Ive started polishing my car once in awhile but im a complete noob at this...

i have this liquid turtle wax polish and it says to apply it in a circular motion... so bleh i did it and then it tells me to remove it? so i assume i just use another cloth to remove rite?

but it doesn't seem like it will remove too well... u can see like the swirls and stuff... i don't think i have mastered polishing yet... as some parts it seems like there are mad scratches... maybe its the microfibre cloth? =S

can any experts post how the polish / wax their cars and share with all of us?

thanks!

 

Good topic, I have the same problem aswell, i need help too.

 

i've never tried liquid wax, i've only used paste. but i get it off by using a micro fiber cloth and take it off like i put it on. but don't rub too hard. plus you have a black car and no matter what you're gonna get swirl marks. try eagle1 nano-wax, my boss uses that on his black mercedes and unless you get it in the right light you can't see a single mark.

 

First I will wash the car once or twice, depending on how dirty it is. Then I will use a clay bar on it to remove all the unseen gunk. For wax, I use a hard Carnuba type past up front (hood, fenders) and a liquid on the rest of the vehicle. You apply the wax with a wax sponge in a circular motion, then let it set for a minute or two. I will then use a diaper-cloth to wipe the wax off in much larger general circular motions.

 

Here's my method for a polish/wax job (after washing and going over the car with a clay bar).

1. Apply polish, one section at a time in a circular motion, with an applicator pad.
2. Allow to dry to a haze, then remove with a soft cloth (diaper or microfiber). Remember to constantly turn the cloth to a clean, dry side as you wipe off the polish/wax. If you use a new microfiber cloth, make sure you wash it prior to first use.
3. Repeat 1 and 2 over the entire car. Then repeat one and two using a wax. I prefer liquid waxes, some people prefer paste.
4. Taking a clean microfiber cloth and use it to buff the entire car, removing any excess wax and making it all shiny.

It's up to you as to whether you want to use liquid or paste wax. Liquid is easier to apply, can get a better looking finished product, but a coat doesn't last as long. Paste wax takes a bit more elbow grease, and may not give the paint as much "depth", but one application lasts a lot longer.

If you're paint is looking particularly bad, it might not hurt to go over it with a liquid paint clean, such as the one Meguirs makes.

 

I don't know about other people but this is how I do it.
1. Drive to the car wash
2. tell the high school kid that you want your car washed and waxed by hand with turtle wax hard shell
3. ***** at the high school kid for doing it wronge and make him do it again
4. pay too much money for something I shoul have done myself
5. enjoy!

 

wow thanks for the tips guys =P

just another quick question... when i look closely at my car it seems as if there are crazy scratches in the polished surface.... is it cuz of the cloth? sigh polishing is so difficult =)

 

when i wax my car really good i go @ it first with eagle one nano wax... makes those light swirl marks fade.. i use a circular motion... let it dry to a haze... take a microfiber cloth to take off the wax... then i buff it out again with different microfiber cloth... then i go @ the car again with meguire's gold class... same steps as with the eagle one...

 

how about a tip for the windows... no windex i only use Stoner invisible glass on my windows...

 

Another tidbit on the "paste" wax: it's good to use up on the front fascia since it will protect from minor (but certainly not ALL) chips and dings. Can't save ya from the bigger rocks/road debris though.

 

For windows.. I use any window spray and wipe it off with a crumpled newspaper.. Something about the kerosine in the paper that makes it streak free and easy to use...Anyone else heard about this?

 

i learned how to all this from watching the karati kid

 

I have heard of this. This is an old detailer's technique and usually works well.

I just Diamond Glossed my paint this weekend....LOTS OF RAIL DUST!!! My purple clay bar turned orange. But the paint is smooth as a baby's butt now!

Couple of tips (I used to manage a Ziebart):
-The swirl marks in your black paint are scratches in the clear coat, and are mostly superficial and can be removed with a high speed buffer, foam pad and medium compound (DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS YOURSELF--LET A PRO DO IT). Black paint will always have a few swirl marks and scratches.
-The Meguir's or Mother's system wax on dark paint works well (3 step system). I know 3 steps seems like a lot of work.....invest in a $30 orbital buffer from Autozone or Pep Boys (you will thank me later). Just follow the directions exactly on the product, and it will work correctly for you.
-Invest in microfiber cloths for removing polish and touch up....they are a detailer's best friend.

PM me if you have any other questions I can answer.

 

mitsubishi doesn't use a clear coat on the lancers

 

ummm..... what?