Do I have this right?? Newb question....

[mikeNH]

Sorry for the newb question.
I have been reading alot here and want to be sure I have read correctly.

So the proper way to maintain the finish on my truck is a POLISH first then a wax coating after? And how often do I repeat this process?

Secondly, My truck is White and I believe it does NOT have a clear coat. So Will I still use the same products and they will be safe for a Non clear coat finish?

Thanks....

[William_F]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

Yes, polish before wax.

You should only need to polish once or twice per year. Much more than that and you need to look at what you're doing to inflict the scratches.

You can use the same products for a single stage finish as you do for a cc finish. If indeed you have a single stage, applying M7, a pure polish (no abrasives) from time to time will help keep the paint conditioned. Because the truck is white, you might not notice a huge difference with and without, but it will help your paint if it is indeed single stage. Because M7 is non abrasive, you can use it as often as you like.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

It also depends on your definition of polish. Do you mean a Swirlx or Ultimate Compound type of polish or a pure polish like M07?

If you are refering to a pure polish (which has no ability to remove scratches) then you are free to use a pure polish everyday if you want.

Like William said, no need to use a Swirlx or Ultimate Compund type of polish more than twice a year. If you have to then you should look at your maintenance and washing techniques.

[mikeNH]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

I guess I am talking pure polish. And then a wax. So, polish 1 or 2 times a year but wax more often. ok I think I have it... Thanks

[mikeNH]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

Also (sorry)

What product do you find best for tire and plastic (exterior) dressing that leaves the "wet" look with out attracting dirt or spinning off the tires after applied? I have been using silicone, it looks great but is nasty dirty and don't last long.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

I like M40 and Supreme Shine dressing.

[ziggo99]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

What truck are you working on? I would assume it'd have a clearcoat if it was newer.

[mikeNH]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

What truck are you working on? I would assume it'd have a clearcoat if it was newer.

2010 Tundra in super white

[mikeNH]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

The pure polish says it is formulated for dark color cars. I assume it will not harm white?

[searle]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

The pure polish says it is formulated for dark color cars. I assume it will not harm white?

will not harm it at all. gives less "pop" on white or light cars, especially newer ones with paint still in good condition. but, never hurts.

you always (ideally) want to apply polish (glaze oils) onto a nicely cleaned/prepared paint surface. If the car is already waxed, not much of the polish will penetrate the wax and hence most of it will just sit on the surface and/or get wiped off and be wasted (wont hurt, is just wasteful).

you can also apply polish onto an already fully detailed car. it gives extra wet-look "pop", but the polish on its own has zero protection/durability and comes off with first wash or rain. So why do this? To give true show-cars (in competition) that little extra (temporary) "pop".

[Shawn T.]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

That only means that you will see the most improvement on dark colored colored cars but a pure polish is not only safe for any color, it is beneficial.

[mikeNH]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

so that brings me to my next question. If I must polish before wax, then next time I polish, won't it be wasteful since there is a coat of wax on the finish? Or maybe just Polish when I wax instead of polishing just to polish in between waxes. THANKS

[mikeNH]

Re: Do I have this right?? Newb question....

Forget the last question, my reading skills must be off tonight!!

you can also apply polish onto an already fully detailed car. it gives extra wet-look "pop", but the polish on its own has zero protection/durability and comes off with first wash or rain. So why do this? To give true show-cars (in competition) that little extra (temporary) "pop".