My detail process and water-beading result to prove it

This is the comically simple and cost-effective process I follow 2-3 times per year for my 2019 Tacoma 4x4 OffRoad which is a daily driver and always parked outside. Except for a few rock chips and tee tiny bumper scuffs, it still looks like brand new.
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Step 1 is a complete and thorough exterior wash of my truck using my local coin-op about 2 miles away. YMMV, but my local coin op U-wash is crazy good with all the different wand & sprayer soap settings and for two rolls of quarters it cannot be beat by any drive-thru car wash. I have been unable to beat base cleaning results in my own driveway, but again YMMW. GET IT CLEAN to start.
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FYI - I do *not* normally wash my truck weekly between details because we get so much rain down here in south Louisiana. Free truck rinses. Maybe once a month in between details at most will I go to my local coin-op for a light clean off. My truck will eventually start to accumulate gray rain spots and a grimy film over the 3-4 months between details. This is when I know to start the above process. Anyway, continue reading.
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Step 2:
After a spa cleaning treatment at the coin op, it comes home for Nu Finish Polish, which is almost like a wax too.

I'ved used this stuff since the late 1990s and swear by it. It will clean & polish but not cut your clear coat. One bottle at ~$10 will afford two complete applications in my experience. I apply this with a 5-6" orbital machine hand-held waxer that is wearing a brand new blue terry cloth bonnet from the local auto parts store. Remove / buff off by hand with brand new terry cloth towels.



Step 3:
After the polish, I apply Chemical Guys HyperWax Ceramic Coating. By hand using a soft 5-6" double-sided waxing pad that has a dimpled texture. This stuff is pretty expensive at ~$30 per bottle but it will last 2-3 details (one year per vehicle) for me. Rub on in a soft circulation motion, using the pad described, while the product is warm (micorwaved as needed for 20-30 seconds) gently and let dry.

Becomes almost invisible, especially on white paint, but wipe off using more clean dry terry cloth towels.


RESULT:

Call me crazy, but I have been unable to obtain water-beading better than this.


The surface tension angles on those water droplets are LESS than 90 degrees.

 

I just used some Nu Finish today!

easy on- easy off

 

I have used Nu Finish for years on different cars. I don't go a long time without repeating it and it lasts, cleans, protects and beads up for a long time, and is non-agressive. It also wipes right off with no effort regardless of the cloth used. Cotton-terry rags take it right off.

 

I've used Nu Finish twice a year for decades. My 2016 Taco gets used in the desert a lot so I have a ton of scratches and dents etc. (It's a truck.) The reason I care for the paint job at all is because the dirt and bugs from a week in the desert washes right off at the car wash. We usually wash up the truck and ourselves before checking in at a nice hotel looking like a couple of mule skinners.

 

Not a huge fan of Chem Guys anymore. Many better products with better pricing to be honest.

I recommend Rejex, wholly. Can strip your sealants and wax once a year, use that, then with monthly washes use a ceramic detailer (Griotts is best; their ceramic wash is excellent too and I use that for the boat but it’s not really necessary) afterwards as it’s quick and doesn’t have to flash.

For what it’s worth, EVERY polish cuts the clear coat. That’s the definition of polishing.

Additionally, you should be stripping all wax before polishing and probably do that again after if you want the best bond of your sealant or wax.

Would not recommend coin ops at all. Their wash mixes are super strong and that will strip your wax (“wax safe” does not matter if the dilution is off).