What to use to really get the shine after a wash?

[UTH]

I'm pretty lazy at washing my cars, but I'm trying to be better this year - the Focus RS has had more cleans in the last few months and the Corvette does get a clean if it gets used (f**king weather so far this year!) so I'm on the up!

I'm a bit of an "all the gear, not much idea" sort! Here's how I do it:
Rinse with water, then use microfibre mit in a bucket of this: https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/wash-decon/g-...

That then gets a rinse off, and apart from the wheels, that's usually where my washing ends, unless there are bugs/tar etc to remove, as I do have these products:

https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/wash-decon/w7...
https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/wash-decon/w8...

Wheels get this and a rinse:
https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/wash-decon/w6...

And windows/glass get some of this:
https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/glass-metal/g...

I do also have this, only used it once so far:
https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/glass-metal/g...

I guess my question is that I should probably be using some sort of wax or similar product after I've rinsed the GWash off? As you can see I'm a bit of a brand we for GTechniq, but don't mind using something else?

[UTH]

Is this what I'm after perhaps?

https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/ceramic-seala...

[Belle427]

That would work but ideally you would want to fully cleanse the paint first of all bonded on contaminants, normally using a fallout type remover and then a clay bar. Problem with the clay bar is it will marr the paint slightly which ideally would then be machine polished out.
Ive left the clay bar part out on a lot of cars ive owned and just polished it after fallout remover with something like Bilt Hamber cleanser polish, not for everyone i know but i cant say ive noticed it affecting the paint finish.
You can go down a big rabbit hole with detailing.

[Robertb]

I am a belt and braces 'detailing' enthusiast in the truest sense, but for convenience with the daily drivers I've been very impressed with the 'spray-on rinse-off after wash' sealants... I use the Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic spray, but others are available, eg Gyeon Wet Coat, or Carpro Hydro2

Dead easy to use, very convenient and effective.

Would work even better with a proper prep, but more than good enough if you just want a shiny car, quickly.

Edited by Robertb on Wednesday 22 May 16:50

[105.4]

Once every 3-4 months I’ll give my cars and vans a really, really good clean. The results can last for 2-3 months, just by being brought back to life with a general clean.

Spray off the thick of it with a pressure washer, paying particular attention to wheel arches.

Snow foam.

Wash. I like Meguirs Gold Class shampoo. Two bucket method, with a separate third bucket and sponge / brush for the lower third of the vehicle and the wheels.

Clay bar, using Bilt & Hammer. You’d be amazed how much contamination can be etched into your paintwork.

Another wash. Dry with a microfibre cloth, using the airline to blast the water out of the door mirrors and other places it can pool and collect.

Mask up all plastics and rubbers.

Autoglym Super Resin Polish is a decent, all-round polish, using Maguirs Ultimate Compound on deeper scratches.

I find Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection to be a decent wax. Easy to apply, easy to remove, gives a great, long lasting finish if the correct prep work is put in.

Meguirs Ultimate Black does a great job on faded plastics, but the plastic needs to be really clean and bone dry first.

[custardtart]

If you’re after gloss then the biggest contributor to gloss is a machine polish. Do this then ceramic or wax it for the ultimate shine. If you don’t get rid of the swirls then use a wax that will hide them and add gloss although this will only last until you wash the car again