just waxed my runner...now a question

[4x4Runner09]

just waved my runner...now a question

Hey I just waxed my 00 silver 4Runner....this is pretty much the first time I've ever waxed a myself.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1005&SKU=11171

I use mostly all (90%) Griots products to wash my car.

Using there wax how much or thick should I apply to the surface?
After buffing it in with there white hand sponge thing, how long should I wait to remove the wax?

A day later I noticed there is some hazing spots on the paint from the wax. Thats not bad right? It came off with my finger a towel.

Anyways the car looks great...hasnt look this good since I bought it!!
Now I cant wait to wash and wax my dads GS!

Thanks for any replies, tips or advice.!

 

[jharris2]

Read the instructions on the bottle to make sure the following is appropriate for Griot's wax. Most waxes are applied the same way. (The Griot's web site may also have information that you can use.)

Generally, you apply a thin coat of wax to the surface after you have thoroughly washed the vehicle. Wait until it dries to a haze. Then, using terry cloth (the stuff towels are made of), buff off the wax to a deep shine; turn the terry cloth frequently to keep from re-depositing the excess wax you just removed. There should be no haze left over.

I generally prefer to do a hand wax, rather than a machine wax. I just believe it gives me better control over the final result.

Some hints from experience:

1. It's better to apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat of wax. Of course, between thin coats, you will remove the wax.

2. Take care to not get wax in cracks and crevices (around doors and hood). It's a pain to clean out.

3. If you have any haze left after you're done, remove it as soon as you can. Otherwise, it will usually dry to a hard surface that is very hard to remove.

4. If you wash the vehicle with anything other than a car wash product, you're likely to strip the wax so you need to start all over again. Dishwashing detergent will strip wax.

5. The reason you use terry cloth (100% cotton) is the texture allows you to remove the excess wax, buff the surface, and not scratch the newly buffed surface with the excess wax you just removed.

6. Wax in the shade when the vehicle is cool to the touch, not when it's been in the sun. When the vehicle is hot, your job is much harder.

 

[momo.75]

The good thing is that you started out with Griot's. I have been using their stuff for several years now and personally I think it is the best.

As far a waxing, apply it in thin coats, like jharris said. it is easier to remove a nd buff out when you apply thin layers. If you have some hazing going on, you can lightly spritz the surface with some water and the buf it out. theis helps spread the reamaing wax out in a more consistant layer. I usually clay, polish then wax mine in the garage, than take it out in the drive and look at it from all sides, from all different angles to see if there is any hazing left. then just buff them out with a light spritz. If you do get some wax in the cracks or around the trim, you can use a soft bristle toothbrush to get it out. The main thing to avoid is getting wax on any black rubber trim. If you do get it on the black rubber it is really hard to get it off.

Good luck.

Here is mine after a good Griot's treatment..... :artist:

 

[jharris2]

Momo makes a great point. I recently polished the Camry with Zaino's. However, before polishing it, I clayed it -- wow, what a difference!! I made sure to do the same with the 4Runner before it got its first polish a week later.

Just to confuse matters, though, I'm sold on Zaino's. Used Meguiar's for years and there is just no comparison to Zaino's. The Camry and the 4Runner are both like mirrors -- and bugs, etc. just don't stick.

Have not tried Griot's so I can't compare it to my new favorite!

 

[waskillywabbit]

The Detailer's Handbook

Check out this link:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/support.jsp

It has LOADS of information on just about everything you would ever think to ask about keeping the inside, outside and upside down of your rig looking GREAT!

Brian

 

[patin22]

Great tips you guys. I generally wax 2-3x a year. I've been a loyal Zymol user for years.

http://www.zymol.com/phihome.htm

They are a little pricey, but I've been very happy with the results. I'm wondering about the clay now. How often do you guys do that? I use a pre-wax cleaner prior to waxing which does a great job, however, I have a feeling the clay might do a much better job.

 

[waskillywabbit]

Clay annually

Great tips you guys. I generally wax 2-3x a year. I've been a loyal Zymol user for years.

http://www.zymol.com/phihome.htm

They are a little pricey, but I've been very happy with the results. I'm wondering about the clay now. How often do you guys do that? I use a pre-wax cleaner prior to waxing which does a great job, however, I have a feeling the clay might do a much better job.

Here's what mine looked like after a good clay, polish, and wax session.

:guitar2:

Brian

 

[jharris2]

I'm wondering about the clay now. How often do you guys do that? I use a pre-wax cleaner prior to waxing which does a great job, however, I have a feeling the clay might do a much better job.

I've only clayed once, and will just watch the truck to see how often it needs it.

To strip the wax, I just used liquid dishwasher soap (Dawn) to wash the vehicle. Good advice at http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=Z&Category_Code=APPLICATION

 

[waskillywabbit]

The main thing to avoid is getting wax on any black rubber trim. If you do get it on the black rubber it is really hard to get it off.

If you get wax on the black rubber, use PEANUT BUTTER, creamy of course, to get it off. Rub on, rub off. Works like a charm! It is even recommended in the Griot's manual as the way to do it, so you know it is safe. "Jiffy Mom's choose Jif!"

:guitar2:

Brian

 

[Greenhorne]

If you get wax on the black rubber, use PEANUT BUTTER

:guitar2:

Brian

Hum, now that is a whole new meaning to "Clean enough to eat off of..."

 

[t4r4life]

been to new orleans once loved it (first time got so drunk standing right next to a cop at age 15)

 

[djchris713]

Great tips you guys. I generally wax 2-3x a year. I've been a loyal Zymol user for years.

http://www.zymol.com/phihome.htm

They are a little pricey, but I've been very happy with the results. I'm wondering about the clay now. How often do you guys do that? I use a pre-wax cleaner prior to waxing which does a great job, however, I have a feeling the clay might do a much better job.

i wax my truck i think at least every 3 weeks-1 month.. leaves a great shine..