adriand56

So I've been reading that polishing too much takes off the clearcoat. I have a pc 7424xp and i was going to detail my TL, but I wanted to know how often do you guys put new polish and wax. Thanks

Jesstzn

On mine have have done a full correction polish only once and from then on its been more spot correction and every spring I run over it with a white pad and a fine polish do clean it up a bit.

Where did you do this reading?

exceldetail

There is such a thing as overpolishing, but general upkeep shouldnt pose a problem.....

PortlandRL

My Santa Fe has only been washed with microfiber mitts, drying towels and using the two-bucket method since I bought it new in September. However, some slight wash-induced marring is cropping up on some surfaces so come springtime, I'm going to run over it with the random orbital, a black pad, and some Menzerna Super Finish.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

never havent did it yet need to but u kno how that goes

Jesstzn

I think your going to run into that with any winter washing , have you ever tried good quality sheepskin mitts?

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

+1 on sheepskin mitts I need to pick up another one come to think of it

Nick@Autogeek

I wash about once or twice every 2 weeks and put a coat of carnauba on every two months or so. Full detail, about twice a year.

OntheJob

polish= abrasive, hence only perform when needed to conserve clear coat.

wax= protection, you can never get enough of this on the car.

I wash often, after each or sometimes every other wash I use a quick wax while the car is wet then dry it, and every other weekend I apply my favorite sealant or wax-depending if you like the synthetics or carnubas. I really like my carnubas.

However too much wax build up can leave the car hazy or not so deep looking, at that point just use a non or limited abrasive "cleaner wax" to strip the old wax, brighten the paint, then re wax or seal your car.

Enjoy and dont over think it.

OntheJob

wow, I must have A.D.D, or I am a perfectionist because I wash my car every 3rd day once I see a dust build up, however I apply wax often to keep up with the washing.

slickooz

I would wash my car every other week and will apply spray wax if needed. Make sure when washing a car use two buckets with grit guard and a nice MF mitt.

1. I would first start on wheels/wells first then move onto washing the car from top to bottom.
2. Then I would inspect the paint to see if it needs claying. I usually like to clay every 3-6 months.
3. I would prob polish the car every 6 months with DA using M205 with LC white flats 5.5 inch.
4. I would apply sealant top it off with wax.
5. Clean all door jams.
6. Vacuum inside.
7. Clean up the interior.
8. Windows.
9. Dress tires.
10. Maintain it by washing it weekly and putting on spray wax when needed.

Nick@Autogeek

In between washing, I usually use a waterless wash and/or a quick detailer to get rid of the dust.

Jesstzn

Last thing I'd recommend tho .. your interpritation of dust and the noobs interpritation can be far apart. I have seen a lot of people mar the heck out the paint QD'ing too heavy a dust.

Nick@Autogeek

I stand corrected, "light dust".

Not this kind of dust...

OntheJob

lmfao....

I agree, if a easy stream of water does not leave the paint dust free, then i will not rub it ... I will wash it.

As long as the light dusting comes completely off and there is no dirt/grime stuck on the paint I feel ok using a really plush MF and some good QD.

adriand56

ok thanks guys. so if i go over it once with menzerna power finish to cover up the swirls and mild scratches it shouldnt be a problem from what i understand

Jesstzn

Cover up? Your not covering up .. your polishing out and it shouldn't be a problem.

gookdawg

I spot polish every 3-4 months and only do a full correction if absolutely necessary.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

when i buy a new car, i usually do a full polish/correction within the first few months...then i usually do a aio polish with a white pad once or twice a year followed by a sealant atleast twice a year...

if you use nothing more abrasive then a mild polish or an aio polish, and nothing more then a white pad with a udm or pc, i dont think you could remove enough clearcoat to damage it before you burnt out your machine....

Jesstzn

Exactly

adriand56

But if i do the correction once with an orange pad and menzerna powerfinish to do the initial correction i should be fine right?

Jesstzn

Without being there its pretty tought to answer that ..

stogie1020

I can;t imagine you getting through the clearcoat with a PC on your first (or tenth!) polish. Your arms would fall off from fatigue first...

PortlandRL

Something like this?

http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Acce...ash-Mitt-P120/

Jesstzn

Ya .. I just bought 4 off of Amazon.com for just under $30 shipped ...