Hey Guys, I plan on washing and waxing my 04 tl and was wondering if you could tell me what the Wax and applicant would be best to do this with?? I have been told to use ZYMOL, but am not to sure, any suggestions would be great, thanks so much.. Also what do you suggest for the interior dash and doors?

 

Is it the first time you are waxing the car?

First, I 'd stay away from car wash soaps that have carnauba. Yes, they do add some shine to the car but they also leave a layer of carnauba wax especially on the areas that don't really need them, like the trims and the glass. Meg's DC car wash or Armor All Car wash leaves the finish nice and squeaky clean. The more suds, the better,'coz the suds literally lift the dirt off the finish. Also try to use a microfiber or a lamb's wool mitt.

Depending on the color of your car, I'd start of with an all-in-one product until you can experiment later on with multi-step products. Products like Meg's Professional #6 Cleaner Wax or ColorX would have some minor cleaners that takes some of the steps off cleaning the clearcoat and apply plish/ wax at the same time. Meg's or Mothers Cleaner waxes are also good, cheap and lasts much longer (the shine) than Zymols cleaner wax IMO. Applicators like a double-sided foam/ terry pad is good. Foam adds a little bite to the cleaner wax or polish and you get a more even result.

I think the secret is not over applying the product, whatever you use. A nickel to quarter size amount is enough to do a fender or a door. Also go for a good quality MF cloth for buffing the wax/ plish off the paint. They don't scratch as much as the terry cloth ones do.

Exceldetail can probably recommend a regimen for the color and weather that you expose the vehicle to.