I've been cruzin the Appearance board (isnt that our domain? just a thought) and I hear people use wax on clear. I've never actually waxed a clear coat before. I use my air operated polisher and various compound grits to bring up the luster but never had to use a wax. I'm not so sure wax plays an important role in todays top coats. This seems like to me an argument for whiter whites. How white do you want your clothes is akin to how much shine is enough shine? Waxes were made because top coats were oxidizing. We solved that problem with clear. So whats with the stores still selling wax? Maybe we need a pole on this one??

 

No Wax here -

Didn't know I didn't need it, just who has time.

 

I use wax to keep the surface slick, so when I go to the Deer Lease, The Mesquite trees dont scrape the paint too deep, also Bird S**t doesnt stick as well.

It also it keeps the pollutants in the air from screwing up the finish on the Vehicle.

 

I use wax regardless because it protects the surface of the car, be it the old paint, or new clear coat (after 90 days of application of course). As I see it, the wax can help keep your clear coat looking good so maybe you don't have to buff it that often. A layer of wax can keep some of those everyday scratches off the clear coat.

Craig

 

I do it for two reasons, It brings out the shine in my ten year old paint job, and hides some of the scratches, i usually follow it up with turtle wax color matched car polish to hide the deeper scratches.

 

Hey guys, i have a substantial amount of knowledge on this subject. Wax is what you use to protect the work you have done with compounds and polishes. So idealy you want to get your truck looking awsome with some compound or polish(depending on condition of paint) and then protect it with wax or sealant, regardless of it being base coat or clear coat. Just be careful with using heavy cut compounds on clearcoat paints guys. Good luck!!

 

I understand the need to use a compound to remove scratches etc.. I use a glaze not wax with an air polisher to provide the final gloss. Wax was made for single stage paints back in the 50's. I dont see any need for them on a two stage paint system. I think were are getting duped by the makers of wax. Clear was made to combat industria fallout and UV rays. I say or see that it protects. I have owned several vehilces with clear and never waxed them. I have compounded them though to remove srcatches. It is the scratches that cause the loss of gloss. Wax only fills the scratches until it washes off. Then you go through the whole process again. Any one have more info on this?

 

Cid, you still have to protect you clear coat paint, glaze will not protect at all, you need to use a wax or sealant product once you have polished the vehicle with a compound or polish. Sealants which cost a lot more then wax are a far superior product, they last a lot longer then wax. I am a very experienced deailer so i do know what i am talking about.

 

I'll second Zinfinity's remarks. Of all the products tried on our 13 year old vehicle, a 2 step, poly-glycoat sealant has been the best by far. The clear coat and paint still have remarkable luster after all this time. And, you only need to apply it once every year or two.

 

Are we talking about gloss or protection. I understand that using all the waxes and sealers you want will inprove and lengthen the gloss but Im wondering about protection? This is a slippery slope I think. I have not read any PPG data stating their paint needs to be protected. I dont think any vehicle comming off the line has any data in the owners manual saying the paint needs to be waxed on a regular basis, if ever. In my years working at dealerships I know ordering the "paint special" made lots of money for the company. A few hours of polishing can do wonders. But, to say the paint needs to be protected I think is misleading, especially when a different company other than PPG is telling PPG you need to wax all cars with PPG paint.

 

I agree with Zinfinity be careful with the compounds. The layers of clear from the factory are very thin and don't take much to rub through

Then it is time to get out the spray guns .

Just my .02 cents.

 

Clear coat is nothing more than a coat of clear paint. From what I know and heard it must be protected just like any other paint with a good quality wax system. I guess this can be debated all day!

 

Just to add another comment to the discussion. If you don't wax your car and just cut and polish the clear coat when it looks crappy, eventually you WILL cut through someday and it will be time for a new paintjob. So wax is still good in my book

 

Here are some quotes from owner manuals I found. I have not verified their authenticity so I am suspect. In a post I think I said "no owner manual states the need for waxing". Seems I may be eating my words.

1999 Ford Escort. "Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three or four months, depending on operating conditions."
1999 Ford F150/250. Same as Escort