If I spot anyone advancing on me furtively with a pressure-washer I'll scarper. But only in a straight line - as Catman pointed out any sudden cornering is now hazardous.
I'm like a greased eel.
Thanks Enzo. Is a freshly painted wheel likely to be waxy or oily? Seems unlikely. Surely a wipe down with any generic wheel cleaner should do the trick if it is?
Robert, you're cutting my workload here - good stuff, thanks. So with freshly painted and lacquered wheels all I should do is apply the wax and polish it off? I'll give them a dry-cloth wipe down first.
Good to see you back on here, by the way. Ploughed through your Rioja and cigars yet?
Adam - where did you get your wheels refurbished and how happy are you with the finish/service?
I did it! I'm no longer a clay virgin! The acceptable weather i.e. not too warm, and time on my own meant I spent yesterday morning making the car shine.
A good wash with Meguiar's as I normally do and a dry down, followed by Meguiars clay kit (£26.99 from Halfords). It didn't take as long as I feared and I think my fears of somehow botching my paintwork have disappeared now. I was surprised that in many places there wasn't that much dirt coming out whereas in some the white clay had nice brown smears across it. Then, when that was done, on with a good layer of wax. And now we're sparkling!
If you haven't done it before, then don't be afraid - just follow the instructions and it works!