When to wax...???

[Flava Flav]

Hey guys, I apologize because this Q may be kind of elementary. But as far as waxing is concerned, in what conditions should this be completed? I've read on some other threads that it should NOT be done in direct sunlight so I'd imagine that if its done in a garaged area, that will be optimal/better for the truck and its paint. But with that, should I also do this later on in the day (evening) when the temperature is cooler. I live in SC and unlike other parts of the country at the moment, we're getting 75-88 deg. weather. Also, other than the shine/polish and paint protection the truck will receive, are there any other pro's from getting it waxed? Oh and btw, does anyone know a sure fire way to get rid of the bugs on the face of the truck? I scrub and can remove their bodies, but their body print is still outlined like a scene from CSI. olice:

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I would definitely try and do it in a garage. The time of day doesn't matter much since you will be washing it before you wax it. If you waited till it cooled down some, there would probably not be enough light left in the day to finish the job.

 

[BlackCat]

-snip- Oh and btw, does anyone know a sure fire way to get rid of the bugs on the face of the truck? I scrub and can remove their bodies, but their body print is still outlined like a scene from CSI. olice:

Truth about those stupid bugs! driving my runner back from CO, the stupid swarms are plastered and melded into my bumper, I did A thorough washing yesterday an still can't get the little buggers off!

 

[LittleCaesar]

Where in SC are you? No pollen around?

Under 80 and above 60 degrees, under 50% humidity (no rain or dew in the air), and applying in the shade is ideal. Having lived in SC, it is hard to achieve all three in one day.

If you have a D/A polisher, the bugs can be taken off. By hand, it takes a lot of sweat equity.

What wax are you using?

 

[Flava Flav]

Yea see, kinda like what you went on to mention, virtually impossible to do down here in SC at the moment. Although, I'm headed north...but again, given those conditions, not going to happen considering I'm going to the NE area. So more than likely, Im taking it to a detail shop b4 I head up there. Just wanted to grab an idea of how this should properly be done so I can watch them and know whats going on plus I can use the knowledge later whenever I can get around to doing it myself.

Where am I...

"I'm where the band shakes the south land, you can see the Blue Ridge Mtns and finally, at the college that has THE most exciting 25secs of college football".

Where in SC are you? No pollen around?

Under 80 and above 60 degrees, under 50% humidity (no rain or dew in the air), and applying in the shade is ideal. Having lived in SC, it is hard to achieve all three in one day.

If you have a D/A polisher, the bugs can be taken off. By hand, it takes a lot of sweat equity.

What wax are you using?

 

[LittleCaesar]

Ah, now I know. I pass through there on 8 up to 183, then take 178 up to 11 west to the family mountain house in Sunset. Or at least I used to until moving to the outer OBX.

Generally a rule of thumb when detailing an auto:
1. Wash
2. Clay (necessary to clean the paint)
3. Polish (the claying helps to allow the polish to bond to the paint easier).
4. Wax or sealant or both.

There are a myriad of different products for both steps 3 and 4. It depends how much $$ and time one is willing to spend.

If you are doing this by hand in the future, here are two products found at Wallyworld that should help. Get some microfiber towels to clean after the polish and wax. Tires and wheels are arbitrary to each owner, and there are many fine products for both.

Meguiar's Brilliant Solutions New Car Care Kit, Meguiar's Paint Restoration Kit, Meguiar's New Car Kit, Car Wash Kit

Walmart.com: Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit: Automotive

Post some pics after they are finished.

 

[DexTech]

to really protect your paint from those bugs you need to remove them right away. smashed bugs are acidic and will damage paint. One way is to have a rag and some detail spray with you. just spray and wipe them away before they get baked on by the Sun.

 

[hsa]

Agree with the other comments with doing it in your garage and make sure you also get off all of the wax

 

[TheeMikeB]

Little Caeser has it right. Those are the proper steps, however after years of doing stuff by hand and then finally getting a porter cable random orbital polisher with lake county pads, I would NEVER even think of doing a wax by hand again. It's almost a waste of time, 5 min with a polisher is like 30 in by hand. It's a small invenstment in my opinion for superb results. It pays for itself after 1 use considering the cost of a professional detail. Plus with the random orbital you don't have to be a pro and no worries of burning through the paint.

Clay will clean that paint right up and prep it for polish and wax.

 

[Lineman]

I wax every 3 months. Leave it on the vehicle overnight in the garage, wipe it off the next day.

 

[BROOKLYN]

I wax every 3 months. Leave it on the vehicle overnight in the garage, wipe it off the next day.

Isn't harder to get off that way, what the ideal time one should wait to remove the wax and/or polish

 

[Lineman]

Not difficult at all.... Its parked out of direct sunlight all day/night. I use Meguiars NXT. I've done the same with ZAINO as well and both come off super easy.

I think you mean if you use cheap stuff i.e. Turle wax, yes it might be difficult or if you leave it in direct sun all day.

Isn't harder to get off that way, what the ideal time one should wait to remove the wax and/or polish

 

[LittleCaesar]

Having the garage space is optimum. No sun, dirt, bird gifts, or anything else to mess one up.

Using a D/A polisher is much more efficient and does better at polishing. But they start at $120 and up. If someone is willing to make that investment, the results will speak for themselves.

A rule of thumb is to leave the wax on until it hazes, then buff off. Even 24hrs with the right conditions is not unheard of. But read the directions on the bottle to achieve the best results.

 

[shadow247]

Truth about those stupid bugs! driving my runner back from CO, the stupid swarms are plastered and melded into my bumper, I did A thorough washing yesterday an still can't get the little buggers off!

Clay bar actually works quite well on bugs. That's what I use on customer cars and it does a great job of removing the bugs. I usually clay as I wash to save time. Just soap up the panel and scrub with the wash mitt, then hit it with the clay bar until it glides effortlessly, then scrub again with the wash mitt. Repeat until you have done as much of the vehicle as you want. I usually clay the whole truck once a year, and the front every 3-4 months, and it collects more junk. Usually when I am claying the front I will also hit the rocker panels with the clay bar to remove road tar and junk that normal washing just doesn't get off.

 

[Flava Flav]

Hey guys. Thanks for all the responses. Sorry I took this long to respond but I'm going through the middle of a relocation. Just moved from SC to MA so I'm still in the mist of getting situated up here. But yea, as for the responses thanks, I will take them into consideration. However, given the fact that I'm in a more cooler climate area of the country (40-60deg), will that affect my ability to wax or the wax itself (integrity/stability). Will the cooler temps affect the application of wax; therefore should I want until it warms up around here to wax my T4R?