Relative Newbie Needs Polish & Wax Recommendations
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
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Relative Newbie Needs Polish & Wax Recommendations
I am leasing a 2017 A3 and would like to detail my car myself by hand. I am looking for recommendations for a polish and carnauba wax that is easy to apply and remove by hand. The clear coat is in good condition but sprinklers always get my car wet and I live near the freeway so my car is always dusty. It doesn't have to be the highest end product but something more expensive than turtle wax is fine. Just looking for something to bring out the shine that has lasting protection.
thanks.
thanks.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 908
Likes: 24
From: Chicago, IL USA
Lot of good products on the market. Generally speaking I would find a manufacturer that you like and use its line of products start to finish. Good examples are Griots, Meguiars, Mothers and P21S. However, many others are available. All are available on Autogeek.com
Given that the car is kept outside I would recommend that you clay the car before polish. I'd also recommend a sealant (or DIY coating) instead of a carnauba wax. Carnauba is great for depth and clarity, but its has a short life span. Say, 3-4 months. A sealant will last 6-9 months.
Too keep it simple I would follow these steps
1) Wash the car
2) Clay the car
3) Polish the car
4) Wax the car
For products I like Griots. Buy the clay and the speed shine for lubrication. Then use either the Complete Polish (mild polish) or the BOSS Correcting Cream (medium polish). If your not using a machine to apply the product plan on a pretty good workout
For sealant I like Griots Liquid Gloss Poly Wax. Easy on and off by hand and lasts 6-9 months
If you want a shortcut you can combine steps 2+3 by using Griots One Step Sealant. It has polish agents built into it and easy to apply by hand.
Hope that helps.
Given that the car is kept outside I would recommend that you clay the car before polish. I'd also recommend a sealant (or DIY coating) instead of a carnauba wax. Carnauba is great for depth and clarity, but its has a short life span. Say, 3-4 months. A sealant will last 6-9 months.
Too keep it simple I would follow these steps
1) Wash the car
2) Clay the car
3) Polish the car
4) Wax the car
For products I like Griots. Buy the clay and the speed shine for lubrication. Then use either the Complete Polish (mild polish) or the BOSS Correcting Cream (medium polish). If your not using a machine to apply the product plan on a pretty good workout
For sealant I like Griots Liquid Gloss Poly Wax. Easy on and off by hand and lasts 6-9 months
If you want a shortcut you can combine steps 2+3 by using Griots One Step Sealant. It has polish agents built into it and easy to apply by hand.
Hope that helps.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
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Thank you for the response. That definitely helps. I will definitely give the sealant a try instead of Carnauba. Is the Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax pure Synthetic Polymer also a sealant? The 2 in 1 Griots sounds like a real time saver. Since my paint is in good shape I was thinking I could skip the polish part and just clay the car and then wax it. I could always use a mild polish if need be. Do you think polishing is essential to a good outcome?
thanks.
thanks.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 908
Likes: 24
From: Chicago, IL USA
Generally speaking anytime you see the word "synthetic" that means sealant. I used the 2-1 Griots on my previous A7 each Spring to clean her up after the Winter. It worked well and might be a good first path as its the easiest. If you don't like the results then in 6 months try a different product. If you don't think you need a polish then try the 2-1 as its the simple solution also. As I mentioned its earlier to apply than your standalone polish and you don't need a orbital machine.
Best of luck. If you get the product from AutoGeek make sure to get a foam applicator and some quality microfiber towels for removal.
Best of luck. If you get the product from AutoGeek make sure to get a foam applicator and some quality microfiber towels for removal.
Super Moderator
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9,259
Likes: 482
From: Boston MA
There are a series of new Hybrid (ceramic) spray on products from Meguiar's, Mother's and Turtle Wax that look pretty good. These are spray on/wipe off products that should give several months of protection. Whether you use a sealant, wax or spray on type product, Dave, the initial surface preparation is the key to longevity - - don't waste your time applying product to a dirty surface.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,564
Likes: 1,252
From: Long Island, New York
Best product that I have used is Sonax Polymer Net Shield. It lasts over 6 months. Watch the video and see how easy it is to apply.
https://www.detailersdomain.com/prod...-shield-340-ml
https://www.detailersdomain.com/prod...-shield-340-ml
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Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
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ChicagoA6, Since I am going to apply the polish by hand to try to remove the water spots, which Griots would be strong enough? The Complete Polish (mild polish) or the BOSS Correcting Cream (medium polish), or the One Step Sealant?
thank you!
thank you!
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,527
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From: Glen Ridge, NJ
I'm not Chicago A6, but why don't you give Griot's Garage a call and speak with them. They have excellent customer service.