you can quit using polish lock and simply add the droplets to the zaino polish - one step. now dries much quicker, I use it.

 

I have used all kinds of stuff, expensive and not so expensive. I saw a pro detailer here on 6 speed do a DAMN good job on a black 911. I PMed him and asked what he used.
Gloss-it.com stuff. the Best easiest stuff I have EVER used. Its made to be used with an orbital. I used in on my black AMG and now the white PDK C2S.
If you guys know your tire guys Damon at TireRack started using the stuff too and is just ga ga over it. Try it. I like the touch up spray (detailing spray) and it really works good.

 

it depends no the condition of your paint. I would spend the time reading the autopia.com stuff on detailing. http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to.html

I think I wrote autopia.org before, but this is the site. Read the link on the Perfect Shine. I swear the combo of Klasse and P21S Carnauba will provide a shine that will make you a fan. The guy who wrote it prepares cars for shows for a living and is more than meticulous in his analysis and the most knowledgeable I've read.

 

What is wrong with McGuires yellow wax and other basic McGuires products? Has anyone actually compared the final shine of different waxes / polish side by side. Side by side comparison seems to be the best way to evaluate products objectively.

 

look for products with a higher carnuba content. makes for a better product all around - easier application, easier removal, and longer lasting. that's why swissvax products are so great.

 

I have been using Griot's Garage products on all my black cars for almost 10 years now. I apply waxes and (when necessary) polishes only by machine and remove them by hand. The machine is one of the new generation random orbitals and you cannot burn the paint so there is no need to be concerned about damaging anything. I spent years developing skills on a direct drive machine and yes, I burned some paint when I was learning. I actually prefer to use the goof-proof random orbital machine unless there is a serious problem then I reach for my direct drive machine but that is rare these days.

When the instructions are followed this system will actually allow you to remove (not just hide) small scratches and swirl marks. Their "Best of Show" wax leaves a nice deep shine that lasts about 3 months. It's not the most long-lasting product but it's one of the best shines and it's very easy to apply and remove. Finally, all of the Griot's products are water soluble making cleaning up the pads and cloths quick and easy.

 

I've been using the polisher and the best of show as well. Really like it and I've used the polisher to take the wax off as well. Garaged, my car is still really good over 6 months later.
I've also been using the waterless car wash. Really good results with that and I can wash my car in the garage while it's snowing outside in under an hour! No scratches from it whatsoever.

 

End of the day, the LSP (wax/sealant) is a sacrificial layer to protect the paint against the elements. Most of the gloss/shine/sharpness is created in the polishing stage. Best bet would probably get some one to prefessionally machine polish the paint, then maintain it yourself afterwards.

 

+1. I just got one, tried it out on my daily driver. It was cold that day so it never really dried fully even overnight sitting in the garage. But it was almost entirely spotless, and more importantly, the paint surface was very smooth when dry. And it may be my imagination, but I swear the car stays cleaner as a result. Normally, I go over all my cars with Zaino's detailing spray after drying with microfiber. I did none of that and because my daily is still relatively well waxed, the surface was smooth as is.

I cannot wait until summer when its 95 plus outside. It is virtually impossible to not have some of the rinse water dry on the car, before you're done wiping down with a microfiber towel.

 

Alright...I was OP and got a few requests for some pics. I finally got off my lazy butt, took some pics and figured out how to post. The car is 1 week and about 100 miles past the wash/wax that I mentioned...but again, with the silver cars, you can't really notice much. I tried to wipe a portion off to give contrast beetween clean and rest of car to show just how dirty it is in these pics, but I couldn't get it to show in the pictures...you are going to have to trust me that there is a good amount of road dust on this...

 

Anyone recommend a good detail shop in the Bay Area Cali? Some who'll do clay bar, etc. the works?

 

Was a skeptic but tried the Lucas Oil quick wax/detailer, the shine is excellent. If you live in florida the "love bugs" can ruin the paint in matter of days. With this stuff as claimed dirt and bugs do not adhere readily to the paint. Quick wash and they just fall off.

 

I switched over to Rejex...it seems to last a lot longer than most other wax I tried. Yes I am lazy and I hate waxing.

 

I agree with the comment about silver being easy to maintain and looking great with even a coat of dust on it. Somehow, I go into dealer wanting silver and exit with black (had a black 2007 Lexus SC430). Black looks great but is not a color, it's a "hobby."

I see fingerprints even after I wax it!