Iowa4Runner
New member
That's what the dealer told me anyway. I'm hoping I can safely wax 3 months after build date. What do the body shop pros say?
Mike
Mike
I have to wait a year before waxing???????
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yeah...the dealer is clueless. These new cars bake in an oven for the curing process before they roll them out.
I polished and waxed my 4runner within a week of purchase and will be doing so again in next week.
In fact, if you are really fanatical about your car's appearance, glazing is also recommended after your clay the paint.
I polished and waxed my 4runner within a week of purchase and will be doing so again in next week.
In fact, if you are really fanatical about your car's appearance, glazing is also recommended after your clay the paint.
Iowa4Runner
New member
Glazing? I've never heard of that before. Is that a specific wax or polish?
tkr128
New member
A glaze is used after polishing to make the paint look wet and fill in any imperfections on the paint surface. It's a product that usually contains a lot of oils and fillers and is short-lived. It's the step between polishing and waxing that a lot of people use to get their imperfect paint looking great or their perfect paint to look better (like for a car show). A lot of car dealers often use it as a quick fix to get their used cars looking good for a sale. Some common glazes are: Meguiar's #7 Show Car Glaze and 3M's Imperial Hand Glaze.
In short, glazes are great for making paint look great for a short period of time.
In short, glazes are great for making paint look great for a short period of time.
momo.75
Registered User
I say wax it. When I bought mine, I made sure they didn't even wash it before I picked it up. I brought it home as night and the next day I gave it the full Griot's treatment. I have done that with my last two cars. I have seen how those guys wash cars at the dealership and if they don't use a brush, they are using an old rag that has been dropped, and used for several different cars. At least i know all my stuff is clean and if there is a scratch on it, it was my fault.....but that doesn't happen.
ak4r
New member
momo.75 is right...don't let them wash it...do it yourself. They don't use the love and care that you will. A bad wash job will do more damage than a wax. A good wax product like Griot's will be easier on the paint/clearcoat than a "cleaner-wax" type product. Use microfiber towels, change often and it will be scratch free.
If you are a car fanatic and love to detail your car, there are several steps you may consider. First of course, is a good wash with a quality car soap. I prefer Meguiar products but have been trying out the new Mr. Clean. Surprisingly, this Mr. Clean soap does what it advertises. Wash and let it air dry. Come back, and not a single water spot. Not bad.
Now, once you wash the car, you run your fingers lightly on the paint to "feel" out any rough spots that your soap may have missed. For this, you use a clay bar to smooth out the paint.
At this point, you are ready for a good polish/cleaner to "prepare" the paint for waxing. This will bring a bit of shine, but really plays the role of a primer in preparation for your wax of choice.
The glaze/sealant step would be next, if you choose to do this. Basically, you glaze your car to restore gloss and fill surface scratches. It also serves as yet another layer of protection for the paint.
Finally, you finish up with a good wax. Some people swear by carnuba waxes such as P21S Carnuba. This one leaves your paint looking as if the paint was still wet and very slick. Other wax systems, such as Meguiars new NXT series, are more durable, give you a deep, gloss that really stands out on darker colors and are cheaper/more accessible than the boutique brands.
So there you have it. A condensed version of a car fanatic's detailing steps.
Now, once you wash the car, you run your fingers lightly on the paint to "feel" out any rough spots that your soap may have missed. For this, you use a clay bar to smooth out the paint.
At this point, you are ready for a good polish/cleaner to "prepare" the paint for waxing. This will bring a bit of shine, but really plays the role of a primer in preparation for your wax of choice.
The glaze/sealant step would be next, if you choose to do this. Basically, you glaze your car to restore gloss and fill surface scratches. It also serves as yet another layer of protection for the paint.
Finally, you finish up with a good wax. Some people swear by carnuba waxes such as P21S Carnuba. This one leaves your paint looking as if the paint was still wet and very slick. Other wax systems, such as Meguiars new NXT series, are more durable, give you a deep, gloss that really stands out on darker colors and are cheaper/more accessible than the boutique brands.
So there you have it. A condensed version of a car fanatic's detailing steps.
