I need tips on how to polish and/or wax my car. I used to live in a SoCal apartment complex that didn’t allow washing of vehicles, so my 2003 Camry has seen paste wax only once in its life. Now that I’m back in Georgia, I want to take better care of the finish.
I know it must start with a good cleaning, but after that, I am not sure of the best methods and products to really make it shine.
Also, what power buffing tools are best to use, and how to use them?
Any advice, tips or tricks will be appreciated. Thanks!
WARNING If you have never used a power buffer, practice on someone elses car!
My Dad had me practice on a junk car that we hauled home for parts. The edges are the hardest parts. Keep the buffer moving at all times it is spinning and in contact with the car. Let the machine do the work. Slow and smooth works the best. A power sander spins to fast to buff. A buffer runs between 1200 and 2000 RPM. Depending on what the finish looks like will determen your pad and compound choice. Go to a parts store that caters to the paint and body bisness.
You stated you knew a good cleaning was important, that is step one.
If you want to do the basics, just a good hand wash, towel-drying, and waxing with a good wax like Meguiars will do it a lot of good.
If you want to go the extra mile, a clay bar will help make your paint really smooth before waxing the car.
My 1998 vehicle still has a really nice finish on it, I try to wax it twice a year, keep it washed, and have clay barred it once. I also try to park it out of the sun, UV light fades things.
It removes contaminants that have bonded with the paint. Probably easier for you to see it done rather than me explain it: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yfEfLGL59GI
As long as you’re careful with your fingernails and stuff, I think clay will be safer than using a buffer, and the results will be really noticeable, especially if you have a dark colored car.
Wow, thanks for the link - that’s completely new to me. Great info.
gonzomax, I just did check Consumer Reports, and this report from July 2006 says the following:
“With the advent of the clear coat, the transparent protective top layer of paint that has been used on new cars for the past few decades, you aren’t likely to improve the shine on any new vehicle. But over time, sunlight, acid rain, road debris, and other environmental factors take their toll on a vehicle’s finish. Regular washing is the most important aspect of paint care, but the added protection of wax can also help.”
Yeah, if they’re just talking about clear coat, it can and does decay, and it looks really bad when it does too. I see some cars around here with clear coat decay on their hoods. Wax will help keep it shiny.
