Wax vs Polish vs Claybar thread

Discussion in 'Exterior' started by rango88, Oct 9, 2012.

  1. rango88

    rango88 Chuck Norris Drove a Ram

    Hey guys I know its early talking about spring already but I was thinking of having my truck waxed professionally next year ( i am not going to answer any question regarding why I am not doing it myself, I would rather have it done by a pro). I have heard great things about claybar as well so I'll ask that be done as well/ But I did read somewhere that's it more worth polishing then waxing your paint.

    Can anyone elaborate on this process?


    Any suggestion on what I should ask be done to my black truck?

    I want the paint to be showroom condition, It gets washed regularly, but the paint has small scuff marks from my winter brush (it has soft brissles but still damages the paint). I just want a deep shine in my paint and further protect it from contiminates.
     
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  3. djfllmn

    djfllmn ^^^ I am Mr. Clean!

    if you have micro scratches then it needs to be buffed....no other way
     
  4. SalRanger2

    SalRanger2 Ranger Lover

    yea id just have some place to a legit buff (not the offset one) and then do the wax and claybar yourself. the buff is tricky because if you dont do it right you can burn through the paint. it will do an awesome job of taking out the fine scratches. but im sure they could do the wax/claybar but i dont think its out of your reach.
     
  5. Hooligan

    Hooligan Rangerholic!!

    In my business I had, detailing was a "several" step process. I used then and still do with my cars clay bar, then cleaner wax, then compound and wax/polish. All is applied with an ORBITAL buffer. I never liked the high speed buffers. Most detailing companies say they will compund, then wax a car and "SEAL" it with some type of poly crap. If you ever hear of that, keep this in the back of your head: If its a poly or teflon type seal, then why do most of them recommend you do it every few months?

    I had detail jobs where the cars where done in the fall, and when I went back in the spring to detail them again they still had a deep gloss to them. Every detailing company I have seen, used bulk no name materials for their detailing jobs which broke down in less than 3 months. I am a strong believer in using the same brand name products, from car wash to wax, because they do compliment each other.

    If you have some scuffs in your paint, Claybar MAY take it out WITH a ton of elbow grease, where compound and a buffer would take it off with ease and minimal elbow grease. I recommend clay bar once a year and 2 FULL details (compound & wax) atleast twice a year...that too depends on the elements where you live.
     
  6. SalRanger2

    SalRanger2 Ranger Lover

    way i see it, using any abrasive, compound or polish, is taking material off and blending the cuts into the surface closer together. using these is all "scratching" really (course scratches are further apart, fine scratches closer together) just to the point your eye cant see. clay bar removes contaminates on the surface (overspray, anything rough or gritty) that you can still feel on the surface, most times even after buffing a car out.

    just my experiences and 2 cents not busting balls or anything clinton
     
  7. OP
    rango88

    rango88 Chuck Norris Drove a Ram

    Considering my truck gets 4,000 miles a year of use and is always parked in the shade, get washed regularly, the shine and paint depth is still great after 2 years, So i dont think too much effort is needed to get it back, its mostly the small scuffs on the black paint I want gone.
     
  8. Hooligan

    Hooligan Rangerholic!!

    If it is sitting that long, I really recommend clay bar and the compound especially if it is near mulch beds and trees. Tree sap and other items from the tree can really stick to your paint and the worst is shotgun fungus from mulch beds. That stuff sticks on your truck like a tiny bubble, you can pick it off but it leaves a pretty nasty stain behind. Those little fungus spores can shoot many feet once they go and next thing you know the truck is covered in them!
     
  9. OP
    rango88

    rango88 Chuck Norris Drove a Ram

    I dont park anywhere near trees, grass or mulch, Mostly a cement lot in the shade
     

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