Any tips for the first wax?
 

I picked up my new JCW in late July, have washed it a couple of times, but yet to wax it. I believe that MINI is using a water-based paint on new cars, which left me wondering 1) can I use my same old waxes and 2) should I use anything special for the first wax job?

I used Meguiar's cleaner wax, #9 swirl remover, and #26 yellow wax on my R53. Are these OK to use on the new car, or should I look for something different?

I've considered ceramic coating but I think old school paint protection will suffice.

Thanks for any advice!

My 19 is in production now. How soon after build date can these procedures be done?

First Wax...
 

First of all, you'll get as many different suggestions for waxing as there are responding posters! :lol:

IMHO - With a new car, I, personally, am not sure claying or using an aggressive swirl remover is that necessary. I've only done the clay thing once - It was a hell of a lot work and I wasn't sure it made that much of an improvement in the paint finish. I've never used anything abrasive on a new car.

Here's my regimen with any new car.

1. WASH: Of course, I use any product designed for autos.
2. CLEAN/STRIP: Since the dealer probably waxed the car on the lot with who knows what cheap bulk jug liquid wax, you'll need to strip that. I've used two products in the past, either P21S non-abrasive paint cleanser or Klasse All-In-One cleaner/sealer.
2. SEALER: The Klasse All-In-One does put a sealant on the finish but I always follow up with Klasse's better High Gloss Sealant Glaze product.
3. WAX: Some people stop with a sealant but I always layer on wax, sometimes more than one coat. I have used better yellow carnauba waxes - My favorite example is P21S which also contains bee's wax. The water beading is fantastic and it lasts for a very long time! I've used some very expensive cult white carnauba waxes over the years but, quite frankly, I cannot discern any difference in the finish or longevity.
4. WINTER: In mid-fall, I have sometimes added a layer of very tough wax like Collinite #845 Insulator Wax. Finish still beads up in March!

The paint process on a new car is not usually the same as what is done at a body shop. A new car has the benefit of being baked, as it can be painted without any internals in place, then baked to cure the paint right away. Not to mention is sits in shipping for a while. Only at the Vehicle Distribution Center would they potentially re-spray some damaged bumpers or add in parts installed at the port.

At a body-shop, they'll paint but it cures over the next few weeks afterwards, so it that's the case where you really need to wait to wax.

Long way of saying that you should be able to wax right away. Depending where you are in the country, the car may be on rails heading to your dealer at some point, you'd be surprised how much stuff gets into the paint by the time it hits the dealership. I would definitely clay it and then seal and/or wax afterwards.

Thanks to all for the replies; there's some really good info here, and I've learned a lot. I'm waiting for some sealant to arrive, so this weekend I'll wash & clay the car, then apply the sealant and a couple of coats of wax.

If claying a car seemed like a lot of work then you were doing it wrong. If done correctly, the claying process is quick and easy, and definitely improves the finished product.