cleaning before waxing?

[93fox]

is there a step that has to be done before applying the wax? ive read that some people use ipa or mineral spirits but are these chemicals applied before applying wax? lets say for example i use m105 and then m205 and then some polish.. is there a cleaning step that needs to be done before applying wax? please help, im confused.

 

[mg6045]

You are going to get a LOT of different opinions on this one.

There is no right or wrong answer. It comes down to preference.

This link from M.Phillips may help you out.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ble-immiscible-wax-paint-sealant-bonding.html

 

[Kurt_s]

I go back and forth on this. I think that a cleaning step after compounding is probably a good choice to make sure that the defects are actually removed. I think the most recent reco was to use a 10% IPA to remove residual polish without softening the paint.

Per some posts, IPA can marr the paint surface and Mineral Spirits might be less damaging. Mike P seems to prefer MS. I don't normally have issues with IPA but personally had issues with a black Porsche and IPA. I have IPA, MS and prewax cleaners.

If you use a prewax paint cleaner like the Pinnacle Paint Lotion, you shouldn't need IPA after polishing. I got an email from the guys at Ultima who said that I could use UWW+ as the last cleaning step before UPGP to remove residual polish in place of IPA.

If it helps, I often used a Prewax cleaner before a glaze and carnauba wax on my '99, "00, '03, '06 and "08 BMWs and never used IPA until recently. It is probably the saftest way to get the job done before waxing.

Some of the sealants out there seem to prefer a clean paint surface so IPA might be appropriate in those cases. I didn't need an IPA wipedown before WG DPGS, Fuzion or OCW after WG FG3.0, OPT Hyper Spray Polish, Opt Finish, Megs 205, CG ProPolish (dusts too much for me), and a few others. I normally use IPA after the compounding step if necessary.

I hope this helps.

 

[jimmyjam]

I faced this exact situation today, and I found PoorBoys Spray n Wipe to work perfect for the job. I did the whole 105/205/85rd and with PB it made the cleaning a breeze, and the IPA left a haze of residue. Now it could've been the way I mixed the IPA or the cold temperature, unknown? I do knw that PB did the job perfectly with ease.

 

[Kurt_s]

I faced this exact situation today, and I found PoorBoys Spray n Wipe to work perfect for the job. I did the whole 105/205/85rd and with PB it made the cleaning a breeze, and the IPA left a haze of residue. Now it could've been the way I mixed the IPA or the cold temperature, unknown? I do knw that PB did the job perfectly with ease.

I used Megs Final Inspection as my clay lube for years and when I needed something to remove for clean up of residue if something didn't wipe up or buff off easily. I ended up using it on the Porsche that I mentioned earlier.

The guys at Ultima said that their Spray Detailer or UWW+ would not affect their sealant. Dr. G at Optimum said that ONR and Opti-Clean shouldn't affect a sealant's performance either.

 

[Kristopher1129]

In my opinion. If you've already clayed, used 105, and 205...I think you're ready for wax/sealant. But, everybody has their own way! :dblthumb2:

 

[SeaJay's]

I always do an IPA wipe down after polishing to remove any of the left over oils from the polishes. It's a good idea to use some sort of cleaner to prep the paint for whatever sealant/wax you are using. Weather you use IPA, mineral spirits, or a prewax cleaner is really up to you and your preference. Test them out and see what works for you.

 

[embolism]

you can always just wash the car with Dawn after polishing...

wash
clay
polish
wash
dry
seal/wax

 

[Flash Gordon]

is there a step that has to be done before applying the wax? ive read that some people use ipa or mineral spirits but are these chemicals applied before applying wax? lets say for example i use m105 and then m205 and then some polish.. is there a cleaning step that needs to be done before applying wax? please help, im confused.

I give the car a 15 minute bath between each step (105/205) with an APC solution. This gets rid of any oils and or dust that may be left behind all in 1 quick step

It provides a fresh canvas for your next step :buffing:

 

[Flash Gordon]

In my opinion. If you've already clayed, used 105, and 205...I think you're ready for wax/sealant. But, everybody has their own way! :dblthumb2:

Of course we all have are own opinion, but mine is if you don't remove the dust/residue from your previous step, you stand a great chance of introducing it to your next step

Call me crazy if you'd like :cheers:

 

[Spicy McHaggis]

I give the car a 15 minute bath between each step (105/205) with an APC solution. This gets rid of any oils and or dust that may be left behind all in 1 quick step

It provides a fresh canvas for your next step :buffing:

I always do a quick wash after compounding. Nothing like rubbing little particles of dust back into the finish you just perfected...lol I generally don't do one after finish polishing, but I do a IPA wipe down to ensure all oils are removed.

 

[Flash Gordon]

I always do a quick wash after compounding. Nothing like rubbing little particles of dust back into the finish you just perfected...lol I generally don't do one after finish polishing, but I do a IPA wipe down to ensure all oils are removed.

lol

I do one between each step of polishing. Its almost like a Religous expierence is the best I can explain it. Probally isn't necesary, but I enjoy seeing the results...

 

[Kristopher1129]

Of course we all have are own opinion, but mine is if you don't remove the dust/residue from your previous step, you stand a great chance of introducing it to your next step

Call me crazy if you'd like :cheers:

I always wipe the area I just polished down. I was assuming he wasn't leaving any debris or dust from the previously used product. I think that goes without saying.

Using a dry microfiber after polishing with MG205 is plenty good enough in my opinion. Doing a wash, or a chemical wipe down is just overkill to me. I've never had a problem keeping wax or sealant on any paint. I have a lot of repeat customers whos vehicles I see once a year, and that sealant is always still there. But, that's me!:cheers:

 

[CleanGene]

I typically do a foam bath with concentrated Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Clear followed up with an air dry. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind considering I would have just spent 3-4 hours + correcting.