Well, I got a new car and this things paint is phenominal. I would like to keep it that way and will put all the effort into it. My Z started out with swirls so I couldnt do much about it, yet i still took great care of it. Im using Nxt products now so Ill just refer to them at the time being.

Few rules: I never take my car to carwash, only I do it, Horizontal and vertical strokes, and if I drop a rag on floor i put it for washing.

Well basically, Ill tell you what my cleaning routine will be, and you tell me if I need to watch out for something.

Wash when necessary Using Natural Sheepskin Mitt:
-Spray all the debris off of pain with jet setting on hose
-Mix water with nxt wash in a bucket
-Whipe down one panel at a time with the mitt using the soap mixture. Between panels, rinse off mitt with hose and dip it in the bucket again. I will use only horizontal and vertical movements.
-Once the entire car is soaped, rinse with shower setting on hose.
-Let it sit a frew mins for a little bit of water to evaporate/drip out of nooks and crannies.
-Towel dry with a nice clean bath towel (My mom hates when i do this)
I wont worry about cleaning rims and stuff in this post.

If I wax, usually ill wash with dawn and apply the wax with a microfiber towel.

I am a little worried about using claybar on this car. Can anyone say if this is ok or not?

If there are some water spots or bird crap, I use quick detail on that area.

If I drove in rain and car was relatively clean prior, when I get in the garage I will towel dry. (Giving the effect of freshly washed car w/ little work)

Any other tips to staying swirl free?

 

swirling generally comes from the type of wax you use and the methods of application you use. I recommend you use zaino, or something similar and apply with an orbital buffer. Otherwise apply by hand with STRAIGHT strokes, not circular. I picked up a ryobi buffer at home depot for $25 normal price - very quiet and gentle, i highly recommend it. However, a word to the wise: the bonets it comes with suck in so many ways, youll need to buy some better ones right away - id throw the one that comes with it straight in the trash can.

About claybarring - youll be safe claybarring the car, just only do it when it needs it, and make sure you use a fresh uncontaminated claybar.

If you keep up on your zainoing/whatever, i highly doubt youll have a problem. Just be gentle with it.

 

I wouldnt touch the car after you have driven it i.e. wiping down after rain.

Dry with Microfibre use the bath towel on the windows.

IMO Quick detailer on a vehicle that is not relatively clean is a no no.

Car sounds nice that is a wicked color good luck.

 

SOM shouldnt be that hard to keep up. My Cayenne red is comparable, (maybe a bit darker) and isnt too bad.

I use a squeegy for drying the car myself, I dont use Dawn every time I wax, only if I'm going to go crazy with a clay bar, (only did that once and reciently too) I have wiped down the car after a rain storm in the past, but it never comes out right, and you still pick up dirt from the road and the tires kicking up.

It shouldnt be that bad. I used the NXT wax paste last year and was quite impressed with it!

~Chris

 

Invest in some good microfiber waffle weaves for drying. Apply wax with foam applicators, not microfiber towels. Don't use any towels but microfiber.

And leave the Dawn in the kitchen...you're not doing anything special by using it. Clay will remove everything from the paint so there's no need to use harsh dishwashing chemicals.

 

Ya liek stated above do NOT wipe it down after it rains that is really bad for it. The less phisical contact with the car the better. I would use a california water blade and then buy 2-3 big microfiber drying towels. I have been doing this without a scratch. Granted you cant see scratches very well under normal lighting on a silver car but I used it on my dad's black SS and It came out much better than usual.

Someone may have posted this already and I just did not see it but I recommend using two wash buckets. One for fresh soapy water and one for washing out. This way you are always dipping into CLEAN soapy water.

 

For washing & drying I use 100% cotton towels.

 

This isn't really accurate. Swirling is contributed mostly to washing and drying...that's the task most often performed. Removing dirt, salt, grime, etc. is the most dangerous time for a finish.


Washing, Drying and Waxing Tips

- Use a high lubricity soap, high quality sheepskin mitt, and high quality microfiber towels.

- Never use circular motions. Always wash, dry, and wax using front to back and top to bottom motions.

- Don't use the same mitt or bucket for wheels that you use on your paint. The brake dust, etc. from your wheels will cause scratches and swirls in your paint.

- Use two buckets for washing paint. One with a soapy mixture, the other with plain water to rinse the mitt between panels.

- Use a steady stream of water as a final rinse to sheet the majority of the water from the finish.

- Dry with a leaf blower and waffle weave drying towel.

Caring for Mitts and Towels

- Wash on the Hot/Cold setting
- Use Liquid Detergent only w/ no bleach and NO fabric softener
- Add White Vinegar to the rinse cycle for added softness and soil release
- Rinse twice
- Dry towels on low heat w/ no fabric sheets

 

sometimes I use an air compressor and blow the heavy water off. I guess you could try the whole car like that if you have the patience.

Rob

 

you didnt quote my complete sentence... so no that wouldnt be accurate. Wax can cause swirl marks - its usually the cheap stuff you buy at k-mart that will do it too.