How To: Wax.... Let's Get This Figured Out!

[Matt_]

Edit: Can a mod change the "That's" in the title to "Lets"? thanks

 

Ok... so... a bunch of you already know about my "waxing" issue (it just takes me too damn long ). But im forcing myself to get back into the habit of the twice a year wax (Sept/Oct and April/May) for both of my vehicles.

 

I generally use a liquid wax or tutlewax paste.

 

With either, I already know i put it on too thick because its otherwise hard to see on a white vehicle. I also let it dry to a haze like the instructions say... but sometimes i let it dry too long so it takes some extra effort to get off.

 

Another problem I have is that I get every last square inch of paint of the truck.... do you guys do this too? Or do you ignore the inconspicuous areas (like that little strip above the tail light)? How about the pillars inbetween the windows?

 

And finally... how carefull is everyone to not get the wax on the lights/plastic/windows/etc? should I just leave 1/2" buffer zone and not try to get right up to these components?

 

Any advice/tips/etc that you can give... lets hear them. I'd love to be able to wax my truck in under 2 hours (not including the washing part)

[[email protected]]

If you do like I do and put the wax on an electric buffer and wax a 1/4 portion of your truck, then take the clean bonnet and put it on the electric buffer and get the wax off. Do that a couple times (depending on how many panels you do it in) and you'll have a waxed truck in about 45 minutes(depending on how anal or sloppy you are).

 

Edit: Of course wax isn't really needed on a clear coted truck finish, IMO, just wash and it shines like new. Although I do compound about once a year.

[gnet158]

Time to use a different wax.

 

 

Try Adams polish, easy on, easy off, and great deep shine that lasts long. You can go over every inch of your truck (door handles/tail gate handle/tail lights) and rub it off easily with their spray. I'm an Adams user but I'm sure Poorboys and Zanio is just as good.

 

HTH.

[sboutin]

anyone try the "ICE" stuff,..a body shop told me thats what they use after a detail job, and its not a quick wax like the spray bottles????

[Matt_]

If you do like I do and put the wax on an electric buffer and wax a 1/4 portion of your truck, then take the clean bonnet and put it on the electric buffer and get the wax off. Do that a couple times (depending on how many panels you do it in) and you'll have a waxed truck in about 45 minutes(depending on how anal or sloppy you are).

 

Edit: Of course wax isn't really needed on a clear coted truck finish, IMO, just wash and it shines like new. Although I do compound about once a year.

 

2 things:

 

First.... how do you get all of the tight/small areas with the buffer? I've thought about doing that but it seems like i'd spend just as much time hand applying the wax to the "hard to get to" areas.

 

Second... I disagree with clear coated trucks not needing wax. I let my truck go a year and a half without wax. Sure, it looked fine when i washed it... but you could feel the difference in the paint texture. After i waxed it, it was MUCH easier to wash and stays cleaner longer since the dirt doesn't adhere to it as easily. Case in point, i waxed it for the first time after tar got sprayed down the side of it... it was IMPOSSIBLE to get the tar off. Just last week it got sprayed with tar again ( ) but i didn't even need bug&tar remover this time... the tar didn't adhere due to the nice layer of wax and it came clean with some normal car soap and water. (i guess its all about how you define the word "need"..)

 

Time to use a different wax.

 

 

Try Adams polish, easy on, easy off, and great deep shine that lasts long. You can go over every inch of your truck (door handles/tail gate handle/tail lights) and rub it off easily with their spray. I'm an Adams user but I'm sure Poorboys and Zanio is just as good.

 

HTH.

 

Is there a difference between wax and polish? I always thought that wax was the protective layer and polish just adds shine? Otherwise... that easy on/off stuff sounds interesting... my arms burn by the time im done waxing [the truck]!

[maxco]

I'm kinda anal so I do every square inch...on the pillars, the gap around tail lights, the chrome on the grill, bumpers. I've never been too careful about not getting wax on the glass or plastics, I've never had a problem with getting it off or leaving residue. I am quite careful of it around the black plastic & rubber pieces around the doors and on the rear bumper though. I basically just go slow. It probably takes me about 1.5 hours or just under to do the truck.

I usually apply to 1/2 of it, and by the time I've applied half the truck I can start removing from where I started, that way its not getting too "dry" and stuck on. Then repeat other side of the truck.

Oh and I usually use Mothers carnuba wax, in the tin.

[[email protected]]

I can into every crevice on my truck, easily with my little 6in. buffer I use. The only spots I can't get are the handles and they don't need waxing anyway. And, I never waxed  my truck, and never had problems with the shine or getting it clean. And not too long ago(about 5 months), they were paving our road and I got some of that wet stuff on it, but it came right off. The step bars that were on at the time also helped it not sling everywhere, though.

[dirtfan21]

I do every square inch. I don't worry about getting the wax on plastics or windows, just clean them last with Back to Black and stoner's window cleaner.

 

I use Mequiar's NXT wax three times a year and a good wipe down with Wizards Mist and Shine after every wash.

 

I have found that using a new side to a microfiber for every pannel keeps the process moving along quicker. They are washable so don't be affraid to use a bunch.

 

I know most want this process to go as fast as it can but I don't mind it taking awhile. It is sort of my way to relax. With that said I can turn out a truck in about 1.5 hours. Given, finding the time to clean seems few and far between with all other things going on.

[RyanbabZ71]

do you just wax?

 

Proper way would be clay, polish/sealant, wax

[blackout07]

Is there a difference between wax and polish? I always thought that wax was the protective layer and polish just adds shine? Otherwise... that easy on/off stuff sounds interesting... my arms burn by the time im done waxing [the truck]!

 

I wax every part of the truck by hand, and I have to be careful not to use too much wax or it's a pita to get off. Sounds to me like you just need to hit the gym Matt and beef up those arms.

[dirtfan21]

do you just wax?

 

Proper way would be clay, polish/sealant, wax

 

 

 

 

+1 I always clay bar before I wax. I use a polish/scratch remover/takes away oxidation at lest once a year.

[05silvycrew]

Ok... so... a bunch of you already know about my "waxing" issue (it just takes me too damn long ).

 

Any advice/tips/etc that you can give... lets hear them. I'd love to be able to wax my truck in under 2 hours (not including the washing part)

 

ahh my fellow anal, white, crew cab "this takes to long" brother I feel your pain....mostly in my shoulder

 

waxing is the only time i wish i had a rcsb, LOL

 

It always takes me at least 2 hours to do my truck. I only do it once a summer....i really need to bump it up to spring and fall. don't really have any advice, I just wanted to sympathize with your anguish....GOOD LUCK!

[Matt_]

Ok... so... a bunch of you already know about my "waxing" issue (it just takes me too damn long ).

 

Any advice/tips/etc that you can give... lets hear them. I'd love to be able to wax my truck in under 2 hours (not including the washing part)

 

ahh my fellow anal, white, crew cab "this takes to long" brother I feel your pain....mostly in my shoulder

 

waxing is the only time i wish i had a rcsb, LOL

 

It always takes me at least 2 hours to do my truck. I only do it once a summer....i really need to bump it up to spring and fall. don't really have any advice, I just wanted to sympathize with your anguish....GOOD LUCK!

 

 

 

[gnet158]

Wax and polish in the literal term are not the same but in Adam's polish they are. Of course you clay bar first. Here's Adam's regiment.

 

1. Wash with their soap (removes old wax/polish) and dry.

2. Clay bar with Adams detail spray (no need to wash after)

3. Apply their scratch and swirl remover (if necessary) or use Scratch X, then use the detail spay to remove. (no need to wash after).

4. Apply Adams Butter Wax and remove with detail spray and your done.

 

They do have stuff for the interior (like Armorall) but better according to them.

 

Take me about 2 from start to finish.

[STINSAN3]

When I wax my truck, I get every inch of paint that I can get on the outside of it.

Wash/Clay Bar/Wash again, then I wax it using Meguiar's NXT. Stuff works great!

 

Truck needs a polishing/buffering badly. Gonna switch to Adam's Products, once I get the money.