How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

[Shevy11]

I had my black corvette polished a few years ago and they did not tape off the body gaps or trim parts and the wax or polish compound entered the gaps. I did not think much about it at the time but now I am detailing the car to sell it and there is white stuff in the door jambs and other gaps. There are also spots all over the engine bay. I tried using water to remove it and that did not work. Is there a product I can use to spray on to remove it but won't hurt the paint? Is there a special brush to use (toothbrush)?

Thanks,

Mike

[William_F]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

You can try a couple of things-

If you want to removed just the dried stuff and not strip anything around it away, there is a type of brush that has a rubber tip that is sort of like a cross between a q-tip and a rubber spatula that works well for getting into seams and emblems. You can find them Auto Zone in their set of detailing brushes.

Another thing you can try is peanut oil on a q-tip or MF. A lot of people suggest peanut butter because the oil will break down wax, but that can be messy and sometimes leaves behind a residue. Since you just want the oil in the peanut butter, go right to it.

Rubbing alcohol will strip wax as well.

These are things you can do with stuff you might already have on hand or can easily obtain without having to order anything from any place and will be very gentle on your paint.

[Murr1525]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

If it is just wax buildup in the cracks, not on rubber, any sort of brush can help. Tooth brush, paint brush, you may be able to run a towel up the crack.

You can also try washing the car.

With the engine and rubber, you may need to try the above, or some Quick Detailer can help, soapy water, All Purpose Cleaner, an eraser...

[jfelbab]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

I use a pink eraser. It can be cut to fit any crack or crevice and easily removes any left over polish residue without damage to the paint..

[Matt Majeika]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

I use a pink eraser. It can be cut to fit any crack or crevice and easily removes any left over polish residue without damage to the paint..

This is the method that i use, and it works perfectly every time.

[Golden]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

The pink eraser is a cool trick! Never thought of that...thanks!

[bizyrk1652]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

I use a pink eraser. It can be cut to fit any crack or crevice and easily removes any left over polish residue without damage to the paint..

Genious, I like it.

[Total Care Detailing]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

I use a pink eraser. It can be cut to fit any crack or crevice and easily removes any left over polish residue without damage to the paint..

I also like that....Very cool!

[michael5155]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

I also like that....Very cool!

Will the eraser work with caked on Meguiar's 205 polish? I just polished my car and got some polish between a piece of molding and the car. I'm not even sure if the eraser will be able to fit between the two in order to get at the polish.

Is there a solvent I can spray on that will dissolve the polish without having to rub?

Thanks!
Michael

[jfelbab]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

Will the eraser work with caked on Meguiar's 205 polish? I just polished my car and got some polish between a piece of molding and the car. I'm not even sure if the eraser will be able to fit between the two in order to get at the polish.

Is there a solvent I can spray on that will dissolve the polish without having to rub?

Thanks!
Michael

You can also use an eraser pencil cut to fit. Something like this:

I've been detailing for over 47 years and in all this time have not found a better solution to removing unwanted polish. than a rubber eraser.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

Q-tips or the pink eraser will do the job.

[michael5155]

Re: How do I remove dried wax in the cracks?

Sweet idea! Thanks so much for responding.
Michael