info
Overview
From my post on 986forum:
Correction
Compounds are used to correct heavy scratches and swirls
Polish is used to correct light scratches and swirls, and after a compound to remove an residual haze
Glazes are temporary fillers that mask paint defects like scratches, but do not last very long and do not resolve the underlying issue of a scratch or swirl.
Clay is used to remove contaminates imbedded in the paint, it is an abrasive and should only be used when necessary. If you keep the car protected with sealant and/or wax, you should not have to clay very often.
All In One's
Cleaner Waxes, or All In One types products are have some mild polish in them to remove light defects and leave behind a layer of protection. They work reasonably well, they are kind of like all-season tires okay for most, not the best at anything.
Protection
Sealant is normally a polymer, which is longer lasting than wax, but does not shine as much.
Wax is used to add shine, but does not last very long.
*A lot of people put wax over a sealant to get the advantages of both, both provide some UV protection. The longevity of sealant and wax depends on the conditions (sun, rain, etc).
Coatings are a relatively new development, and permanently adhere to the clear coat (at least for several years). Coatings primarily add protection and can change the way water reacts with the surface of the paint, for instance causing it to bead or sheet. You can put sealant and wax over a coating. There are different types of coatings, like ceramic or "glass". The top layer will dictate the hydrophobic properties of the paint, so if you put sealant or wax on a coating you will lose those properties until the sealant or wax wears away.
Temporary Protection/Other
Spray Wax can be used in between waxing to add some extra shine. It does not have the same protective ability as a coat of wax, but can help "boost" an existing coat of wax and extend its life. I use spray wax to lubricate the paint when drying it after a wash to add shine, and avoid grinding any residual dirt into the paint.
Instant Detailer is basically expensive water, and is used to lubricate the paint when spot removing something. I just use spray wax instead.
Hydrophobic Properties
Most people want beading because they know what that is, and think it is the best. Sheeting is actually better, because it will cause the water to roll off the paint instead of sitting on the paint as a bead, then evaporate leaving a water spot (unless you are using filtered water).
Correction
Compounds are used to correct heavy scratches and swirls
Polish is used to correct light scratches and swirls, and after a compound to remove an residual haze
Glazes are temporary fillers that mask paint defects like scratches, but do not last very long and do not resolve the underlying issue of a scratch or swirl.
Clay is used to remove contaminates imbedded in the paint, it is an abrasive and should only be used when necessary. If you keep the car protected with sealant and/or wax, you should not have to clay very often.
All In One's
Cleaner Waxes, or All In One types products are have some mild polish in them to remove light defects and leave behind a layer of protection. They work reasonably well, they are kind of like all-season tires okay for most, not the best at anything.
Protection
Sealant is normally a polymer, which is longer lasting than wax, but does not shine as much.
Wax is used to add shine, but does not last very long.
*A lot of people put wax over a sealant to get the advantages of both, both provide some UV protection. The longevity of sealant and wax depends on the conditions (sun, rain, etc).
Coatings are a relatively new development, and permanently adhere to the clear coat (at least for several years). Coatings primarily add protection and can change the way water reacts with the surface of the paint, for instance causing it to bead or sheet. You can put sealant and wax over a coating. There are different types of coatings, like ceramic or "glass". The top layer will dictate the hydrophobic properties of the paint, so if you put sealant or wax on a coating you will lose those properties until the sealant or wax wears away.
Temporary Protection/Other
Spray Wax can be used in between waxing to add some extra shine. It does not have the same protective ability as a coat of wax, but can help "boost" an existing coat of wax and extend its life. I use spray wax to lubricate the paint when drying it after a wash to add shine, and avoid grinding any residual dirt into the paint.
Instant Detailer is basically expensive water, and is used to lubricate the paint when spot removing something. I just use spray wax instead.
Hydrophobic Properties
Most people want beading because they know what that is, and think it is the best. Sheeting is actually better, because it will cause the water to roll off the paint instead of sitting on the paint as a bead, then evaporate leaving a water spot (unless you are using filtered water).
gear
Microfiber
Use |
# |
Color |
GSM |
Type |
Notes |
General/Drying/Quick Wax |
18 |
Grey |
400 |
KerPluffle |
The Rag Company |
Drying/Rinseless Wash |
6 |
Blue |
380 |
Minx |
The Rag Company |
Drying (1 Upper / 1 Lower) |
2 |
Orange |
295 |
Cobra Guzzler HD |
*Overpriced |
General Purpose |
6 |
Yellow |
320 |
Car Wash Towel |
The Rag Company |
General Purpose |
16 |
Yellow |
- |
Costco Kirkland Microfiber |
*Good quality |
Glass |
6 |
Blue |
400 |
Premium Waffle |
The Rag Company |
Glass/Clear Plastic |
6 |
Blue |
320 |
Car Wash Towel |
The Rag Company |
Wax Removal |
6 |
Grey |
530 |
Supreme 530 |
*Overpriced |
Polish Removal |
12 |
Orange |
320 |
Car Wash Towel |
The Rag Company |
Interior/Leather |
6 |
Lt. Green |
320 |
Car Wash Towel |
The Rag Company |
Interior/Carpet |
6 |
Dk. Green |
320 |
Car Wash Towel |
The Rag Company |
Interior/Sensitive Screens |
2 |
Black |
- |
Mini Suede Microfiber |
The Rag Company |
Wheels/Engine |
12 |
Black |
- |
Microfiber Terry |
- |
Fender Guard/Cover-Up |
2 |
Grey |
400 |
KerPluffle 20x40 |
The Rag Company |
Cockpit Cover-Up |
1 |
Blue |
- |
Microfiber Beach Towel |
- |
Exterior
3 Buckets w/ Grit Guards
-Wash, Rinse, & Wheels
3 Microfiber Chenille Wash Mitts
-I have one for the upper part of the car, one for the lower parts (like rocker guards and around the wheel wheels, and one for the wheels
IK 9 Foamer
-This pressurized pump sprayer allows me to presoak the car in a thick layer of foam which adds lubrication to the washing process without the need for a hose or pressure washer
Electric Leaf Blower
-Faster, safer way to dry most of the car
Medium Boar's Hair Brush
-Used to agitate around emblems and panel seams
Large Boar's Hair Brush
-Used for wheels
Medium Firmness Scrub Brush
-Used to agitate Soft Top Cleaner very gently
-Wash, Rinse, & Wheels
3 Microfiber Chenille Wash Mitts
-I have one for the upper part of the car, one for the lower parts (like rocker guards and around the wheel wheels, and one for the wheels
IK 9 Foamer
-This pressurized pump sprayer allows me to presoak the car in a thick layer of foam which adds lubrication to the washing process without the need for a hose or pressure washer
Electric Leaf Blower
-Faster, safer way to dry most of the car
Medium Boar's Hair Brush
-Used to agitate around emblems and panel seams
Large Boar's Hair Brush
-Used for wheels
Medium Firmness Scrub Brush
-Used to agitate Soft Top Cleaner very gently
Interior
Medium Boar's Hair Brush
-Used to agitate leather cleaner when necessary
Medium Firmness Scrub Brush
-Used to agitate carpet cleaner
Stoner Reach & Clean Glass Tool
-To clean the inside lower edge of the windshield, which is tough due to the angle of the 986 windshield
-I also have a few extra microfiber bonnets for this tool
Cheap Duster Stick
-Sometimes used to dust vents and things
California Car Duster
-Occasionally used to wipe the dash, but it retains too much dirt over time for my taste
-Used to agitate leather cleaner when necessary
Medium Firmness Scrub Brush
-Used to agitate carpet cleaner
Stoner Reach & Clean Glass Tool
-To clean the inside lower edge of the windshield, which is tough due to the angle of the 986 windshield
-I also have a few extra microfiber bonnets for this tool
Cheap Duster Stick
-Sometimes used to dust vents and things
California Car Duster
-Occasionally used to wipe the dash, but it retains too much dirt over time for my taste
Polisher
Griot's 6" Random Orbital
Meguiar's 5" Backing Plate
Griot's 3" HD Backing Plate
Meguiar's 5" Microfiber Cutting Pads
-Used with D300 Microfiber Compound
Lake Country 3" & 5.5" Flat Pads (Orange, White, Blue)
-Orange Pad w/ Compound or Medium Polish
-White Pad w/ Menzerna SF3500 Finishing Polish
-Blue Pad w/ Sealant & Wax
Polishing Pal
-I use this 3.5" foam pad holder to apply sealant and wax by hand. It takes 3.5" flat or 4" tapered pad.
Meguiar's 5" Backing Plate
Griot's 3" HD Backing Plate
Meguiar's 5" Microfiber Cutting Pads
-Used with D300 Microfiber Compound
Lake Country 3" & 5.5" Flat Pads (Orange, White, Blue)
-Orange Pad w/ Compound or Medium Polish
-White Pad w/ Menzerna SF3500 Finishing Polish
-Blue Pad w/ Sealant & Wax
Polishing Pal
-I use this 3.5" foam pad holder to apply sealant and wax by hand. It takes 3.5" flat or 4" tapered pad.
products
Wash
Car Wash
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
Optimum Car Wash
Wolfgang Autobath
Meguiar's Gold Class Wash
Rinseless Wash
Optimum Wash & Wax
Drying Aid/Spray Wax
Duragloss 951
Microfiber Detergent
Micro-Restore
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
Optimum Car Wash
Wolfgang Autobath
Meguiar's Gold Class Wash
Rinseless Wash
Optimum Wash & Wax
Drying Aid/Spray Wax
Duragloss 951
Microfiber Detergent
Micro-Restore
Paint Care
Clay & Decontamination
Clay Magic Clay Bar
Quick Detailer, Spray Wax, or Car Soap as lubricant
Nanoskin Iron Free
Sealant
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant
Griot's One-Step Sealant
Pinnacle XMT 360 All-in-One
Wax
Meguiar's NXT
Collinite 845
Clay Magic Clay Bar
Quick Detailer, Spray Wax, or Car Soap as lubricant
Nanoskin Iron Free
Sealant
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant
Griot's One-Step Sealant
Pinnacle XMT 360 All-in-One
Wax
Meguiar's NXT
Collinite 845
Exterior
Soft Top
303 Cleaner
Renovo Ultraproofer
Glass
Invisible Glass
Rain-X
Wheels
Wheel Wax
Black Magic No Scrub Wheel Cleaner
ArmorAll Tire Foam
Plastic
Plexus
Meguiar's PlastX
Mother's Back to Black
Griot's Black Shine
All Purpose Cleaner (engine, wheel wells, etc)
Simple Green Aircraft & Precision Cleaner (aluminum safe)
303 Aerospace Protectant
Blackfire APC
Other
Optimum Paint Prep (prefer this to using IPA)
McKee's Wax Remover
Blackfire Pad Cleaner
303 Cleaner
Renovo Ultraproofer
Glass
Invisible Glass
Rain-X
Wheels
Wheel Wax
Black Magic No Scrub Wheel Cleaner
ArmorAll Tire Foam
Plastic
Plexus
Meguiar's PlastX
Mother's Back to Black
Griot's Black Shine
All Purpose Cleaner (engine, wheel wells, etc)
Simple Green Aircraft & Precision Cleaner (aluminum safe)
303 Aerospace Protectant
Blackfire APC
Other
Optimum Paint Prep (prefer this to using IPA)
McKee's Wax Remover
Blackfire Pad Cleaner
Interior
Leather
303 Aerospace Protectant - Dash
Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather 3-in-1
Griot's Leather Care
*Do not use leather conditioner on any leather surface that is not regularly handled (dash, doors, etc), Porsche uses a special drying process on these areas and conditioning them can cause defects. Use a damp microfiber to clean, and a light amount of 303 to provide some UV protection.*
Carpet
Turtle Wax Interior 1 - Fabric & Carpet Cleaner
303 Stain Guard - Fabric Protectant
Rubber Seals
1Z Gummi Pfledge
303 Aerospace Protectant - Dash
Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather 3-in-1
Griot's Leather Care
*Do not use leather conditioner on any leather surface that is not regularly handled (dash, doors, etc), Porsche uses a special drying process on these areas and conditioning them can cause defects. Use a damp microfiber to clean, and a light amount of 303 to provide some UV protection.*
Carpet
Turtle Wax Interior 1 - Fabric & Carpet Cleaner
303 Stain Guard - Fabric Protectant
Rubber Seals
1Z Gummi Pfledge
Paint Correction
Touch Up
Porsche OEM Two-Stage
Dr. Colorchip (not recommended)
Compound
Meguiar's D300 Microfiber Compound
Meguiar's Ultimate Compound
Polish
Menzerna SF3500 - FInising Polish
Porsche OEM Two-Stage
Dr. Colorchip (not recommended)
Compound
Meguiar's D300 Microfiber Compound
Meguiar's Ultimate Compound
Polish
Menzerna SF3500 - FInising Polish