My first wax job

K

knowell

New member
Good day!



I'm a first time car owner. And I bought my current car as second hand. Unfortunately, the previous owner was somewhat neglected the exterior of the car as the paint was completely dull. So I've done some researching over the net and looked for good detailing products that could actually restore some of the beauty from my car.



I got myself a can of Meguiar's Cleaner Wax and will be using it after my next wash. Can I skip the clay bar part and just proceed to the Cleaner Wax part after washing the car? And which can you recommend in putting on the Cleaner Wax coat, Meguiar's NXT Wax or Turtle Wax Carnauba?



I'm really n00bie on this matter and a friend of mine recommended this site in terms of learning everything about auto detailing. I hope anyone can give a clarification on this inquiries of mine.



Appreciate all future replies. Thanks! ^^
 
If you are restricting yourself to over-the-counter products, then Meguiar's Cleaner Wax is not a bad place for you to begin. But I'd call around first and see if you can find Duragloss 501. It has stronger cleaning properties than Cleaner Wax and provides more durable synthetic protection. As far as a topper protectant, I'd go with NXT over TW, but you might also consider trying Megs' Ultimate Wax (liquid version). The liquid version will not stain plastic trim, whereas NXT will. But if you don't mind ordering online, I'd go with Blackfire Wet Diamond instead.



And do not skip the clay bar step at this point. I can guarantee you that your neglected car needs to be clayed. You will observe the difference. And it will prepare the surface for your protectant.
 
akimel said:
If you are restricting yourself to over-the-counter products, then Meguiar's Cleaner Wax is not a bad place for you to begin. But I'd call around first and see if you can find Duragloss 501. It has stronger cleaning properties than Cleaner Wax and provides more durable synthetic protection. As far as a topper protectant, I'd go with NXT over TW, but you might also consider trying Megs' Ultimate Wax (liquid version). The liquid version will not stain plastic trim, whereas NXT will. But if you don't mind ordering online, I'd go with Blackfire Wet Diamond instead.
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If anyplace local would have the DG501, it'd be a NAPA or Parts Plus affiliated store. ;)



And do not skip the clay bar step at this point. I can guarantee you that your neglected car needs to be clayed. You will observe the difference. And it will prepare the surface for your protectant.
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Exactly. In a lot of ways it's counterproductive to skip clay.
 
The car has been sent by the previous owner for some denting+repainting repairs to third-party garages. I tried running a fingernail on the re-worked area and my nail caught something that resembles a chalk dust. Is it safe to clay bar this one or will I risk a total removal of paint that was seemingly poorly done.
 
knowell said:
The car has been sent by the previous owner for some denting+repainting repairs to third-party garages. I tried running a fingernail on the re-worked area and my nail caught something that resembles a chalk dust. Is it safe to clay bar this one or will I risk a total removal of paint that was seemingly poorly done.
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Probably just a nib in the paint... we'd need a pic to say for sure but I'm thinking you're probably safe to clay over it gently.
 
Will post some snapshots tomorrow when I have some light outside. Will consult also one of the few local auto detailers here in Doha about the paint of that re-worked area.



Appreciate the replies. Thanks!
 
You're going to get all sorts of recommendations, it might be a wise idea to tell us how much time you are willing to dedicate to get the car cleaned up and what your budget is, as well as future maintenance plans. At minimum, I would clay and use Meg's cleaner wax, which isn't that bad of a product.
 
As much as possible just to restore and maintain its natural shine. Since it's prohibited here in Qatar to bombard your car with water so the only time this car will feel a "real" car wash is if I bring it over to the local car wash, that means, i can't wash it at home as the local law prohibits it.



Also, summer is fast approaching here in Doha with temperatures ranging from 39 C to 64 C along with occasional sand storm. Unfortunately, the place I'm renting only has a garage suitable for one vehicle only which is being occupied by my landlord. I have no choice but to park my car outside, which most of the time has no shade.



So given the harsh environment this car will be facing with the oncoming summer plus 1 or 2 sandstorms plus the fact that I can only afford to bring it to a car wash every two weeks (although I try to at least dust it off and wipe it with a damp cloth+dry cloth for the times that it's not going to the car wash), I want it to at least be prepared, specially the paint. And I know regularly waxing it will provide at least a minimum protection to it to outlast the summer 'til late October.



I'm willing to try products to restore, clean and maintain its natural beauty. But really, I'm clueless as to what to exactly use. I've visited some auto parts/accessories stores here and the brands that I found were: Meguiar's (wax, cleaner, tire foam), Prestone (vinyl, rubber, plastic cleaner only), Formula1 (same products as that of Prestone, protectants), ArmorAll (glass/window, dash cleaner, car wash+wax, car wash only) I haven't found any good Clay Bars yet as most sellers aren't even familiar with it (doh!). Was observing on the polishing section of one car wash earlier but I've noticed that after the procedure, it left some circular scratches to the unfortunate car of one Qatari local, so it's a no-no for me.



Also, cleaner/waxing by hand is advisable or using a polishing machine would be much preferred?
 
I am by no means a pro-- I am in early learning myself. :)



BUT, I caught a little bit in your last reply about dusting your car with a damp cloth and a dry cloth to get the sand off.



This raised some red flags for me. You are probably doing more harm than good.



I believe what will be recommended here is that you look into a waterless car wash system (like Optimum), and some good microfibers. But for sand, that still might not work. Hopefully someone else can chime in with more experience.



Welcome to the world of detailing. For me, I came for info, ended up addicted, and it's a hobby now. Hope you enjoy it too.



Adam
 
I visited a local detailer today and asked their price for a full detail. They said for a full detailing, it will cost me around 700 riyals ($200). The service will include wash, claying, polishing and waxing of the exterior plus interior cleaning, engine detailing AND paint touch up of my scratch marks. The products they use are from Meguiars and Sonax only. I've also inquired to them about the "chalk dust" that's coming off my paint and told me that it's happening because the rework didn't include repainting the panel of clear coat.

Is the price they're charging a fair one?
 
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