Foam/sponge applicator - use dishwashing liquid & rinse well.

Microfiber applicator/cloth - soak for a couple of hours in normal liquid type cloth detergent mix (don't use the powder ones and try to avoid those that contain softener), rinse thoroughly. DO NOT SCRUB AS THIS WOULD DAMAGE THE FIBERS AND MAKE THEM HARD AND LATER USELESS FOR PAINT.

oh...and DO NOT dry any microfiber type of materials directly under the sun...dry them under shade (I normally dry mine indoor).

How much all thse equipments cost? Planning to go premium car wash (clay+wax+polish+curing) tomorrow for $250.

Is it worth the money?

A WHOLE LOT if you're a nutcase like some of us. NOT THAT MUCH if you just want to maintain the clean and shiny look for as long as you own the car. JUST A LITTLE if you just want your car to look clean.

So where do you want to stand?

jetmanxx: every car wash center is different, I strongly suggest you go to one that has good review or recommended. Don't go in to be a lab mice just because it is cheap. When done wrong, a car polishing session can do alot of damage to the paint.

as for our hobby, you must ask yourself if you enjoy washing your car. If yes, then we can expand from there into wax, polish and etc. If you feel it is a chore to even just wash, better ask someone else to do it Other than the money, it takes alot of time.

Detailed my ride for the first time yesterday. Washed, clayed and waxed together with interior protectant and applying rainx. 3 hours well spent after seeing the shine with water beading did not polish as its a new car.

Is there some kind of wax that you put on your windshield, and when it rains the water doesn't really 'stick' on this windshield so it won't stain it after it dries?

I've been using RainX....not much complaint.

How much is it and where can I get it? Are they normally sold in supermarket like Giant/Tesco or gas station? I have read reviews that it causes the wiper to judder, if it's reasonably priced then I will give it a try.

This post has been edited by zs3889: Feb 4 2013, 12:24 AM

depends, just like Krismas said.
But in order for you to do an estimation, you have to get back to basics and break it down to the process involved.

Is it possible to apply one layer of carbauba wax, leaving it for ~2hours and then applying another layer of synthetic polymer wax? Will it make a difference?

anything is possible, try it out!
But note that 2 hours is a bit too soon for me especially for a natural wax.

How many hours recommended then?

apply topper wax on sealant, because sealant last longer. If you do it the other way around, your complete coating will be gone as soon as the wax is gone as the sealant sit on top of the wax.

I normally leave my sealant for 1/2 day and wax for a full day to cure. To cure ok, don't leave it that long to haze/buff, you will cry LOL.

If you are using product that has online support, like duragloss and mess, you can drop them an email to ask.

HA.. CNY around the corner.. I can smell a full blooded 6 hour detailing job coming up this Saturday. The home minister will not be happy

sigh.. aching arms during CNY.. what to do.. i love my car

I've being using Getf1, which similar like rainX. Excellent, good product. It doesn't my wiper to judder too. Check the review HERE.The reason the wiper judder may due to the wiper blades already damaged.
The application last at least 3 weeks before it lost it efficiency.

You mean carnauba wax right? My thinking is that wash -> clay -> rinse -> wipe dry -> wet-sanding/compounding -> wax -> polish -> sealant.

no.

Why? With the exception of carnauba wax, everything has to be layered below the sealant, which means that the sealant should be applied last. No?

forgive me if I'm wrong,
but the polishing work goes before the wax.