Surface prep before waxing
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 135
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Surface prep before waxing
What is the best way to prep an Expy before waxing. I've heard a crazing way and I wanted to see what everyone thinks.....Dish soap, like Dawn??? I hear that it really strips the wax and contaminants from the surface. Is this true and or safe?
Thanks
John B.
1998 Expy 4.6
Thanks
John B.
1998 Expy 4.6
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 305
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From: Somewhere West of Laramie
Surface prep before waxing
That's what's recommended by Zaino for removing old wax before re-waxing using their products. Rinse extremely well,repeat if any old wax remains on your vehicle.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 199
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Surface prep before waxing
The "Dawn debate" is still often debated. Who knows how much additional wax is stripped but I use it too (can't hurt). Only use it if you are about to wax your car not every wash.
Most product lines will have some type of surface cleaner available for removing fine swirls and oxidation. There are different grades of abrasiveness available depending on the condition of your paint (the high grade stuff can do more damage than good so be careful).
Another good step is to "clay" the paint too (only if it needs it).
I use the Meguiar's Professional Line with a Porter Cable orbital buffer. They have a product called Dual Action Cleaner Polisher (DACP) which does a great job for "cleaning" the paint for another wax job.
Happy waxing (good workout too)!
Most product lines will have some type of surface cleaner available for removing fine swirls and oxidation. There are different grades of abrasiveness available depending on the condition of your paint (the high grade stuff can do more damage than good so be careful).
Another good step is to "clay" the paint too (only if it needs it).
I use the Meguiar's Professional Line with a Porter Cable orbital buffer. They have a product called Dual Action Cleaner Polisher (DACP) which does a great job for "cleaning" the paint for another wax job.
Happy waxing (good workout too)!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 719
Likes: 1
From: Long Island USA
Surface prep before waxing
Mattias I agree completely. Meguiars is very good. I use their Deep Crystal liquid cleaner/wax system. It consists of:
Deep Crystal Car Wash (P/N G-10464 )
Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner Step #1 (P/N A-3016)
Deep Crystal Polish Step #2 (P/N A-2116)
Deep Crystal Carnuba Wax Step #3 (P/N A-2216)
For maintenance I use their Quik Detailer (P/N A-3332) And for the tough stuff I use their Quik Clay Detailing System
(P/N G-1116).
Deep Crystal Car Wash (P/N G-10464 )
Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner Step #1 (P/N A-3016)
Deep Crystal Polish Step #2 (P/N A-2116)
Deep Crystal Carnuba Wax Step #3 (P/N A-2216)
For maintenance I use their Quik Detailer (P/N A-3332) And for the tough stuff I use their Quik Clay Detailing System
(P/N G-1116).
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Oconomowoc, WI
Surface prep before waxing
For what we’ve spent on our trucks, why skimp on the soap. Buy a car (truck) washing soap, made specifically for auto finishes.
When I first got my expy, I did a lot of research on prepping clear coat finishes. My concern was how to remove swirl marks from black paint. I found 3M has a very good site with lots of info. The steps outlined on the 3M site work.
http://www.3m.com/us/auto_marine_aer...thusiast.jhtml
First step was to strip the old wax using 50/50 diluted alcohol. Prep the clear coat with Perfect-It Swirl Remover using a foam pad. Finally, wax with a good “non-abrasive” wax. I use Mothers Carnauba paste wax.
The key to maintaining the finish is avoiding abrasives. Be careful of cleaners, rubbing compounds and car washes with brushes.
Looking at the trucks on this site, I’m sure you're going to get a lot of expert feedback.
Good luck
When I first got my expy, I did a lot of research on prepping clear coat finishes. My concern was how to remove swirl marks from black paint. I found 3M has a very good site with lots of info. The steps outlined on the 3M site work.
http://www.3m.com/us/auto_marine_aer...thusiast.jhtml
First step was to strip the old wax using 50/50 diluted alcohol. Prep the clear coat with Perfect-It Swirl Remover using a foam pad. Finally, wax with a good “non-abrasive” wax. I use Mothers Carnauba paste wax.
The key to maintaining the finish is avoiding abrasives. Be careful of cleaners, rubbing compounds and car washes with brushes.
Looking at the trucks on this site, I’m sure you're going to get a lot of expert feedback.
Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,264
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From: North Carolina
Surface prep before waxing
The easiest thing to do is, keep it clean. Waxing and polishing debates have gone on in this forum for a long time. I use Mothers Clay bar 2 times per yr. Once in the spring, right after winter roads clear up, and once in late fall. I then follow up with one of 2 things, either L&S 501 polish, or Meguires gold Carnuba wax. either way, I apply with a 10" Random orbital buffer, and I also remove with the buffer. I do the areas that cannot be hit with the buffer, by hand. I usually wax or polish about every other month to keep it looking wet and deep. I live in NC and the summers can be pretty hot, so the sun really bakes the finish. But as you can see from pics in my gallery, this hasn't affected the finish in any way. It is a 97 with original paint and it looks better than some of the 2002's that I have seen driving around. Everyone that has seen this truck thinks that it is 4-5 yrs newer than it actually is, so I guess I'm doing it right! Just my 2 cents!
