Some basic detailing questions

[RMoore]

I'm a novice when it comes to detailing. In the past I've taken my car to a local carwash (not brushless!) and every now and then I've washed my car using a pail with some soapy water (dishwashing soap) and old towels. But after reading some threads here as well as some articles online I ordered some supplies and tried my hand at washing my car and trying additional things like clay bar and ceramic coating using the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wax Spray Coating that many here have recommended. Since my MME won't arrive for another few months, I did this with my current car and it came out great, particularly given that it is 8 yrs old. I have two basic questions:

1. I'm not one to obsess over a perfect finish for my car. Is there any reason to use a wax product too or just stick with a good washing and then every now and then re-apply the Hybrid Solutions Ceramic spray?

2. Any reason why one shouldn't throw the microfiber towels used to apply and buff the ceramic coating into the washing machine along with the ones used to dry the car? I've also read somewhere that one shouldn't use fabric softener when washing those since it can cause problems with the detailing efforts.

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[Rapid Ed]

I'm a novice when it comes to detailing. In the past I've taken my car to a local carwash (not brushless!) and every now and then I've washed my car using a pail with some soapy water (dishwashing soap) and old towels. But after reading some threads here as well as some articles online I ordered some supplies and tried my hand at washing my car and trying additional things like clay bar and ceramic coating using the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wax Spray Coating that many here have recommended. Since my MME won't arrive for another few months, I did this with my current car and it came out great, particularly given that it is 8 yrs old. I have two basic questions:

1. I'm not one to obsess over a perfect finish for my car. Is there any reason to use a wax product too or just stick with a good washing and then every now and then re-apply the Hybrid Solutions Ceramic spray?

2. Any reason why one shouldn't throw the microfiber towels used to apply and buff the ceramic coating into the washing machine along with the ones used to dry the car? I've also read somewhere that one shouldn't use fabric softener when washing those since it can cause problems with the detailing efforts.

New to this myself.

1) I put Hybrid Solutions Ceramic on a month ago and it's held up super well (have done one wash since, plus some spot detailing here and there). I do have a butter wax (Chemical Guys) I am going to apply after my next wash to see if it gets even more sparkle. I doubt it will but I have the stuff anyway so I will give it a shot. If I remember I will let you know (others will likely reply well before then though).

2) I've washed my microfiber towels with a little All Free & Clear, all of them at once and even the washing mitt, and haven't had any problems, but I may order the Chemical Guys microfiber wash to use in the future. I think the main thing to watch for is some detergents also have built-in fabric softener.

I'm sure someone will post about how wrong am I, and I might well be. If there's one thing I've learned in the past few weeks, car washing and waxing is WAY more controversial and the online discussions get way more heated than I ever expected. In fact, I suspect my use of the words "Chemical Guys" will trigger someone, seems like a love/hate thing. (I have no strong feelings on the brand, they had a nice kit with almost everything I needed so I bought it and it has worked fine.)

 

[BillPitman]

I'm a novice when it comes to detailing. In the past I've taken my car to a local carwash (not brushless!) and every now and then I've washed my car using a pail with some soapy water (dishwashing soap) and old towels. But after reading some threads here as well as some articles online I ordered some supplies and tried my hand at washing my car and trying additional things like clay bar and ceramic coating using the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wax Spray Coating that many here have recommended. Since my MME won't arrive for another few months, I did this with my current car and it came out great, particularly given that it is 8 yrs old. I have two basic questions:

1. I'm not one to obsess over a perfect finish for my car. Is there any reason to use a wax product too or just stick with a good washing and then every now and then re-apply the Hybrid Solutions Ceramic spray?

2. Any reason why one shouldn't throw the microfiber towels used to apply and buff the ceramic coating into the washing machine along with the ones used to dry the car? I've also read somewhere that one shouldn't use fabric softener when washing those since it can cause problems with the detailing efforts.

Go to YouTube and check out “ Pan the Organizer”, excellent detailing content! Bill

 

[heisnuts]

Whatever you choose, do not continue to use dish soap for washing your cars. It is very harsh on the finish. Only use soap that is designed for car washing.

 

[joebruin77]

1. I'm not one to obsess over a perfect finish for my car. Is there any reason to use a wax product too or just stick with a good washing and then every now and then re-apply the Hybrid Solutions Ceramic spray?

2. Any reason why one shouldn't throw the microfiber towels used to apply and buff the ceramic coating into the washing machine along with the ones used to dry the car? I've also read somewhere that one shouldn't use fabric softener when washing those since it can cause problems with the detailing efforts.

1. There are two reasons to consider using a wax in addition to the TW HS Ceramic Spray. First, applying a wax on top of the ceramic spray can give your car even more gloss and pop. Second, if you use a spray wax, you can use it as a drying aid after each wash. By doing so, not only are you applying some additional wax, but you decrease the chance of inducing scratches. The drying aid lubricates the drying towel as it dries, so you are less likely to induce scratches and swirls while drying.

In the same Hyrbrid Solutions line of products, Turtle Wax makes a ceramic Wet Wax. You can apply this to the car while it is still wet and before you dry.

2. When using microfibers to apply any car product that contains ceramic, after I use them I usually place them in a bucket containing some Optimum No Rinse (ONR) or microfiber detergent and then wash them as soon as I am done washing the car. While that may be overkill, you definitely want to wash them immediately after you are done washing the car. If left unwashed, the ceramic particles can harden as the towel dries out, resulting in your microfiber towel having hard fibers and inducing scratches the next time you use them.

I personally wash all of my car wash towels together, as long as they are not too soiled (for example, from wiping a dirty tire). I never mix my car microfibers with clothes (the lint and fibers from clothes can contaminate your microfiber towels). You are correct - never use fabric softener on microfiber towels (this can, contrary to the name, make the fibers hard). And always dry them on ultra low heat. Higher drying temps can damage and harden the microfibers.

If you want to learn more about car washing techniques, I am a big fan of Larry with Ammo NYC. Even though he produces the videos to sell his products, they are still extremely informative and helpful. Here is an example of one:

 

[RMoore]

Whatever you choose, do not continue to use dish soap for washing your cars. It is very harsh on the finish. Only use soap that is designed for car washing.

Understood. I used an automotive soap (Maguiar’s Gold Class).

 

[alexgorod]

New to this myself.

1) I put Hybrid Solutions Ceramic on a month ago and it's held up super well (have done one wash since, plus some spot detailing here and there). I do have a butter wax (Chemical Guys) I am going to apply after my next wash to see if it gets even more sparkle. I doubt it will but I have the stuff anyway so I will give it a shot. If I remember I will let you know (others will likely reply well before then though).

I've never done it, so even less than "new" But I'm thinking about applying ceramic coating - this one:

So if I do it just after a car wash - will it work? What will happen in a year, or whatever time it will take for the coating to dissappear from some spots? Do I need to remove the first layer before applying next, or can just reapply it over?

My main goal is to make the paint more resistant to scratches and easier to wash (at home with the hose instead ot going to a $10 car wash), and not to ruin the appearence (if it becomes better looking - it's the bonus).

 

[ChasingCoral]

Do a search of the forum on threads containing "wash" in the title. Lots of good suggestions.

 

[RickMachE]

For many of us, some of the "enthusiasts" on car and truck forums go way beyond what we're willing to do. Some spend a small fortune on supplies, and hours and hours on products. Good for them, whatever floats your boat.

I like my cars clean, but I'm only willing to go so far. I give them a wash when they need it. In the winter, that's whenever it warms up. Washing it and having it get all salt covered the next day really accomplishes nothing IMO.

I wash with car soap, and use a mitt and the 2 bucket method. Microfiber towels to dry, and wash them with rags, and let them dry on a rack.

I wax once or twice a year with Collinite 845, which is amazing. Use a very tiny amount. I've had it for many years, still have over 1/2 bottle left. Beads up for a year plus.

I personally think all the ceramic stuff is nonsense. I read a thread where someone applied ceramic product to car seats? Really? Tip - don't be a pig in the car.

That's my simple perspective.

 

[joebruin77]

I've never done it, so even less than "new" But I'm thinking about applying ceramic coating - this one:

So if I do it just after a car wash - will it work? What will happen in a year, or whatever time it will take for the coating to dissappear from some spots? Do I need to remove the first layer before applying next, or can just reapply it over?

My main goal is to make the paint more resistant to scratches and easier to wash (at home with the hose instead ot going to a $10 car wash), and not to ruin the appearence (if it becomes better looking - it's the bonus).

That particular product is a ceramic spray sealant that is heavily marketed on social media. IMO, it is one of several such products that are overhyped, overpriced, and underperform. I personally would avoid Nexgen, F11 Topcoat, Torque Detail Spray, and other similar products. There are some youtube reviewers that have shown these products are weakened or even completely stripped by just a few washes.

If you want an easy to apply ceramic spray sealant, I would instead go for Griot's Garage 3-in-1 Wax (which combines ceramic, synthetic polymers, and carnauba wax) or even a $9 bottle of Turtle Wax Seal and Shine, which would be better than NexGen. You will have to reapply them after 3-5 months.

If you want resistance to scratches and an easier wash experience, then I would suggest you go for an actual ceramic coating such as CQuartz UK 3.0 or Gyeon Pure (ceramic coatings are actually very different from ceramic spray sealants). If you don't know how to apply them, you can have one professionally installed.

 

[alexgorod]

That particular product is a ceramic spray sealant that is heavily marketed on social media.

Correct. So you think that this review is inaccurate - https://carcarereviews.net/nexgen-c...xact_desk&utm_term=best spray ceramic car wax

 

[joebruin77]

Correct. So you think that this review is inaccurate - https://carcarereviews.net/nexgen-ceramic-spray.php?utm_source=google&utm_medium=.cpc&utm_campaign=search_exact_desk&utm_term=best spray ceramic car wax

Yes, that is an inaccurate review. While I am not familiar with that particular website, there are many websites that look like legitimate sources of objective reviews. But in actuality, they are more like info-mercials, where they get paid by manufacturers to list products and give them false positive reviews. I suspect this website is like that.

In my opinion, one of the most honest car care reviewers is Scott HD on Youtube. Here is a link to a comparison he did of 20 different ceramic spray sealants. Nexgen failed in less than 30 days:

 

[VaderMachE]

When I read this and the words "dish soap and old towels, I developed a serious eye twitch!?

Good advice on here, and yes, numerous threads on what, and how to use items. I'm one that obsesses a bit over my black vehicle.?‍ Be good to your Mach, and remember, clean cars perform better.?

 

[Bill S]

Please do not use dish soap. It is not kind to paint. A decent car wash soap (like Meguire's Gold) is not expensive and will treat your paint with respect. The 2 bucket wash system is easy and is the best answer. One for soapy water and one for clean water. Suds up a wash mitt, wash, rinse in the water bucket, do another panel. This gets the left over grime out of the wash mitt. Should mean less scratches. You don't want to drag dirt in a mitt over the paint.

And now I feel better having vented.

 

[RMoore]

The Scott HD video is interesting since he uses real world testing. I’ve watched this guy’s video reviews of several other things and he likes more “lab” based conditions:

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