Warder45

Hey guys, I know these threads seem to be a dime a dozen but I've never hand washed or waxed a car before so I was going to run down the supply list and maybe get some pointers on how to make the first few waxes as easy and painless as possible.

I've been looking at Excel's site since I want to minimize shipping costs and order everything if I can from one site and also because he seems to help out here a lot.

For equipment it looks like I'll be going by hand as I'm waiting to see how the new ultimate polishing machine turns out before investing in a PC. Here's the lists,

Tools:

Going to buy:

1) Pure Australian Heavy Sheepskin Washmit x 2 : I assume for washing the car. I'm not sure I need 2, is 1 good enough? Whats the difference between heavy, medium, and light?

2) Excel Monterey Waffle Weave Drying Towel x 2 : Should be good enough to dry the car off.

3) Mini Pacific Blue 1616 x 4 : MF towels for everything else. Is there a difference between colors? I notice there are plain then yellow/blue/grey choices? Will a MF mitt make waxing easier?

Have:

1) Tire brush
2) 2 Applicator pads

Cleaners:

Going to buy:

1) Car Wash : Does brand really matter? Meijers has car wash solution on sale all the time. Or is it worth it to get FS or Optimum wash?

2) Poorboys SSR1 : Is this worth it for a first timer? and for a hand wash? I figure if I don't have swirls now I may get some down the road.

3) Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection : Along with this do I also need a wax to apply before this step? I read some people using Nattys Blue Paste Wax.

4) Duragloss #221 Leather Conditioner: I'll be using a woolite/water mixture to clean.

Have:

Tire/wheel cleaner
Meg's Tire shine bottle
303 AP
stoner's window cleaner

I know there's only so much you can do with the stock TSX tires, but would a metal polish be worth it? or since they are not chrome or anything will just the cleaner suffice?

For maintenance it sounds like;

1) Optimum NRWS (32oz) + 1 Gal mister/sprayer
2) Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection Spray

are the way to go, for ease of use. Spray -> bead -> wash -> wax(UPPS) and your done.

My main concern is technique. I've read through many threads in this forum but reading and seeing/doing are different beasts. I'm going to try and search around on youtube for some video's on how to properly wax a car. I tend to make newbish mistakes, such as spraying 303 directly on the dash the first time, or spraying too much stoner's window cleaner so that it left streaks.

Thanks for any help and advice. - John

Warder45

I forgot to add that I will pick up a OTC clay bar as well.