I just picked a black B6 a few weeks ago and traded in my silver '01 S4. Caring for the paint job is obviously very different. I have since tried to follow the advice of other posts on Audiworld and wash with the Mr. Clean system. I found that this was disapointing since I didn't have time to wax the car afterwards. I want to try again and actually wax as well but I have a few questions:

1) Has anyone used the McGuires Gold carnuba car paste on the brilliant black finish? I picked this up frm an auto parts store that said that it was their best line. Is it any good or do I need to get something more exotic?

2) Is using just the McGuires Gold carnuba car paste sufficient on the new finish or do I need to invest the time to put cleaner on first and then do the car paste?

3) Perhaps most importantly, I have always cared for my cars myself. However, to be honest, I have been fightened about touching the paint job on the new car because I figure I'll mess it up immediately (i.e. make swirl marks, etc) -- is it advisable for me to wax myself the first time or should I pay for a professional job?

FYI, I spoke to the guy down the street that does professional detailing and he told me that he wouldn't even use paste and would opt for some sort of sealant (different from wax I guess) and that it would cost $600. Is this just a rip off or worthwhile for the longevity of the paint job?

 

I would check the detailing forum. Whatever you do, please STFA first, and then post questions if you have any. Otherwise, you _WILL_ face the wratch of a few people...

I have learned a bit there just from tuning in, but since I am just getting together my supplies, I can't tell you how well they work!

BTW, for $600, you can buy a few year's worth of top-of-the-line supplies, including a PC random orbit buffer... all it takes is a little practice and a little time...

-JPC


-JPC

 

I like you feared doing the job myself the first time. Paid the detail shop down the road $40 to hand wax with Meguiars Gold Class liquid. He did a swell job.
I have heard others talk about more sophisticated formulas from detailers supply places but personally the Meguiars worked fine. I will probably splurge and have the car fully detailed by the Audi store just before winter. It is a matter of personal opinion and how much money you want to spend. I travel alot and do not have the time to wax and wash all the time. Some folks have that kind of time and they get really good at it. Hopefully they will post and give you their expert advice. Also, you can search on the detailers forum. I heard someone once say that they get "emotional about detailing". That would be the best area for advice.

 

Thanks for the advice, JPC.
FYI, I did search the forums and didn't see anything that addressed this particular issue. I will go and see if I can glean any more information from the detailing area in particular.

 

There are several great products available to you. First, if you choose a Carnauba based wax I personally would recommend Zymol. Its the only water based Carnauba wax that I know of and have been happy with it over the years. The only thing I don't like about paste wax is that inevitably you get build up in creases and other hard to reach areas. I have tried to be patient but in truth prefer Zaino which I believe is more along the lines of a silicone based sealer though I don't know this for a fact. Zaino whcih is a bit of PITA to start with is very easy to maintain after it is first applied. Either of these products will work well but my vote would be for the Zaino. Zaino does have a bit longer learning curve but still easy to use and idiot proof. If you apply it incorrectly you may have to repeat a step but it will never harm the car.

More importantly are the products (towels,pads and chamois) that you use to wash and dry the car. If at all possible, use soft water to clean the car, this will help avoid any hard water spots and it makes the cleaning solutions more effective at the higher dilution rates. Use the least amount of soap *** possible to clean the car. Spend some money on microfiber towels, there are diffeerent kinds, find some small ones to wash the car with and larger drying towels to dry with. I use a California water blade and think they are great and have no problems in the past two years with that tool, again my preference and follow up with microfiber towels to pick up moisture and beading left after water blade.

Remember when you are washing and waxing to use horizontal and vertical cleaning motions, not circular like you have been taught all of your life. Use a car duster frequently, the California dusters are impregnated with Carnauba wax which will leave wax on your Zaino if you go that route but you can quickly wipe it off witha detailing spray and microfiber towels.

Good luck! And just to lend some credibility to the post, my wife specifies two things for me when we shop for cars. Mercedes and Black.

 

That still looks new. I use dupont polish (to be applied with a wheel). This is what most of the high end detail shops use. I use a random orbital buffer ($50 at sears) with terry cloth covers to apply the polish. Do not use a regular wheel unless you are really experienced because you will burn the paint. I then use Zymol Carbon and apply by hand. I then wipe the car down with a dupont microfiber cloth. The result is far better then anything I could every achieve with any maguire product. The car still looks new. It is critical to wash properly (top to bottom), roof, hood, trunck, upper half of sides, lower half of sides and wheels. Dry with Terrycloth. It is critical that the terry cloth be 100%, not even 10% synthetic as this will scratch the paint. If you need to go to a car wash (critical in Winter here in IL), only go to a touchless.

Finally, everything I have heard says stay away from synthetics and particularly anything with petroleum distallates in the ingredients. They look great at first, but there is nothing better then a wax with a high carnuba concentrate (many have carnuba, few have high concentrate of it). This protects the paint and keeps it pliable.

Good luck.

PS - there is a reason the new car is Silver and not black.

 

brilliant black 2.8. MAgic Clay, 3M IHG, 3M finesse it, Mothers pure carnubax wax all by hand.

 

a black one (I believe). He posted a lot to the detailing forum and has a link in his sig about some excellent products. I have laser red (B5 S4) and his suggestions have never steered me wrong. Several B5 owners swear by his techniques and recommendations. He sold his S4, but I trust his advice. Good luck! My experience is that Audi paint loves carnuba to get a clear, totally transparent shine - other types may appear cloudy.

 

Time to update your handle to "7"... ;-P

 

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