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Old 04-30-2012, 04:00 PM   #1
Decade
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Member#: 285526
Join Date: Jun 2011
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: San Antonio, TX
Vehicle:
2012 WRX 5-door
ISM

Default All good for first wash?

So I picked up my ISM wrx this weekend and am about to order the cleaning supplies so I will have them ready once I wash the car for the first time. I have gathered most of, if not all, of these products through research on nasioc and want to see if I am wrong with anything I have chosen. Tire dressing I am still looking into after reading about how some can stain the car's paint.

*Soap-still looking
*2 5gallon buckets(prob just get a couple from Lowes)
*Meguiars Clay Bar kit with spray
*Meguiars super degreaser 4 to 1
*Meguiars All season engine dressing
*Cobra Delux 600 Microbifber towels for drying, waxing/polish(when needed)
*Foam Gun
*2 Grit Guards for the buckets
*Collinite 845

I am still looking for what mits to get and also looking for what sealant/polish is recommened along with what applicator to use for waxing.
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Last edited by Decade; 04-30-2012 at 04:38 PM.
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Old 04-30-2012, 04:27 PM   #2
brett192
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Member#: 274252
Join Date: Feb 2011
Chapter/Region: W. Canada
Location: Vancouver Island, BC
Vehicle:
2002 WRX Sedan PSM
EJ207 & 6 speed

Default

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't dish soap really, really bad to use as a car wash?

I use armorall wash & wax because it was only $6 for a gallon, and meguiars claybar, quick detailing spray and wax. Gets this 10 year old paint looking as good as it will ever look.
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Old 04-30-2012, 04:31 PM   #3
Decade
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ISM

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Quote:
Originally Posted by brett192 View Post
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't dish soap really, really bad to use as a car wash?

I use armorall wash & wax because it was only $6 for a gallon, and meguiars detailing products. Gets this 10 year old paint looking as good as it will ever look.

See I have always thought that too. I read it going both ways. I would feel way more comfortable using an actual car soap so I will change that. Thanks, I will do more research on what soap to use.
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Old 04-30-2012, 04:36 PM   #4
YCT
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I believe dawn is only used if you are looking to remove wax and reapply after a wash.
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Old 04-30-2012, 04:37 PM   #5
Decade
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ISM

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Thanks to you both. I just remember when I owned by RX8 those guys swore by Dawn. I have usually used one of the turtle wax soaps. Thanks again.
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Old 04-30-2012, 04:39 PM   #6
xlr8onu
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2014 Grand Cherokee
White

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as I understand it dawn cuts grease, or petroleum based products so it strips the wax off the car. Its fine before waxing but not after. I always use it prior to the seasonal wax session.


EDIT: Too slow on response
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Old 04-30-2012, 04:40 PM   #7
Amnizu
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Don't use Dawn. Your super degreaser will strip wax and wont dry out your plastic non painted parts.

You'll want to get a high quality auto shampoo as well. Meguiars makes a few, Chemical guys stuff is also very good.

Are you planning on claying and sealing as well or just washing?

As far as applying wax / sealant if you have a DA get some lake country CCS gray pads. If your doing it by hand get a couple of their red hand pads.

As for wax / sealant what are your goals? Colonite 845 and FK1000p will last a really long time, Menzerna Powerlock sealant not quite as long but will look better those are the sealants I would recommend.
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Old 04-30-2012, 04:43 PM   #8
Decade
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amnizu View Post
Don't use Dawn. Your super degreaser will strip wax and wont dry out your plastic non painted parts.

You'll want to get a high quality auto shampoo as well. Meguiars makes a few, Chemical guys stuff is also very good.

Are you planning on claying and sealing as well or just washing?

As far as applying wax / sealant if you have a DA get some lake country CCS gray pads. If your doing it by hand get a couple of their red hand pads.

As for wax / sealant what are your goals? Colonite 845 and FK1000p will last a really long time, Menzerna Powerlock sealant not quite as long but will look better those are the sealants I would recommend.
I will be waxing by hand. Ill check into those applicators, thanks. I plan to wash, clay, and wax then I have read to use sealant after every few months?

Should I not use the meguiars super degreaser??
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Old 04-30-2012, 05:03 PM   #9
Amnizu
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Decade View Post
I will be waxing by hand. Ill check into those applicators, thanks. I plan to wash, clay, and wax then I have read to use sealant after every few months?

Should I not use the meguiars super degreaser??
The Meguiars is good for stripping wax but you don't really want to use it for your maintenance washes. I recommend something more mild for your maintenance washes.

Your mileage may vary on how often you need to wash, clay and wax. I personally do a full detail on both my cars twice a year which will include a polish back to 90 or 95% correction.

As far as wash media, I prefer a MF wash mitt like this:

http://www.autogeek.net/super-plush-wash-mitt.html
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Old 05-05-2012, 02:47 PM   #10
V4NCITYRIDER
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WRB

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Hi I'm new to detailing - Does anyone know if a factory ordered car would come with sealant and waxing? Or is that something the dealership takes care of ?

Edit: sorry I guess my question is really: how do I know if I need to strip the wax on a car or not?

Last edited by V4NCITYRIDER; 05-05-2012 at 02:54 PM.
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Old 05-05-2012, 02:59 PM   #11
XERO287
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OBP

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Guaranteed it'll come with some of the best swirls you've ever seen.
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Old 05-05-2012, 05:13 PM   #12
RedStripe
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brett192 View Post
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't dish soap really, really bad to use as a car wash?

I use armorall wash & wax because it was only $6 for a gallon, and meguiars claybar, quick detailing spray and wax. Gets this 10 year old paint looking as good as it will ever look.
I like to use 1-2 ounces of DP Rinseless Auto Wash in the wash bucket instead of soap - with a microfiber cloth or microfiber mitt. Dirt/dust/grit stick to the DP wash, gently lifting it off your paint. Works really well. Then rinse with the hose.


Dealers don't usually apply a high-quality wax. When you're ready to detail, use a good/gentle cleaner-polish; then a high-quality wax. Optional: apply a paint sealant between cleaner-polish and wax. You'll get a lot more durability and protection with a sealant; the wax only gives a high-gloss shine. I don't usually have to apply sealant more than twice a year -- I use my garage at night, but daily it's out in the NC sunshine on a 100+ F parking lot. I like the Klasse cleaner polish and Klasse high-gloss sealant, but there are other good products doing similar stuff.
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Old 05-05-2012, 05:18 PM   #13
RedStripe
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Quote:
Originally Posted by V4NCITYRIDER View Post
Hi I'm new to detailing - Does anyone know if a factory ordered car would come with sealant and waxing? Or is that something the dealership takes care of ?

Edit: sorry I guess my question is really: how do I know if I need to strip the wax on a car or not?
The factory applies a mild adhesive, then covers the large surfaces in plastic. The dealer has to remove the plastic, strip the adhesive, then detail before delivery.

Some dealers offer a sealant option, but it will be expensive. If you don't buy one or they don't offer, it will only have a cheap coat of wax -- you'll have to strip that anyway.

So start with a clay-bar, then a really gentle cleaner-polish or all-in-one, then a sealant or quality wax.

Last edited by RedStripe; 05-05-2012 at 05:24 PM. Reason: incorrectly read the original post
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Old 05-05-2012, 06:59 PM   #14
V4NCITYRIDER
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Join Date: Jan 2012
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2012 WRX Base Sedan
WRB

Default

Thanks guys. I'm planning to ask the dealership to skip the wash/ detail to avoid swirls and scratches... in that case there wouldn't be anything to strip would there?

If that's the case I'm planning on following these steps:
Wash
Claybar
Polish
Sealant
Wax

Would that be correct ?
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Old 05-05-2012, 08:16 PM   #15
sizemic1
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Looks like a reasonable plan to me.
I'd probably use some dish soap for the initial wash, but it's use is subject to debate.
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Old 05-08-2012, 08:06 PM   #16
RedStripe
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Quote:
Originally Posted by V4NCITYRIDER View Post
Thanks guys. I'm planning to ask the dealership to skip the wash/ detail to avoid swirls and scratches... in that case there wouldn't be anything to strip would there?

If that's the case I'm planning on following these steps:
Wash
Claybar
Polish
Sealant
Wax

Would that be correct ?
You've got it. But you might want to talk to the dealer about the detail you're ready to skip - you want to be sure they remove any adhesive after pulling the plastic sheeting. It might even make sense to talk to their detailer and kick him $50 to hand-wax before delivery. That ought to avoid swirl marks and still get you the clean/pristine surface you want.
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