Removing old wax

[JaseB]

After my car was resprayed the chap put some unknown brand 'wax' on it for me and as this was 18 months ago I'm thinking it's time to take it off and start afresh. I've tried a Meguiars paint cleaner and Zymol's HD Cleanse but they didn't really seem to touch it and with very average results.

Question is are wax's brand specific when it comes to cleaning?!

What's considered a good cleaner that will work on it?

Will a clay bar strip off wax?

Cheers

J

[markbigears]

Hi Jason, after 18 months, there can't be too much wax left on there. I'm sure a clay bar and and some surface prep product will remove it. Why do you want to remove it anyway, just apply your new products over the top to start again. What are your new detailing products? Best regards, Mark

[JaseB]

Cheers bigears, I just wanted to start with clean paint to be honest, just so as I know what's been applied. If I can get the paint to a point where there's nothing on it I'll more than likely continue with the Meguiars polish which I previously tried then finish it off with some Zymol Titanium wax.

Fingers crossed for some half decent weather at the weekend!

Clay wise I was just going to pop down to Halfrauds and get the Meguiar kit they have for £22.99, I mean how bad can it be...

Edited by JaseB on Wednesday 13th February 16:11

[Phil 46]

the best way as said is to clay it. Be carefull though clay can cause marring. Make sure it well lubed all the time.


cheers
Phil

links to your site please.

[belleair302]

Washing up liquid will remove wax, but its high salt content is not great for car paintwork.

Something like this will do a great job, but most waxes only last 10-12 weeks before waering off.

http://www.carwashnwax.com/

Extreme Body Wash N Wax 16oz by Chemical Guys

[markbigears]

Megs bars are fine ..... If you run out of the lub, just use a good quality car shampoo, never had a problem with marring the paint.

Edited by markbigears on Thursday 14th February 15:39

[ukwill]

TFR will remove any existing wax, as too will most APCs. Steer clear of washing up liquid.

[JaseB]

[Numpty question] What's a TFR or an APC? [/Numpty question]

[PJ S]

Traffic Film Remover and All Purpose Cleaner.
Washing liquid works just fine - just make sure to rinse thoroughly and not use it too often. A couple of times a years, if you are changing from a carnauba based wax to a sealant, or just want a fresh surface to layer carny up again.
If you have access or don't mind paying for it, get some IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) and use after drying. Split 50:50 with distilled water, although 100% neat will be fine if you steer clear of the rubber trim.

[TaylotS2K]

Fairy liquid is an easy way to do, just rinse it off very quickly and thoroughly.

[ukwill]

I would never use Fairy on any of my cars. I dont like the idea of it sitting anywhere out of site for any lenght of time. I also dont like the amount of salt it has in it - I wouldnt want to put that on my bodywork.

[Mr OCD]

All methods mentioned are pretty aggressive chaps... a dedicated paint cleaner will do the job highly effectively and give a clean surface.

I love the DODO Lime Prime at the moment

[JaseB]

All sorted now thanks chaps, I had a very therapeutic sunday afternoon with the Meguiars paint cleaner and polish, car looks awesome and I ache!

Just got to get a little bit of paintwork touched in and then get busy with the zymol titanium...