Big Question About Car Waxing and Polishing?

[jojellybean]

I want to apply a wax on the car but it just keeps on getting more confusing!

The problem is that I live in an apartment and take my car to the self-wash. I take it around 5 and finish drying it up by 6. Now, if I were to even begin the waxing, it will be too late at night and I won't be able to see anything. :/

I feel like my only solution is to drive back home after washing and drying the car and then doing the wax but that brings up another problem as well because the car will have accumulated some dust and dirt on the road which I will then put the wax on -.-.

Maybe I'd need to go home after washing and drying at the self wash, clean any picked up dirt and dust using Meguiar's D15501 Last Touch Spray Detailer,and then wax?

I would also like to polish my older car to remove swirls so for that car, I'd have to clay, polish, wax and the same problem erupts again with timing constraints


I can do it in the early morning but the sun will still come out and applying the wax when it warms up is not so good. And for my other car, I'd need to polish and the self wash does not have any electrical sockets so that takes me back home to my garage


Thank you so much for any responses! I truly appreciate it!

[HockeyCrazi]

Re: Big Question About Car Waxing and Polishing?

I live in an apartment complex too, it's not easy trying to keep your car clean. Here's what I do, rather than going to the self clean car wash, get yourself either some waterless wash and/or rinse free wash, no hose is needed for either of these and then you can wash your car at your complex so when you're finished washing and drying, you can go right to the wax portion without having to worry about anything getting onto the paint on your drive home. That's my process. I use the Ultimate Liquid Wax because it can be applied in direct sunlight.

[jojellybean]

Re: Big Question About Car Waxing and Polishing?

I live in an apartment complex too, it's not easy trying to keep your car clean. Here's what I do, rather than going to the self clean car wash, get yourself either some waterless wash and/or rinse free wash, no hose is needed for either of these and then you can wash your car at your complex so when you're finished washing and drying, you can go right to the wax portion without having to worry about anything getting onto the paint on your drive home. That's my process. I use the Ultimate Liquid Wax because it can be applied in direct sunlight.

You think it's best if I go to the self car wash and still wash it and then drive back home and do what you told me with the waterless wash because that way it will be very clean?

[mhdena]

Re: Big Question About Car Waxing and Polishing?

Its not going to pickup much dust on the way home.

Use a California Car Duster when you get home, (get one and learn how to use it)

You sound younger than me so your eyes should be good enough to see up to almost 8pm this time of year.

[The Guz]

Re: Big Question About Car Waxing and Polishing?

Pick up some rinseless wash. You can invest in a gallon of D114 which leaves no wax behind or D115 which leaves wax behind. Over the counter you have access to Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere which will leave wax behind. The wax in these products is not meant to replace an individual wax product. It is meant to maintain the existing wax. A rinseless wash is great for those that live in an apartment. Google the gary dean method on google to get an idea.

You could also wipe down the car with detail spray for light dust. It's not like you are driving through mud on the way home. I'm not a California duster user as I don't like the waxy residue it leaves behind so for me I would not recommend it. Also some use it with too much force that causes defects.

One other thing, do not use the car brush at the car wash. That will scratch the paint as it has crud in it from others using it and the brushes not being clean.

Keep it simple. Don't make it over complicated by things you think you need to do. Especially if you are new to this. You have to learn to walk before you can run.

This is as simple as it gets.

Wash
Clay if needed
Wax

You can wash and wax in the morning or afternoon.

For your other car that is swirled up, you can either do it yourself if you can find a place to do it and have the correct tools. Or find yourself a professional detailer that can do it for you.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Big Question About Car Waxing and Polishing?

Whichever works out best or you prefer for washing you car, whether it be at the "do it yourself" car wash using proper technique or using an alternative to traditional washing as others have mentioned, afterwards, just so you know, you don't have to wax the entire car in one day. The use of a Quik Detailer spray to remove light dust and keep the vehicle clean after washing is perfectly appropriate, provided you use good technique and high quality clean microfiber towels like our Supreme Shine Microfiber Towels.

For example lets say you wash and dry the vehicle on Sunday, call it a day, done for the day. Monday afternoon you want to work on the car and it has some light dust. Use a Quik Detailer spray to remove the dust. Complete the hood from start to finish and call it a day. Tuesday afternoon you want to work on the car and there is light dust, use a Quik Detailer spray to remove the dust. Complete the two front panels from start to finish. Remove dust, clay if needed, compound if needed, polish and wax. Call it a day. By the end of the week you can have the entire vehicle done.

Hope this helps.