If any of you could clarify the purpose of each of these and the order of application...

• Polish - Slightly abrasive, when do you use it?
• Glaze
• Sealant
• Wax (I know what this is, just tell me where it fits in the application process.)
• Clay (Again, just the order...)

As far as I can tell, wax is the final step - the way to keep everything you did in the previous steps protected. Clay is used to remove what washing can't and then to fill in any imperfections in the paint. Is clay an alternative to polish and glaze? Someone said sealants are alternatives to waxes - how are they different?
Also where do you order your stuff online, b/c my local stores have NOTHING! Let me know if you have any other suggestions or steps to a great finish that I've left out.

Thanks alot!

 

I just want to give you my opinion.
I tried a few different products in the past. Be ready for a lot of elbow grease
A few months ago I tried Meg's 3step process. Clay first, then paint cleaner, polish and wax. It took over 6 hours for my accord and the result was pretty nice. Although the white residue is one annoying thing.
Then I did hours of research online and came up with product called Zaino. It is a polymer based sealant, not a wax. It is a lot easier to apply, has better shine, no residue and lasts a lot longer. The downside is the price.

Here is a thread with a picture of my car half way done with Zaino:

Zaino is l33t

I recommend the following:
1. Wash with Dawn to get rid of any old wax. Rinse the car very well after it and do not use Dawn again. It is a one time thing to prep the surface.
2. Claybar. You will feel how the surface gets very smooth after it.
3. rinse again.
4. now you can do layers of Zaino. go to their website www.zainobros.com and make sure you follow every instruction about the application process (mixing proportions, dry times). If your car is dark and has some swirl marks I recommend Z5 and then Z2. If your paint is in good condition do Z2 right away.

You can buy Zaino from the website as well. They do not use retail stores for distribution. Ther is a lot of information on the web about Zaino and other car waxes, just google it.

 

I waxed my car last weekend it was terrible, I was all wet and it took forever. My car looked good so it was worth it. How do you prevent the wax that gets in the cracks? I used polmolive dish soap and turtle wax cream. I don't know if I did this correctly. What is the method which you use to apply then wipe the wax off?

 

It takes a lot of practice to be able avoid getting wax into cracks and plastic/rubber. Carnuba based wax will dry and if you let it stay for a day it is a bitch to get off. Syntetic stuff like Zaino and some other do not have white residue and you have no problem.
I recommend to use wax applicator to apply and terry towel to buff it off. You can buy an electric buffer, but they are dangerous. Don't use them unless a professional can supervise you.

 

bump

 

Wash
Clay
Polish
Glaze
Sealant
Wax

 

Using the previous posted order since it is correct in that it prepares the paint for each step...

Wash - self explanatory (gets rid "loose" dirt/blemishes)
Clay - removes deeply embedded dirt/some blemishes
Polish - a very mild abrasive deep-cleaner by removing oxidation/blemishes/mild swirls/water spots
Glaze - adds a layer that contributes to better shine/reflectivity
Sealant (synthetic wax) - adds a final, durable layer to seal all that work and present a great shine
[Natural] Wax (ie. carnauba wax) - adds a final layer to seal all that work and present a great, deeper shine*

* - usually best achieved with the use of carnauba based waxes

For further information on car detailing at a "pro-level," you might want to check out www.autopia.org. They're detailing nuts!

 

Thanks!

 

You're welcome...