How many times is good.

[mcfly]

How many times should I perform the 5 step method should I perform it every time I wash my car. Today was my first time doing it. When apply the strachX is it safe to apply it on a spot where there are no swirls ? I got tons of things off this site to try out like the 2 buket method 5 step method and alot of other things. I dont think I did the best job but im shure its better then anything other wash and I can only get better im going to post some pics tomorow it took me like 4 hours and I didnt even do the inside and it felt like I didnt even spen the time out there.

[djlockdown]

um i would perform the 5 step method in its entirety only once. After that, only clean the paint as needed, and only polish and wax as needed [minimum of once every 3 months]. I wash and maintain every week.

[rusty bumper]

I do the 5 step in early Spring, and then again in late summer or early Fall.

However, I will clay and buff the horizontal areas about every 2 to 3 months in good weather.....But I have a big tree in front of my driveway that I have to park under too.

I wash the car as often as I can.

[Murr1525]

As you found out, the full 5 steps can be hard by hand. And you best results will probably come in your cesond or third detail.

I try and do the full 5-steps 3 or 4 times a year, but i will use clay, a cleaner/wax, and a coat of wax in between to cut down on time. Just did that today actualy.

I try to wash every week or two, and use the spray wax after most washes.

When you have used scratchX to get rid of all your swirls, etc to your liking, you may want to switch to something like DC#1, which is a bit quicker and easier to apply when no swirls need fixed.

[mcfly]

whats dc 1 ? So you guys only do the 5 step method like 4 times a year every 4 months ? But every week or two you wash and wax ?

[Murr1525]

DC#1 = Deep Crytal System #1 - Paint Cleaner. It is a very good chemical cleaner, non-abrasive, goes on easy, wipes off easy.

And yes, I try to wash and Spray wax every week or two. ColorX and Nxt wax after maybe 2 months. Clay if needed. Then full 5 steps 3 or 4 times.

Doing the full 5 steps all the time on a daily driver could drive you crazy, but picking which steps you need will save time and keep your results great. For instance, the ColorX gives me a good cleaner, a polish, and a coat of wax in one step, so it covers the 5-steps, but in one application. Then a coat of Nxt on top gives good looks and protection, and the recomended 2 coats of wax.

But 5 separete steps will give better results compared to an all in one product, but adds to the time you need to have.

[mcfly]

Im thinking about getting ColorX then. Because of that reason. I dont really have the time all the time to do all 5 steps whitch I prob will do still a couple times a year. But every other month or so I guess I would just use ColorX and then nxt like you sayed. Ill look into that product. Thanks for the info.

[Don]

I only do the full 5 twice a year. In the Spring to get rid of all Winter's gunk and in the Fall to make sure the surface is properly prepped so my LSP has the oportunity to bond properly and give maximum effectiveness for the longest time possible seeing how polishing/waxing opportunities can be few & far between during Ohio winters.

IMO much more than that is over-kill, unless your car sees a lot of abuse or has an extreme environment to live in.