Ultimate polish before Ultimate liquid wax?

[allaire]

Hi,

I'm planning to clay & wax my car soon, and was wondering if polishing (http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...YEeybuO8Z7c.97) before using the synthetic ultimate liquid wax (http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...WHOHdLZpdrQ.97).

From what I understand, people used to polish then carnauba wax, but is the polishing step required with a synthetic wax like ultimate liquid wax? My car sit outside, so I need something durable

Thanks!

[wifpd4]

Re: Ultimate polish before Ultimate liquid wax?

I'm sure as you were browsing around the Meguiar's website you saw this page. It's the key to successful concerned car care.

http://www.meguiars.com/m-en/5-steps/

Yes, polishing before waxing is a good sequence. Proper washing and proper claying are excellent steps too. View some of the Meguiar's videos to help filling the missing steps and proper techniques.

And oh by the way, I love Ultimate Liquid Wax for long term protection. Ultimate Polish is a great product too.

[allaire]

Re: Ultimate polish before Ultimate liquid wax?

Yes saw the page, but I was wondering if it was applying to Ultimate liquid wax as well, since it's synthetic, and this video does not say anything about Ultimate polish (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWE1s3dEHNk).

The video is also quite confusing, because it mentions that you can clay OR compound. As far as I understand, claying has nothing to do with compounding isn't?

Finally, UC is more abrasive than UP, should I use that instead of UP before waxing if I apply by hand with foam applicator?

Thanks!

[gizzsdad]

Re: Ultimate polish before Ultimate liquid wax?

Your questions require us to know the condition of you paint. Whether to compound or polish depends on how badly marred, if it all, your paint is. Compounding would remove some of the contamination that clay would, but likely not all.

Polishing before applying wax or sealant serves two purposes, minor correction of flaws in the painted surface, as well as decontamination (which is ALSO aided by the clay), so that whatever product you use (wax/sealant) will bond better and last longer.

[BillE]

Re: Ultimate polish before Ultimate liquid wax?

One thing (or maybe two), ALWAYS, Always, always start with the least aggressive method first. You can always 'go up', but it can be a real bear to have to go backwards.

Second, the 'polishing step' is what makes it look shiny, and the 'wax' is there to protect that shiny finish.

Bill

[allaire]

Re: Ultimate polish before Ultimate liquid wax?

Hi Bill,


Yeah from what I read the wax also gives a small bump in gloss/finish (while its main characteristic is protecting), but it's with a good polish that you get the deeper/gloss finish, so I guess doing both won't hurt


As for your tip about always beginning with the least aggressive method, let say I have to detail a badly swirl car, you would start with Ultimate Polish + Polish pad on your DA, see results on the small surface, and if not satisfied, then move to Ultimate Compound with a more cutting pad. Is that correct?

Thanks so much!

One thing (or maybe two), ALWAYS, Always, always start with the least aggressive method first. You can always 'go up', but it can be a real bear to have to go backwards.

Second, the 'polishing step' is what makes it look shiny, and the 'wax' is there to protect that shiny finish.

Bill

[wifpd4]

Re: Ultimate polish before Ultimate liquid wax?

I like to take tape and make three 18" squares on the trunk. In the first I might use Ultimate Compound, in the second Ultimate Polish, and in the third a two step process. These give me clue of the least aggressive method I might use. Of course this is a bit of a simplification as the type and firmness of the pad plays a big factor too along with pressure, arm speed, buffer speed.

Check out out the articles and photos from the Saturday classes at Meguirs. Examples are given for a variety of cars and conditions.

[BillE]

Re: Ultimate polish before Ultimate liquid wax?

...As for your tip about always beginning with the least aggressive method, let say I have to detail a badly swirl car, you would start with Ultimate Polish + Polish pad on your DA, see results on the small surface, and if not satisfied, then move to Ultimate Compound with a more cutting pad. Is that correct?

Thanks so much!

Yup, that's pretty much it. BUT, you can use UC with a 'polishing pad' before you jump up to a cutting pad. The reverse also applies, cutting pad with a 'polish'. That way, you are making tiny upward movements.

Combining different pads with different products is kinda a trick of the craft. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to get all the star and planets aligned. Doing it in this/that fashion is referred to, "doing a test spot/area."

Hope this helps ya...

Bill

[allaire]

Re: Ultimate polish before Ultimate liquid wax?

Yes I bought some Lake Country flat pads, and to keep things simple, I plan to use the orange with UC, white with UP and black with wax. About speed and pressure, no real clue, so I might just put the speed right in the middle and see from there. Pressure I saw arount 15-20lbs I know you can mix pads, but that sounds confusing a bit when you get started

Thanks to both of your for your time!