QD confusion

[glenndale]

Im planning to wax my car tommorow. and just a question after washing and drying my car, is it right to apply QD for final touch before applying wax? And also Im using #26, this is my first time to use it, and i dunno whats the best way to apply it, like i want more protection as well as shiny and wet look too. whats the right step by step to apply this #26. thanks guys!

[Murr1525]

Re: QD confusion

When someone says they are QDing after a wash, that is because it is all they are doing... they are not applying any cleaner/polish/wax after it. Just a wash, then a QD to bring back a nice fresh shine.

For you, you would go right from washing to waxing. Now, if you want the best shine, protection, etc, you might want to add a couple other products into the mix. A good, quick, yet complete, detail would look this:

1. Wash - Good quality soap like Gold Class, Nxt, etc
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. Cleaner/Wax - Either the Cleaner/Wax or ColorX would be good.
4. Wax - A coat of a pure wax like #26 would top it off nicely.

You would want to apply it with a soft applicator... hopefully you were ableto find a couple Hi-Tec Foam applicators. And then a nice soft MF towel to remove the excess product, such as the Supreme Shine MF towels.

[glenndale]

Re: QD confusion

When someone says they are QDing after a wash, that is because it is all they are doing... they are not applying any cleaner/polish/wax after it. Just a wash, then a QD to bring back a nice fresh shine.

For you, you would go right from washing to waxing. Now, if you want the best shine, protection, etc, you might want to add a couple other products into the mix. A good, quick, yet complete, detail would look this:

1. Wash - Good quality soap like Gold Class, Nxt, etc
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. Cleaner/Wax - Either the Cleaner/Wax or ColorX would be good.
4. Wax - A coat of a pure wax like #26 would top it off nicely.

You would want to apply it with a soft applicator... hopefully you were ableto find a couple Hi-Tec Foam applicators. And then a nice soft MF towel to remove the excess product, such as the Supreme Shine MF towels.

thanks dude, just a question, do i really have to do clay and cleaner wax before applying wax, it just coz my car is just 3 months, still new, and just a little bit stain on it. is it right to say claying and cleaner waxing is optional? for#26 is applying it twice is the best for protection?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: QD confusion

After washing the car, feel the paint with your clean hand. The paint should feel smooth and glassy, if it doesn't then it needs to be clayed.

A brand new car can need to be clayed because it sits on the lot at the dealership until it's sold.

Next inspect the paint under strong sunlight for swirls. If you see them you can still just wash, clay and wax but down the road you might want to remove them... personal preference.

[glenndale]

Re: QD confusion

After washing the car, feel the paint with your clean hand. The paint should feel smooth and glassy, if it doesn't then it needs to be clayed.

A brand new car can need to be clayed because it sits on the lot at the dealership until it's sold.

Next inspect the paint under strong sunlight for swirls. If you see them you can still just wash, clay and wax but down the road you might want to remove them... personal preference.

thanks mike! Its just i dont have time yet to do claying and cleaner waxing the car. but as u said i will inspect it to see if it fells smooth and glassy. and also when claying and cleaner waxing, the first thing come to my mind is it could make my clear coat thinner... oh man, i need a clear explanation on this.....

[Murr1525]

Re: QD confusion

As Mike said, it is a lot of personal preference...

You could:
- wash and wax
- wash, clay and wax
- wash, clay, cleaner/wax, wax

Just depends on how obsessive you want to be, and if you want to squeeze out every last bit of shine. Of course how much time you have is also a factor...

[Mort Corey]

Re: QD confusion

You'll be surprised at how quickly you can clay a complete car. That would only take slightly more time than your plan to QD the surface before waxing. The horizontal surfaces would be your prime target if time is short. Even though your car is pretty new, I'll wager that you'll be amazed at the funk that comes off by claying......and you really don't want that stuffed being mooshed around with your wax applicator and taking the chance of marring the finish.

Mort

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: QD confusion

You could easily clay the horizontal surfaces in 10-15 minutes. You should be able to clay the car in less then 35 minutes. If I am reading you post correctly you are trying to get your new car to really shine. I understand your pressed for time, but you would be amazed at the difference claying makes. Good luck.

[glenndale]

Re: QD confusion

thanks guys for info's. I'll try to go if i can find clay and cleaner wax in good price, cause now i dont have a good budget yet.

one more thing, I have a quick wax. in terms of maintenance. before applying quick wax, you have to clean and aplly QD first right, the same way as putting wax...

[Mike Phillips]

Re: QD confusion

one more thing, I have a quick wax. in terms of maintenance. before applying quick wax, you have to clean and apply QD first right, the same way as putting wax...

No, you can apply a spray on wax to a clean finish that already has a normal coat of any kind of wax.

So either wash the car or wipe with a product like Quik Detailer and then use the Quik Wax. The important thing is the paint is dirt and dust free, it how you get it that way is not important.

[Mort Corey]

Re: QD confusion

You can buy the Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit for about $17 US. It includes the QD, clay bar(s), an micro fiber cloth and a small bottle of cleaner wax. The spray wax you would want to use on an already prepped and waxed surface as kind of a booster wax.

Start saving your Loonies.....once you get started there's no turning back

Mort

[glenndale]

Re: QD confusion

thanks guys! anyway another question, i just cleaned my car yesterday, but then today it rain, and by this afternoon its sunny again, so the rain and dust stick together at my car, is it ok if i would rinse my car by water, and without drying it, spray a quick detailer in eventhough the car is still wet?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: QD confusion

thanks guys! anyway another question, i just cleaned my car yesterday, but then today it rain, and by this afternoon its sunny again, so the rain and dust stick together at my car, is it ok if i would rinse my car by water, and without drying it, spray a quick detailer in eventhough the car is still wet?

Chances are that just rinsing the car won't remove everything off the car, (rain and dirt/dust residue).

Rain ruins a great finish... creates a bunch of work too...

[Holden_Caulfield04]

Re: QD confusion

You're probably best off washing the car.

[Sal329]

Re: QD confusion

You can also wash, spray QD on the car as you dry