@Carl, would you consider a Ceramic coating? They are very easy to apply and the added protection is well worth it....
I thought about having it professionally done with the “5 year” coating. But to be honest I’m wanting to enjoy it myself and really am just getting started with this stuff so going to do to basics well first. I’ve got snow foam, double bucket wash method, BH korrosol, cleanser polish and double speed wax as a starting point.
My first job Friday is to remove the wheels to fit the dynamic centre caps, so I’ve bought under body sealant and I’m thinking of using the double wax on the black wheels after a quick clean since they’re painted rather than diamond cut?
Sorry, I've hijacked the thread somewhat
There will always be the Wax vs Ceramic coating debate. It comes down to how many miles you do, how often (And well) you wash your vehicle and if undertaking work yourself, how often your prepared to reapply coatings.
You can't go wrong with the Bilt Hamber products, (Although, avoid Touchless, it's quite aggressive)
As with either a Wax or Ceramic coating, the key is in prep of the paintwork. The first thing I'd be doing is checking over the paintwork for any swirls, light scratches, if there aren't any, I'd avoid polishing as this will inevitably inflict marring if not done with a machine. The paintwork on my first UP! GTI (Kings Red) was near perfect, so, I just thoroughly washed and decontaminated, blew dry, carefully wiped down paintwork an IPA solution (Gyeon Prep) and applied a Wax.
For the wheels, I would always go with a ceramic coating, I have tried many different products on wheels, a ceramic coating always performs a lot better. To be clear, I'm talking of longevity, a Wax will protect for a time (Maybe 6 months depending on wash cycle, products used to clean)
But, a ceramic coating will outlast and is vastly more resilient. My go to product is currently Kamikaze Rim Stance, 2 coats are applied.
The way the car is washed is also key, regardless of wax or coatings, in short, you want to ensure the paintwork is a clean as feasibly possible before you touch it with a wash mitt (not a sponge!) The aim to be the least contact with the paintwork as possible, the more contact, the higher the chances of marring and inflicting swirls. I even blow dry the car when finished washing as even when clean, drying with a cloth can cause marring and swirls.
This of course is all my opinion (And experience) there will be many different views, over the years of detailing many Golf's (And other VW models!) I have perfected and honed my product selection based on real life experience.
I don't want to baffle you but one thing I have started to do is apply a high temperature spray paint to the brake disc hubs from new. The idea being it gives the best possible protection from day one.I use Autotek ATVHTSG500 500ml VHT Paint - Silver-Grey.
Sorry for the waffle!
