Good wax for not so good paint? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Elripster · #1 08-26-2002, 01:03 PM

I decided to give my 82 a thorough waxing this weekend. It has a clear coat that isn't doing well. Some fading on the hood and alot on the roof and trunk lid. After much elbow grease and trying McGuire's polishing wax in the bottle, same brand but in a can, and some clear coat wax from a bottle totally about 5 coats, the hood is looking pretty darn good. I tried the same on the roof, however, and was getting swirls. I know I can purchase swirl removing waxes and I'll do that for sure. My question is if any of you have any recommendations on waxes to help restore worn finishes. I'm not looking for a miracle, but it already looks much much better with just the work I've done so far. I'm basically just trying to buy time before I repaint the car one of these years.

Frank.

jcd · #2 08-26-2002, 01:29 PM

Link below, really pretty good,, http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/LeesDetailingFaq

Go to meguiars.com and try their paint RX. I believe there is a link in the detailing forum.

Call meguiars,,,,,they are really very helpful.

JCD

Elripster · #3 08-26-2002, 02:32 PM

That's a good idea, I'll post over there. If anyone here has had a personal experience with some product I'm all ears.

Frank

jcd · #4 08-26-2002, 03:30 PM

Here's what I use.

1. Meguiars car wash detergent (cleaning)
2. Mother's clay bar (removal of surface contaminants)
3. Meguiars Scratch-X - should help with scratches/swirls
4. Meguiars Polish
5. Meguiars Gold Wax
6. Mother's professional detailer, spray

Work's great. Between major waxes I use Meguiars quick wax and the Mothers professional detailer.

JCD

NoCalMer · #5 04-28-2006, 01:41 AM

Anyone have any new ideas or products you have had good luck with?

I waxed mine tonight and it seemed to make things worse kinda. I just want to make it look better and protect the paint.

My paint is not fading yet but seems ruff to the hand and not smooth.

rchase · #6 04-28-2006, 03:22 AM

My 300SD's paint has seen better days. When I first bought it I figured I would have to repaint it. I was actually able to restore the finish to an acceptable finish by using a colored wax product. Colored waxes really only work on black cars. When I wax the 300SD I do it in several layers allowing the wax to rest a day in between. I start with a cleaner wax then do the colored wax and then move onto a high gloss glaze product. The black wax eliminates a lot of the scratches and chips in the paints surface. I think my car looks pretty good for a 24 year old car. While black cars are a bit of a pain for swirl marks they are great for hiding scratches and chips.

http://beostar.paunix.org/newmbzpics

t walgamuth · #7 04-29-2006, 06:24 AM

[Colored waxes really only work on black cars.

we also used black colored product on my navy 300cd to good effect. if you get your eyes about 3 inches away you can see the blackin the old cracks, but from just a little further back it blends with the dark navy.

Hatterasguy · #8 04-29-2006, 05:56 PM

Clear coat is nothing but a layer of paint without the color.

The reason paint has sucked on MB's since about 2000 is the greenies over in Europe made them switch to a more envronment freindly water based paint.

Chips like crazy.

However supposidly the new paint MB offers is much tougher.

Wodnek · #9 04-28-2006, 06:49 AM

3M imperial hand glaze works excellent to restore dull or oxidised paint. Afterward then the paint needs to be sealed with regular car wax. It's available at automotive paint stores. About $14 does 3 full size cars.

bfisher · #10 04-28-2006, 08:42 AM

I would also consider Meguiars Body Scrub, followed up with polish and/or wax. My SD (gone now) used to have a similiar looking finish... Body Scrub really seemed to help pull out the dirt deep in the finish.

Ken300D · #11 04-28-2006, 08:44 AM

For sure Turtle Wax is nearly worthless compared to McGuire's - at least in terms of ability to last on the car. McG still beads water a YEAR later, TW is doing good to bead a month.

What MB cars had clear coat in 1982? Certain colors only?

Ken300D

dannym · #12 04-28-2006, 08:51 AM

What your looking for is Carnouba Wax. The more the better.
It also happens to be expensive so the products that have more of it will cost more.

danny

uberwgn · #13 04-28-2006, 10:24 AM

Guys, the best wax in the world isn't going to make failed paint look good. That's a reality. It's the steps required prior to waxing that will make or break a beautiful finish.

Restoring a horrid, ill-maintained surface can require hours and often mandates the attention of a professional. Some of these guys truly are miracle workers...seek one out in your neighborhood that has a good reputation. Don't take your car to a hacker for defect-correction.

83-240D · #14 04-28-2006, 11:29 AM

nu finish in the orange bottlw takes off the oxidation. makes brownie look good. did it last fall and again last week after winter cleaning.

rchase · #15 04-29-2006, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken300D

For sure Turtle Wax is nearly worthless compared to McGuire's - at least in terms of ability to last on the car. McG still beads water a YEAR later, TW is doing good to bead a month.

What MB cars had clear coat in 1982? Certain colors only?

Ken300D

My 82 300SD is black and does not appear to have a clear coat. I have seen blue and silver cars with peeling clear coat. Personally I hate clear coats. I think its a conspiracy with the paint and car makers so you have to either repaint or buy a new car every 7-10 years.