Polishing and Waxing
People often get confused over detail terms and what they mean. Polishing is the step used (either by hand or machine) to remove minor surface scratches and other defects in the finish. The two kinds of tools most popular in the industry are the dual-action buffer and the high-speed buffer. If it is a new, or near new car polishing can be done by hand. Most cars that are over 2 years old and have been driven daily need the high-speed or dual-action buffer to remove defects and restore shine. Remember, a polish in itself gives NO protection for your finish; you must follow up with a wax or sealant.
Waxes and Sealants
High quality carnauba wax has been around a long time, and it still has its place in the shop or your garage. However, the technology has improved so much in regard to paint and application that chemists have developed synthetic paint sealants that last longer and offer better protection than any wax. Synthetic paint sealants contain amino-functional silicones that bond to the clear coat at the molecular level. The ability for them to bond to the finish gives better durability, plus gives you the flexibility to layer them for even more protection. A wax can be layered on top of a synthetic paint sealant after it cures for 24 hours. Most people don't know that the best wax under the best conditions last only 30 days. A quality synthetic paint sealant will give you 4-6 months protection even on a daily driven vehicle.
Compounds
A compound is designed to work with high-speed rotary buffers. I have seen finishes where the owners have rubbed compounds into their finish, damaging it along the way. Compounds need heat in order for the product to break down and do its work. The heat from the friction of the buffer pad is what works the product into the finish and removes imperfections in the surface. The heat and product smoothes the edges of scratches leaving them less visible to the naked eye. DO NOT USE HIGH-SPEED EQUIPMENT UNLESS YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH ITS USE. Doing so may burn and damage your finish. Compounds are meant to be used on finishes in poor condition that contain deep scratches. Buffing with a compound will create lighter scratches and swirl marks that must be removed with a lighter polishing step.
Clay Bar
Your car's finish is constantly subjected to contaminants in the air, creating many different problems on your vehicle. Some of these contaminants include pollution, rail dust, brake dust, tar, sap, and overspray. For example, if you have ever noticed on white vehicles, the rust colored specs on them, that is brake dust. It comes off your brakes very hot and sticks to your finish. It is metallic and begins to rust when exposed to moisture and will stain your clear coat. This dust can be removed with clay bar and then the stains can be removed with a good paint cleaner or polish. For the most part people are in the habit of just washing and waxing their car. The reality is that it is everything in between those steps that is most important in providing a high shine with lasting protection. Normal washing does not remove many of the surface contaminants, so using a clay bar is recommended at least once a year. First, form a small piece of clay into a pancake shape in your hand. Then, after pre-washing the vehicle, go back over rewashing a section at a time using the soap and water as lubrication for the clay. Work the clay in small circular or linear motions and you will feel the finish getting cleaner and smoother right away. Do this over the entire vehicle. Finally, wash the car again to remove any clay residue left behind.
Leather Treatment
Leather will dry out over time, and the small lines you see will eventually crack if not treated or conditioned. I recommend conditioning at least 3 times a year (more often in a dry climate). Always clean leather first with good quality neutral ph leather cleaner. Then, you can apply a high quality leather conditioner to all interior leather. Any excess can be removed with a dry microfiber towel.
Windows and Glass
If you look at glass under a microscope, it looks like the moon, rough, not smooth like you think. Clean the glass with an isopropyl alcohol based cleaner and then seal the exterior glass with Rain-X or a similar glass sealer.
