Detailing - Favorite one-step wax or polish?

Just thought I'd take advantage of the collective experience of the forum here. I have a black '02 Civic EX with some paint in need of affection. When it comes to detailing, sure, I could go totally nuts and buy a 12-step program that requires a nuclear sub-orbital defense platform, but let's be realistic, it is a stock Civic. I just want to Karate Kid the thing: wax on, wax off, ooh shiny, let's go get some pizza. Hopefully not destroying the paint in the process with an overzealous wax.

So far, I've tried Mother's Cleaner Wax, the first step in a 3 step system, and it seems to stand ok on its own, though not for long. I've used Turtle Wax on other cars, and the shine looks good, but I've heard that since it is abrasive, it causes swirls even as it hides them.

What's your favorite one-step wax or polish product?

Me personally, I've never used a one-step wax or polish. I love detailing and all the steps in between. You mentioned Turtle wax having abrasives and causing swirls. Most waxes do not contain abrasives, there are some cleaner waxes that contain very mild abrasives though. Usually products containing abrasives are refferred to as compounds or polishes. On this note, abrasives are what actually remove swirls and not cause them as you must remove paint surrounding a swirl/scrath down to the level of the swirl/scratch itself. Swirls are usually caused by dirty towels, car wash brushes, overaggressive compounds not followed up by milder polishes, too much or uneven pressure while drying etc.

It doesn't take a crazy 12 step program for stellar results. :) Something like the Mother's 3 step program you mentioned would work well. I would suggest simply wash, clay, polish, and then wax. Take your time and thoroughly complete each of these steps, then follow up with regular washes and wax as water beading abilities dissapate or paint dulls. Also you can use a good quick detailer between waxes. Good luck with everything! [sm=smiley20.gif]

dont short cut it and one step it. check out Meguires 3 step system, its the roxor.

one step polishes are for doing dealers used cars....wham bam thank you maam see ya bye! :D

do it right! 3 steps should be all you need unless you go nuts with heavy compound.