Patina:
Pat, you probably don't want to start down the road of Polishing/waxing trying to keep it shiny. It's a lot of work and upkeep and you're suppose to use it, not worry about how shiny it is.
As i've posted before and it works for me, was the little spray wash stalls, Brown Bear and others near by.
I try to do it on the way back from a trip if it needs it. It's the last stop, before home. I go through the full works, the pre-rinse (make SURE you DON'T spay the engine one - although I did and didn't leave any marks), soap brush, soap hi-pressure, rinse and then the wax.
I'm led to believe, based on other forum members experience, that these places use different chems, so you might try it a little step at a time or on your car.
Anyway, usually costs about $10-13, I carry 2 rolls of quarters around, back up for laundry too, it works fine for the last 5+ yrs. I don't believe I have the patina, but I'm not spending hours trying to make it shine...
When I had "Nellie" I did wash her with the car soap and wax and did "Le Droppe" too, and worked fine.
I used:
Soap and wax/shine work great and does put a protective cover and mud/dirt slides right off. Don't need the sprayer or Tire cleaner.
Here's a pic from about 2 weeks ago (Silver Falls), hard to see, but still shiny, sorta.
Some spotting yes, but due to putting cover on while it was still wet and left for a few weeks, now covered up with Decal on back hatch. Water spots come off with the shine/wax stuff, just wipes right off. Like Armor All does on the car interiors.
but for me? the Stall/hand washes and soap/waxes do the trick..
While I'd prefer the "Patina", I 'More' prefer it just look clean and nice.. it's for outdoor's use, not something to put up on the fireplace mantle...
IMNSHO:
If it ain't "scarred it ain't used" and doesn't reflect the travel adventure scars it should have. (bear claws/scratches right Jenn?).. heheh
Enh? just my thoughts on it..
fun eh?
