Getting started with wash/wax

Miro

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Hey guys,

I've never really put a lot of effort into washing my cars and have never polished or waxed. I just got my Crystal Black Pearl 2017 Si the other day and want to keep it looking clean. What do you guys recommend for products getting started and tools? Like to keep it affordable at first but still look good and protect my paint.

Also there are a few small chips on the hood from normal road junk. Would it be best to just get a paint pen from the dealership and throw it on? I've only ever used a paint pen once and it ended up looking a lot rougher than the rest of the paint. What's the best way to smooth it out without damaging the surrounding clear coat?
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darrvao777

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Hey guys,

I've never really put a lot of effort into washing my cars and have never polished or waxed. I just got my Crystal Black Pearl 2017 Si the other day and want to keep it looking clean. What do you guys recommend for products getting started and tools? Like to keep it affordable at first but still look good and protect my paint.

Also there are a few small chips on the hood from normal road junk. Would it be best to just get a paint pen from the dealership and throw it on? I've only ever used a paint pen once and it ended up looking a lot rougher than the rest of the paint. What's the best way to smooth it out without damaging the surrounding clear coat?
I love the Optimum line of products

WHEELS =
Spray with optimum power clean
use the optimum wheel and body brush to agitate
Rinse off
apply spray on sealant and wipe dry (opti seal works better for a quick dry and is more durable. I currently use bead maker which provides for more gloss and slickness)

BODY =
apply ONR diluted 1:256 in a wash bucket via the big red sponge
apply spray on sealant and wipe dry (opti seal works better for a quick dry and is more durable. I currently use bead maker which provides for more gloss and slickness)

Simple, affordable, can be done in the comfort of your own garage if you have one

I know some people are fans of the traditional two bucket method but there are also those who argue you have less of a risk of marring the car (particularly with soft Honda black paint) using ONR

If you want to play it really safe with ONR for your paint, pre-soak the car using ONR diluted 1:256 in a spray bottle. Rinse off thoroughly with a hose. Then pre-soak the car again using ONR diluted 1:256 in a spray bottle. Then bring the car into your garage to start the process I listed above
 

blitz

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Hey guys,

I've never really put a lot of effort into washing my cars and have never polished or waxed. I just got my Crystal Black Pearl 2017 Si the other day and want to keep it looking clean. What do you guys recommend for products getting started and tools? Like to keep it affordable at first but still look good and protect my paint.

Also there are a few small chips on the hood from normal road junk. Would it be best to just get a paint pen from the dealership and throw it on? I've only ever used a paint pen once and it ended up looking a lot rougher than the rest of the paint. What's the best way to smooth it out without damaging the surrounding clear coat?
For exterior maintenance:
1. Wash & Wax combo car wash from Mother’s or Meguiars.
2. Scuffs or swirl marks: Mother’s or Meguiars Cleaner Wax.
3. Wheels: Chemical Guys Diablo (safe for wheels and suspension components).
4. Plenty of microfiber towels for washing and drying.

Interior:
1. Dash: Mother’s or Meguiars Interior cleaners and conditioners.

You can find these products at Walmart, any auto parts store, or Amazon.

As far as paint chip repairs, I’ve found using superfine applicators, as shown here, to delicately do touch-ups. I place a small amount of paint on hard paper, like a paper plate, and then use the micro tip applicator to delicately dab very small amounts of paint onto the chip, as if I’m coloring the chip, and making sure not to create a blob of paint. Then, after 1 hr, you’ll want to use a new applicator and go over the chip with the clear-coat finishing layer.

Honda Civic 10th gen Getting started with wash/wax 1XRzTF3


I found these at Hobby Lobby, but you might be able to find these applicators at any large, hobby shop.
 

The Vyzitor

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Keep it simple. Use quality products and don’t over do it. Your paint is only a few years old and shouldn’t need a ton of work. Just a basic wash with a quality soap and a coat of wax. If necessary, clay the paint after washing, and used a mild polish if you have swirls, then wax.

a little kit like this is perfect to start out with

https://www.autogeek.net/mothers-holiday-gift-bundle.html
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