BS: Car waxing query

Subject: BS: Car waxing query
From: michaelr
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:48 PM

I went to the car wash the other day, and the gal told me "We recommend regular handwaxing with grey cars (mine's metallic silver) because once the clear coat oxidizes, it can't be shined up again".

Is there anything to this? A clear coat is a clear coat no matter what color paint is underneath, no?

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 09:50 PM

I don't think it's oxidation of the clearcoat that's the problem. It's oxidation of the metallic particles in the paint itself once the clearcoat degrades. Nonmetallic colors don't need as much protection because their components don't oxidize as readily.

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 11:23 PM

I think the interest is waning in metallic car colors...

I'll get me hat ...

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 04:46 AM

Waxing your car's less painful than......

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 05:35 AM

I have always refused to use "hand wash" car washes because they use jet blasters and I read once that they drive the grit into the finish rather than floating it off - but a friend of mine the other day asserted that scratching was more likely using lots of soapy water on a sponge.

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 10:04 AM

Richard, http://www.britishvaleters.org/goodwash.html

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 11:58 AM

And here I thought your car was waxing querulous!

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 12:15 PM

Wax? Wash??

What's the point? It will only get dirty again.

DC

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: MarkS
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 03:54 PM

Just park it outside on a rainy day. Less work that way.

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 04:18 PM

I've never waxed my car. It never gets hairy.

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Michael
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 04:57 PM

I seem to remember Basil Fawlty waxing his car when it wouldn't go.

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 05:10 PM

I got me a truck so I don't need to wax it.

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 06:01 PM

"I got me a truck so I don't need to wax it"

Wax what? truck, car, it??

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Tangledwood
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 07:05 PM

I don't think it's oxidation of the clearcoat that's the problem. It's oxidation of the metallic particles in the paint itself once the clearcoat degrades. Nonmetallic colors don't need as much protection because their components don't oxidize as readily.

That's correct. I had a dark bronzey coloured car many years ago on which the upper surfaces ended up a chalky colour. This was in Papua New Guinea, so a rather harsh environment.

I think polishing isn't a good thing for metallic paints as polish removes a tiny amount of the clear coat each time. Waxing at least adds a protective layer on top of it. On my last few vehicles which I've bought new I've gone with a protection package which includes a clear topcoat. No waxing or polishing ever needed; just wash, rinse then chamois it dry.

I think the interest is waning in metallic car colors...

Oh yes, I'll pay that one.

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: GUEST,999
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 05:12 PM

Spray undercoating on your car after giving it a good rub with a 100 grit sandpaper. You`ll never have to wax it again.

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: frogprince
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 05:51 PM

"Spray undercoating on your car after giving it a good rub with a 100 grit sandpaper. You`ll never have to wax it again."

That would probably work as an alternative to "bikini waxing", too.

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Phot
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 05:01 AM

Use Autoglym products, thay always work fine for me, and they are recommended by Aston Martin, Rolls Royce etc.

Wassail!! Chris

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: JHW
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 04:10 PM

Has anyone tried the DRY car'wash' products?

Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 27 Jan 11 - 10:01 AM

Mr Miyagi say ' wax on, wax off '

Dave H