Cleaner wax - work in or just apply?

[NorthantsPete]

So, with a cleaner wax, do you work it in like a polish and break it down, or do you just let it apply a layer and move on?

If so this seems easier by hand than the trouble of a big machine?

[Don]

Re: Cleaner wax - work in or just apply?

So, with a cleaner wax, do you work it in like a polish and break it down, or do you just let it apply a layer and move on?

If so this seems easier by hand than the trouble of a big machine?

A cleaner wax, like a polish needs to be worked in order to accomplish its goals, just wiping it on and wiping it off does nothing. A porter cable or similar RO polisher, is not a big, heavy machine and makes getting good results easier, faster and more consistently than by hand.

[Murr1525]

Re: Cleaner wax - work in or just apply?

I guess the answer is yes.

If correction is needed, it needs worked in. If just cleaned, then applied gently.

But I really wouldnt pick a cleaner/wax for correction.

[HCAD]

Re: Cleaner wax - work in or just apply?

If so this seems easier by hand than the trouble of a big machine?

I might suggest that you have a slanted view of polishers? For me, it wouldn't matter if I was using the cleaner wax for cleaning or as just a wax protection, I would ALWAYS rather apply with a machine. There's nothing easier about applying by hand vs applying by machine. What type of polisher are you thinking of when you reference "big machine"?

[Nick Winn]

Re: Cleaner wax - work in or just apply?

We would agree with others, if trying to utilize the cleaning ability of the cleaner wax being used, it would be best to work it in more if applying by hand or machine.

More info on machines if needed here:
Beginners guide to the different types of paint polishing tools

[NorthantsPete]

Re: Cleaner wax - work in or just apply?

Ok thanks - yes by big machine i mean ive got a two handed orbital that shamkes my body - not some nice meguiars orbital goodness haha
Despite being a volvo, every panel is curved, and so i feel i get in the curves a bit better by hand - that and ive bought thw paste wax, cant see me appying that to a 10" orbital anytime soon or easily

I used ti for the ultimate compound and ultimate polish session last month, and it was fine for that

[Top Gear]

Re: Cleaner wax - work in or just apply?

On the cleaner-wax question, I've done it both ways. If applied lightly just to spread protection over the hard work of claying, compounding and polishing, it's just as easy as any other wax. However, if you work it, say as a single-step re-waxing trick apart from any other correction, then it can very effectively clean and polish and even correct on its own. I also agree with HCAD, that using a good machine (like a Porter Cable or others) is just going to be easier and faster than working product by hand, especially if your selected wax means the minor excess wax removal can be done in one wipe.