I got a day off tomorrow to study for exams, so what did i do?

I washed my car this late afternoon in preparation to wax it tomorrow:)

I dried my car with a chamois, but now im noticing that it leaves a very slight haze (and my car is cosmos so i can see it) I tried going over it with some QD, but it looks like the haze is still there at the moment - is this just because its relatively cold, or did i not rinse the chamois out enough? How should i get rid of this before i wax?

Also, On my hood ive noticed a very faint little mark, which looks a little like a waterspot but its got a little white edge (looks a little jagged).. I cant feel it or seem to remove it by buffing.. Any ideas?

When i apply wax i use the sponge that came with the goldclass meguiars, and then wipe it off after it hazes, do i then just buff it out with some cotton or something? And then when i reapply, i just repeat right?

Im also wondering if it matters if parts of the car are not 'officially waxed' such as the bits right next to plastic trim, or inside the door/floor wells..

Cosmos is a very hard colour to get looking perfect, but i still love it! My car now without a good waxiing looks great from a distance but id appreciate if i can make it look even better close up!

(also, will giving 3 coats of wax on the bonnet make it more resistant to damage from road debris)

Thanks

You shouldn't have a haze on the car. You might want to explore using a polish and seeing if that removes the haze. The white spot also sounds like etching. If it's not going to buff out, you'll probally have to use an abrasive polish to remove it. I'm guessing it's due to a bird bomb.

When you wax, although I dont' recommend GC, basically you'll apply the wax allow it to haze (depending on the brand, it may not be necessary), then wipe off parallel to the front/rear axis of the car. Do not wipe across the car. This will minimize the appearance of any marring that you may induce. I'd also recommend using a quality Microfiber cloth instead of a t-shirt or cotton towel. It's much better at removing the wax/polish as well as being less prone to scratching.

The reason why I'd stay away from GC is because: 1) it's not a durable wax - you're looking at about 3-4 weeks max 2) it stains plastic bright white and 3) it's a cleaner wax. Also with carnuba waxes, you must allow it time to cure (usually at least a week) before adding a second layer - often the 2nd layer will NOT make a difference in the appearance or the depth of the protection. Synthetic waxes (Zaino, Klasse, Wolfgangs) will allow you to layer, but carnuba will not. All you will accomplish is that you will move the wax around, not giving it any additional depth.

As for what to wax, if it's painted, you can safely wax it. However, like I mentioned above, stay away from plastic. GC will stain. If you're dead set on using it, I'd recommend getting some blue masking tape and taping any moldings and plastic parts so you don't stain them.

As for making it better looking, all waxes do is protect. They will not drastically improve the appearance of a properly prepped surface. This is where polishes are used to smooth and if necessary fill any scratches. The wax is then the protecting layer and adds some depth and leaves the paint wet looking. If you're interested in properly detailing the car, check the Detailing 101 thread at the top of the forum. I'm not sure what's available in NZ, but I'd recommend seeing if you can find either P21S/S100, Meg's Professional line, or Mothers. Do NOT use the cleaner waxes, you will want to use a multi step product (polish/cleaner and pure wax separate). It will make a marked difference in longevity, durability as well as appearance.

http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguiars/product_detail.cfm?sku=G-70


Thats what i bought, i was under the impression that it wasnt a cleaner wax..

So you reckon if i want long lasting goodness i need to get the P21S?

"When you wax, although I dont' recommend GC, basically you'll apply the wax allow it to haze (depending on the brand, it may not be necessary), then wipe off parallel to the front/rear axis of the car. Do not wipe across the car."

So we're talking back to front right? And no circles (despite popular belief?)

I got scratchx i believe, so you think i should use that on the mystery stain? Gently try and..uhh exfoliate? And then wax over it right? Also for the waterspots right?

http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguiars/product_detail.cfm?sku=G-103

Thanks for the help!

Yep, it's a cleaner wax.

Yes wipe back to front. Use circles to put on polish, remove back to front.

ScratchX might work (it's a polish with lots of fillers), but it may be temporary.

So can i use the cleaner wax first today, and then the P21S (coz i wanna finish using it..!)

Edit: (so use the GC first, and then apply a second coat of P21S..)

we dont get zymol or zaino or p21s here so i went out and bought the mothers pure carnauba wax which doesnt have any cleaners etc in it.

Im gonna go and give that a go now - the hazing on the car has mysteriously gone so maybe it was just to do with the cold weather.. weird..

Thanks for the help!