Good sealers, waxes and process to use after clay barring?

[davekro]

When I pick up my new DIB convertible in a few days, the dealer's been asked NOT wash it. I will do a thorough wash, rinse. Hopefully my CG foam cannon will be here in time ;).

1) Since I have hard water, should I dry paint first to prevent water spots or just start clay barring the wet car?
2) Any clay barring tips (my first time)

AFTER clay barring,
3) What Sealant is recommended that does a good job and is a good bang for the buck?
4) What Wax (or other product?) is recommended to go over sealant that does a good job* and is a good bang for the buck AND amount of effort required?
* ie long lasting, best/deepest shine.
5) If there is a trade off between shine, long lasting, other?, maybe comment on your products rating in these areas??

6) After completing clay bar process in sections, should I:
a) rewipe whole car down w/ clean cloth, then apply sealant?
b) rinse car (I have 2650 PSI pressure washer), blow/wipe dry, then apply sealant?
c) other?

Thanks for any and all tips and recommendations. Though I am a very detail oriented guy, I am brand new to this level of car detailing so would love to learn some pointer from you who are very familiar with the process.

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[mvp90805]

cant go wrong with the chemical guys jet seal as the seal

and adams ameriana wax or chemical guys petes 53 or 50/50 or wolfgang fuzion wax

 

[UPRSteve]

Wolfgang 2.0 for the Sealant
Pinnacle for the Carnuba Paste Wax
Chadwicks Triple Play for a end cleaner/ wipe down

My blue looks like glass

 

[davekro]

Wolfgang 2.0 for the Sealant
Pinnacle for the Carnuba Paste Wax
Chadwicks Triple Play for a end cleaner/ wipe down

My blue looks like glass

Steve,
You know around here it's not true unless there are pictures!
Let's see some.
PS. Is your '13 Kona? (and did my can ship yesterday? ;) )

 

[UPRSteve]

Most recent one I have. This was after driving 3hrs to an event and a quick wash that morning before the NMRA event.

 

[davekro]

Most recent one I have. This was after driving 3hrs to an event and a quick wash that morning before the NMRA event.

Looks awesome. Even clearly shows the flouresent orange jacket on the photographer!

(your profile on left still says '13 GT )

 

[SVT_N8]

I used wolfgang sealant 3.0. excellent stuff

 

[UPRSteve]

Looks awesome. Even clearly shows the flouresent orange jacket on the photographer!

(your profile on left still says '13 GT )

actually my gf's pink hoodie. LOL

 

[davekro]

actually my gf's pink hoodie. LOL

Pink... Not that there is anything wrong with that !

 

[CooterK]

Chemical guys Jet seal. If you really want to wax on top of that Chemical guys butter wet wax. If you are already using a sealant I don't see any point to using a paste wax.

 

[davekro]

O'Tay! I finally just ordered the last of my new car care products (sealer and carnuba wax).

I've read to apply wax in one direction, not circular. Am I correct that means rubbing back in forth (two directions ;) ). Should you pick a 'direction' like lengthwise on the car and do horizontal as well as vertical surfaces length wise of the car? Or does that not matter as long as you do not do circular??

Would lengthwise, not circular have any bearing on the wash mitt during washing the car?

 

[opensesame]

I highly recommend Collinite 845 insulator wax. Its both a sealant and wax. Lasts 6+ months, great for winter.

 

[davekro]

Clay bar trunk shiny plastic or not??

Just finishing up clay bar process on paint and glass. Is clay bar appropriate for the shiny black trunk plastic? That plastic has to be WAY softer than the paint's clear coat, so I wanted ask. I am brand new to clay barring and the Mother's box only mentions clear coat but does not mention plastic (or even glass, which I know is good to clay bar).

 

[CooterK]

You shouldn't have to claybar plastic. It doesnt hold sediment like clear coat does. Good rule of thumb is if doesn't feel like it needs to be clayed then don't do it.

 

[davekro]

You shouldn't have to claybar plastic. It doesnt hold sediment like clear coat does. Good rule of thumb is if doesn't feel like it needs to be clayed then don't do it.

That makes sense. I did not clay it. I did apply sealer when I was doing the paint. It did not seem to really wipe off completely (maybe I needed a fresh MF towel). Tomorrow is a... well now two coats of wax because of friggin Catfish! :frusty:

:lol:

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