Personal Cleaning Process
Twice a year I do my hardcore detailing process. This is a 3 day process, and I'm lucky that I have a garage to do it in. I'll do this in June (right after spring finals) and in December (right after Fall finals). I'll use a weekend example, so friday saturday sunday.
Bi-Annual Detailing Processes
Wash car with Dawn Dishwashing Soap
Dry car with combination of The California Water Blade and Microfiber clothes . Both available at any Pep-Boys
Now that the paint is clean and dry, it's time to prep it. I use whatever clay bar I can find at Pep-Boys. Usually it's Mothers, there's also ClayMagic, Zaino also makes a great one from what I hear but cannot personally confirm. If I see an area of oxidation I use the FF Paint-Prep on it. It's also good at removing stubborn crap that might of gotten on the paint.
Friday at 5pm I'll apply the first coat of FF Polish (it's called a polish just because polymer confuses people). I'll let this sit on the car for 24 hours.
Saturday at around 5pm, I'll take it off. Since I'm slow and like to take breaks, I'll put the next coat on a little after 7 and be done by 8.
At 8am on Sunday I'll take that 2nd coat off and around 10am I'll put the 3rd coat on. I'll take this off that afternoon at 4pm. I'll spend a little extra time buffing with this last coat just to get a great shine.
I will then spend the next couple hours doing the same to my wheels (brake dust comes off easier from a protected wheel), headlights and tail lights. I don't do a 24 hour coat, maybe just a 1hr coat.
I use Stoner's Invisible Glass, and then RainX the windows and glass and mirrors. I also apply RainX Anti-Fog to the inside.
I use Finish First Interior Protectant with Lanolin on all the interior plastics and vinyls. I also use this on the plastic and rubber on the outside (the very bottom of the car , splash guards and any rubber strips and seals).
I will use Zymol Field Glaze detailing spray to get that extra bit of shine and get the "wet" carnuba look.
Lastly I run some Lysol spray through the air intake for the air conditioner at the base of the windshield, with the AC on. This helps to keep it free of bacteria, mildew, mold, spores, etc.
Regular Maintainence Schedule
Wash the car with the Finish First Wash and Conditioner
Dry with Water Blade/Microfiber
Spray on and buff to shine with Zymol Field Glaze quick detailing spray.
Wipe headlights/tail lights/windows and wheels clean. ( I just do a quick job)
I can do the maintainence part in about an hour, which isn't much time to spend every weekend or every other weekend to keep your car looking great.
So now that you know why you should use them and how I personally use them, here are answers to your most common questions about them:
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