My washing technique. Criticism welcome.

M

mhsu408

New member
I'm a noob and haven't even begun to detail even my first car. I'm currently gathering all the info i need to even start. So far I have the following instructions. If ANYONE with experience has anything to offer or disagrees with something listed here PLEASE let me know what's wrong with my procedure. Thank you.



Steps:

1) Wash my car with Dawn liquid detergent (the blue kind) to get rid of wax. Dry off car.

2) Use a claybar to remove buildup on my car (to smooth it out)

3) Put a ring of 3M SMR on PC yellow pad and do one section at a time. Within each section, use a microfiber towel to remove any additional residue. Continue to apply 3M SMR until desired effect (until all swirl marks are gone)

4) Do the polish in much the same way as step 3.

5) Apply sealant glaze. Same way as step 3. Do only ONE coat.

6) Do the wax in much the same way as step 3.



I have a few questions on each step i'm still concerned about. Hopefully you guys can answer them.



STEP 1

-Does this step only have to be done once?



STEP 3

-I'm unsure about the "ring" of SMR on the pad. How much SMR should i apply to the pad for a certain section?

-To remove SMR residue, what is the best equipment to use?

-Is the SMR a polish? What i mean is: if i use the SMR will i also have to polish?



STEP 4

-How many layers of polish do i put on my car?



STEP 5

-Is it only one coat? How many coats do you need of the glaze?



STEP 6

-How many layers of wax do i put on my car?



GENERAL QUESTIONS

-For polishing, waxing, and SMR, do i remove residue with a microfiber towel? Or should i use the microfiber pads for the PC to remove the residue (if so, which pad do i use to do what? For example, do i use the grey pad for buffing after waxing, polishing, or SMR?)?

-Should the SMR, wax, and polish all be applied using the PC? Is tha the best way to go?

-In what instances would it be best to use the PC and what instances would it be best to just use hand?

-Is Meguiar's Scratch-X a SMR? Would i have to use a yellow pad to effectively apply it?



I'm still really confused on the process. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
i've been searching for the past 7 days. I still have the questions above however. Could anyone answer them?
 
Steps:

1) Wash my car with Dawn liquid detergent (the blue kind) to get rid of wax. Dry off car.

2) Use a claybar to remove buildup on my car (to smooth it out)

3) Put a ring of 3M SMR on PC yellow pad and do one section at a time. Within each section, use a microfiber towel to remove any additional residue. Continue to apply 3M SMR until desired effect (until all swirl marks are gone)

4) Do the polish in much the same way as step 3.

5) Apply sealant glaze. Same way as step 3. Do only ONE coat.

6) Do the wax in much the same way as step 3.



I have a few questions on each step i'm still concerned about. Hopefully you guys can answer them.



STEP 1

-Does this step only have to be done once?



Only done when you want to remove wax or prior to initial Zaino application.



STEP 2

Remember to cut the clay bar into smaller pieces so if you drop it you can throw it out and use a new piece, or just lay a blanket on the floor.



STEP 3

-I'm unsure about the "ring" of SMR on the pad. How much SMR should i apply to the pad for a certain section?



I put about a nickel-quarter sized dap off center on the pad, then I take my finger and spread it around the ringe and off center area (just don't like your finger afterwards.)



-To remove SMR residue, what is the best equipment to use?



A MF or 100% cotton terry towel.



-Is the SMR a polish? What i mean is: if i use the SMR will i also have to polish?



SMR is a polish. It has a small amount of micro finer abrasives in it along with some fillers. Dawn wash, or wipe down finished area with a 50/50 mixture of water/rubbing alcohol to remove fillers and check work. If swirls still there, polish again. I suggest reading up on PC polishing techniques.



STEP 4

-How many layers of polish do i put on my car?



No layers, but applications. If the SMR doesn't cut it, try some 3M Finesse It II.



STEP 5

-Is it only one coat? How many coats do you need of the glaze?



Depends on what you plan to use, a sealant (Klasse/Zaino), or non cleraning carnauba wax. If using a sealant skip the glaze. If using Platinum or Blackfire, use their polish. If waxing glaze then wax.



STEP 6

-How many layers of wax do i put on my car?



Subjective, sealants take 24-48 hours to cure (Klasse, Platinum, stock Zaino), and some sealants cure instantly or in less than 30 seconds (Blackfire, Zaino with ZFX.) carnauba wax takes 24-72 hours to harden.



GENERAL QUESTIONS

-For polishing, waxing, and SMR, do i remove residue with a microfiber towel? Or should i use the microfiber pads for the PC to remove the residue (if so, which pad do i use to do what? For example, do i use the grey pad for buffing after waxing, polishing, or SMR?)?



I remove residue by hand. The surface area on a Pc bonnet is just too small.



-Should the SMR, wax, and polish all be applied using the PC? Is tha the best way to go?



I use my PC mainly for paint prep. I sometimes take out the Pc and wax with Meguiar's #26 liquid if time is of the essence.



-In what instances would it be best to use the PC and what instances would it be best to just use hand?



PC - Polishing/glazing, most any paint cleaning

Hand - paste waxes, glazes, Klasse SG, Zaino IMHO



-Is Meguiar's Scratch-X a SMR? Would i have to use a yellow pad to effectively apply it?



Meguiar's Scratch X is mainly a spot treatment. You can use the PC to apply it (with usually better results than by hand.)



Hope this answers your questions

Jason
 
Wow thanks a lot for your help! i don't have the money right now to invest in many of the products, but i'm going to start it within the next 2 months. Thanks!
 
So i can take these routes:



1) Sealant

2) Glaze, then wax



?



So sealant is a combination of both the glaze and the wax?
 
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