Finally took Griot's advice...

Took advantage of the mild temps to clean, clay, and wax my e90 in advance of the coming winter weather. I've been using Griot's products for all this, but have struggled with the Best in Show wax. Specifically getting it off the car. I wax by hand and I always dread the ridiculous amount of elbow grease and time to remove the residue.

Well, this time, I followed the directions and 'a little goes a long way' / 'just enough to leave a light haze' guidance and what do you know, it came right off and left a beautiful shine & finish. All these years overdoing it and killing myself in the process.

Next up, the GF's Volvo XC70!

I like and have used Griot's Garage products for well over 10 years. I have their Random Orbital polisher and use that with their Wax Pad to apply their Best in Show wax. I also use it with their Foam Support Pad and their Wax Removal Bonnet to remove the wax. If the wax becomes hard and difficult to remove, per their recommendation, I squirt the area with their Spray Wax to soften the wax and allow it to be removed. Works great!

You can always use a little Speed Shine if the wax dries and that will help you get it off, as well. Been using their products for a while now and haven't been disappointed yet. Have the random orbital, too, but have only used once in about 3-4 years. Just prefer to do the vehicle by hand...kind of a car clean and workout in one. Will probably throw the orbital up on Craigslist or here and sell...just sitting in the garage gathering dust. Use the Spray on Wax in between washes and helps extend the Best of Show Wax.

Originally Posted by ctorrey

[snip]

Next up, the GF's Volvo XC70!

I was at the Volvo dealership today picking up a gas cap for an XC70. Would you believe they actually sell Volvo fingernail polish to match your car color?
No, I am not making that up.

chrisk03 you might want to keep your oribital, if you get those little micro swirl scratched you would need your oribital and some fine micro polish and foam pad to remove them

just a thought

Hondo

If you are going to all the trouble of wash/clay/wax, you should polish your car between claying and waxing, take those fine scratches that black cars are notorious for right out. Might I recommend 3M Finesses It II. Perfect for black cars.

Yes, detail spray is the trick when too thick.

Their store was 8 miles from my house (Before they moved 5 miles from their current location) so needless to say, I've been using them a very long time before they even became popular. I've had the opportunity to meet Richard several times and he's a great guy.
I bought my porter cable random from another source other than Richard as he had his priced too high back 12 years ago.
I use the PC for polishing only. I apply wax by hand. (Griot's Machine polish #2 followed by Machine Polish #3, unless the car is less than a couple of years old. Then I just use Machine Polish #3)
I personally only use the BOS wax in the summer as it doesn't have the longevity of a polymer or acrylic wax (For winters, I use Klasse AIO and SG)

Here is black bmw (2001) after 6 years of using this combo mentioned above. Not a swirl mark on her before I sold it in 2007. I will never own another black car again...to much work!

Originally Posted by Sportsdad

Here is black bmw (2001) after 6 years of using this combo mentioned above. Not a swirl mark on her before I sold it in 2007. I will never own another black car again...to much work!

That is a beautiful 330Ci you have (had) there. I'm toying with the idea of picking one up, possibly next year. I have already spotted a few well-cared-for examples in black but the last thing I need is TWO black cars!

Originally Posted by Zeichen311

That is a beautiful 330Ci you have (had) there. I'm toying with the idea of picking one up, possibly next year. I have already spotted a few well-cared-for examples in black but the last thing I need is TWO black cars!

Expect some sort of arthroscopic shoulder surgery should you pick another one up.

Originally Posted by Sportsdad

Expect some sort of arthroscopic shoulder surgery should you pick another one up.

Yah, that's one reason I'd really prefer one in red (electric, crimson, Imola ... I'm not fussy) or Orient/Topaz Blue.

Originally Posted by Zeichen311

Yah, that's one reason I'd really prefer one in red (electric, crimson, Imola ... I'm not fussy) or Orient/Topaz Blue.

Once you go blue, nothing else will do!

Originally Posted by DSXMachina

I was at the Volvo dealership today picking up a gas cap for an XC70. Would you believe they actually sell Volvo fingernail polish to match your car color?
No, I am not making that up.

I'll be that the polish is not very exciting to wear, but offers important safety features for your fingernails.