what is the differance betweens glazes/polishes/waxes?????

[RG5384]

I am about tired of walking in to buy a wax, and then getting frusterated because i don't know what the differance is between them! My question is quite simple, what are each of the differant types of "paint applications"(e.g. wax, polish, glaze, clearcoat wax, clays, polisher WITH swirl reducer etc) and do you put them on top of one anothere? in other words do you polish the car and then wax it on top of that? wouldn't that "cloud" the paint? sorry for the many questions but i hope someone can help me here, it is quite frusterating
thanks
Ryan

[Mr. BILL]

Let me see if I can help, it can be confusing.

1. Clay is used to remove contaminants from your paint. If you run your hand over the paint and feel "nits" or hear a hiss sound, your paint could use claying. You only need to do this about once a year.

2. Polishes are used to condition the paint and add depth. use these as often as you want.

3. Glazes are used to remove / fill swirl marks and ad depth. Use once or twice a year.


4. Waxes ad a sacrificial layer that will protect the paint from the sun and elements. You should wax once a month.

5. Cleaner wax is designed to do all the above in one step.

Remember, the quality / shine of a finish is determined by how well the paint surface is prepared. Actualy, show cars usually don't use wax, as it can diminish the shine a small amount. However, a show car isn't subjected to the harsh climactic conditions a daily driver is.

I have done a lot of comparison tests myself and last May, Consumer reports did one that focused on cleaner waxes. My conclusion is, they are all pretty good. Some work better on certain colors than others. The main thing is, get the paint in good condition and wash weekly(with auto soap) and wax monthly.

For more info, do a search under waxes/polishes and read Lee's deatail FAQ.

[BAd124]

Ryan

Just to make things more complicated there are also certain kinds of each of these products that work differently for different kinds of paint. On German paint do NOT use a polymer based polish(Finish 2001) or waxes. These will leave a haze on your car and be terribly hard to get off of it as well. Also if you plan on using a buffer be careful because you can burn the paint easily with certain types of Glazes. Make sure that if you use a buffer to get a Glaze meant for it. IMHO the 3M line of products do a very good job. The Polishing Compound adds depth and takes out minor imperfections. The wax (yellow bottle) seems to last a decent amount of time without requiring any special techniques. Also for interior stuff you know not to use anything that contains silicone right i.e. Armor All as this can act as a catalist for the suns rays and promote damage through magnification.

just my 2 cents

Brett

[RG5384]

thanks everyone. i think i have decided to use some meguiars scratch X followed by GOld Class liquid car wax to get some of the swirls and minor imperfections out. I will be doing it by hand, mostly because any damage i cause by hand can most likely be removed by a pro detailer if necessary, but if i really mess up with a buffer my paint can become FUBAR. thanks again
Ryan