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19 messages

BS: Car waxing query

23 Jan 11 - 08:48 PM (#3081103)
Subject: BS: Car waxing query
From: michaelr

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?


23 Jan 11 - 09:50 PM (#3081128)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Bee-dubya-ell

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.


23 Jan 11 - 11:23 PM (#3081172)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: The Fooles Troupe

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

I'll get me hat ...


24 Jan 11 - 04:46 AM (#3081239)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Dave MacKenzie

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


24 Jan 11 - 05:35 AM (#3081248)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Richard Bridge

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.


24 Jan 11 - 10:04 AM (#3081388)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: GUEST,Jon

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


24 Jan 11 - 11:58 AM (#3081456)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Mrrzy

And here I thought your car was waxing querulous!


24 Jan 11 - 12:15 PM (#3081471)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Doug Chadwick

Wax? Wash??

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

DC


24 Jan 11 - 03:54 PM (#3081618)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: MarkS

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


24 Jan 11 - 04:18 PM (#3081631)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Dave MacKenzie

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


24 Jan 11 - 04:57 PM (#3081650)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Michael

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

Mike


24 Jan 11 - 05:10 PM (#3081662)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: gnu

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


24 Jan 11 - 06:01 PM (#3081727)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Dave MacKenzie

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

Wax what? truck, car, it??


24 Jan 11 - 07:05 PM (#3081770)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Tangledwood

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.


25 Jan 11 - 05:12 PM (#3082352)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: GUEST,999

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


25 Jan 11 - 05:51 PM (#3082376)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: frogprince

"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.


26 Jan 11 - 05:01 AM (#3082566)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Phot

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

Wassail!! Chris


26 Jan 11 - 04:10 PM (#3082908)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: JHW

Has anyone tried the DRY car'wash' products?


27 Jan 11 - 10:01 AM (#3083330)
Subject: RE: BS: Car waxing query
From: Dave Hanson

Mr Miyagi say ' wax on, wax off '

Dave H