The complete car care thread
I was speaking of a chrome grille that I was going to paint black, but I ordered a billet aluminum grille from e-bay instead. I'm also waiting for a steering wheel emblem decal and a tailgate emblem decal that I ordered from patriot, black with chrome lettering to match my f150 emblems and steering wheel. I saw a few painted tailgate handles on here, looks fantastic..that's what I'll be doing next.
I just used that Optimum Car Wax and Optimum Instant Detailer today, I thought it was pretty good. You have to be quick with the wax because once it dries it's a bitch to rub off. The instant detailer makes the paint more slick..I ran my hand across a section that just had wax, and it wasn't as slippery. It's good on glass and plastic trim too. Thanks Old Dogg for letting me know about that stuff.
Once your microfiber is slightly damp with wax you only need a couple of pumps per panel. Remember polymers go on very thin and less is always better than more. You have to look a an angle and you will see a thin coat being applied that will just shine and bead water.
No need to buff.
OK guys, don't throw stuff at me, but I like a product called Dry Wash 'n Guard. It's made to be used as a dry wash, but I use it more like a spray wax after a thorough washing. It really cleans well and is easy to use. It also seems to last well. If you don't like going through all the steps to get the perfect job, you might try this product. It's available online. They also make several other products and I haven't found a bad one yet.
It's best to claybar after a wash once or twice a year if you never have, (it should feel slick before you move to the next step) then wax. OCW goes on very thin and dries invisible almost immediately. If you have to rub any off you are using way too much product. You can buff it to a higher gloss if you like, but the buff step is a result of using too much.
Once your microfiber is slightly damp with wax you only need a couple of pumps per panel. Remember polymers go on very thin and less is always better than more. You have to look a an angle and you will see a thin coat being applied that will just shine and bead water.
No need to buff.
Once your microfiber is slightly damp with wax you only need a couple of pumps per panel. Remember polymers go on very thin and less is always better than more. You have to look a an angle and you will see a thin coat being applied that will just shine and bead water.
No need to buff.

OK guys, don't throw stuff at me, but I like a product called Dry Wash 'n Guard. It's made to be used as a dry wash, but I use it more like a spray wax after a thorough washing. It really cleans well and is easy to use. It also seems to last well. If you don't like going through all the steps to get the perfect job, you might try this product. It's available online. They also make several other products and I haven't found a bad one yet.
OK guys, don't throw stuff at me, but I like a product called Dry Wash 'n Guard. It's made to be used as a dry wash, but I use it more like a spray wax after a thorough washing. It really cleans well and is easy to use. It also seems to last well. If you don't like going through all the steps to get the perfect job, you might try this product. It's available online. They also make several other products and I haven't found a bad one yet.
"Q: What other buffing tips do you suggest? A:No one thing is recommended for every situation. A buffer will do nothing for the paint that polishing by hand can't do better or faster. Make sure that the buffer is equipped with a foam bonnet."
I'm just afraid of not using too much and not having complete coverage..I apply it with one side of the towel and then finish wiping it in with the other. What caused the problem is I used the same towel for both applying wax and instant detailer, making the towel more damp.
Don't worry about not enough coverage. Just go over it with another coat when you wash it again if you must. You will feel the coverage and slickness when you wash after using it and know when it's gone and time for another coat.


