Using a Clay Bar

[JetBlackE46]

I generally wash, clay, wash, dry and then follow-up with zymol or meguairs cleaner/wax and then finish with a good wax (pinnacle). This is the best bang for the buck in terms of effort vs reward. I hear a polish is great if you want a deep gloss but since I don't have an orbital, I don't bother.

[llll1l1ll]

That's what I'll probably except I'll only do the one coat of Meguiar's cleaner wax, as normally when I wax the coat is deep and glossy with minimal marks with just one coat. I reckon I could do two coats like above, but I don't want to over-wax the car.

Is that even possible?

[dreamer420]

the random orbital link posted sucks, those kind of polishers are not conveniant to use.
youdont have to polich, you can just clay and wax.
but i would wash before and after claying.
as for the wax, 1 coat is fine. the reason most people do more than 1 coat is to ensure they got full coverage of the vehicle.

[StereoInstaller1]

With one of those random orbitals all you are doing is saving your hands, and speeding up the job by about 50%.

This is not a direct drive rotary we are talking about here...just a little rub-a-dub job. Not even a real DA...and you can't really stop between phases, you can't finish the next night, go HAVE to get wax on it...leaving your paint unprotected even 1 day is just asking for trouble...if a fat old bald fuck like me can do it, so can you.

Luke

[llll1l1ll]

See, that's why I don't want to polish is because I don't have a garage where I can just do this at a leisurely pace on a Saturday night while drinking beer. I have to do it right at the best moment in the afternoon.

Plus, I just think I'm going to screw up polishing with that machine. I'd be better off (and safer) just doing a steady clay with a nice waxing at the end.

Maybe next year I'll polish lol.

[rabbitude]

the random orbital link posted sucks, those kind of polishers are not conveniant to use.
youdont have to polich, you can just clay and wax.
but i would wash before and after claying.
as for the wax, 1 coat is fine. the reason most people do more than 1 coat is to ensure they got full coverage of the vehicle.

The only random orbit to buy is the Porter Cable 7424.

[iXBeater]

The only random orbit to buy is the Porter Cable 7424.

The buffer like the one posted is OK for wax and that is about it. Waxing by hand is pretty easy since you aren't using pressure, etc. The buffer just lets you work faster and is a lot more likely to give you good coverage.

Porter Cable released an updated version of their buffer called the 7424XP, and it is terrific. It is what I include with my GlossHaus kits. It has much better torque and is dead reliable. There are two other new buffers on the market that are worth a look:

- Griot's 2nd generation Random Orbital Polisher: Replacing their first branded buffer, this one is said to have far better power and throw. You can get one with a longer-than standard cord. Unlike their previous generation, which bogged down fairly easily, this one lives up to the specs. ($130-$150)

- Meguiar's G110v2: Replacing the G110, which reportedly had reliability issues, this is probably the most powerful random orbital on the market. ($149)

My only concern about either of the two newcomers is that they aren't time-tested. Granted, the 7424XP is "new" but the update matched a proven and more powerful DeWalt motor on the benchmark Porter Cable buffer platform (DeWalt bought Porter Cable). I've used mine a ton and not only see the additional power, but feel the noise and vibration is less than the old 7424/7336.

They aren't cheap, but they are terrific and safe tools that hold their value well.

[e34john]

Isn't he basically going to polish because of his wax choice, which is the cleaner wax? If I were you I would also get something to go over that even gold class or their deep crystal carnauba wax would get that paint to shine after the cleaner wax, plus it seems to last longer on the car too.

[kenika65]

Just me but for a first timer I Highly recommend Turtle Wax ICE Liquid Clay Bar.

It is like a wash and comes with a sponge.

All U do is act like your washing the car and it will remove everything just like a clay bar will except for the real stuck stuff like paint and tree wax or bird stains which is what you would use a real clay bar for on specific spots or the whole car again to really clean the paint.

I wipe down then wax, of course tape off all rubber if your wax will leave white powder behind then wax a thin coat or you will be rubbing the dried wax off for hours!

Post pics when your done!