My only restriction is that I won't have a PC, but could get one in the near future. What are your suggestions for a full detail (not trying to spend over $80ish in supplies)

My suggestions include using microfiber towels to polish the wax after applying it, and of course, to use a top-quality wax. I try to lay down more than one layer of wax-ie I'll wash the car, wax it, then wax it again.

Subscribing, very interested in what others have to say as well.

Are you willing to order products, or auto parts store products only?

My only restriction is that I won't have a PC, but could get one in the near future. What are your suggestions for a full detail (not trying to spend over $80ish in supplies)
A couple of microfiber towels for buffing off the wax. - 20 bucks
Klasse AIO for getting the paint/clear as clean as it can be - 25 bucks
A non cleaning carnauba for a top coat because they can be layered.
P21S - 30 bucks
S100 - 15 bucks and is rebranded P21S
Collinite #845 Insulator Wax - 15 bucks

I'd probably go with the Collinite 845. A great carnauba that will shine like the others but last 2 or 3 times longer.
Total price 20 + 25 + 15 = 60 bucks. Money left over can be used to buy me a christmas gift.
-John C.

To add to the previous post, clay your car before doing any waxing. You only have to do this once or twice a year.

Non cleaning carnauba? Doh! I have been using regular carnauba to put layers... I will have to start reading the fine prints.

Non cleaning carnauba? Doh! I have been using regular carnauba to put layers... I will have to start reading the fine prints.
Can I still put layers of wax on my car even if it hasnt been clayed in one year? (I clay every 1-2 years)?

Or will it cause scratches?

[/stolen thread]

Non cleaning carnauba? Doh! I have been using regular carnauba to put layers... I will have to start reading the fine prints.
Some carnaubas have cleaners in them so they'll strip the older carnauba and put on that coat. The end result will always be 1 topcoat.
Non cleaning ones can't strip off the old layers but you're just pulling our legs you teaser you!
-John C.

Can I still put layers of wax on my car even if it hasnt been clayed in one year? (I clay every 1-2 years)?

Or will it cause scratches?
Layer the wax? Sure, assuming you've been waxing on a semi-regular basis and using a non cleaning wax. Carnaubas last between 1 - 6 months depending on the brand.
As for claying, it'll remove much of the wax along with surface grit. Do a test to see how bad your paint is before you clay again.
Get a plastic bag and stick your hand inside. Drag your hand lightly over the paint/clear. If the plastic bag snags then you'll want to clay. If there are no appreciable snags then you don't need to clay.
-John C.

If all you want to do is go with store bought products and not order online, here is what I would recommend:

Wash - Mothers Cali gold/Megs gold class or NXT wash
Clay - Mothers, Megs, or clay magic (close your eyes and pick one)
Polish - I'm stuck on this one. I don't think there is any good AIO type product available locally
Wax/Seal - Mothers FX Sealant. I like this stuff a lot. Really good for an OTC product. I got about 7 weeks when I tested it. You can extend that with bi-weekly applications of the FX spray wax.
Tire dressing - Mothers FX (shiny) or Mothers Reflections (matte). Both water based (safe for tires) but will last.

My plan is to wash w/NXT wash, use Meguiar's clay, order some Klasse AIO online, and finish with some Meguiar's Gold Class. I'll check into that "Mother's Reflections" deal, as well. Any other recommendations on Wax, which is the only bit where I'm stuck?

My plan is to wash w/NXT wash, use Meguiar's clay, order some Klasse AIO online, and finish with some Meguiar's Gold Class. I'll check into that "Mother's Reflections" deal, as well. Any other recommendations on Wax, which is the only bit where I'm stuck?
I'd go with Mothers FX SynWax for a wax instead of goldclass. Also, if you are going to order some klasse AIO online, why not also order a bottle of SG? It will last longer than any store bought wax/sealant (including Mothers FX).

ive seen detailers at the carwash use 3m finess it II how is that stuff? im asuming its an AIO?

Iv got a ?: Is it wrong to rinse, wash, and clay and then do nothing and just do the polish and sealer or Wax at a later time?

DOing all of that stuff at once is a lot of work.

what do you all say?

Iv got a ?: Is it wrong to rinse, wash, and clay and then do nothing and just do the polish and sealer or Wax at a later time?

DOing all of that stuff at once is a lot of work.

what do you all say?
It's ok to break it up. Just wash the car before perfoming each step.

ive seen detailers at the carwash use 3m finess it II how is that stuff? im asuming its an AIO?
Finesse It is more abrasive than AIO.

It's ok to break it up. Just wash the car before perfoming each step.


Okay, so if I were to rinse, wash, and clay.....what could I add after the clay to give it a nice and quick smooth shine look. Is that quick detailer stuff by meguiars good to use after a clay if I am not going to be polishing and sealing/waxing it.

You're better off using a spray on wax than a quick detailer after claying. Why? Your paint is naked after clay and a spray on wax will at least provide some protection until you decide to polish/seal/wax it. I'd buy a bottle of Optimum Car Wax online (or Eagle One spray on wax at an auto parts store), and do the entire car after claying, that way the car will have a layer of wax on it between the clay and polishing sessions.

ok so i got a jet black e36..mild scratching..

my plan is to..

wash (meg NXT soap)
Clay (w. i duno wat)
polish (poorboys ssr 2.5 & 1)
Do i have to wax? or does the SSR 1 cover this?
carnauba

im a noob..does that sound good?

mike

ps. i will have a PC

A carnauba is a wax, so follow the SSR 1 with a carnauba wax and you'll be good to go.

does the ssr1 get put on with a cuttin pad?

does the ssr1 get put on with a cuttin pad?
Not normally. The most common process using the above products would be:

SSR 2.5 on a medium or heavy cut pad (depending on swirls)
SSR 1 on a polishing pad (so very light cut)
Wax.

thanks!

my cosmos is lookin' a little dull too. (sorry to hijack your thread dude)

I plan to:

wash (NXT)
clay (pinnacle PolyClay)
Klasse AIO
Klasse High Gloss Sealant (2/3 applications)
P21S
no PC polisher though. Will this turn out ok with cosmos black? It will be my first time claying. My car looks like it hasn't been waxed for some time. I want it to have depth with a semi-wet look.

my cosmos is lookin' a little dull too. (sorry to hijack your thread dude)

I plan to:

wash (NXT)
clay (pinnacle PolyClay)
Klasse AIO
Klasse High Gloss Sealant (2/3 applications)
P21S
no PC polisher though. Will this turn out ok with cosmos black? It will be my first time claying. My car looks like it hasn't been waxed for some time. I want it to have depth with a semi-wet look.
Yeah your car will look great...also check out Natty's Blue for your cosmos