[samwoo2go]

OK trying to put together a list for my car. So far I have...

1) Wash with Meguier Gold class.
2) Clay with automagic clay.
3) Alcohol/water wipe down.
4) ??? Im confused on the polish/sealant/wax steps.

5) Meguier quick detailer between wash.
6) Poorboy's wheel sealant for the rims.

what should I use for step 4? I prefer a simple routine with less steps if possible.

Thanks

[samwoo2go]

anyone?

[san~man]

Polish if you have scratches, if not apply the sealant. You can use a wax as the "last step product (LSP)."

[samwoo2go]

If I have no scratches, can I use a non abrasive polish then sealant and no wax?

[BK]

Originally Posted by samwoo2go

1) Wash with Meguier Gold class.
2) Clay with automagic clay.
3) Alcohol/water wipe down.
4) ??? Im confused on the polish/sealant/wax steps.
5) Meguier quick detailer between wash.
6) Poorboy's wheel sealant for the rims.

For 3 - is alcohol and water really necessary? I just QD when I clay.

For 4 - polish, you would need a machine polisher and an appropriate polish, but you only need it if you have any defects to be corrected. For a new car, I doubt you'll need this for quite some time unless the dealer does something screwy to the finish.

For 4 - sealant, I use Zaino. I don't top with a wax, but I may try that soon.

For 5 - I only use QD in limited amounts between washes. For stuff like bird poop that I need to get right away. Otherwise, I let it get dirty.

For 6 - People seem to like that stuff. I tried Wheel Wax for the first time, and it seems to be working fine.

Also get a tire rubber protectant. I use the Zaino stuff. It's not as shiny as some others, but it lasts and does not fling off.

Read the "how to wash your car" sticky on this forum. It's very helpful for questions like yours. Good luck!

[BK]

Originally Posted by samwoo2go

If I have no scratches, can I use a non abrasive polish then sealant and no wax?

If you have no scratches, you don't need polish IMO. Just wash, clay, and follow with sealant or wax. Once you do it, you'll realize this is no trivial task -- it will take you hours to do this -- so you'll be happy you didn't bother polishing when you didn't need to do so! Although, if you have a buffer, then using a very light polish before sealing may help the shine a bit, I suppose. I wouldn't bother if I were you.

BTW - I have no doubt the hard core detailers would recommend polishing in any case, just to make sure the finish is superb.

[samwoo2go]

so whats a good sealant and wax?

Im trying to stay away from zaino, its too expansive

I did a little digging around and it seems Klasse AIO is a good product for step 4. anything else necessary after that? Or could that be it.