Question about Cleaner and Sealant/Wax

[Big Mike]

About Cleaners . . .

From what I've read, cleaners are abrasive. Is it still safe to use on my clear coat on a regular basis, or should I use the cleaner only when it looks like my car really needs it?


About Sealant/Wax . . .

I've read that Sealant is better and can last 4-6 months. But surely I can't go 4-6 months without washing my car.

I've also read that it's important to wash the car and use the claybar before I seal/wax so that I don't seal contaminants into my finish.

So if I wash my car, say, once a month, should I go through all the steps (wash, clay, wash again, cleaner, polish, sealant)?

Or should I do all that only, say, three times a year, and in between do just wash and wax in between?

[Murr1525]

Well.. lets see...

1. Not all cleaners are abrasive. And then, even the ones that are can vary. The DC#1 is not abrasive, it is only a chemical cleaner. The cleaner wax is very mildly abrasive. ScratchX and Color X are a bit more abrasive. Now, any cleaner can wear through your paint if you push hard enough and rub long enough. On the other hand, the DC#1, cleaner wax, and Color X can be used quite often, with mild pressure, without rubbing through your paint for many years.

That said, ScratchX is best used when needed.

2. I am not sure if anything lasts 6 in the real world. Maybe some spots are still covered, but I would bet that much of the car is exposed. Most protectants seem to last 2 months tops, and even 1 is pushing it in bad weather.

3. You shouldnt need to clay every single time, since most of the contaminats should be landing on the wax. 3-4 times a year seems ok for me. But, if you plan to wax, I would certainly use a paint cleaner and possibly polish to prepare the paint.

[scrub]

Re: Question about Cleaner and Sealant/Wax

Welcome to the board. Here's my .02.

Originally posted by Big Mike
About Cleaners . . .

From what I've read, cleaners are abrasive. Is it still safe to use on my clear coat on a regular basis, or should I use the cleaner only when it looks like my car really needs it?

I agree with Murr1525... Chemical cleaners can be used as needed.

Originally posted by Big Mike

About Sealant/Wax . . .

I've read that Sealant is better and can last 4-6 months. But surely I can't go 4-6 months without washing my car.

Its possible for a garaged vehicle that is properly maintained (detail spray and regular washing) and depending on the product. 4 months might be stretching a bit.

Originally posted by Big Mike

I've also read that it's important to wash the car and use the clay bar before I seal/wax so that I don't seal contaminants into my finish.

Again clay can be used as needed. If you park under trees, near a railroad, or near an industrial plant you might need to clay more often.

I've heard about sealing contaminants in the paint. Not too sure but I guess. Claying will make the vehicle easier to wax and look better too.

Originally posted by Big Mike

So if I wash my car, say, once a month, should I go through all the steps (wash, clay, wash again, cleaner, polish, sealant)?

Or should I do all that only, say, three times a year, and in between do just wash and wax in between?

To the first part I think that might be a bit excessive and time consuming. If that floats your boat then go for it. You'll have the best looking vehicle all the time.

I agree with your second statement. You could perform the multi step process as you notice problems with the finish. For instance, you might have picked up some bonded contaminants so claying is in order. Then you could go ahead and hit the cleaner/polish/sealant combo then too. It really depends on several variables specific to your situation and storage of your vehicle. If ungaraged anticipate a little more work than a garaged vehicle.

I do hope you plan to wash more than monthly though. Good luck!

[Big Mike]

Thanks for the help guys!

I heard somewhere that paint cleaners wear down and remove the clear coat over time, and that over-cleaning and over-polishing can actually do more damage than good. Basically, I just wanted to make sure that it's safe to use paint cleaner as often as I want to.

A quick question about wax . . .

A guy I know told me that it's a must to use a clay bar before using a sealant because sealing without claying locks contaminants into the finish.

Is it the same story with wax, or is it safe to wax without claying first?

[gb387]

This is a great thread showing what you may/may not be removing: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...ight=Thickness

Superior Shine checked out #83 applied with the PC and found no change in CC thickness.

Really interesting stuff.