Waxing Basics

[BJClarke001]

Well folks, I have been behind the scenes on this site and picking up some real great information from all of you. I did some poking around to see if what I was seeeking was already posted in the many various subjects on this site (and I did use the search function) but don't seem to see it so I decided to register on here and post my Q's here. Forgive me if it already was addressed.

1) When waxing by hand, what is the best way to avoid from getting wax on black plastic trim? Or is it just a "be very careful" not to do it thing.

2) When there is wax spots on black plastic trim and it has been there awhile, is there anyway in removing it?

3) Where painted parts of the vehicle meet (ie. Fender to bumper parts and so on) for waxing, what is the best method of removing wax in the crevices where the parts meet? I always used an old tooth brush but wonder if this may be to aggressive of a brush and would like your thoughts to other alternatives.

BTW: I have been a Meguiar's fan for many many years (30 years?). When I sold my Vette to start a family, I never really had the time to be the fanatic I use to be about washing, waxing and so on. Now, my kids are a little older now and I have some idle time to get back into it all again. I have 2 new vehicles so I plan on keeping them looking that way forever or longer . I was thrilled when I happened across this site and look forward to reading your thoughts. Thanks a bunch.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Waxing Basics

Hi BJClarke001,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Hang on a second...

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by BJClarke001
Well folks, I have been behind the scenes on this site and picking up some real great information from all of you. I did some poking around to see if what I was seeking was already posted in the many various subjects on this site (and I did use the search function) but don't seem to see it so I decided to register on here and post my Q's here. Forgive me if it already was addressed.

1) When waxing by hand, what is the best way to avoid from getting wax on black plastic trim? Or is it just a "be very careful" not to do it thing.

Two ways to go, avoid touching trim with wax, or tape everything off you don't want to risk getting wax on with painters tape.

Not only is taping off to prevent residue on trim, but it's also good to prevent product splatter from getting into cracks and crevices and grills as well as off things like windshields etc.



Then when you're done, remove the tape and cover material. You'll save yourself a lot of clean-up time.



Then if you do everything just right, you can go from this,



to this,

2) When there is wax spots on black plastic trim and it has been there awhile, is there anyway in removing it?

Nylon brush and some M39 Vinyl Cleaner is pretty effective.

Triple Duty Detail Brush
#39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner

3) Where painted parts of the vehicle meet (ie. Fender to bumper parts and so on) for waxing, what is the best method of removing wax in the crevices where the parts meet? I always used an old tooth brush but wonder if this may be to aggressive of a brush and would like your thoughts to other alternatives.

The new Triple Duty Detail Brush has a thin row of firm bristles that helps with this other than that, be careful and tape these areas off.

[BJClarke001]

Thanks Mike for responding so quickly.

I know it was a very basic set of Q's but sometimes some of the simplest things we do need to be re-visited to see if there are newer tricks of the trade out there.

I plan on waxing my Exporer this weekend and will do as you recommended here.

Which now drives another Q now:

The SUV is about a month old. When I bought it, I had the dealer (I know, I shouldn't have) provide the enviorment package where they applied some off brand (can't remember the name) protectent to the finish. I plan on using Megs GC wax this weekend. The finish on the truck is spotless (smooth to the touch). Do you think it is ok to put the wax over the treatment or should I strip (clean) it off first?

[Murr1525]

If the coating is as tuff as they say, then a mild cleaner like DC#1 shouldnt take it off.. makes you wonder, doesnt it, esp if claying takes it off as well. When in doubt, try a small test spot out of the way, with just wax, and try one with cleaner and wax.

[Mike Phillips]

I like Murr1525's suggestion, test two different processes side by side, see if either makes a difference.

There is a sleight cleaner in Gold Class wax, so chances are that just doing a good job of applying this wax to the paint will give you excellent results as far as appearance and adherence goes.


So... when you getting another Corvette?

[BJClarke001]

Well, then testing in spots is what I will do then.


LOL on the Vette question for when am I getting another one. The one I had was a 1979 L-82 Red with Red Leather (it had a 8 Track Player in it of all things). It actually was a money pit for me though I loved the heck out of it. Not only a money pit for repairs but for speeding tickets too. Use to set the cruise at 80 MPH and I would look at the trooper like I had no idea why he was stopping me.

But I am wiser now?

Maybe someday after all the kids are through college and stuff. But my issue would be, that if I did get one, the wife and I would fight over who gets to drive it.

Many Thanks.

[the other pc]

Originally posted by BJClarke001
... But my issue would be, that if I did get one, the wife and I would fight over who gets to drive it....

That's easy. Get one for her too!


PC.