wax pads and microfiber cloths

[Car Potential]

I have recently gotten interested in waxing my car and am learning as I go as well as learning TONS of information from reading posts on this forum. I had two questions, I use small circular microfiber pads to wax my car. I will use one for the whole car and use both sides of the pad. Are the pads only good for one waxing because then there is wax buildup on the pad and it could scratch the car if I use it again?

And what about when I use a microfiber towel to rub the dry hazy wax, should I throw it away after or is it okay to wash it and then use it in the future?

Also, I always thought that people would wash their car and then wax it and that was all there was to it. But I was reading that you should wash it and then polish it and then wax it so I will give that a try. Also, if I wanted to use scratchx 2.0, would I wash, polish, scratchx and wax or just wash, scratchx and wax??

Thanks

[wifpd4]

Re: wax pads and microfiber cloths

Please, give us a little more information about your car. Age, color and any problems you believe you are having. This will help folks here on the forum provide you some assistance.

One of the things also to do is read some articles and view some videos on the Meguiar's web site. Here is a video to start with:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?41373-Meguiar-s-Quik-Tips-Video-The-5-Step-Paint-Care-Cycle

And if you happen to get started before some folks answer your question, you would not wash, polish, ScratchX and then wax. You would not follow polish with ScratchX. ScratchX would remove the polish, not what you would want.

[BillE]

Re: wax pads and microfiber cloths

Yes, you can wash the MF towels! Just don't use fabric softener.

I just hand wash them ('better half' gets a tad excited when I put item in HER washer), rinse well (!), dry.

Bill

[PPLd]

Re: wax pads and microfiber cloths

While auto detailing is a long process, let me focus on the 2 issues OT asked about - wax pads and MF towels.

Wax pads:
I like to apply wax with small, finishing foam pads when I apply wax by hands. When I say small I mean 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0 inch (diameter) foam pads. Example of these pads include, but not limited to: (Forgive me for not recommending the Meguiar's 4.0-inch black pad. I will come to that later.)
3.0: http://www.autogeek.net/griots-foam-wax-pad.html ;
3.5: http://www.autogeek.net/bevel-edge-4-pack.html ; or
4.0: http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/429g.html

These foam pads are meant for DA polishers use. The pads have Velcro loop back that you can stick it to a tool called the Meguiar's S3HP, which can be found here:

http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/s3hp.html

The S3HP is a very handy tool made of molded urethane. It got a 3 inch Velcro hook surface at the bottom. The body material has a "rubber" feeling when you press it but product itself is very well built. It even comes with a very nice sealing bag for storage!

The S3HP-pad combination helps to spread the pressure evenly from 4 finger tip points to a flat, circular area.

I pick a 3 inch pad when the wax jar is really small, such as Poorboy's, Chemical Guys. I go for a 3.5 inch if the wax jar opening is wide enough for me to put it in, such as Autogeek's in house wax products. If the wax jar opening is very wide like M26, or I am using a liquid, I will use the 4 inch Buff and Shine pad. It is the most economical one among all pads.

Another advantage of using a foam pad is that the machine washable pads usually last longer and feel better than those yellow foam applicators.

Sorry Meguiar's but I do not recommend a Meguiar's black finishing pad to apply wax is because it is black so if any dust exist on the pad surface I cannot pick them out by hand. The white Buff and Shine pad is very nice on this.

MF towels:
I use Supreme Shine to wipe off interior and exterior products, compound, polish, glaze oil, wax, to spray detailers, leather cleaner/conditioner.
I use Water Magnet to dry my car after wash. You may need 2 to completely dry your car depending on the size.
The Supreme Shine towels are very nice, soft and not too thick to provide me with the "bite" to remove products.

I hope you found these info useful.

[arfax]

Re: wax pads and microfiber cloths

Not to thread jack but do you guys ever run into a problem where the MF towel just doesn't absorb all that well ? I have tried washing mine dawn and meg's apc but it seems as if the MF just pushes the liquid around until it is really saturated before it starts absorbing a bit.

[PPLd]

Re: wax pads and microfiber cloths

Not to thread jack but do you guys ever run into a problem where the MF towel just doesn't absorb all that well ? I have tried washing mine dawn and meg's apc but it seems as if the MF just pushes the liquid around until it is really saturated before it starts absorbing a bit.

That happens to all my MF towels as well when they cake up with polish, wax, QD, etc.
Some people say that washing them with a Microfiber detergent or boiling them in water may help to remove those junk from the towels.
If that doesnt help, it's time to get some new towels...