New member from Central Cali

dc52nv

dc52nv

New member
Hello there! I joined a few days ago and finally decided to make an intro thread. I've been washing my cars once a week ever since I started driving. I've always used products that can easily be accessible in any auto shop. I've never done a wax and polish job myself but do get them done every now and then by a local detail pro. I've always been too scared to do it myself and messing up the paint.

I finally decided to step my game up and use better products and tools to get the job done. I was wondering if you fellow members here can steer me in the right direction. Both my cars are white (06 Acura TL & 11 Mazda 3S) so I'm not really concerned in making them super glossy since they are white. I've been thinking of getting an air compressor to help me with the wash process. Would you recommend I get one or should I just get a really nice nozzle for my hose. I saw a black nozzle in the sites store. I also picked up a P&S wash mitt. My detailer recommended it to me instead of using my MF mitt I use now. Any recommendations would be great as far as shampoos and interior cleaners. Thanks.
 
:welcome: To Autopia Forums! :bigups

Always stick to the basics. Whether you choose to perform every aspect is entirely up to you.

Basic steps in order are:

  • Wash
  • Clay
  • Paint Correction & Polish
  • Seal
  • Wax
Once you've finished claying is the idea time to do a little paint correction or at the very least use a quality paint cleaner to remove oxidation, grime or other surface defects.

Car polishing before waxing is the trick behind attaining and maintaining that sought after showroom finish on your car. The finish preparation prior to applying a sealant and wax is paramount to success.....

Wash

Paint Cleaners

Sealants

Waxes

 
As far as the air compressor, do you mean for drying?

Follow Bobby's advice and you will have a glossy white car!

Will mention that, if you go the polishing route, get a machine like a PCXP or a GG6. You will get much better results than by hand and the learning curve isn't steep.
 
dc52nv said:
Hello there! I joined a few days ago and finally decided to make an intro thread. I've been washing my cars once a week ever since I started driving. I've always used products that can easily be accessible in any auto shop. I've never done a wax and polish job myself but do get them done every now and then by a local detail pro. I've always been too scared to do it myself and messing up the paint.

I finally decided to step my game up and use better products and tools to get the job done. I was wondering if you fellow members here can steer me in the right direction. Both my cars are white (06 Acura TL & 11 Mazda 3S) so I'm not really concerned in making them super glossy since they are white. I've been thinking of getting an air compressor to help me with the wash process. Would you recommend I get one or should I just get a really nice nozzle for my hose. I saw a black nozzle in the sites store. I also picked up a P&S wash mitt. My detailer recommended it to me instead of using my MF mitt I use now. Any recommendations would be great as far as shampoos and interior cleaners. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Welcome to AF!
 
Thanks everyone for the welcome. I'm staying away from waxing and polishing since I'm nervous about causing more harm than good. I mainly want to better myself in washing my car without causing swirls or scratches to my paint. An air compressor would be helpful for those pesky bugs stuck on my bumper and a great tool to drying my cars too.
 
welcome to AF. you can still take good care of your rides by hand but later, when you gain more confidence, you'll really love using a good da polisher to get outstanding, very safe results. in the meantime, use a two bucket wash method, and a good guzzler type microfiber drying towel to avoid adding any extra swirls or scratches. if you're still afraid to wax/polish by hand, get yourself a good spray on wax/ sealant like blackfire wet diamond polymer spray, or blackfire midnight sun spray wax and apply it with a good microfiber towel. very, very easy to apply and get good results !
 
Welcome to the site

I'm in Sonoma County and you?

Don't think that white can't POP..Bobby advice is spot on. The only thing that I would add to that is a glaze. Poorboys World White Diamond glaze is one that I would use on your cars
 
welcome you will find lots of answers here. i would suggest an inexpensive wet/dry from home depot or lowes and use it for drying the car. does multiple tasks from one machine. reasonably priced. and i agree white can pop.
 
thanks everyone for the welcome and thank you BobbyG for the info. I see myself spending a lot of time in here reading old threads. :)
 
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