Car detailed, how do I maintain?

[Ovni_cupraR]

Hi, i've been looking into detailing recently and been reading around a few websites, as my ovni lcr was in need of TLC after taking it to one of those hand car washes springing up everywhere, seemed to leave my paint feeling really dry as if it had been stripped back or something, so i started with a nice straight forward detailing kit and went with megiuars 3 step system (paint cleaner, polish, carnauba wax) and I am amazed with the results. It took me a good 5 hours having been around the car 6 times applying and taking off each product, but definately worth it! The paint looks really glossy now and just feels smooth and thicker, like its protected.

My question is, now that I have done the full clean, how do I maintain it? Do i just give it a wash say 1 week after, followed by a coat of carnauba wax and just do this for the next few months before doin the full clean/polish/wax again?

Thanks

 

[lj03]

hi after you washed it did you clay it?

 

[Ovni_cupraR]

No i washed/rinsed/dried then applied step 1 megiuars paint cleaner with a microfibre mit, and then took off

 

[Pheo]

I wouldn't keep on polishing it, but rewaxing. And I'd use something like meguiars quick detailer in-between times.

All somewhat depends on how much hassle you want!

 

[Ovni_cupraR]

So this saturday when i come to washing it again i should wash/rinse/dry/wax, do this once a week and in a few months time do a wash/clay/polish/wax again?

 

[Pheo]

Yep. Don't think you need to wax every week either, just maintain using QD. Think wax is meant to last 4-8 weeks? Google is your friend on that one.

 

[Balddee2]

I'd apply a few coats of the wax, probably best leaving a day between each coat or do like you're suggesting by applying a coat after you wash it for the next 2 weeks. After you've applied 3 coats then shouldn't be a need to apply it again for a good few months, then maybe put another coat on then.

Once all waxed up just need to use a quick detailer (like the megs one - ideally buy their Last Touch version as opposed to the one in Halfords - purely because it's much better value) after each wash. At the end of the day it's all down to how much time you want to put in, unless you want to go OTT (easily done) I'd stick with what you've done and a few extra coats of wax and qd in between. Alternatively take a look at the Detailing World forum and kiss goodbye to your life and hundreds of pounds

 

[chris_200120vt]

i wax and clay mine once a month ,, was amazed how much stuff the clay bar picked up after a month even my next door neighbour said my car looked clean till i said really well watch this then could not beleve the contaminats in the paintwork

 

[Ovni_cupraR]

Brilliant, thanks for the info fellas, just what i was after. I think ill get myself a quick detailer and follow your advice

 

[Bret]

You can wax as much as you like bud it wont hurt the car if anything it will stay in better condition i know people that do it once a week and once every 3 months its entirely up to you but theres nothing to say you musnt wax it alot Same as claying i clay once every 3 months but wax every other weekend

 

[The Old Codger]

Morning,

I do a full detail about every 3 months: Rinse, snow foam, rinse, wash, dry, polish, wax. Clay and paint clean twice a year if I feel it's needed. Application pads and microfibres used. Dry with one of those gi-normous terry towels you get for babies.

In between Rinse, snow foam, rinse, wash, dry and QD. Also silicon the rubber seals every 6 months. May seem a bit of a faff but keeps the paintwork in good nick and most muck just slides off when washed.

Wheels are cleaned with standard car shampoo then a hard wax every 3 months. Dont get it on the discs

 

[TubbyTwo]

Get a decent hard wax/ sealant as well.

This one for example, will last you ages and a decent coating will last for a good 6+ months:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealants/finishkare-1000p-hi-temp-sealant/prod_589.html