I see you guys talking about washing before using a clay bar, etc., but shouldn't you wash it with something first to remove all the previous old coats of wax/polish? Or does the clay bar remove it all? I know you can wash it with diswashing detergent to remove old wax/polish but this probly isn't very good for the paint. I intend to put a new wax/polish on my Ford F-150 this spring. I bought the truck used last fall, so I don't know what's been put on it. Do you use something to remove all the prvious old coats of whatever before using the clay bar?

GradyJ

 

yes you can use a diswahing detergent in the water to take off your old wax. However, if you haven't waxed your truck in 6 months their probably is no wax or very little left anyways......

 

GradyJ,

If you are going to be using any type of paint cleaner, and/or a light abrasive polish (and you should after the clay), you really don't need to use anything to "strip" the wax. The clay will only remove a tiny bit, but the paint cleaner, and/or abrasive polish will remove the rest.

To be honest, you should be more concerned about using the clay, paint cleaner and or abrasive polish to remove the contaminants, and cleaning up the swirls.............. rather than worrying about removing the old wax. Besides, if it's been since last fall since you've waxed......... you probably don't have much wax to remove!

 

OK....So I use the clay bar, then the paint cleaner then the abrasive polish? So what paint cleaner and abrasive polish should I use? This is a clear coat finish, Toreador Red. I have access to a buffer but I've never used one. There's a tool store here that sells them at a reasonable price.

GradyJ

 

My steps vary from some others when clay is involved.........

I like to clean the paint by hand first, using products like Meguiar's Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner, Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, or Poorboy's Pro polish.

Then I clay the paint.

Then I polish with whatever level(s) of abrasive polishes I need.

Not sure what kind of "buffer" you have access too? If it's a rotary buffer, and you don't know how to use it............. DON'T!

If it's a PC with a couple different foam pads, (polishing & finishing) then you are in good shape.

Let us know what kind of buffer it is, and we can give you more help.

 

Well, it is a rotary buffer. What is a PC? What does it take to learn how to use a rotary buffer? And what abrasive polishes should I use after using the paint cleaner, then the clay bar?

GradyJ

 

Claybar first.

There are literally oodles upon oodles of paint cleaners and abrasive polishes to help a detailer achieve their goals on a painted surface. Without knowing the condition of your paint, it's nearly impossible to recommend a product.

A rotary buffer and a PC (Porter-Cable Dual Action Polisher -- sometimes called a DA as well) are VERY VERY different. Both are utilized in the automotive detailing arena but, the rotary offers considerably more power for removing blemishes. By the same token, the rotary has much more potential to thrash paint if in the wrong hands.

A dual-action (PC) moves in two directions (hence the name). Circular and up and down. This oscillation makes it much more difficult for someone to hurt their paint. In fact, I'll go out on a limb and say that you'd really have to try to hurt your paint with this machine because it's really that safe (when used correctly).

-RP-

 

Hey Guys...Thanx Very Much for your help!
You've been a big help to me...at least now I know how to get started. I might check into one of those PC's. It sounds like it's worth having and I might get a lot of use out of. Do you use it just to keep the shine once you've reached the final step? Like for putting on the Meguiar Tech wax over the NXT? Say like maybe once a month?
GradyJ

 

What is the best type of wax to use on my truck?

 

There are HUNDREDS upon HUNDREDS of choices.

Wax is like choosing a pair of shoes; you really need to try a couple and figure out what YOU like best.

Many folks here like Zaino (a full synthetic wax that is very durable). Others like Meguiar's NXT (another full synthetic that is durable and readily available). Others like a carnauba based wax and others like ......

It's like underwear man... some guys like boxers, some like briefs (I suppose guys like 01 XLT just go bare though...) LOL!

--RP--

 

I see the Zaino Store has a FREE applicator pad for orders over $25 and shipping is $8.95 to anywhere in 47 States.
The Meguiars' is pretty much available everywhere.

The link to the Zaino Store is:
Zaino.com

HTH.....GradyJ....