What's the best way to wash the car with out leaving any scrach marks? and How to wax a car?

I detail cars for shows. To wash a car, you need clean terry wash mitts (2), a clean drying towel (microfiber waffle weave towels are the best, cotton terry towels leave minute scratches), 2 buckets of water and car wash soap (leave the dish soap in the kitchen). One bucket is for the soap and the other is for rinsing the mitt. Read this for how to wash:


http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-wash.鈥?/a>





There are as many different ways of applying wax as there are waxes but these are good practice:


-always wash before waxing


-always wax in the shade and the paint is not hot, you can wax when the sun is low if you don't have shade


-use straight strokes using light pressure and following the direction of airflow over the car


-use microfiber towels to wipe wax off, a quick detail spray helps get hard to remove wax off and adds gloss


Read this:


http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-wax.h鈥?/a>What's the best way to wash the car with out leaving any scrach marks? and How to wax a car?
As far as washing the car, I would use a good quality auto soap. I've been using the Mr. Clean Auto Dry and I think it's great. If you don't use this, then make sure you get a good quality automobile soap and a lamb's wool mitt. Start by rinsing the car off well with water to get any excess dirt off. Then put some soap in a bucket and fill with water. Soak the mitt and start washing from the roof down. Rinse the mitt ever so often to get rid of any dirt/grime that might cause scratches. Rinse well and dry using a clean soft terry cloth towel.





For the waxing, I like using a wax like Meguiars for clear coat finishes. Use the foam pad provided and make sure it's slightly damp before you start. Park the car in the shade. Never wax in the sun. I usually start at the roof and work my way down from there. Do one section at a time (usually 2ft x 2ft). Apply the wax in a circular motion. Make sure you overlap your previous strokes as you apply. Once the wax dries to a dull haze, remove with a very soft cloth or a bunched up cheese cloth. If the finish is fairly dull (and you know it's a clean coat), get a can of DuPont polish for clear coats and apply this before you put on a coat of wax. Apply this with a damp cloth in a STRAIGHT LINE. Do not apply this in a circular motion! Applying this in a circular motion will create those 'swirl' marks everyone is familiar with. If applied in a straight line, the mark are less visible because of the way you look at the car. Straight lines are less visible than circular ones. Once it dries, remove with a terry cloth towel in a straight line.





After applying and removing the wax finish coat, light spray the car with a cool mist from the hose and dry. The water will help set the wax.What's the best way to wash the car with out leaving any scrach marks? and How to wax a car?
What Louis G posted is great info.





On the washing end, all I will add is that the new AutoDRY system by Mr Clean works very nicely. And it eliminates the drying step which lowers the chances of hairline scratches.





Keep your washing mitt/towel clean and wet, soak your surface well, and don't push down, just pull along the surface. It will look great.
Two words.. Micro fiber.





Go to an auto parts store and pick up a bunch of microfiber towels and some good soap and a quality wax. Don't use regular detergent, like dish soap or laundry detergent. These will strip the oils from your paint and make the finish dull. Use a real car wash soap.


I personally like Meguires products but there are other good products out there like Eagle one's Nano wax for example.





Pick up a good quality wax like Meguires NXT wax or high tech yellow wax. remember to always use a good foam pad to apply the wax, and only do one small section at a time. IE do the hood first then buff the wax off, then move on to the next section. Use fresh dry microfiber towels to buff the wax off.


If you want you can finish it off with a detailing spray for a really nice clean shiney look.
washing shouldnt leave scratch marks,unless theres dirt of gravel in the wash cloth or mitton.just make sure you got something good to wash with and a mild detergent.something like car wash,you find in a bottle at auto zone.
Hmm, i dont know what your using to cause scratch marks... You should be using a soft sponge...





If you have a black car, and your talking about the noticeable ';o'; rings.... thats a black-car thing.. and isnt really a scratch (might be with all dark cars though...)





As for waxing.. im no expert... but normally you rub the wax onto the car.... let it sit for a while.... then rub it off... Just read the instructions on the bottle/can