just to make sure im washing/waxing my car right, this is the order to do it right?

wash -> dry -> polish -> wax?

Where does the Clay Bar come in?

thanks.

 

Actually it's wash, clay, polish & seal . . . . drying is like kinda part of the wash process.

 

Wash/Dry, Clay, Wash/Dry, Polish, Seal/Wax, Admire

Repeat as necessary.

 

Washing after claying isn't really necessary and it's an option some choose to do. After the claying process, I'll use a polish and the cleansing properties (of the polish) will remove any clay residue.

 

the only place i can really see adding a second wash in is after the polishing and just before seal/wax. this will remove the dusting caused by the broken down polishes. you can use a QD to solve this problem, too.

 

or..............you could use polishes that dont dust...........i.e. Four Star Body Shop, or Optimum....

 

SO, now that we have established that I am a bit OCD about washing......

 

I usually just do a quick wipe down with a 50/50 mix Iso Alcohol and H2O.

 

Optimum is a trooper...SSR? Not so much, BUT SSR dosent stain like Optimum does.

I'd rather clean up dust then scrub off white stains on black rubber.

 

I wash, clay, wash, polish, wash, then seal

 

 

What exactly is clay?

And second when you guys dry do you use any thing specific or will a clean towel do, like a beach or bath towel?

 

Hit the search button, type in WASH, and read..........and read...........and read

Also, good resource:

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/

 

Joe what are you doing polishing rubber trim??

 

Its kinda hard to avoid it, doncha think? Top of the windshield, base of the windshield to the top rear glass, trim on the doors...

I guess I could tape it off, but some of the trim (espically on the doors) is just too thin and would be a pitb to tape off...

 

Slow and meticulous my friend, you have all the time in the world dont you?!?
Also consider smaller pads for those areas prone to get "wet" with polish.....

 

Yea I've got 4" pads, but I still find it hard to avoid

I havent reached your level of mastery!

 

LMAO.....You can do it....If I can, you can........