Hand or machine wax... better protection?

[Tillmanator]

Hi Folks,

I have never used a machine to apply or remove wax or any other product. Despite this, I'm fairly sure that when done by machine it will probably be more shiny due to the fact that the machine can buff faster than a human.

However..... does using a machine give the paint more protection than going by hand?

The reason I ask is that I've been considering getting the G100 for a while now, but I recently read a thread about taping off and it looks like a real time consuming hassle! I'm not sure I want to use a machine if I have to spend that much time taping off my car if my current hand application gives it just as much protection.

And I could use the money I save to buy a new mandolin!

[Ryan L.]

Re: Hand or machine wax... better protection?

For wax applications you do not have to tape off. You can if you want but like you said it is a real hassle. I almost never hear of anybody taping off to wax. One thing I do it to use the machine on the big flat areas of the car then go back and do all the little grooves and edges by hand.

Using a machine will not give you better protection necessarily. It will make the process a lot faster, you will use less product and get a more uniform coating. But as taught here on MOL, you probably do two coats any ways so uniformity isn't a issue.

So if your going to buy the G100 then you will have the extra feature of applying your wax by machine, but I wouldn't go buy the G100 just to wax your car.

Hope this helps,
Ryan

[gb387]

Re: Hand or machine wax... better protection?

I agree with Ryan.... I will say if you use a machine once you will never work by hand again!

I will say, I do like to tape off if I am doing a FULL detail not always but most of the time I will (Cleaner/Polish/Wax X 2). Wax only I never tape off too much work. Another option might be to cover a few trouble spots, I do this quite often, if it seems I always get wax on a particular part of the trim I will tape it off.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Hand or machine wax... better protection?

The amount of time you save with a machine alone is worth it. It does produce a better look imho. As for taping I like to tape doing a full detail also. Otherwise I just use the machine, being careful around obvious trouble spots. Get the machine you will be glad you did.