OK, I've clayed it, cleaned it, polished it, and waxed it. Now what do you recommend for washing when it gets a little dirty. Since it is not a daily driver what are some of your recommendations? Just a regular wash and dry, or would you wash and use the spray detailer? All suggestions will be appreciated. Todd

 

All you need is a California Car Duster and some spray detailer to keep it clean now.

 

How do I keep from getting water spots after a good cleaning? Wash in the evening in the shade does that help? Dry immediately, or after drying do I use the spray detailer. Thanks for your response dcandel.

 

I just use the Zaino spray detailer. I am not sure about the water spots...I normally keep spraying the car down on the rare occasion that I wash it and dry immediately.
Good luck!

 

Never wash it in direct sunlight. Never let water sit on it. The sun will magnify through the water and etch the paint. After washing I sheet the water off with an open nozzle. Then I use a leaf blower and finish with a waffle weave microfiber. Spritz it with some Zaino Z6 or Z8. Great stuff.

 

Spot-On advice!

I also use Zaino's z7 car wash.

 

Lots of big, soft, absorbent towels and a chamois and work fast before any water dries on the paint. Don't use spray detailer until you are sure there is no more water in any of the little nooks and crannys and you are sure the car is "really" dry.

 

Not letting the water dry on the surface is the key, along with using a car wash (liquid) and NOT detergent (unless you intend to strip the wax!).

I like the open hose rinse/leaf blower trick whenever I can. Otherwise, the Absorber does it all. (Use an "Absorber" and you'll never go back to a chamois, methinks!)

For waxed cars, I like to follow the drying by polishing the surface with a good detailing spritzer; Mother's "Showtime" detailing spritzer is my favorite, but there are others. Depending on how fussy you are and what wax you used, waxed cars will require a thin touch-up waxing and a buff to keep it looking it's best after a few washes - especially on dark or black paint.

For polymer polished cars, Zaino's Z6 or Z8 polished on after a washing is just insanely bright! One of the biggest advantages of the polymers is their durability. I went 3 years after (Zaino) polish treatment w/o needing more than a washing and a detailing spritzing to keep a black car looking show ready.

Hope you find something you can use here. Car care and car care products are forever changing - durability, results, cost, and ease of use are always at play - making it hard to say "this or that" is "best", is my point.

P.