• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

My wax job not lasting very long...

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • My wax job not lasting very long...

    I have a 08 CTS with the red tintcoat paint (cherry red). It has some imperfections like fine scratches and swirls. I used Meg. ultimate polish followed by the ultimate wax and was very pleased with the results. But after a rainstorm I noticed all the imperfections were visible again. Why is this? Do I need a paint sealant? Your advice would be very appreciated...

  • #2
    Re: My wax job not lasting very long...

    Tell us about your technique. Did you work by hand, use a PC or.... Does the car sit outside all the time? How long between the time you did the work and the storm? All of these things could be clues that could help in determining if there is anything abnormal here.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: My wax job not lasting very long...

      It usually seems to me like the ability to hide swirls/scratches is the first thing to go. Removing the swirls/scratches would be a good solution.
      2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: My wax job not lasting very long...

        Ultimate Polish is extremely mild and Cadillac paint can be fairly hard in some cases. In all likelihood you just concealed the defects rather than actually removed them. Stepping up to Ultimate Compound will actually get rid of them prior to polishing and waxing. If you have a DA buffer things will go much faster and easier than doing this by hand.
        Michael Stoops
        Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

        Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: My wax job not lasting very long...

          The cadi gets limited sun exposure. I park in a garage at work. When I get home it gets the 4-7pm sun. On the weekends I park in my house garage.
          I did the polish/wax on Monday and the storm was on Thursday. I did do it by hand.
          The compound, isn't that too harsh? This will actually remove the fine scratches?
          Bombard with advice I'm all ears...
          What would be the best combo of products to use? I don't like carnauba wax.
          Thanks!

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: My wax job not lasting very long...

            Don't let the word "compound" scare you - this isn't the old school "rocks in a bottle" type of compound but rather a very high tech abrasive that is incredibly small and very uniform in size and shape. It's those characteristics that allow it to remove defects while still leaving a very nice finish in the process. Now, you can mess all that up by using an old terry cloth towel as an applicator, or pressing really hard with your fingertips on a foam pad which can cause pressure points against the paint and lead to micro marring. But you generally need that level of cutting action to actually remove the swirls and other fine below surface defects. You can then follow with Ultimate Polish to further refine the surface and add more gloss, then finish off with a good synthetic like NXT Tech Wax 2.0 or our latest, Ultimate Wax.
            Michael Stoops
            Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

            Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by fjb301 View Post
              I have a 08 CTS with the red tintcoat paint (cherry red). It has some imperfections like fine scratches and swirls. I used Meg. ultimate polish followed by the ultimate wax and was very pleased with the results. But after a rainstorm I noticed all the imperfections were visible again. Why is this? Do I need a paint sealant? Your advice would be very appreciated...
              Ultimate Polish has a lot of polishing oils and very little cutting ability. It does have cleaning ability but depending on the severity of the defects, it will not correct it. The polishing oils will hide the defects rather than correct them. Ultimate compound will remove the swirls and leave a nice finish for polishing and waxing. Good luck!
              2010 F150 FX4 and 2001 Ford Escape
              Meguiars All the Way!!!!!!!

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: My wax job not lasting very long...

                I bought ultimate compound today. Should I do by hand or orbital buffer. Also, after using ultimate polish and then wax, do I always use the polish and then the wax or can I apply multiple coats of the wax.
                Polish-wax always in that sequence or polish-wax-wax-wax? What's the perfect sequence?

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: My wax job not lasting very long...

                  DA polishing makes a major difference in removing swirls. I've done it both ways. If you really want to keep your car nice, get a DA.
                  2011 Ford Mustang GT Cali Special
                  2012 Kia Sorento EX

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: My wax job not lasting very long...

                    Michael
                    I did the ultimate compound with my buffer and looks a lot better. Followed it by ultimate polish and 2 coats of ultimate wax.
                    Now next time do I use the polish again follwed by wax or can I apply another coat of wax. How often should I use the polish?

                    Comment

                    Your Privacy Choices
                    Working...
                    X