Best wax/waxing methods for Black mica?

[Desidarius]

I don't have much experience with applying wax, I was hoping to get some suggestions of some good brands of wax and application tips. I don't have an automatic buffer so it would be all hand-powered.

 

[sanblaster]

Good subforum with a ton of info on detailing.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=241

 

[Chibana]

I decided to try Meguiar's Tech Wax 2.0 for my new RX-8 in Black Mica. They claim it performs especially well with black paints, reducing swirl marks that are so visible with black paints. I've been *very* happy with it. The dealer left swirl marks all over the paint when they did their final detailing, and this stuff got it all out, and left it looking incredible to boot:

 

[joshritger]

Looks very nice, did you do any other prep work? My 07 hatch is galaxy grey and it has the swirls all over it. I just picked up the same wax and mequiar's Swirl X, which is supposed to remove the swirls. Since my car is a few years old should I be getting a clay bar to prep the paint with first?

 

[Chibana]

I didn't do the clay bar at that time just because the car was brand new and had little or no contaminants on the paint. I have been using it since then for cleaning up certain areas. For an older car, it's probably a good idea. I will probably pick up Swirl X, too, but for the relatively minor swirls the RX-8 had, I thought I would just try the wax first, and it did the trick. For my older Mazda3, I may want the Swirl X, and for later use on the RX-8. As far as prep work (other than clay bar), not really: just used a car wash soap and normal tap water with microfiber mittens, then microfiber towels for anything that will touch the car's paint (so I don't leave new swirl marks). I also bought their Tech Wax 2.0 detailing spray, and I use that for in-between full-on waxings. IT does a surprisingly good job for a spray on, wipe off wax.

 

[mzballin]

whats a good wax that i can use on my 04 mazda 3 hatch- its red so i want it to be shinning but every wax i find in the local stores doesnt seem to work. i wanted to get one of those automatic buffers but i need the wax.. can someone send me a linnk where i can purchase some good wax thatll make my car shine ? =] thanks!

 

[mjstew]

well its not always about the wax...a lot of times the problem is previous wax staying on the car or other debris embedded in the paint. ive been detailing for a few years now so heres what i have found to work best. start off by doing a good thorough wash. start top to bottom, and don't use car wash soap. car wash soap doesnt remove existing wax, so its good for in-between jobs. use a soap like palmolive or dawn (yes, the dish soap) don't use too much, and just make sure you rinse thoroughly. since you just washed with a strong soap, there will be no wax on your car's finish when you're done. so next up you want to do one of 2 things. you can either do clay bar, or buy a good buffing compound ( i recommend the one by 3m, you can get it at napa most likely). this will remove all of the embedded dirt, pollen and other debris that is stuck in the clearcoat. it will also remove a lot of swirl marks, surface scratches, and minor imperfections. next up, use a high quality wax. i typically go with a cherry flash wax because its quick and produces a nice shine, but its only available at specialty auto paint supply shops, so you can use something equivalent to maguires texh wax 2.0...since there is no wax on the finish, you will probably want to use a paste wax and use a power buffer...ive found best results with a lambswool bonnet...following these steps should ensure a good shine