Clay/Waxing the 2012.

Ox-y-GenIII · 05-29-2012, 10:58 AM

I spent around 2.5 hours clay baring the car yesterday and 3 hours hand waxing it. I don't have before pictures but only after.

I didn't used my ro buffer because I wanted to keep the wax off trim pieces and also get into smaller areas like when you open the hatch. The car has been through on winter since I bought it in September.

The reason I clay bared it was because of how the dirt and grime left little spots on the rear bumper eventhough I get a carwash almost twice a week. And now that it's warm out and I handwash my car that roadgrime doesn't come off. I didn't want to just clay the rear bumper so I did the whole thing, roof and all.

I hope the wax also keeps new build up from sticking to the bumper at least between washes.

Sponsor · Advertisement

DrkKnight614 · 05-29-2012, 11:24 AM

Posted via FF Mobile Very nice, what kind of products did you use? I just did my car friday. It badly needed it. Nothing compares to doing it all by hand and getting to the finer detailing that isnt done at car washes. I washed mine, clayed it, used Meguires Ultimate Compound, and then waxed it with Meguires Ultimate Wax that I just picked up. Came out real nice and now there is a nice coat of wax to help resist all the pollen and stuff coming down from the trees. Its probably a good thing you clayed the whole thing instead of just the bumper. Keep that cars finish nice a clean, so when you wash it its easier and looks better. You won't have to scrub as hard, your arms will be happier.

Ox-y-GenIII · 05-29-2012, 01:00 PM

I used a Meguires clay bar kit with the detailing/lube spray & my own microfiber towels, I wont use any others, and then used Mequires NXT paste wax. I don't like liquid waxes out of a tube. I love this wax alot, I have been using it for a few years now.

I'm trying to get into contact with a local Zaino dealer for some of their wax. I used to talk with the guy when I had my old car and went on car club cruises with that crowd. I'd like to try that for sure.

lyonsroar · 05-29-2012, 01:37 PM

I hate NXT. The look is just so-so and it's not really any cheaper than the better products that are out there...

RonMaiden · 05-29-2012, 02:13 PM

Our car is only a couple months from the factory and I'll be claying it soon as it's got some nasty waterspots that just won't come out and some other questionable roughness on the paint.

Ox-y-GenIII · 05-29-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyonsroar

I hate NXT. The look is just so-so and it's not really any cheaper than the better products that are out there...

Ya its not necessarily a wax, but a sealant. You can apply wax over the top of it for shine, this isn't meant for shine or gloss but instead protection. I think you might change your mind about it if you out it on first, and later put wax over it.

lyonsroar · 05-29-2012, 03:05 PM

I've used it time and again and it's just "meh."

As for protection there are infinitely better products out there with much better durability and looks. People tend to grab the NXT because it looks like the best stuff on the Target/ Wal Mart/ big box store shelf.

DEREKC · 05-29-2012, 08:09 PM

Nice work, the car looks great!!

Yes their are many other sealant and carnauba waxes, but you are using what you are comfortable with. Another common and well rated wax is from Autogym, and it is not suppose to stain trim! Since you have a white Focus, I would also recommend that you buy a bottle of Iron-X.
Here is a great article. http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...nd-a-clay-bar/