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Waxing Tips?

9286 Views 27 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  2URGSE
Hey guys I was wondering how long you leave the wax on before wiping off? I bought the Meguiars techwax 2.0, but it has no time frame. The first time I waxed it was on there no longer than 5 min and it dried out, so it didn't work out. I have the obsidian IS-F so I am trying real hard to hide all the swirls, so any tips on that also? I love my F but the swirls really mess up my mood every time I see them. Please reply, I need help real bad.
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What makes you say that leaving on for 5 minutes let it not work?

I use the same wax and I had a sheet included in the box with detailed instructions. If I remember correctly, after you have properly cleaned the car and made sure there are no dirt particles laying around that might scratch the paint, you should put the wax on the entire car then wipe it off once your done using a terry cloth towel.

I personally divide my car into sections (roof, hood, doors, front and rear quarter panels, etc.). After I wax a section I move onto another and then once I'm done with the second section I go back and wipe off the first, then do another new section and go back and wipe off the one I did second, etc. This is just me and I have a MM F so I'm not so worried about scratch marks. I can try to see if I can find the instruction sheet again if you'd like, it's just going to be a while as I'm not currently at home. You could also look on Meguiars.com and see if it says on there, they have a ton of information.
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I have an obsidian IS-F too and I use a soft cloth pad to apply the cleaner wax from Meguiars. Then I wax off using a microfiber cloth. I wax after washing the car to avoid any swirls created from dust particles.
The wax is supposed to dry off before you buff it off because it needs to cure. I wax the car entirely by section and then go back and buff it out in the exact same order they were waxed.
this one time, i had absolutely nothing to do on a sunday....so i woke up at 7am, washed my car, dried it off, put a layer of megs nxt 2.0 on the entire thing (my is350) let the whole car sit wax covered for about 2 hours. terry clothed it off. then re-waxed it, again let it sit for about 2 hours. then terry clothed if off with a new clean cloth.

it will wax better if its a nice cool day, and the vehicle is not sitting in sunlight. the wax must be dried to a haze, where its almost at the point of looking like powder on the car.

i swear matador red never looked better after the second coat...... but it took about 7 hours from start to finish....lol

i have OCD i dont care...
I might try waxing my car this weekend for the first time -- I got some Meguires. I have the cleaning wax as well as a different kind -- maybe NXT? Not sure I might do one coat of the cleaning wax, then a second coat of the other. My car is black, so it'll be interesting to see how it looks after...
I also plan on waxing my car this coming weekend (didn't have time yesterday).
I bought a wax kit from pinnacle. Their instructions say to do 1 panel at a time, and that you don't need to let it sit for any amount of time. I will be doing it with my friend who has more waxing experience (that sounds bad) so I'll see what he says.

As far as tools go, I will be using a small foam pad to apply the wax, and the only other cloths I'm allowing to touch my vehicle are microfiber. No terry cloth or chamomiles. Make sure to use clean cloths, and that no trapped particles get in there (if you drop it on the floor, or clean around the tires, use a different cloth for the rest of the car).

I hope to finally take and post some pictures afterwards.
I'm also unsure if I want to wax on top of the ventureshield, or just wash it and use Plexus.
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I'm also unsure if I want to wax on top of the ventureshield, or just wash it and use Plexus.
I assume ventureshield is a clear mask. I was unsure about that as well. Was thinking that I'd use Meguire's Quick Detailer for those areas.
It seems everyone has sort of different approach on waxing..
My take is sort of similar except less time consuming..
1.Before properly washing the car with soap I rinse the car with water washing out the dirt and anything muddy etc..
2.Wash the Car with soap using mitt wash glove
3.Dry the car using terry cloth towel
4.Wax the whole car section at a time
5.Finally polish the car using a different towel

Total towels used:4
1.Used for Dying
2.Waxing
3.Polishing
4.Occasional Detailing
Total Time used:45-60 Minutes
I wax maximum of 3 times a year but depending on weather etc maybe 4 but wash the car 1-2 times a month with regular rinse 1-2 a week once again depending on the weather and how dirty the car is..
I will be purchasing a Clay Bar due to Gunk buildup recently on the back of the car..After waxing recently it wasn't smooth anymore so possibility of gunk build up..:)
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If you have any questions or are curious about any of Meguiar's products, I would check out their website www.meguiars.com. I only use there products as well as there RX Plus center. I put my email and name in there and then fill out the questionnaire. They send you the results of all the products you should use and how to use them to get the looks you want :cool: Here is a link http://www.meguiars.com/rx/rx_main.cfm
Thanks, Big Mike. I like some of the recommendations given by the RX Plus center. Question, how do people feel about Meguiar's Natural Shine Vinyl & Rubber Protectant? I used Armor All on my last car and I hated it, mostly because it was impossible to get every spot and it looked terrible because you could see dull spots (that were missed) and shiny spots (that got treated). And once you do it, I feel like you have to keep doing it.

Is the Meguiar's product essentially the same idea as Armor All? I was planning to just clean the dash, etc., with water only (mild soap as needed). What do you all think and/or use?
I was planning to just clean the dash, etc., with water only (mild soap as needed). What do you all think and/or use?
This sounds good to me and is what I was planning on doing for the interior. I don't like putting chemicals on the leather or dash areas. I never treated the leather/suede on my is300 and it still looks great. The dash in one area feels a little sticky, not sure what that is from. I think it may have been when I brought it to a regular car wash and wasn't supervising.
Stay away from evil-all! And it's cousin Formula 2001 made by Turtle Wax. That stuff contains silicone. Bad bad bad.

I've used Meg's Natural Shine and Vinyl Rubber Protectant. Great stuff! You should also check out their NXT or Gold version for the interior and also their leather cleaner. I'm using their Gold leather cleaner and NXT interior protectant this week for the F.
Bulls, my only question is whether it makes the dash shiny or gives it any kind of gloss (the name implies it does). If it does, I do not want any part of it. I like disordr's "chemical free" policy on the interior, though I would use lotion on the seats if they start to look like they need it (3-4 years from now).
The Meg's Natural shine gives you the option if you want to keep the factory shinyness or to add another coat and bring it out some more. I would at least do this to protect the plastics from UV rays.

Meg's products are awesome and they have plenty to choose from what it is you're looking for. All of them work as advertised and don't ever fail. I've used them exclusively for our cars for several years with no issues. I consider myself an amateur detailer as I have been using a dual-action polisher along with Meg's professional line of products.

Once I do my interior, I'll post pics. I already did the exterior. I posted a thread in the "New Member" forum of the pics I took after I washed, clayed, glazed, and waxed my car after delivery. :)
The Meg's Natural shine gives you the option if you want to keep the factory shinyness or to add another coat and bring it out some more. I would at least do this to protect the plastics from UV rays.

Meg's products are awesome and they have plenty to choose from what it is you're looking for. All of them work as advertised and don't ever fail. I've used them exclusively for our cars for several years with no issues. I consider myself an amateur detailer as I have been using a dual-action polisher along with Meg's professional line of products.

Once I do my interior, I'll post pics. I already did the exterior. I posted a thread in the "New Member" forum of the pics I took after I washed, clayed, glazed, and waxed my car after delivery. :)

I completely agree with you Bulls about the Meg's products :cool:

Krell, I would l try the Meg's products (NXT, natural shine, etc.) to see if you like them and if not, don't use them again and just stick with water and soap!

I use the Meguiars Quick Interior Detailer wipes and like the way they look. They get a little shiny right upon application but then the leather looks normal leather after a few minutes. Give some of the products a try and see what you think :cool:
I wonder if I am the only one in here using Zainos? It is a lot of work, but leaves an incredible shine.
^Zaino's wax is also great stuff. I've just never had a chance to personally try it.
Krell, I would l try the Meg's products (NXT, natural shine, etc.) to see if you like them and if not, don't use them again and just stick with water and soap!
The problem is even one use of the stuff may mess things up. I can't really just try it -- because once it is done, it is done. I would be happy to test it on someone else's dash, though. Any takers in Colorado?

I think I'll err on the side of caution and just use water/soap.
It's completely removable. It's not permanent at all! Try it on and old car if you're still skeptic. For your case, I would definitely recommend the natural shine than the NXT shine.
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