RichAA

Got my car prepped for winter about a week ago: winter mats and a wax job.

Here's how I do it:

Wash and dry of course. I use a soft brush (actually a siding brush) and Simple Green to wash. Wipe down with my wife's best bath towels. Then I work on the top surfaces with a smaller terry towel and lots of rubbing alcohol to find and remove any tree sap spots.

Next comes the glaze. I used to use 3M glaze; now I use Meguiers Polish. It goes on much like wax.

Once that's done, I start waxing (Meguiers Carnauba wax).

So the question is, does anyone else use glaze or polish before waxing? I read about it on some car show site years ago. I love the way it gives a 'deeper' shine, if that makes sense.

Rich
2003 1.8T Q, Denim Blue/Plat

FoKai

hehe, "wife's best bath towels?"

GodBlessQuattro

how long does all that take you?

nynyvtecjstkickdinyo

and u have some decent steps but if you are taking the time, you should do it right. You should take a click on over to the detailing forum and read some posts, lots to learn there.

Polish is the money step (glaze and polish is eestially the same). Wax protects it all.

Waxing without polishing is just protecting a dull crappy paint job.

If you are only looking for sap and other markings occasionally during a major detail, you must have some etch'd spots from the culprits sitting on the paint, not sure.

your wifes' best towels are only good for the paint if they are 100% cotton and made in the USA.

3M makes many good products as does Megs. There is some much better stuff out there, but use whatever you like. Simple green I have never used so I cant say.

The big thing you are missing is CLAY. Nothing you can do as a preliminary step is more worth it than this is. You can visit the detailing forum or the website below and do some searching. On the other hand if you are happy with your currect routine thats all that really matters. Detailing is like drugs, it can get expensive and addiciting. Have fun<ul><li><a href="http://www.autopia-carcare.com">http://www.autopia-carcare.com</a</li></ul>

FireBirdSC

I have to 2nd the clay bar step... can't live without it

RichAA

But they are two quality hours in the shade with the radio on a ballgame or something and a tall iced tea.

RichAA

I got a Meguier's kit with the clay bar and read the destruction sheet, tried it for a while and tossed it. I honestly don't understand what it does. Is it physically pulling up stuff that we don't have a safe solvent for or what?

nynyvtecjstkickdinyo

yes it is pulling up contaminants from the paint. stuff you see and mainly stuff you dont see. you wont see what it is doing while you are doing it, but it makes the poilsh and wax steps easier, as the paint is bare and the results will be stunning.

I did it for the 1st time this season after years and years of not knowing about it, and it is by far the best step ever created.

btw, I avoid using any solvents on the paint. that should be your last resort. you really should read up on it more and give it a whirl next time out.

RichAA

I'll do it, thanks!