is waxing worth it?

simple · October 11, 2003

I did a 3 step process on my silverado about 2 months ago. It took me about 7 hours, and I did it all by hand. (cleaner, polish, pure wax) Is all this work worth the time/effort? I can already see the loss in beading and it's only been about 2-3 months. I also did another vehicle about a month ago, but it was only a 1 step polish/wax. This took me about 3-4 hours. I have the same question with this situation.

tmf6902 · October 11, 2003

I think waxing is totally worth it, although I don't do it as much as I should I think it keeps the apperance of your truck much nicer. As far as what type of wax, I know there are all kinds of special goops, and things out there, but I like plain old turtle wax, it's hard as hell to get on there, but I always like the finshed product.

One thing I know doesn't work are these easy wax things, that you spray on and wash off. Those don't work worth a d**n. JMHO

SnakeEyeSS · October 12, 2003

I use Zymol cleaner wax with an oribital buffer to apply it. I take it off by hand. It takes me about an 1:15 to wash, dry and wax the car, along with shining the trim. The truck takes about an hour 30 or 45. With Zymol you only use a small amopunt, which makes it a lot easier, and it lasts an average of 3 months. The cleaner wax cleans the finish and waxes at the same time.

k1500chevy97 · October 12, 2003

wax twice a year and thats the only time my trucks are clean

MrQuadrasteer · October 12, 2003

If y'all haven't tried it, yet- CLAY BAR it !!!!! You will not believe the difference between a good wax job and a good wax job after a clay bar. Unbelievable difference and worth the effort...

CMNTMXR81 · October 12, 2003

Amen on the clay bar. I go through a clay bar about every two months. After everytime I drive the Camaro, I thoroughly clay the front nose to get the bugs off, and the fenders/quarters behind every wheel as well as the rockers underneath.

As to waxing being good, absolutely! It has a fine detergent (best I can describe it) to remove oxidation, dirt, and remove light surface scratches. After which, it leaves a coat of protection to help repel dirt and other contaminants but most notably, water. That is why it beads or sheathes off.

What kind you use is personal preference. I chose 3M products. I'm sure the Zaino zombies will chime in, but Zaino IS NOT A WAX....IT IS A POLISH for SHOW.

Greg · October 12, 2003

I use Zaino products. My vehicles look great and the protection lasts much longer than regular wax. I do the whole treatment twice a year: wash with dawn, clay, z7, z5 (or z2), z6, z2, z6, z2, z6. I use z7 wash every week or two year round and another coat or two of z2, z6 every other month (or sometimes 3 or 4). I never use automatic car washes.

This afternoon, I washed my black vette with z7 and put on z2 & z6. A black mirror reflecting the changing leaves. Of course being black, dust started showing up within about 10 minutes.

www.zainostore.com

pacodiablo · October 12, 2003

Honestly, I never wax. I don't care if the paint is oxidized or dull. What I HATE with a passion is rust though.

Wingnut · October 12, 2003

Well.....uhh......Paco? What do you expect to happen when there is no paint left? You will become aquainted with iron oxide in a rush with no paint.

Just yankin your chain.

pacodiablo · October 12, 2003

If the paint peels, take it down to metal and repaint. Will be probably 10 years before that happens at least.

The bed will be Rhino lined soon, it looks like hell now. Ford put some kind of protective paint on the rocker panels already. It is not as smooth as the rest of the paint, but it is very thick.

MrQuadrasteer · October 12, 2003

I use Zaino products. My vehicles look great and the protection lasts much longer than regular wax. I do the whole treatment twice a year: wash with dawn, clay, z7, z5 (or z2), z6, z2, z6, z2, z6. I use z7 wash every week or two year round and another coat or two of z2, z6 every other month (or sometimes 3 or 4). I never use automatic car washes.

This afternoon, I washed my black vette with z7 and put on z2 & z6. A black mirror reflecting the changing leaves. Of course being black, dust started showing up within about 10 minutes.

www.zainostore.com

Wow- dawn, huh ?? I've always heard that dish-washing soap is bad for paints.

But the thing that sticks in my mind is: If you wash your hands with dish soap, ever notice how much rubbing it takes to get ALL the soapy residue off ?? Doesn't that stick to the paint ??

CMNTMXR81 · October 12, 2003

It isn't the best, but if you want to remove all old coats of polishes/waxes it sometimes does the trick.

If you are just doing a wash to touch up, I wouldn't use dish detergent.

Greg · October 13, 2003

Washing with Dawn before claying is recommended by the Zaino folks:

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mercha...AQ&Store_Code=Z

SilveradoWV · October 13, 2003

I never use dawn etc.. unless I plan to wax my truck. Just using it all the time probably isnt too good. As for waxing, I think it is worth it. IMO a vehicle that is waxed regularly will look better after X years than a vehicle that isnt waxed.

gave20 · October 13, 2003

If your truck has a clear coat will you see paint fade if you use only a polish like zainos or will you prevent paint fade with a wax like 3M or Mequiars and why will a wax protect better?