Different waxes

[orsmith]

newbie here again!!!!
i see all different types of waxes, but reading and listening to you guys there is more to it. Is it best to buy one wax and you are done? Or is there different coatings or selants you must do before you wax. I just want to know the best waxing techniques and preparations to get that ultimate shine and to protect the paint. Can a professional give a step by step method. Cause living in Florida and this heat is murder!!!

[GregCavi]

here is the process you will want to take: you can search each item to find more.

Wash
Clay
Wash
Paint Cleaning if needed
Polish Paint
Optional Glaze
Sealant and or wax

you can also find good articles on the sponsers sites on the top left of the page. also visit www.ocdetails.com for good how to articles.

Greg

[jaybs02]

Greg gave you a good rundown on the steps, as for your LSP I would suggest a sealant rather than a wax due to the heat

Good Luck
"J"

[joyriide1113]

hey whats up and welcome to the board!

it all depends on how often u plan on giving u're car some waxin lovin.

if u dont mind waxing once a month then id say get a carnuba.

if u want a good durable combo hit it with some type of acrylic selant and top with a carnuba. from there u can re apply the carnuba as often as u want. whenever u feel the shine the carnuba gave has gone.

[JaredPointer]

While everyone has different views and processes, I say that "wax" (used in a general term to refer to all LSP's, including sealants) are the icing on the cake. We tend to make a big deal about this wax's look or that wax's look, but in my honest opinion the most important part of "the look" is what you do prior to "waxing." The claying & polishing are what's important to get a good look. The "wax" is there to protect all your hard work. You'll pick the lingo up quickly!

[joyriide1113]

what jared said!

it is the icing on the cake. if u dont prep the surface no wax/selant will look as good as it could if it was prepped right.

each sealant/wax give different looks/protection that depends all on how u prepped it.

[Jngrbrdman]

Step by step instructions actually turn out to be novels. Trust me... [url-http://www.ocdetails.com]OCDetails.com[/url] started out just being the long winded answer to an email and now it has several articles with my advice on detailing. There is no shortage of long answers in this particular industry.

If you are just caring for one car then I would suggest you pick a product and stay with it. If you have several vehicles that you care for, or if you are looking at starting a side business, then you would do well to pick up new products as you can. I've got a dozen different waxes and several synthetic sealants that I keep around. There are colors and cars that different products look good on and I like to be prepared. It took a few years to get that collection, so I wouldn't suggest whiping out your credit card and ordering one of each, but I would suggest that you think about what your needs are and make a decision based on that. My personal favorite right now is the Wolfgang line. If you had a garage full of one of everything they make then you would have more than enough to care for your car and make it look its best.

[orsmith]

you guys are so informative and helpful.
so basically this is how it goes:

wash
rinse
clay(are all clay's the same and can i buy it local?)
rinse
sealant(are there different types of paint sealants?)
wax(carnuba...i can deal with the once a month )

Are there different types of carnuba waxes...or does it matter?

oh important question...when drying someone gave a tip to use a MF and spray on some QD as you dry...do you do this all the time or only when u don't plan on waxing that day?

[pappy]

yea but after your clay and rinse u need to polish your paint.

and yes u can buy local

and u use the quick detail everytime. keeps it from scratching when u dry