• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

    Well in these winter months i find i need to wax my truck at least once a month but try to do it every 2 weeks.
    In the spring I will be doing a full detail where i plan to remove "all" rids from my paint.
    My question is if all i am doing is waxing my truck and not so much looking for a awesome shine but protection, what surface prep would be best?
    Should i remove the old wax each time, or can i just coat over top of the previous coats?
    Again protection is my goal not aesthetics, for now.

    I will be working with a DA i have all products and supplies needed to complete almost any job.

    Any input is much appreciated.
    thanks
    Sparklin and shinin all the time
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

    If the car is a daily driver, exposed to the elements, then in most cases cleaning the paint with a light paint cleaner or a cleaner/polish will insure a clean, smooth surface for which to apply a fresh coat of wax.

    If the car is garage parked most of the time and the last coat of wax isn't too old then wash or wipe clean and apply a fresh coat of wax.

    Mike Phillips
    760-515-0444
    showcargarage@gmail.com
    "Find something you like and use it often"

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

      The mag is always in the garage and every time i wax it no matter how clean its been i at least claybar it. Just the thought of gritty paint is scary.

      Peace

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

        If you wanted to skip the polish step, I would atleast clay before waxing. It will ensure a smooth surface for the wax to bond to.

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

          When I want to start with a fresh slate, I add a cup of degreaser to my wash. This removes so many things off of the paint and glass. I ONLY do this on initial first details. Then I clay. I was amazed on just how cleaner my clay was when I started the degreaser addition. After claying, I simply decide on what compound/polish to use. Since you are removing clear coat, it's gonna be clean. I then use Meg's Detailer Line Glass Cleaner to do a final wipe down. It has alcohol in it so it will remove any polish left.

          All you have now is a clean canvas for your wax/sealant.
          www.clean4udetailing.com

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

            Originally posted by justin30513 View Post
            When I want to start with a fresh slate, I add a cup of degreaser to my wash. This removes so many things off of the paint and glass. I ONLY do this on initial first details. Then I clay. I was amazed on just how cleaner my clay was when I started the degreaser addition. After claying, I simply decide on what compound/polish to use. Since you are removing clear coat, it's gonna be clean. I then use Meg's Detailer Line Glass Cleaner to do a final wipe down. It has alcohol in it so it will remove any polish left.

            All you have now is a clean canvas for your wax/sealant.
            Justin, what degreaser to you add to your wash?? The D-line Super Degreaser??thanks

            Chris

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

              Why not just use a good cleaner wax -- the burgundy bottle or Color X? It works for me -- no clay, no polish. I can do my whole Ram Quad Cab in less than an hour.

              Tom

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

                thanks for input guys
                well i have been cleaning it really well and degreasing
                i use a finishing pad for the first coat and a finnessing pad for the second
                i have been using nxt.
                Sparklin and shinin all the time

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

                  Originally posted by justin30513 View Post
                  I add a cup of degreaser to my wash.
                  One cup of Degreaser to how many gallons of water?

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

                    I use ZEP's Industrial Purple. I have for a year now. Just more economical. I can get 5 gallons from Home Depot for 35.00. I cut it 4:1 for heavy cleaning. Does awesome on brake dust too. I add 1/2 cup per 2.5 gallons along with the normal amount of car wash........Shampoo Plus in my case.

                    Remember, this isn't something I do with every wash. Only to start my full details with. I never let it dry on the car either. It's really safe though. I've probably done 100 cars this way.

                    Thanks for asking!
                    www.clean4udetailing.com

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

                      Are there occasions when one might add APC+ to one car wash? I ask because when my car got back from the body shop it seems to have some white film on parts of the car, and my ONR isn't removing it completely. I wondering now whether at the major spring detail I should do a Dawn wash or should add some APC+ to my GC wash. Is this outrageous or stupid or unncessary? If it's how, how much APC+ do I add to a gallon?

                      Thanks.

                      Al
                      Swirls hide in the black molecular depths, only waiting for the right time to emerge and destroy your sanity.
                      --Al Kimel

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

                        Lots of people use APC+ mixed into their wash, or foam guns. I would use roughly the same amount that you would add of soap.

                        It's not really an exact science, so just experiment.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Re: What would be the BEST preparation before wax?

                          Originally posted by tguil View Post
                          Why not just use a good cleaner wax -- the burgundy bottle or Color X? It works for me -- no clay, no polish. I can do my whole Ram Quad Cab in less than an hour.

                          Tom
                          Yeah but you "maintain" your vehicle on a regular basis. I did a vehicle last week that has only seen a touchless drive through wash and wax for the last two years. That "wax" just kept sealing in layer after layer of filth that chemical washing alone can't remove. I would have went through several bars of clay and numerous pads if I didn't wash with some degreaser. In fact, I had to wash it twice before even claying or polishing.
                          www.clean4udetailing.com

                          Comment

                          Previous template Next
                          Your Privacy Choices
                          Working...
                          X