Wax or polish?

[Anonymous]

Hi I have always used polish on my cars , but starting to think waxing is better . Can anyone advice what is best as winter is coming up. Thanks

 

[Abzynthe]

Both. Polish shines. Wax protects
Im using Meguiars ultimate polish and Meguiars classic gold carnuba wax.
There are better products out there. RCZ1 has the lowdown on the best products

 

[Anonymous]

Ok I been using autoglym Polish do I apply wax on top?

 

[Anonymous]

Yup! The wax is the protective element. I'm not to tread on RCZ1's toes here as she's our resident guru on all matters relating to detailing. However, in winter I'd apply something that will last a long time between applications. You're looking for something hard wearing. I'm going to be running Definitive Wax's Durus through winter this year which should be good for up to 6 months between applications. You may also consider a good quality sealant if you'd prefer. As I say, RCZ1 will be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[Anonymous]

Ok I been using autoglym Polish do I apply wax on top?

Like Abz and Rizzo said, a polish is a polish and a wax is a wax, two different things, one to polish and shine, the other to "lock in" the shine and protect.
I use Autoglym Super Resin polish, have done for years :thumbup: and then put a wax on top.
At the moment it's DoDo Light Fantastic Wax, which is for lighter coloured finish's (my Z is white).
There are more expensive and some would say better products out there, but I tend to stick with what me makes me happy.
I'm a big fan of all the Autoglym range, not expensive but they do the job. :thumbup:

This is the wax I'm currently using. Which was recommended by RCZ1, and it's doing the job so far. :thumbup:
http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/dodo ... tAodhzEAQA

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys you cleared that up for me :dance: my rcz is dolphin blue ,think that'll be classed as a darker colour. The guy at the car wash was advising me to use a clay bar and wanted £80 to do the car , any ideas on which one would be good for mine? And is it applied the same as polish? Thanks

 

[RCZ1]

My learned detailing friends have given you good advice

As they have said, a polish is the thing that gives your car it's shine. A wax serves to lock in that shine and protect it from the worst of the weather.

So you do need to use both.

You say your local car wash has said a clay bar would be beneficial. Yes it would and an offer of £80 is cheap, which would raise some alarm bells with me. If they were proper detailers the price would be nearer £250. So personally I would avoid them.

Contaminants on paintwork dull the shine of a car, as do swirl marks and marring. Clay bars would get rid of this but as you sound like a novice (with the utmost respect) I wouldn't recommend that to you but you can use something called Iron X to remove iron contaminants and Autosmart Tardis to remove tar. These two will do almost the same job as a clay bar.

Iron X
http://www.carpro.uk.com/iron-x-500ml/

Tardis
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog ... -cat6.html

You spray on, agitate a little if necessary and then thoroughly rinse off. Don't let them try on the car. Can be used on your wheels too.

If you use Autoglym polish then I would suggest you top it with this:

Autoglym HD wax
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B001FEISS6

you apply wax very thinly, don't cake it on. You should barely be able to see it. Then buff off.

Always good quality, soft, thin pile microfibre cloths for buffing off polish and wax (separate cloths for both)
See this video for help on how to apply.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcNtTLci ... ata_player

 

[Anonymous]

Wow that's great :thumbup: going to order some microfibre cloths can these be used to apply the polish or are they just good for drying and removing polish/wax? I normally use leather to dry and Autoglym style Cotten polishing cloths.

 

[RCZ1]

For applying polish it's best to use something g like this. One side is foam and used for adding gloss when polishing. The other side is a bit coarser and can be used to remove some scratches if necessary.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/accessori ... od_31.html

For applying wax I like to use this. Less chance of dropping them as they have something you can grasp in to !
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/accessori ... _1082.html

Buffing off cloths short pile for removing polish or wax
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/microfibr ... d_192.html

Drying towel - soft but absorbent microfibre towels are best for drying.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-a ... d_947.html

Always advisable to have plenty of cloths of different types. Don't use one if you drop it in the floor until its been washed and don't use fabric conditioner when washing drying towels.