New2011

That is GREAT to know. I'm sure I'm using too much as well, but I don't want to get to skimpy on the products.

Yes, I'm referring to the Hex Applicators that came with the kit. I'm also talking about the Polish/Wax that came with the kit as well. I seem to be using a lot of it per location of the car. I really don't think I'll be able to get 8 car out of the wax. At this rate I may have 4 tops. Perhaps I'm using too much per location.

I purchased the Essential Detailing Kit and used it for the first time this weekend!!! WHOA!!! My car is looking fantastic. Even though it was new, you could immediately see the difference between where I used the Polish and Wax vs the dealership products. The Clay Bar took off so much S$$T that I was in awe of what was on there. Now the only imperfection I saw were on my nose as I see my own reflection. It also feels SOOOOOO SMOOTH, like I'm wiping it with a diaper. Since this was my first real detail job I have a couple questions that I was curious about. 1. Do I /Should I wash the applicator pads after I use them? If so, how? 2. Should I wax the windows and/or headlights or are they only for paint? 3. How long should they typical bottle of Polish/Wax last? Is it good for a single job or should it last multiple jobs? (I'm using it on a Crossover SUV for a frame of reference for surface area).

Well I tried IPA and it didn't take it off and the more I look at it makes me think that it is the clear coat. I have an appointment with the dealership that I purchased it from 1 month ago and I want them to look at it, place notes of this defect in the record of the VIN so if it gets worse or needs repair it was there well before any warranty expiration. For now I'm going to try to protect it so it doesn't get worse.

I would rather not spend 8 hours a week as I don't have 1/4 of that time free. What constitutions as "How dirty" before I should wash it. 90% of the time it's just dust and it looks dirty against the red paint but it's just dusty. Should I put it through the entire wash cycle for just dust? If I just do a typical wash using the proper method how often do I need to strip, polish and wax?

If I decided to go with a Sealant first and then a wax (since this will be used on a car driven daily) can I use the sealant again after I wax? Watching the video at Sealant shows that he sprays it right on the car and mentioned to spray it before long drives? Is it ok to spray it on top of the wax? Questions 1. Now that you mention it, is it better to wax or seal or both? 2. How often should I be doing it? 3. How often should I wash the car?

Thank you.

Is there a method to determine when there isn't any product left on the paint or do I just assume (I know, I know) that it's off?

I didn't see any craters, but I wasn't looking to carefully. I will diffidently look more closely to see if I see anything. What are my options if it's the clear coat (top or complete failure)? Since it only has 9000 miles is that something still under warranty?

Thanks for all the information. I'm first going to use a clay bar on the paint and get anything off there that shouldn't be. I think I'm going to purchase the Adam's Essentials Detail Kit and then wash, clay bar, polish, revive and wax. When it comes to the water spots under the emblem I'll try the all purpose cleaner and and see if that helps. One Question: How do I remove any products from the paint (it came from the dealer and I'm not sure if there is anything on it) before I being to polish, revitalize and wax? I read someone that I just add dish soap to the water and wash the car but I'm not sure.

Thank You

IPA? I was able to take a picture of it from an angle.

I noticed today that there is something on the hood of my vehicle. It looks like the clear coat is spotting off (it's about an inch in diameter and looks like little popped bubbles) but I can remove bits of it with my fingernail (I'm sure it's not advised but I was curious what it was). Neighbor said it may be dried tree sap that is crystallized but I don't know. What can I use to get it off without ruining the clear coat? i'll try to take a picture of it, but it really tough to get a clear shot if it.

What about water spots? Is there anything that I can use to remove water spots off the paint?

So then the only basic difference is the Polish (which removes the swirls)? If I don't want to get rid of swirls, I need the following; 1. Basic Wash-Wax Kit 2. Clay Bar Detailing Kit If I do want to get rid of swirls, I need the following; 1. Detailing Kit