dumb question...
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Riverside
dumb question...
This is probably a really dumb question, but I don't know and I'll never learn if I don't ask... what is the difference between wax and polish? What does each do? Which of the two should I use, or should I use both? Thanks in advance for any help.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Nawlins
Wax - Wax is a protective coating that you put on the paint. There are synthetic waxes like Zaino, Klasse, and blackfire. Then there are pure carnauba waxes and then you have carnauba waxes mixed with polymers.
You apply wax to protect your paint. Most synthetic waxes have UV protection in them. I know Klasse does and I'm 99% sure Zaino does. Synthetic waxes give the paint a shinny plastic looks. Carnauba waxes give it a deep wet looks. If you want the best shine then use a synthetic wax and top it with a carnauba wax.
I'm going to be doing a carnauba and synthetic wax comparison on my truck when the rain clears up. I'll be sure to post pictures.
polish - Polishes remove some of the paint. Some polishes are very abrasive and can eat through your clear coat quickly. Some are more mild and used for removing swirl marks. For swirl marks I sugget using 3m Swirl Mark Remover, Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover 2.0, or Klasse AIO. If you are going to be applying by hand, then use Meguiars #9 or the Klasse AIO. If you have a rotary buffer (or even an orbital), then use 3m Swirl mark remover.
Yes, You should use a polish. A polish will remover swirl marks and other imperfections in the paint. If you are using a buffer, then you will just have to be careful you do not burn through your clearcoat. You will also notice after you polish how your paint looks more clear. Polishing before you wax is the only way to get the best shine.
You apply wax to protect your paint. Most synthetic waxes have UV protection in them. I know Klasse does and I'm 99% sure Zaino does. Synthetic waxes give the paint a shinny plastic looks. Carnauba waxes give it a deep wet looks. If you want the best shine then use a synthetic wax and top it with a carnauba wax.
I'm going to be doing a carnauba and synthetic wax comparison on my truck when the rain clears up. I'll be sure to post pictures.
polish - Polishes remove some of the paint. Some polishes are very abrasive and can eat through your clear coat quickly. Some are more mild and used for removing swirl marks. For swirl marks I sugget using 3m Swirl Mark Remover, Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover 2.0, or Klasse AIO. If you are going to be applying by hand, then use Meguiars #9 or the Klasse AIO. If you have a rotary buffer (or even an orbital), then use 3m Swirl mark remover.
Yes, You should use a polish. A polish will remover swirl marks and other imperfections in the paint. If you are using a buffer, then you will just have to be careful you do not burn through your clearcoat. You will also notice after you polish how your paint looks more clear. Polishing before you wax is the only way to get the best shine.