Originally Posted by NC67Chev (Post 7806619)

I've tried to care for the exterior of my cars through my adult life, but I really want to step it up a notch and do a better job going forward. For years, I've washed my cars on a regular basis and applied wax a couple of times a year, but they honestly never really look good enough that I find it rewarding. My purpose for starting this thread is to learn about what products and techniques I should be using. To keep organized, I'm going to try to break it up into sections:

1. Washing - Does it really make any difference what sponges, mitts, etc. are used? Is there any real difference between the wide variety of detergents/shampoos? Do you use the two bucket method? For hard water, what is the best way to prevent water spots? Are there deionizer users here? How about blowers? Does the sheeting method of rinsing help? Mitts with a high pile works best to pull and suspend dirt away from the finish, it will work in conjunction with the shampoo. Two bucket method is best, water softness are best but you can also use filters on the hose to help, no blower or sheeting action soap help with hard water

2. Drying - Whats the best way to thoroughly dry without leaving spots? Waffle weave products, chamois, water blades, blowers like metro blaster? Any method listed work, I personally don't like natural chamois due to rough texture when dry and mildew when moist. Blades same way, hard on finishes that are not spotless

3. Clay - I know nothing about using clay, so any guidance would be great! What lubricant should be used? Think of clay as an eraser on paper, it removes most contamination on the surface, does nothing for anything below the surface including oxidation, scratches swirls etc. Simply cleans to a bare painted surface

4. Buffers - I realize that most serious detailers probably don't use dual action machines, but that's what I plan on using. Is the porter cable 7424 XP a good unit? Yes that is a good unit and pros will use buffers and polishers. What you are looking at is a polisher. Different machines, different uses ,different results. Buffers place is for color sanding and initial shine, polishers are for surface corrections and polishing

5. Buffing pads - This is new to me, so any points will be greatly appreciated. Is there a special way to clean them? Make sure they are able to be cleaned, not all are. If machine washable, hot water, low phone Balance detergent with zero softeners. Air dry

6. Buffing compounds - I have no clue. Depends on what you are trying to accomplish. There is a aggressive scale. Start low move higher as needed for correction, buffing, cleaning etc. The machine you are looking at with a foam padding is very forgiving. Not the case with a rotary buffer and/or wool. They can get even the most experienced person in trouble if not careful

7. Wax/Sealant - Please feel free to make recommendations. I've been using carnauba based waxes for forever, but I think I'm ready to try sealants. Microfiber for removal? Is there anything special to cleaning the microfiber, other than not washing it with other types of fabric? Nothing wrong with carnauba if you like it other than tough to work with and hard to remove from plastic trim. Synthetics are easier to work with and easier on trim if it gets on there. Wax any type and even sealants will act differently to different surfaces and paint types. Remember a little goes a long way. To heavy will result in chasing it when humid.. microfiberso are not created equal. High contents of rayon will cause scratches, as far as cleaning see above on washing pads

8. What to do with water spots? Both clear coat and non-clear coat paint. Simply Polish them out. Can be very difficult, worst case I have seen where color sanding is required

I'm sure there are many other questions that I should be asking, so please feel free to offer any other tips you can think of.

I realize there are a lot of questions here, but I appreciate any guidance you can provide. I just want to find a routine that works well and stick to it. Thank you for your help!