What polish or wax so confusing!!

[snowwolf]

I have never seriously wanted to polish/wax a car before, but I want to do my Ro and looking forward to doing it

I just looked on the web and it all got really confusing, I have always thought polish was the same as wax! but I don't think it is.

After reading about the above I lost interest in what to buy as there seems to be sooooo much that you can buy.

Need some help please from other polishers on whats good to buy.

[Hex]

You dont know what you have just asked...

How much do you wana spend

[chr15b]

my limited understanding

polish = make it shiney - wax = keep it shiney

[SimonV8ster]

I've always used the good old 'Mer' although theres plenty of other products out there and no doubt everybody will have their favourites.

Always been good and can use the same stuff to wash the car with and not polish afterwards - which is a bonus

[snowwolf]

mmmmmmmm still confused cost does seem an issue on what one to buy, I dont mind paying for good wax/polish and still unsure if wax is better than polish wax I think bees and polish I think pledge!

I just know I will do the same thing I did last week, go to halfrauds and come out with nowt!!!

[sneakygloworm]

Here's a link for ya! Seems to get good reviews.

www.shipshapenorfolkltd.co.uk/ect/products.php?cat=5

[S800VXR]

Polish cuts the paint back allbeit a tiny amount and gives you a clean smooth surface along with some built in wax to give it shine. Thats good enough for most but if you want it really shiney then you apply pure wax after polishing it. This give a deeper shine and more protection but it wont last long! couple of weeks to a few months for the good stuff. Huge amount on the market and to be honest you can get very anal about it. Generally speaking most use Autoglim SRP (Super Resin Polish) and then a good wax. Ive used a few and found DOdo juice good but you need to get whats right for your colour as it does make a difference. TBH this time of year I wouldnt bother unless you have a heated double garage to work in! Oh and to do the job properly with a machine polisher your looking at 2 days work... the pro's take a day for a good job. Bonnie is very good on here but then she is a bird with fk all else to do...

[gsd2000]

Have a look at www.detailingworld.co.uk that may confuse you more but a polish cuts the paint, a wax or paint sealant seals the finish and maintains the shine. You ideally want to use the 2 bucket method with a lambswool washmitt when washing and dry using a microfibre drying towel. I then use a quick detailer spray to give the just waxed look and boost the waxs protection a bit.

This thread reminds me i must fix my pressure washer so i can wash the ro.

If you really get into it, it can be expensive and take a while to get your head around the all the terms

[snowwolf]

mmmmm great replies, will go get some tomorrow, I do have a polisher, never used it and still in the box, may get that out too, do you apply the stuff with the polisher? or just use it for finishing?

[S800VXR]

snowwolf said:

mmmmm great replies, will go get some tomorrow, I do have a polisher, never used it and still in the box, may get that out too, do you apply the stuff with the polisher? or just use it for finishing?

Dab polish onto the foam pad on the polisher and polish away... be carefull though as you can burn the paint. Wax dgoes on with your hand applicator.

[snowwolf]

Right, wax on and off by hand and then polish on and off with the machine? god I sound thick

Edited by snowwolf on Thursday 10th December 23:04

[the hitman001]

Sorry mate first post here but polish by machine and if first time using one hope you have a DA (duel action) not a rotary.As s800 said does depend on what look you require polish is very good but as lsp (Last stage Protection) a good wax will always help, and wax should always be applied by hand with a foam applicator. hope this helps

BTW where abouts in kent are you?

[the hitman001]

just a pic of the 8 after some tlc

[chr15b]

waxed alloys

[the hitman001]

nice

[snowwolf]

nice info and pics, I am in between Rocherster and Maidstone about 3 miles off off bluebell hill

[the hitman001]

Ok well hope it goes well for the cleaning of the Ro. Sorry for hijacking post but sort of into doing both the VXR's we have weekly sounds really ocd but always willing to help out a fellow HSV owner pity not closer to bexley would do it for you mate

[Bonnie and Clyde]

Snowwolf i was confused about it all at one point so i started a thread. Have a read through this Hope it helps
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=696745&mid=120616
and there's a bit on this one
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=696736&mid=120616

If you want any more advice email me or give me a ring You have my number
Mel

[Joey2oo7]

I recommend this www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealants/carlack-68-nano-systematic-care-various-sizes-/prod_356.html
I've used lots of different polishes, and this one is the best by far. It'll remove light swirl marks etc but the best thing is that it lasts for months unlike normal polish.
You can keep the protection 'topped up' by using this after washing www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealants/sonus-acrylic-glanz/prod_77.html

[nosubstitute]

I use Meguiars 3 stage system. Not sure how long it lasts or how effective against the elements it is because mine is kept in a garage and only used on dry days but it certainly gives a good finish and very smooth.