Author Matthew Date Sat Oct 07, 2006 9:49 pm Type Type 1
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Category Tech Tips
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A: Waxes and polishes serve three primary purposes:
· Cleaning a vehicle's finish
· Improving the shine
· Protecting a vehicle's surface against environmental damage. Most waxes and polishes contain very mild abrasives, chemical cleaning agents, lubricants and waxes. The cleaning agents remove surface oxidation and leave a high gloss. The clear film acts as a protective barrier for the vehicle's surface. Regular cleaning and waxing keeps reduces oxidation and provides a layer of protection to keep the finish looking new.
Q: Why should I use a dedicated vehicle wash and not a household detergent to wash my vehicle?
A: Household detergents even "mild" dishwashing soaps are designed to work in hot water and cut through grease. Household detergents can strip away wax, leaving your paint unprotected. Dedicated vehicle wash is specially formulated to remove tough dirt and grime. The non-streak formula gently cleans, rinses thoroughly and leaves no spots.
Q: What is a Color Restorer?
A: A Color Restorer is used to remove small scratches on the paint's surface. You should always follow a polishing compound treatment with a vehicle polish to refine the shine. Polishing compound can be used to remove watermarks, stains or oxidation from today's automotive finishes. It is also perfect for removing watermarks from glass where window cleaners fail to work.
Q: What causes streaks and how can I remove them?
A: Cold/Hot temperatures- Wax/polish <55° above >85°
Over application - Sprits w/water to dilute-buff
Oxidation - Clean your finish with a color restorer prior to waxing.
Q: What is the difference between a wax and a polish?
A: The terms wax and polish are used interchangeably today. Most waxes and polishes contain some mild cleaning agents (safe for clear coat finishes), which remove old wax, minor scratches and everyday oxidation. All polish and wax products clean, shine and protect, unless otherwise stated on the label. A color restorer or rubbing compound will clean and shine only. As always recommended, test a small inconspicuous area and always follow the back label instructions.
Q: What product do you recommend to remove heavy oxidation?
A: Use a rubbing compound, for removing oxidation. Follow up the cleaning with a good wax.
Q: How many coats of wax/polish should I apply ... will additional coats provide better protection?
A: Applying additional coats of wax at one time is not necessary; however, a second coat may assure protection in the areas you may have missed. The small amount of protection provide, with each application, is not as effective as applying a coat of wax 3-4 times a year. Remember, today's harsh environmental factors require more frequent waxing, especially if your vehicle is highly exposed to these conditions.
Q: Why do I experience paint dust or my vehicle's color coming off onto the cloth when waxing my vehicle?
A: The paint that you see on the cloth is dead paint caused by oxidation. It is necessary to remove this oxidized paint in order to maintain shine and protection. Most vehicles have clear coat finishes and residual color will not be seen on the polishing rag.
Q: Should I use a wet or dry cloth when applying wax?
A: Its recommended dampening the cloth for best results. The damp cloth enables the user to apply a uniform layer of wax.
Q: Does vehicle wax remove the top layer of paint or does vehicle wax add a layer to the paint?
A: Applying a wax product to your vehicle's finish will not remove paint from your vehicle. Vehicle polish/wax does contain slight cleaning agents to remove waxy buildup and mild oxidation but also adds a protective layer to your finish. Vehicle wax will only remove surface contaminants or surface oxidation. Vehicle wax or vehicle polish will not remove a finish coating in good condition.
Q: Why should I avoid direct sunlight when applying wax?
A: In order to avoid the wax drying (baking) and making it difficult to remove, it is recommended to apply wax out of direct sunlight and when the paint is cool to the touch. As always, apply the wax in 2 ft x 2 ft sections, let dry to a haze (but not completely) and buff. Some situations may cause the wax to become more difficult to apply and remove:
· High humidity
· Extreme hot or cold temperatures
· Oxidation
· Over-application
Q: Is there a difference between liquid and paste wax?
A: No, there is no difference. Some individuals prefer liquid wax because of the easy application, where others feel the paste gives them better results.
Q: Can wax/polish products be used on a fiberglass surface?
A: Fiberglass is coated with a "gel" coat, which reinforces the fiberglass material. This resin is similar to paint and is susceptible to oxidation, scratches, stains, and normal environmental etching. We recommend applying wax regularly to fiberglass gel coats (4 times a year) to maintain gel coat cleanliness, shine, and protection.
Q: My Vehicle has a clear coat finish...does it still require waxing?
A: Absolutely, clear coat finishes need to be waxed. These new finishes resist weathering better than ever, however, abrasive soil, sand, dirt, road debris, and other sources of abrasion, can leave a clear top coat looking pretty dull in a short time. Waxing leaves a lubricious film which helps prevent these minor abrasions from occurring. Wax 3-4 times a year for maximum protection.
Q: How do I remove the wax residue from black trim?
A: Use undiluted detergent and a nailbrush. Regular application of a Trim protectant, will minimize White marks on trim
Q: How can I remove water spots from glass and paint surfaces?
A: mineral deposits cause most common water spots. A 50/50 solution of vinegar and water does a great job of neutralizing these marks.
Q: What causes loss of beading?
A: If water beading disappears only after washing the vehicle, don't worry, the wax is still there. Normal loss of beading on a vehicle is temporarily "suppressed" by a vehicle wash product. Apply a new layer of wax when rain and/or morning dew no longer bead. Also a finish in poor condition can shorten wax life. The condition of the finish plays a big part in vehicle wax longevity.
Q: Is water beading actually a signal that my finish needs to be waxed?
A: In new vehicle Owner's Manuals, auto manufacturers refer to water beading as evidence of protection. Manufacturers recommend that the owner apply a coat of wax to the vehicle when beading is no longer evident.
Q: Can I use an orbital buffer with normal wax products?
A: In general, any liquid and paste polishes/waxes can be used with orbital buffers. We recommend using a terry cloth bonnet as they do not scratch, are less expensive, and are easily washed for re-uses. Technique is the most critical aspect, according to our professional detailers.
Q: When should I wax a brand new vehicle?
A: Once your vehicle is about one month old you could start waxing it. However, make sure you sure you use a product intended for use on new vehicles.