Wash/Clay/Wax

[nomik2]

Hey guys,

So I just got a new 2010 Mazda 3 and I've read its a good idea to wash/clay/wax new cars to remove contaminants during shipping and bring out the shine.

I've never waxed, much less washed a car by hand...so I went to Canadian Tire and was completely lost b/w the hundreds of products. So I guess what I need is a shopping list. Once I get all the products I can follow the hundreds of guides online. I want to be economical but not cheap, so if an expensive wax is worth it I'll get it. Lets assume that I don't even have a bucket to pour water in...I'll start:

1. Bucket
2. 100% cotton towels

[nomik2]

I don't know if it matters but the car is black.

Also I need to clean the rims too, as all the dust from the brake pads (or something...) has blackened them...

[aris]

1.Wash buket
2.Micro fiber wash mit
3.Car wash soap
4.Absober (dry car off)
5.Claybar
6.wax or polish (You will have to decide which one you want as everyone has their own preference)
7.micro fiber towel

[aris]

I don't know if it matters but the car is black.

Also I need to clean the rims too, as all the dust from the brake pads (or something...) has blackened them...

when you are done washing the car wash your rims last..(also you should use a different wash mit for you rims...and make sure that you always wash top to bottom:bana2

[nomik2]

1.Wash buket
2.Micro fiber wash mit
3.Car wash soap
4.Absober (dry car off)
5.Claybar
6.wax or polish (You will have to decide which one you want as everyone has their own preference)
7.micro fiber towel

Thanks, are there any specific brands of each I should look at?

[aris]

Thanks, are there any specific brands of each I should look at?

Not realy...i usaly shop around when things i need are on sale..

[MRT_MS3]

Thanks, are there any specific brands of each I should look at?

For Clay & Interior products, I use Mothers from Canadian Tire.
For Wax & Car Wash Soap, I use Meguiars.

If your gonna clay, you can use dishwasher soap instead of the car wash soap. This really gets all the grease and any other contaminants off the paint. Take your time, with a black car, its hard to see the rail dust.

When I got my car last year, it took me about 5 hours to do all.
Wash car with dishwasher soap, CLAY, wash with car wash soap, cleaner Wax, then polish wax.

Have Fun! :)

[sicsol]

Micro Fiber Towels - Costco. You can't beat the price.

[kaval]

I have a New Car Prep package that you can have done on your car. PM me if you are interested!

[dragons4life]

The order of of things are as follows

1. Two buckets one with Meguiars soap, one with water
2. Sheepskin wash mit
3. dry with a "Dehydrator towel"
4. Claybar
5. Polish
7. Sealant
8. Wax.

After give it a final wrap with your microfiber towel.

all your detailing stuff can be found at Eshine.ca

[nomik2]

I am guessing I need some kind of detailer for using the wax..?

[aris]

I am guessing I need some kind of detailer for using the wax..?

A wax appictaor*you can get them in packs of three's at canadian tire* and then use the micro fiber towel to remove the wax:bana

[dragons4life]

Or you can get a Handjobber with a 4" pad for even wax applying.

[mazdabetty]

I looked at Mother's clay bar today (cuz everyone here seems to love it) and a rep at CT mentioned that washing with dish soap prior to clay barring is not necessary as the clay bar itself should remove everything.... can anyone confirm whether this is true or not?

Also I agree with dragons4life, use the sheepskin wash mitt... it's super gentle and supposedly the fibers open up and release any dirt when dipped in water.

[aris]

I looked at Mother's clay bar today (cuz everyone here seems to love it) and a rep at CT mentioned that washing with dish soap prior to clay barring is not necessary as the clay bar itself should remove everything.... can anyone confirm whether this is true or not?

Also I agree with dragons4life, use the sheepskin wash mitt... it's super gentle and supposedly the fibers open up and release any dirt when dipped in water.

Yes that is correct...:bana

[dragons4life]

Remember to spray enough lubricant so that the claybar does not leave any residue on the surface of the car. Also spray the lube on the claybar too help it glide freely.

[JamesDL]

Always do Rims FIRST as stuff will come off them onto paint

[nomik2]

I should probably add something for the rims and tire cleaning.

[aris]

Always do Rims FIRST as stuff will come off them onto paint

No rims should always be done LAST!

[Busdriver]

i agree with this one.. rims done last, dirt and soap will be dripping from the top down so you always want to go from top to bottom anyway.

[mazdabetty]

Yes that is correct...:bana

Ok interesting, that helps thankssss!!!!!


I should probably add something for the rims and tire cleaning.

OH I use Armour All rim cleaner the stuff works great. Takes off all the nasty brake dust.

[Flagrum_3]

i agree with this one.. rims done last, dirt and soap will be dripping from the top down so you always want to go from top to bottom anyway.

Actually, When doing the preliminary wash do your rims and tires first.This eliminates the chance of getting overspray/dirt back on the cars finish....When 'detailing' then do wheels and tires last.

Mazdabetty, the rep at CT doesn't have a clue!! You should use a mild dishsoap to clean the surface before you clay as the claying only takes certain impurities from the clearcoat the dishsoap does two things; strips old wax/polish from the surface and cleans most impurities/grease from the surface, basically prepping it for the claying!....If your still not sure about using dishsoap, a good pre-wax cleaner should be used, but always prior to claying.


_3

[mazdabetty]

:o reallyyyy? I'm scared to strip it.... hahahhaha...

I've searched these forums for a couple of hours now it's SO hard to find a straight answer as to what the "proper" steps are.

Say I do use dish soap *shudder* and strip it all, and use for example, Turtle Wax liquid clay bar. Because all that wax is stripped off now, am I safe to just use the Turtle Wax Ice Liquid Polish as a protectant for the paint? (I'm not hard core into detailing so I'm not sure a sealant etc would be necessary for me.) Or should it be,

Step 1. dish soap
Step 2. clay bar
Step 3. polish (turtle wax ice liquid polish)

And if necessary,
Step 4. final wax? (not sure which one.... nxt?)

Sorry nomik2 for threadjackin a little but the order of this process is all over the place! In one thread someone says to wax THEN polish, in another someone says polish will work fine without wax... use dish soap don't use dish soap... hahah, bah!!!! :complain We need a sticky of the order that things should be done in, and what can potentially be left out (ie IS polish really necessary?).... lol




Actually, When doing the preliminary wash do your rims and tires first.This eliminates the chance of getting overspray/dirt back on the cars finish....When 'detailing' then do wheels and tires last.

Mazdabetty, the rep at CT doesn't have a clue!! You should use a mild dishsoap to clean the surface before you clay as the claying only takes certain impurities from the clearcoat the dishsoap does two things; strips old wax/polish from the surface and cleans most impurities/grease form the surface, basically prepping it for the claying!....If your still not sure about using dishsoap, a good pre-wax cleaner should be used, but always prior to claying.


_3

[JamesDL]

i agree with this one.. rims done last, dirt and soap will be dripping from the top down so you always want to go from top to bottom anyway.

Ok so wash your rims and dirt splashes onto your paint then you wax and scratch your paint

[Flagrum_3]

:o reallyyyy? I'm scared to strip it.... hahahhaha...

I've searched these forums for a couple of hours now it's SO hard to find a straight answer as to what the "proper" steps are.

Say I do use dish soap *shudder* and strip it all, and use for example, Turtle Wax liquid clay bar. Because all that wax is stripped off now, am I safe to just use the Turtle Wax Ice Liquid Polish as a protectant for the paint? (I'm not hard core into detailing so I'm not sure a sealant etc would be necessary for me.) Or should it be,

Step 1. dish soap
Step 2. clay bar
Step 3. polish (turtle wax ice liquid polish)

And if necessary,
Step 4. final wax? (not sure which one.... nxt?)

Sorry nomik2 for threadjackin a little but the order of this process is all over the place! In one thread someone says to wax THEN polish, in another someone says polish will work fine without wax... use dish soap don't use dish soap... hahah, bah!!!! :complain We need a sticky of the order that things should be done in, and what can potentially be left out (ie IS polish really necessary?).... lol


Steps 1,2 and 3 would be fine, thats usually all I do! but I wash again after claying.Although TW Ice is labelled a 'polish' it is actually a polish/wax in one...and if your energetic enough put 2 coats of TWI on, it'll help hide most light swirl marks.

Seriously though, washing the car with dishsoap is not harmful whatsoever, been doing it for years and never had a problem...and you'll be surprised how well it works! ask McGuyver, we did exactly that with his 2010 and it turned out friggen awesome.

You could use the Turtle wax liquid clay after you wash the vehicle, basically just use it as a car soap in place of dishsoap.(Check the Turtle Wax site for video instructions on the product and proper use of it).


_3

[mazdabetty]

Perfect!!!! Thanks Flagrum!! :)


Steps 1,2 and 3 would be sufficient, that usually all I do! and although TWIce is labelled a 'polish' it is actually a polish/wax in one.It performa steps 2 and 3 of most three step methods such as Mother's 3 step etc;

Seriously though, washing the car with dishsoap is not harmful whatsoever, been doing it for years and never had a problem...and you'll be surprised how well it works! and ask McGuyver we did exactly that with his 2010 and it turned out friggen awesome.

Now you could use the Turtle wax liquid clay after you wash the vehicle basically just use it as a car soap.(Check the Turtle Wax site for video instructions on the product, for proper use).


_3

[nomik2]

WOW!

I am more confused now...do I need to buy dish soap now?

For some reason dish soap on a car doesn't sound like such a great idea...

[aris]

WOW!

I am more confused now...do I need to buy dish soap now?

For some reason dish soap on a car doesn't sound like such a great idea...

Personaly would not use it...just use the adivse that was giving to you from the beggining:bana

[Flagrum_3]

WOW!

I am more confused now...do I need to buy dish soap now?

For some reason dish soap on a car doesn't sound like such a great idea...

There is nothing confusing about it! It should be understood that using dishwashing soap is 'Only necessary if you plan on claying the vehicle', you would not want to use it any other time!!...All other washes should be done with a quality car soap.

There are other products that will clean the surface properly but they are harder to use and require more steps.A regular quality 'carsoap' will not strip old wax or grease from the paint surface, this would require a pre-wax cleaner or something like Turtle wax liquid clay, but, a good quality mild dish soap (such as Dawn) will and is just so easy to do.Believe me it will not harm your paint or clearcoat whatsoever, I've used it twice a year on my present vehicle and the finish speaks for itself.

But it's up to you....I ain't twisting your arm :chuckle


_3

[aris]

I got thins off eshine to help you out

This is to wash you car
http://www.eshine.ca/car_wash.htm


This shows you how to clay bar
http://www.eshine.ca/DetailClay.htm


ANd this will help you decide what wax or polish you want to use
http://www.eshine.ca/yourbestwax.htm

And if you want for your engine bay
http://www.eshine.ca/How_To_Wash_An_Engine_Bay.htm

I hope all this helps you out better then what we all told you

Good luck:bana2

[nomik2]

I got thins off eshine to help you out

This is to wash you car
http://www.eshine.ca/car_wash.htm


This shows you how to clay bar
http://www.eshine.ca/DetailClay.htm


ANd this will help you decide what wax or polish you want to use
http://www.eshine.ca/yourbestwax.htm

And if you want for your engine bay
http://www.eshine.ca/How_To_Wash_An_Engine_Bay.htm

I hope all this helps you out better then what we all told you

Good luck:bana2

Beautiful! This and your PM. Thanks for all the info guys.

Now to find the time to do it...will post before/after pics soon.

[dragons4life]

you would need atleast 4-5 hours to do the car.

[nomik2]

you would need atleast 4-5 hours to do the car.

Yup, I understood it to be that much. Problem is...I can only do it on a weekend as I have work and I need to find a clear, cool day to work on it.

[mleblond]

Guys, always wash your rims first no matter what. That way you don't have water spots on your car when you start to dry it off. Also avoids the heavy wheel cleaners to kill your paint.

[aris]

Guys, always wash your rims first no matter what. That way you don't have water spots on your car when you start to dry it off. Also avoids the heavy wheel cleaners to kill your paint.

I don't know about you but when i wash my rims the waters turns black..After i wash my car i then wash my rims with another wash mit and then i dry my whole car and rims

[theurgy]

The basics that you can readily get at Canadian Tire are:

2 x Simoniz buckets with grit grates. (Seriously make the investment in these):
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/CarWashingCleaning/WashMittsSponges/PRD~0396141P/Simoniz%2BWash%2BBucket%2Bwith%2BGrit%2BGrate.jsp

This is a good starter wash kit:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/CarWashingCleaning/CarWashes/PRD~0392568P/Simoniz%253F%2BCar%2BWash%2BKit.jsp

A good starter wax:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/CarWashingCleaning/CarPaintCare/PRD~0392851P/Meguiar%2527s%2BTech%2BWax%2BPaste.jsp

Wax Applicators (wet them mildly and rub into the wax tin):
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/CarWashingCleaning/CarPolishers/PRDOVR~0398026P/Simoniz%2BWax%2BApplicator%2BPads%252C%2B4-pack.jsp

Tire Shine:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/CarWashingCleaning/TireWheelCare/PRD~0390711P/Meguiar%2527s%253F%2BEndurance%2BTire%2BProtectant .jsp

Interior: To clean I simply use a mix of water and Woolite/Zero (6:1). Mix in a spray bottle and good for plastic parts fabrics and carpets.

Glass: Safe to use on all tinted windows and does a great job (Cheaper at Costco).
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/CarWashingCleaning/InteriorCarCare/PRDOVR~0390432P/Stoner%2BInvisible%2BGlass.jsp

All Purpose: always useful .. I have them in my car all the time:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/CarWashingCleaning/ChamoisTowels/PRDOVR~0396641P/Blue%2BShop%2BTowels.jsp

Things I'd get but NOT from Canadian Tire (Eshine):

Clay: the Meg's and Mother's type they carry isn't really that great and not the same as a good detailer's grade clay.

Drying Towels: The Dehydrator Towels or the Meguiar's Waffle Weave Towels are great... however not available at CT.

As for swirl removers, polish, sealant, polishers, once you get better have have better instructions.. then look into investing in those, else just hire Kaval.

Also.. keep a bit of Quick Detailer, a bit of clay and an MF towel in a kit in your glove compartment at all times... I call it my emergency bird poop removal kit. I take bird poop off the moment I see it.

[JamesDL]

I don't know about you but when i wash my rims the waters turns black..After i wash my car i then wash my rims with another wash mit and then i dry my whole car and rims

Thats why i use all different stuff to wash my rims

[mazdabetty]

I soap the entire car before hosing off (usually in a wash bay in shade so it doesn't dry quickly) So it doesn't really make a difference whether I do them first or last, but I agree with aristeidis my water is black and full of grit after doing a light once over so I usually leave them till last... then do a thorough cleaning with rim cleaner.

[theurgy]

I'll usually wash my rims and wheel wells first with a separate mitt and change out the water afterwards.
I'll leave then soapy until it's time to rinse. I wax my wheels as well.. best thing to do is take them off your car, thoroughly wash them, then apply a good hard wax (generally I have a tin of crappy Mother's Cleaner Wax I'll use for that).
Makes washing them afterwards MUCH easier.

[aris]

Thats why i use all different stuff to wash my rims

I use a different wash mit for my rims..*old wash mit*

I never use any kind of rim cleaners on my rims...i just use the car wash soap that i used to wash my car with (after i am done washing my car of course:chuckle)

[nomik2]

I soap the entire car before hosing off (usually in a wash bay in shade so it doesn't dry quickly) So it doesn't really make a difference whether I do them first or last, but I agree with aristeidis my water is black and full of grit after doing a light once over so I usually leave them till last... then do a thorough cleaning with rim cleaner.

Hey betty, do you have pics of your red calipers...I want to paint my calipers red too and want to know what they look like on a black car with stock rims.

[nomik2]

Hey betty, do you have pics of your red calipers...I want to paint my calipers red too and want to know what they look like on a black car with stock rims.

Scratch that...I checked your profile. Your's have a slight shade of pink, is it just me?

[mazdabetty]

No they're red! Probably just the photo makes them look pink... I used high temp caliper paint from CT...

[mazdabetty]

PS you should definitely go for it... red on black looks sick!!

[dragons4life]

Nomik go to www.eshine.ca and get your self a Handjobber/Polishing pal helps alot on helping you apply polises and wax. Its a kit for $30 includes 3 pads fo your choosing. That thing is a must for even layers of coating. And it makes waxing the car or claying the car alot easier on your hands.

[nomik2]

PS you should definitely go for it... red on black looks sick!!

Does it work with the stock rims though? Seems like black or gunmetal rims would suit the red better..

[mazdabetty]

Yeah, well I have stock rims and I think they look awesome like that! There's a full shot in my album... They look great with dark ones too, but it all comes down to your personal preference.

[nomik2]

Yeah, well I have stock rims and I think they look awesome like that! There's a full shot in my album... They look great with dark ones too, but it all comes down to your personal preference.

I just don't want it to look tacky, that is my main concern with exterior mods.

[mazdabetty]

I just don't want it to look tacky, that is my main concern with exterior mods.

:whoa wow.... well I don't think it looks tacky. Lots of people think it looks great. Some people might not like it. Who cares, it's your car. You can't please everybody. Personally, I don't always prefer the look of dark rims on dark cars (sometimes it works, it really depends). But there are a lot of people will disagree and love them on any car, same with chrome... some people hate it, some people totally love it! Again it's all your personal preference.

TACKY would be pretty much everything in THIS thread:
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=11090&highlight=spoiler+abuse

:chuckle

[nomik2]

:whoa wow.... well I don't think it looks tacky. Lots of people think it looks great. Some people might not like it. Who cares, it's your car. You can't please everybody. Personally, I don't always prefer the look of dark rims on dark cars (sometimes it works, it really depends). But there are a lot of people will disagree and love them on any car, same with chrome... some people hate it, some people totally love it! Again it's all your personal preference.

TACKY would be pretty much everything in THIS thread:
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=11090&highlight=spoiler+abuse

:chuckle

lol..I didn't say that yours look tacky, I said that was my main concern!

[mazdabetty]

hahah well yes, but my point wasssss, if you like what you see, go for it!!! Red calipers in stock rims is FAR from tacky.... lol it may not be as "cool" as doing it with aftermarket rims, but it still looks 100x better than rusting orange!

[nomik2]

hahah well yes, but my point wasssss, if you like what you see, go for it!!! Red calipers in stock rims is FAR from tacky.... lol it may not be as "cool" as doing it with aftermarket rims, but it still looks 100x better than rusting orange!

lol...so did you do them yourself...seems like a lot of work.

[aris]

same with chrome... some people hate it, some people totally love it

:hawt

:chuckle

[mzkaye729]

I give the car a preliminary wash to wash away all the surface dirt. Then I clean the tires and rims. Then I clean the body of the car.

And yes, I use a different bucket for the rims/tires cleaning and the car body cleaning. That way, nothing is contaminated when I work on the car's body.

[nomik2]

Results:
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=34607