I'm really **** about the paint on my car. I want to keep it as close to new factory condition as possible. I've been using McGuire's (sp?) products, micro fiber towels, etc. What are the favorite products used my members of this forum?

Are there any trade secrets I might use to keep the paint from getting those hairline scratches? Will the microfiber towels scratch? How about keeping windows clean and spot free?

Any detailing tips would be greatly appreciated! On that thought, anyone have any detailing websites they like and want to share?

 

i havent waxed yet and it seems i'm not going to get a chance to until spring (its getting cold).
Microfiber towels is the way to go. I remember on a different forum someone actually tested a bunch of different brand MF towels to see which scratches less and found that the cheap ones from Costco and such were the best as well as the cheapest.

 

36 of them For $13.69!! You can use them and throw them away at that price !

 

Check out SMARTwax Supplies. I used there supplies!

 

When I ran a detail shop I had stuff that the benz dealer ship uses and this stuff lasts 5 years. I don't know the name but I can get the stuff. Its couple hundred bucks but its worth it. It is the best stuff we got ment for high end cars like benz lexus ls nsx etc.

 

i have had good luck with turtle wax platinum its the shizzz

 

When I wash:

Clean and Dry
Paint Cleaner (Meguiar's)
Polish (If needed, Meguiar's)
NXT Tech Wax

Then of course, Invisible Glass/Rain X window treatment.

Results are perfection. I LOVE the NXT wax... Goes on and off like butta'. Results are amazing.

 

I was deciding between silver and black xb, and the salesman said that it would be harder to see the swirly scratches in the car with silver. Silver it was!

 

silver dont show scratches thats what my first gen was

 

I use Poorboys products and they are top-notch! I like them even better than Meguiars stuff. Just look at the 'wet' shine on my 2 rides...

The wifes zinc yellow GT...







And my black Mariner...







I try to wax them over 3 to 4 months although it's not always easy to find the time. I use a Porter Cable orbital buffer also to eliminate the swirls.

I've found that proper washing is key to keeping the scratches to a minimum. Move your wash mitt gently down the car the way the air would move over it. Avoid swirling it around in circles and also work from the top down to avoid bringing any dirt up from the lower parts.

Oh...and claybars work wonders for the paint...keeps the car smooth as a babys bottom and makes applying wax so much easier.

Just my .02¢.

 

I've been using Megiuers paint cleaner and polish, pretty much the same as Invertelon except I use the Gold class wax instead of NXT, IMO a carnauba wax looks better on a dark paint than a synthetic, and vice versa.
I have been using a cheepo buffer but recently bought the Porter Cable one, can't wait to try it out. I'm also thinking of trying out Griot products, I have a couple of buddies that do high end shows, and they swear by their stuff.
To help from causing scratches, use TESTED microfiber towels, two FULL five gallon buckets, one for soap and one to rinse your cloths between suds dips, and like YNOT said, do wash in circular motions, but I differ in moving the cloth from up to down instead horizontally.
Car washing and waxing has become my latest neurosis
Kiiski

 

i use smartwax. great stuff.

 

Zaino Bros wax!!


Not my car.