Wax removal and Cloth

[sidaust]

Could someone recommend a good waxing cloth or wax removal one. Does one use the same cloth to buff and remove wax etc..
thanks
Sid

[SMG]

I use round wax applicators to put wax on and microfiber cloths to buff it off.

SMG

[GINA]

I use a PC for wax. Got some pads to put it on and a microfiber bonnet to take it off. When I did it by hand, I would use a foamy applicator to put it on and a microfiber cloth to take it off.

Please, don't use the same thing you applied with to take it off. That sort of defeats the purpose, since the thing you applied it with is covered with wax. You want something clean to wipe it off. Right? Microfiber is real soft and won't scratch when you wipe the wax off.

[ghostRder1]

Originally Posted by SMG

I use round wax applicators to put wax on and microfiber cloths to buff it off.

SMG

I agree.

[ghostRder1]

Originally Posted by GINA

I use a PC for wax. Got some pads to put it on and a microfiber bonnet to take it off. When I did it by hand, I would use a foamy applicator to put it on and a microfiber cloth to take it off.

Please, don't use the same thing you applied with to take it off. That sort of defeats the purpose, since the thing you applied it with is covered with wax. You want something clean to wipe it off. Right? Microfiber is real soft and won't scratch when you wipe the wax off.

Do you like the PC? I'd love to have one.

[GINA]

It's great, I absolutely love it. I bought the one they got on the Auto Detailing Solutions website, some Meguiars thing. It's not the most heavy duty cutter, but works for wax and some polishing. Very easy to use, too.

[ghostRder1]

Originally Posted by GINA

It's great, I absolutely love it. I bought the one they got on the Auto Detailing Solutions website, some Meguiars thing. It's not the most heavy duty cutter, but works for wax and some polishing. Very easy to use, too.

I worry I might use it incorrectly and end up with a lot swirls.

This looks like a pretty good deal. Is this the PC you have?
http://www.autogeek.net/pitwpocaspof.html

[GINA]

Err.....yes. That's basically the same thing. Only difference is the pads - I don't use those cutting pads, just the regular smooth ones. Trust me, this thing is idiot proof, I don't think you could swirl the car if you tried.

...I take that back. You could if you don't use any common sense. Just make sure you're using the right pads with the right product, and you'll be fine. Let me know if you have any questions about pads/products/usage/etc. I've got a whole box of them downstairs and have gone through lots of trial and error.


edit: This is what I got: http://www.autodetailingsolutions.co...20Specials.htm

[sidaust]

Do I ready need a electrical polish machine...Can you not get pretty much the same result with your hand...with these easy waxes we have on the market..
thanks
Sid

[ghostRder1]

Originally Posted by GINA

Err.....yes. That's basically the same thing. Only difference is the pads - I don't use those cutting pads, just the regular smooth ones. Trust me, this thing is idiot proof, I don't think you could swirl the car if you tried.

...I take that back. You could if you don't use any common sense. Just make sure you're using the right pads with the right product, and you'll be fine. Let me know if you have any questions about pads/products/usage/etc. I've got a whole box of them downstairs and have gone through lots of trial and error.


edit: This is what I got: http://www.autodetailingsolutions.co...20Specials.htm

Wow, Nice looking PC. Which pads, brand and size best for waxing? Thanks.
I almost forgot, which ones do you use for buffing?

[ghostRder1]

Originally Posted by sidaust

Do I ready need a electrical polish machine...Can you not get pretty much the same result with your hand...with these easy waxes we have on the market..
thanks
Sid

I'm sure Gina can answer better then i can. I have seen great results using an electric polisher.

[GINA]

Originally Posted by sidaust

Do I ready need a electrical polish machine...Can you not get pretty much the same result with your hand...with these easy waxes we have on the market..
thanks
Sid

No, you can definitely wax by hand. I did it for years, and always had a great turn out. I like paste better than liquid wax, but it's supposedly just a personal preference. As far as getting the same result with hand vs. wax...not necessarily. But hand waxing, when done correctly, offers good protection and makes the car look nice.

Short answer: no, you do not need an electrical polish machine. I can give a better, more lengthy answer later, I'm actually on my way to pick up my Beetle from the body shop.

tn: same with you, I'll get you a good answer later

[noR]

I use microfiber for both application and buffing. (different cloths of course)

I remove wax w/dish washing soap and my regular washmit. (also microfiber btw)

[sidaust]

I am picking up my VW Beetle 07 next week and can't wait..Anyway my purchase of starting the thread is to obtain the best products to keep my car looking new and I really do appreciate all the great answers...I am leaning toward Zaino products. But what I read at the site is about the micro towels on the market...I cut and pasted here.....for your comments..
Q: Are Micro-Fiber products safe to use?

A: Zaino has been testing various Micro-Fiber products. Unfortunately, the jury is still out on them. Some of them are excellent and do not scratch. Others are terrible and definitely scratch. The quality control of these products from overseas, especially Korea, is not consistent, so you never know if they will be the same scratch-free quality. Even when using the same brand, we found the quality to be inconsistent. For now, we do not recommend using them. However, lab testing is ongoing, and we will post an update when we have more conclusive results.

NOTE: If you are already using microfiber towels, look carefully at your paint finish under flourescent light when you are using your towels. If you are not getting any swirls or fine scratches from the microfiber towels, then you are okay and can continue to use them. Remember it's better to be safe than swirly.
Can anyone tell me the experience they have had with them. like or do not like...they seem to lean toward cannon or field crest and 100% cotton....Could some tell me where they obtain their towels ..
thanks
Sid Aust
Any way I was just curious

[noR]

I tend to stick w/Meguires brand stuff when I go for brand stuff. Occasionally I'll get some of those cheap korean microfiber towels, but try to go for the nicer softer stuff.

I've gotten some nice BIG towels from boat places actually. (meguires, and another one name yacht bright or something)

Basically try to avoid the no-name, 3-towels for $3 packs. Go for nice soft microfiber towels, or get them online from various auto detailing sites.

autogeek.net or
properautocare.com

They'll tend to sell only the nicer kinds.

[GINA]

I have about 30 microfibers that I bought from Advance. I think it's Mirage brand.

Back to earlier posts...

tnbug: I use the large 8" pads on the Auto Detail Solutions website. The ones with the velcro backing. I dunno what the brand is, it's the only kind they sell (small or large). I guess it's Meguiars brand? The ones I use the most are:

- 9006 (Finishing pad) for NXT wax (my fav by far) and #7 glaze
- 8006 (Polishing pad) for #80 (sort of a paint cleaner/light compound), Color X, DC Cleaner, that type of stuff
- 7006 (Cutting pad) just for the microfiber bonnet, which I use to buff out the wax

The only thing I buff out is wax, with the bonnet. Everything else I wipe off by hand with a microfiber towel. Most of that stuff isn't supposed to sit and dry on the car anyway. Apply a small section with the machine, and wipe off. But with the wax, I'll usually apply a coat on the whole car, let it sit for 10 minutes or so, then buff it out.

The pads are kinda expensive, they have a 6 pack for $50. They can be cleaned easily though. Meguiars doesn't recommend cleaning the pads with water, I guess covering their butts in case the vecro comes off, but I haven't encountered a problem yet. I spray them with APC, rinse under the sink, and lay them out to dry.

Let me know if you have any questions! I love talking about detailing.

[ghostRder1]

I've ordered some M/F towels from www.autogeek.net
Got the Cobra brand and been very happy with those.
I use these for drying and love them. http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-waffle-weave.html

[ghostRder1]

Originally Posted by GINA

I have about 30 microfibers that I bought from Advance. I think it's Mirage brand.

Back to earlier posts...

tnbug: I use the large 8" pads on the Auto Detail Solutions website. The ones with the velcro backing. I dunno what the brand is, it's the only kind they sell (small or large). I guess it's Meguiars brand? The ones I use the most are:

- 9006 (Finishing pad) for NXT wax (my fav by far) and #7 glaze
- 8006 (Polishing pad) for #80 (sort of a paint cleaner/light compound), Color X, DC Cleaner, that type of stuff
- 7006 (Cutting pad) just for the microfiber bonnet, which I use to buff out the wax

The only thing I buff out is wax, with the bonnet. Everything else I wipe off by hand with a microfiber towel. Most of that stuff isn't supposed to sit and dry on the car anyway. Apply a small section with the machine, and wipe off. But with the wax, I'll usually apply a coat on the whole car, let it sit for 10 minutes or so, then buff it out.

The pads are kinda expensive, they have a 6 pack for $50. They can be cleaned easily though. Meguiars doesn't recommend cleaning the pads with water, I guess covering their butts in case the vecro comes off, but I haven't encountered a problem yet. I spray them with APC, rinse under the sink, and lay them out to dry.

Let me know if you have any questions! I love talking about detailing.

Thanks, GINA. I'm going to check those out. I would love to get the PC. I have an older car i drive sometimes to work, I could try on it first. I'm thinking of ordering the PC you have, what speed do you use when doing different jobs?
I love detailing my car, friends want me to do theirs as well and i have, but if i had the electric polisher i might could get the job done maybe just a little faster. How does it score timewise?

[GINA]

I did the same thing, I tried it out on my boyfriends older car that he doesn't care about. That way if I messed up...who cares! Speed depends on the product you're using. Usually I'm somewhere between 3-5.

Timewise, it takes me about 30-45 minutes to wax. That includes letting it sit to dry and taking everything off. A full detail takes hours, but it depends on all the products I use also.

There used to be this chart on Meguiars Online forums that showed which products to use with which pads and which speed, but since they redid their forums I can't find it anywhere. It's a great forum to read though, tons of information. It's where I learned a bunch of tricks and got lots of advice. If you go there and find it, let me know. I'd love to have it again.

[ghostRder1]

Originally Posted by GINA

I did the same thing, I tried it out on my boyfriends older car that he doesn't care about. That way if I messed up...who cares! Speed depends on the product you're using. Usually I'm somewhere between 3-5.

Timewise, it takes me about 30-45 minutes to wax. That includes letting it sit to dry and taking everything off. A full detail takes hours, but it depends on all the products I use also.

Thanks for all the info. I'm ready to place the order.
There goes part of my paycheck lol. But hey we want our babies looking good.