ok im slightly confused about something is there a difference between a wax and polish???????

I just got a new 2003 BLACK 4runner. We all know how hard it is to keep a black car clean and free of scratches/swirls. So i need a good soft non-abrasive wax to use. Anyone got any idea?

http://www.griotsgarage.com/index.jsp
Ive seen this page mention alot.

 

Yep, two different makeups.

Wax is only a protectant, and it does not shine the surface.
The polish does that.

The wax goes on last to lay down a protective coat over the polish.
That is if you are using seperates like I use.

You can use a combo Cleaner/Wax (has both in it and you use it as a one step procedure), but they are not as effective as using seperates.

On my site in my detail section I have some good tips on waxing.
But since you have a black rig and not a light colored one like mine, the conclusion is Zaino works best for that, and it is applied by hand.

There are several on the forum here who use Zaino including Gadget and Bob_98SR5.
They can fill you in on the Zaino line of stuff.
They swear by the stuff.

Yeah, the Griot's stuff I mention quite a bit on here as that is what I use and it works best for me.

 

My Mica Jade is also hard to keep the swirls off.

I use the griots wax and wax by hand. I've never been to a car wash with this rig and that makes a world of difference. If you have to goto a self serve was like I do sometimes, bring your own bucket and car wash soap, again I use griots. Also bring your own (griots) lambswool sponge/mit. When drying use only 100% USA Cotton towels or a synth chamois. Before waxing use a clay bar (guess whos').

Hope that helps some as preventing swirls is as improtant if not more then getting them off.

 

Lots of good products out there but, my vote is for Zaino. On dark vehicles it is fantastic. If you have some swirl marks now, make sure you get their Z5 product. You can layer Zaino and get a very deep brilliant shine that lasts. You can also do it all by hand and don't need to invest in a polisher.

 

I'm new to exterior detailing. I've been detailing interiors for a long time, but the exteriors genrallly just got a was and a wax. I've got two dark vehicles (dk blue 4Runner and a turd brown JGC). I'm willing to invest in the right equipment, but I want the best bang for the buck. I've been reading about clay and alot of these methods are completely new to me. BTW, both of my vehicles are outside year round.

 

Cebby, claying is one of the most important steps before you polish/wax.

It gets all the surface crap off of your rig so the other products have a smooth surface to adhere too.

I have seen a lot of clay bars out there, and I feel the Griot's one is the best as it is big.
Also from reading up on the detail forum, they say the same thing, and that the Griot's Speed Shine you use to lube the clay bar with is about the best out there.
http://www.autopia.org/forums/index.php

Searching over there will pretty much confirm what I just said.

I have info on my detail site in my sig file on how to clay a rig.
Doesn't matter if you do it by hand, or use a Porter Cable like I do.
The results from claying will make you a believer.

 

The basic steps I follow are these.

1. Clay bar - I do this once or twice a year as needed and primarily on the upper surfaces. The clay bar removes surface contaminants that sit on top of your finish.

2. Polish - I use a polish to bring up the gloss and hide/remove minor below surface problems like swirl marks. Products like Meguiars #9 swirl mark remover and 3M perfect it swirl remover do a good job for this.

3. Protect - The final step is to protect your paint with a wax or paint protectant. I prefer the Zaino products for this.

All of these steps you can do by hand or with a machine.