How to clay bar, polish and wax a car

Clay Bar, Polish and Wax a Car

509
STEPS
TOOLS

While the surface is clean there are swirl marks and scratches.

While the surface is clean there are swirl marks and scratches.

Clean the surface by spraying on Speed Shine. Dry using a microfiber cloth in a linear horizontal and then vertical motion (crosshatch pattern).

Kneed clay bar in your hand until it is flat. Use Speed Shine as lubricant and slide the clay bar over the surface. When clay bar is dirty use other side. Keep area lubricated.

Use a small amount of polish on the foam applicator pad.

Use a small amount of polish on the foam applicator pad.

You want more polish around the edges. Now spread it out.

You want more polish around the edges. Now spread it out.

Using a random orbital polisher, apply start with a slow setting and spread over the area using the crosshatch pattern.

Using a random orbital polisher, apply start with a slow setting and spread over the area using the crosshatch pattern.

Now increase the speed and apply pressure but not so much as to stop the polisher spinning or the panel to flex. Use microfiber cloth to remove haze.

Now increase the speed and apply pressure but not so much as to stop the polisher spinning or the panel to flex. Use microfiber cloth to remove haze.

Now apply wax or One-Step Sealant. If using Carnauba Wax use a very small amount (above)

Now apply wax or One-Step Sealant. If using Carnauba Wax use a very small amount (above)

Wipe haze off with microfiber cloth.

Wipe haze off with microfiber cloth.

End result: left was not touched. Right has no swirls and has a deep shine.

End result: left was not touched. Right has no swirls and has a deep shine.

  • Griot's Speed Shine
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Griot's polish 3
  • Griot's carnauba wax
  • Griot's One Step Sealant
  • Random orbital polisher
  • Polisher applicator pads