a very thin coat of wax (more is not better in this case). After it has dried to a haze I wipe it off with a clean cotton cloth by hand. Whatever you are rubbing on your paint, to dry, clean, polish or wax beware of anything that has polyester fibers as it can create spiderweb scratches too. Read the label of anything you use carefully; often 100% cotton cloths are seamed around the edges with poly thread! you can buy proper polishing clothes from Griot's and other suppliers specifically made for waxing. They may seem $$ but compared to keeping your car looking good they are worth it. Griots has a book on detailing (Car Care for the Perfectionist)that I think is worth the money but you can probably get enough education on the subject on this site to get your ride sparkling and keep it that way. I have four other cars including two classics and I use the same products and procedures on the as well. Hope this helps.........................mgg
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Brookline, MA
Exactly what I do...
Originally Posted by jds
I do my MINI ( using Klasse All-In-One and High Gloss Sealant Glaze) by hand. No need for power equipment with this product really. I also use the best microfiber I can find. Next time I might use my microfiber applicator pad and my concours buffing cloth (which I really like).
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
You definitely want to use quality microfiber towels to remove the wax and solid foam applicators are the best and most consistant applicator to use for wax application.
Here's a great article on how to wax your car. Check the other articles on the site. ALso check the product reviews on Autopia
Be sure to choose quality products. Polymer sealants like Zaino or Klasse offer superior durability and high gloss. Carnaubas like P21S or Pinnacle have rich, deep finishes but require more frequent re-application. There are dozens of brands and choices. It depends upon your goals. If you have any questions let us know!
Send us pictures of the results!
Here's a great article on how to wax your car. Check the other articles on the site. ALso check the product reviews on Autopia
Be sure to choose quality products. Polymer sealants like Zaino or Klasse offer superior durability and high gloss. Carnaubas like P21S or Pinnacle have rich, deep finishes but require more frequent re-application. There are dozens of brands and choices. It depends upon your goals. If you have any questions let us know!
Send us pictures of the results!
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 586
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From: Santa Barbara
Our MINIs are such great cars for washing by hand because of their size. It does not take me very much time at all too wash and wax by hand so I have not considered using a powered orbital. I ordered the kit from Zaino after hearing about it here on NAM and over on AUTOPIA. This stuff is easy to remove unlike other wax. I would recommed using a clay bar while your car is still new to remove contaminants from your paint. I knew very little about the correct way to detail a car until I got my MINI. I used to just use dishsoap and thought that a car shampoo/wash was a waste and I never used any special towels, just old beach and bath towels.
I washed and waxed my mom's Camry the other day and even though it's no Suburban it took forever compaired to my MINI and my arms were getting a work out.
I washed and waxed my mom's Camry the other day and even though it's no Suburban it took forever compaired to my MINI and my arms were getting a work out.
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4th Gear
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I'll be sure to get pictures once it arrives (if it ever does 
). Thanks for all the tips and links. I think I am going to use the klasse all in one since it seems like the easiest ones to use. Is autopia a cheap place to get them? And how long would a 33 oz bottle last me or a 10oz one?
). Thanks for all the tips and links. I think I am going to use the klasse all in one since it seems like the easiest ones to use. Is autopia a cheap place to get them? And how long would a 33 oz bottle last me or a 10oz one?
Last edited by danbanger; Jul 21, 2004 at 02:53 PM.
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4th Gear
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From: Santa Barbara
I'd recommed buying the smaller bottle. That way you can see if you like it and even the small size should last a year or so (12+ applications). I don't know about shelf life but the big one would last years, unless you have lots of cars to wax.
I just went over to Autopia to check out your item and ended up buying 2 Chenille wash mits, 1Z Insect and Tar pre-cleaner, and a new Ulitmate Drying Towel in an exciting new color! Last time I washed my MINI I had bird do-do and other stuff dried on and I ended up scrubbing pretty hard to remove it. Thanks to BradB I will now use the correct procedure. I have the 1Z Leather cleaner and I think they are good products.
PS I checked here on NAM for the items and would have purchased here but no UDT, must be out of stock. Seems like the two stores are identical, at a glance.
I just went over to Autopia to check out your item and ended up buying 2 Chenille wash mits, 1Z Insect and Tar pre-cleaner, and a new Ulitmate Drying Towel in an exciting new color! Last time I washed my MINI I had bird do-do and other stuff dried on and I ended up scrubbing pretty hard to remove it. Thanks to BradB I will now use the correct procedure. I have the 1Z Leather cleaner and I think they are good products.
PS I checked here on NAM for the items and would have purchased here but no UDT, must be out of stock. Seems like the two stores are identical, at a glance.
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
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Meguiars NXT Tech Wax and a Porter Cable DA Polisher!!! It's fun, won't introduce swirls, and takes all the elbow grease out. You'll still be sweating holding on to this vibrating machine, but your hands won't be sore from rubbing all day. LOL
Don't use a machine buffer or anything that just spins on one axis. Use an Orbital with the appropriate foam polishing pad, and you'll be fine!
Richard
Don't use a machine buffer or anything that just spins on one axis. Use an Orbital with the appropriate foam polishing pad, and you'll be fine!
Richard
Originally Posted by danbanger
What is a good technique to use for waxing your car? I used to use a machine buffer but I'm not too sure about them anymore (afraid of swirls). I was thinking of just waxing it by hand using a microfiber towel is that what you guys use?
Last edited by OctaneGuy; Jul 22, 2004 at 08:29 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: St. Louis
danbanger: Yea, the small bottle will be fine. This stuff goes a long way. Of course, you can always wax the shower glass, bathtub, refrigerator, your bike....
sbgobig: Ha! You are hooked! I love it! I agree, 1Z products are great. I just tested their glass cleaner and it absolutely ROCKS! Puts all else to shame and I have about 10 different brands on my shelves.
OctaneGuy: Yep, my "PC" is my best friend. The random orbital polisher is so safe and user friendly every enthusiest should have one.
I have a wonderful Makita Rotary buffer (affectionately known as Big Momma) which I use for big jobs or removing deep scratches. But as you mention, you can do great harm with one if you are not skilled with it. (Don't ask how I know!
)
sbgobig: Ha! You are hooked! I love it! I agree, 1Z products are great. I just tested their glass cleaner and it absolutely ROCKS! Puts all else to shame and I have about 10 different brands on my shelves.
OctaneGuy: Yep, my "PC" is my best friend. The random orbital polisher is so safe and user friendly every enthusiest should have one.
I have a wonderful Makita Rotary buffer (affectionately known as Big Momma) which I use for big jobs or removing deep scratches. But as you mention, you can do great harm with one if you are not skilled with it. (Don't ask how I know!
)
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
Hope you didn't learn about the Makita Rotary on your MINI!!!
Originally Posted by BradB
OctaneGuy: Yep, my "PC" is my best friend. The random orbital polisher is so safe and user friendly every enthusiest should have one.
I have a wonderful Makita Rotary buffer (affectionately known as Big Momma) which I use for big jobs or removing deep scratches. But as you mention, you can do great harm with one if you are not skilled with it. (Don't ask how I know! )
I have a wonderful Makita Rotary buffer (affectionately known as Big Momma) which I use for big jobs or removing deep scratches. But as you mention, you can do great harm with one if you are not skilled with it. (Don't ask how I know!
)
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4th Gear
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Woke up early this mourning and since I had no class I went to the local car store and got some 
Meguiar's NXT Gen Tech wax. Waxed my 4runner and it looks great! Seems to shine a lot more than the mothers wax I used to use :smile: Great day for washing cars today, cloudy and 70 degree temperatures.
At first I think I was applying too much wax since it was pretty difficult to remove the wax and had some streaks so I had to work harder at some spots and then I learned and used less wax Can't wait to be able to wax my MINI!
Meguiar's NXT Gen Tech wax. Waxed my 4runner and it looks great! Seems to shine a lot more than the mothers wax I used to use :smile: Great day for washing cars today, cloudy and 70 degree temperatures. At first I think I was applying too much wax since it was pretty difficult to remove the wax and had some streaks so I had to work harder at some spots and then I learned and used less wax
Can't wait to be able to wax my MINI!
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
You know the old saying. Less is more.
NXT is a completely different formulation than Klasse. It is high in oils so although it is quite glossy at first the shine will subside rather quickly when the oils wash away. Use the spray wax, if you got that, to boost the shine periodically, or re-wax once in a while to spruce it up again. It will look fantastic. Congrats! Hope you got good sunglasses!
NXT is a completely different formulation than Klasse. It is high in oils so although it is quite glossy at first the shine will subside rather quickly when the oils wash away. Use the spray wax, if you got that, to boost the shine periodically, or re-wax once in a while to spruce it up again. It will look fantastic. Congrats! Hope you got good sunglasses!
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Rockland, Maine
i third and fourth the Klasse AIO and Sealer Glaze routine. the small bottles(16 oz i think) will last a couple of years if you are doing you car 3-4 times a year. the nice part about the Klasse is that it lasts and is durable-6 months+. and if you occasionally want the car to really POP with shine hit it with a quality carnuaba wax--doesn't last long(4-6 weeks) but looks nice and you can layer it on top of the AIO or the sealer.
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4th Gear
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Originally Posted by BradB
You definitely want to use quality microfiber towels to remove the wax and solid foam applicators are the best and most consistant applicator to use for wax application.
Here's a great article on how to wax your car. Check the other articles on the site. ALso check the product reviews on Autopia
Be sure to choose quality products. Polymer sealants like Zaino or Klasse offer superior durability and high gloss. Carnaubas like P21S or Pinnacle have rich, deep finishes but require more frequent re-application. There are dozens of brands and choices. It depends upon your goals. If you have any questions let us know!
Send us pictures of the results!
Here's a great article on how to wax your car. Check the other articles on the site. ALso check the product reviews on Autopia
Be sure to choose quality products. Polymer sealants like Zaino or Klasse offer superior durability and high gloss. Carnaubas like P21S or Pinnacle have rich, deep finishes but require more frequent re-application. There are dozens of brands and choices. It depends upon your goals. If you have any questions let us know!
Send us pictures of the results!
BEWARE: 56k Warning
https://home.comcast.net/~mtown408x/mini1.JPG
https://home.comcast.net/~mtown408x/mini2.JPG
https://home.comcast.net/~mtown408x/mini3.JPG
https://home.comcast.net/~mtown408x/mini4.JPG
https://home.comcast.net/~mtown408x/mini5.JPG
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: near Disney World
Originally Posted by OctaneGuy
Meguiars NXT Tech Wax and a Porter Cable DA Polisher!!! It's fun, won't introduce swirls, and takes all the elbow grease out. You'll still be sweating holding on to this vibrating machine, but your hands won't be sore from rubbing all day. LOL
Don't use a machine buffer or anything that just spins on one axis. Use an Orbital with the appropriate foam polishing pad, and you'll be fine!
Richard
Don't use a machine buffer or anything that just spins on one axis. Use an Orbital with the appropriate foam polishing pad, and you'll be fine!
Richard
Do you have a ewb address that sells the PC Polisher?
Thanks
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,054
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Here is the Porter Cable DA Polisher bundled with the Sonus foam applicator pads and backing plate (I love 'em!). My only wish is that I had something smaller to apply wax with... the 7 inch pads are kinda big for that...
If you go to the 'how to' section, they have a few articles on how to use the PCDA (Porter Cable Dual Action).
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-daspol-kit.html
If you go to the 'how to' section, they have a few articles on how to use the PCDA (Porter Cable Dual Action).
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-daspol-kit.html
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
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Doh!
Ask and ye shall receive! (Well... not really ask... just click around the autopia site a bit).
4" pads from Sonus
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/sosfx4sppa.html
Looks like I'll be spending even more money soon...
Ask and ye shall receive! (Well... not really ask... just click around the autopia site a bit).
4" pads from Sonus
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/sosfx4sppa.html
Looks like I'll be spending even more money soon...
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Originally Posted by danbanger
Uhhh..heres the pictures you asked for (7 months late), finally got a camera during Christmas but never got around to taking pictures of the car. Here they are...this is with the NXT Tech Wax. I actually have Zaino but decided to use NXT this time.
BEWARE: 56k Warning
BEWARE: 56k Warning
I scrutinized all the photos and can't find a flaw! Great job! Beautiful!
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
Actually you should also consider this deal. Meguiar's gave this exclusive deal to my club. I chose the products. You can either buy the complete kit of waxes or PCDA or buy them both. It's a great deal!!
http://www.c3club.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=160
The g100a is the Meguiars version of the PCDA except it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Details on how to buy this are in the thread above.
Richard
http://www.c3club.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=160
The g100a is the Meguiars version of the PCDA except it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Details on how to buy this are in the thread above.
Richard
Originally Posted by kseckel99
Richard,
Do you have a ewb address that sells the PC Polisher?
Thanks
Do you have a ewb address that sells the PC Polisher?
Thanks
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,054
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Stunning pictures.
I've always loved this one of my wife's Nissan after 5 coats of Zaino (too bad about the orange-peel paint job)
http://www.focusoa.com/Murano1.JPG
I've always loved this one of my wife's Nissan after 5 coats of Zaino (too bad about the orange-peel paint job)
http://www.focusoa.com/Murano1.JPG
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