What did I do wrong? (Waxing)
Discussion
Hi all,
I don't normally do much car washing, but since getting my TVR I don't trust the local 'hand' car wash enough to take it to them so have started washing it myself.
Last night I decided that, along with the usual rinse/wash/rinse I would apply some wax.
I've got Turtle Wax Original in the garage, so used that.
I followed the instructions, and applied with a clean, damp cloth (a white polishing cloth) and allowed to dry to a haze.
Once I wiped off the white dust, the paintwork looked more patchy than it did before with certain darker areas - almost like they were damp (but they weren't - it wouldn't rub out).
Before adding the wax, the paintwork looked great.
It looks a bit better today, but I can still see the patchy areas when I get close.
What did I do wrong??
I don't normally do much car washing, but since getting my TVR I don't trust the local 'hand' car wash enough to take it to them so have started washing it myself.
Last night I decided that, along with the usual rinse/wash/rinse I would apply some wax.
I've got Turtle Wax Original in the garage, so used that.
I followed the instructions, and applied with a clean, damp cloth (a white polishing cloth) and allowed to dry to a haze.
Once I wiped off the white dust, the paintwork looked more patchy than it did before with certain darker areas - almost like they were damp (but they weren't - it wouldn't rub out).
Before adding the wax, the paintwork looked great.
It looks a bit better today, but I can still see the patchy areas when I get close.
What did I do wrong??
Could be to much product (wax) and/or "gassing".
Try going around the car again, but with a decent wax applicator instead, and use alot less.
Not having used that wax I don't know the curing time, but you might of left it on to long, in sunlight etc
Use a decent MF to remove, fold it into quarters and use a "fresh" quarter every panel. Once you have done the whole car, go around it again with another MF after about 30mins to make sure you have removed it all.
Try going around the car again, but with a decent wax applicator instead, and use alot less.
Not having used that wax I don't know the curing time, but you might of left it on to long, in sunlight etc
Use a decent MF to remove, fold it into quarters and use a "fresh" quarter every panel. Once you have done the whole car, go around it again with another MF after about 30mins to make sure you have removed it all.
How old is the paint?
Whilst it can be an application issue, it may be that the paint has faded and become 'porous' in places. These patchy areas are where the glaze oils fall beneath the buffing 'level' and cannot be easily removed (unless with solvent, or by natural evaporation after a week or two).
Reds and blacks are worst affected, mostly when 'solid' ie not clearcoated. If you have an old red TVR then that will most certainly be the reason.
Whilst it can be an application issue, it may be that the paint has faded and become 'porous' in places. These patchy areas are where the glaze oils fall beneath the buffing 'level' and cannot be easily removed (unless with solvent, or by natural evaporation after a week or two).
Reds and blacks are worst affected, mostly when 'solid' ie not clearcoated. If you have an old red TVR then that will most certainly be the reason.
JulesB said:
Old wax/incorrect application is to blame, ive had the same problem with a very old bottle of turtle wax! I suggest getting yourself a new bottle of wax - you dont have to stick to turtle wax though, there is a lot of stuff out on the market now which will do a better job!
I suspect that if the wax is quite old, it will not perform that well. Agree with JulesB, lots of very good waxes on the market that would be better than turtle.. Give them a try..Can't see where the OP has stated that he's using an old product.
Just because it's called' Turtle Wax ORIGINAL' doesn't mean it's an old product.
It's all down to prep work. An LSP will enhance what lays before it.
Try..washing..claying..polishing then wax/LSP
Just because it's called' Turtle Wax ORIGINAL' doesn't mean it's an old product.
It's all down to prep work. An LSP will enhance what lays before it.
Try..washing..claying..polishing then wax/LSP
Edited by trv8 on Wednesday 25th July 11:35
trv8 said:
Can't see where the OP has stated that he's using an old product.
Just because it's called' Turtle Wax ORIGINAL' doesn't mean it's an old product.
Its the mention of 'Ive got some Turtle Wax in the garage' - in my case when I last used Turtle Wax and had a similar problem it had been sat in my garage for about 5 years!Just because it's called' Turtle Wax ORIGINAL' doesn't mean it's an old product.
Edited by trv8 on Wednesday 25th July 11:35
It was just a suggestion!
Thanks for all the advice!
It was a new bottle that i'd had for about a year...
I think my problem was too much product - oh, and the car is dark red (but was resprayed 5 years ago so paint not that old)
In all honesty, I don't have the time or inclination to clay, etc.
What regime and products would you recommend for a good quality wash - ideally completable in an hour? The less products and steps the better!
How often would you then do a wax/polish/protection - and which product?
It was a new bottle that i'd had for about a year...
I think my problem was too much product - oh, and the car is dark red (but was resprayed 5 years ago so paint not that old)
In all honesty, I don't have the time or inclination to clay, etc.
What regime and products would you recommend for a good quality wash - ideally completable in an hour? The less products and steps the better!
How often would you then do a wax/polish/protection - and which product?
Did you apply the wax in direct sunlight, or on a warm day when the car would have been hot? That would explain what you are experiencing - I made that mistake once, and once only, and my car looked pretty poor the next day.
As for an easy detail to keep the car looking good, I would suggest AutoGlym super resin polish followed by HD wax every couple of months or so. Make sure you do it when the panels of the car are cool and don't use too much product for best results.
Between times, a PH neutral shampoo (so it doesn't strip the wax) would be fine to wash it with. I use the AutoGlym stuff as I like their products and they give good results, but I am sure other people will be able to give other recommendations.
As for an easy detail to keep the car looking good, I would suggest AutoGlym super resin polish followed by HD wax every couple of months or so. Make sure you do it when the panels of the car are cool and don't use too much product for best results.
Between times, a PH neutral shampoo (so it doesn't strip the wax) would be fine to wash it with. I use the AutoGlym stuff as I like their products and they give good results, but I am sure other people will be able to give other recommendations.
CraigAuk said:
Thanks for all the advice!
It was a new bottle that i'd had for about a year...
I think my problem was too much product - oh, and the car is dark red (but was resprayed 5 years ago so paint not that old)
In all honesty, I don't have the time or inclination to clay, etc.
What regime and products would you recommend for a good quality wash - ideally completable in an hour? The less products and steps the better!
How often would you then do a wax/polish/protection - and which product?
Sorry OP - made a big assumption. Hope you get it sorted...It was a new bottle that i'd had for about a year...
I think my problem was too much product - oh, and the car is dark red (but was resprayed 5 years ago so paint not that old)
In all honesty, I don't have the time or inclination to clay, etc.
What regime and products would you recommend for a good quality wash - ideally completable in an hour? The less products and steps the better!
How often would you then do a wax/polish/protection - and which product?
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