[RicheyBMW]

Basically, I'm a simple guy, I figured I just want to wash the car with a high quality product and then also use a wax/sealant to protect the paint. Is there suppose to be a step in between, before, or after that is mandatory? Can I just wash the car then put on a sealant as a quick two step process?

I'm thinking of using Chemical Guys Maxi Suds as a shampoo and BlackFire Wet Diamond as a wax/sealant right after. Would this be safe? Is there something I MUST apply before applying the BFWD?

Also, in terms of cleaning wheels/rims. What is the best product? I heard Sonax is great but would it be safe to use on expensive rims?

[Brentster]

claybar!!!!!!

[dday]

I guarantee some will disagree with me, but yes, you can absolutely do a good wash and then apply sealant. This is a detailing section so many of us like to do every step to make our paint perfect but your car will still look good with a good wash and seal.

Yes you could clay, but there might be some clay marring, so then you'd need to polish as well and that starts going down a longer path which it looks like you're trying to avoid.

[Brian_TII]

Yeah I think that's fine too. I tend to like waxing monthly and clay and polish every six months or so. Maybe not ideal but not horrible either.

[Royal Flush]

Originally Posted by RicheyBMW

Basically, I'm a simple guy, I figured I just want to wash the car with a high quality product and then also use a wax/sealant to protect the paint. Is there suppose to be a step in between, before, or after that is mandatory? Can I just wash the car then put on a sealant as a quick two step process?

I'm thinking of using Chemical Guys Maxi Suds as a shampoo and BlackFire Wet Diamond as a wax/sealant right after. Would this be safe? Is there something I MUST apply before applying the BFWD?

Also, in terms of cleaning wheels/rims. What is the best product? I heard Sonax is great but would it be safe to use on expensive rims?

Originally Posted by dday

I guarantee some will disagree with me, but yes, you can absolutely do a good wash and then apply sealant. This is a detailing section so many of us like to do every step to make our paint perfect but your car will still look good with a good wash and seal.

Yes you could clay, but there might be some clay marring, so then you'd need to polish as well and that starts going down a longer path which it looks like you're trying to avoid.

This. I detailed my cars this past weekend without claying or polishing. FWIW, my cars were somewhat clean, garage kept, and I don't live in an area with a lot of contamination so you have to take that into consideration.

I don't know if it's a "must" before applying BFWD, but applying CG EZ-Creme Glaze makes it pop more IMO and it's quite popular with people who use BFWD as a sealant.

Sonax is (hands down?) the best wheel cleaner.