How to de wax the bodywork

[Justin S]

I have a couple of panels that need a blow over with fresh paint and the guy I use ( a friend) hates me for the wax that goes onto the car. He has advised me not to polish for a month before I put it in the shop, but since the car hides in the garage, a month of no harsh weather may not remove it all. Is there anyway I can help it along a bit?

[dtmpower]

Wash the car with car wash solution that removes WAX - washing up liquid will happily do the job, but it contains salt which over time damages the paint - just once won't hurt. Or maybe get some panel wipes (alcohol based) to wipe over the car once you've washed it with normal car shampoo.

[plasticpig]

I would have thought a clay bar should remove the wax.

[mneame]

wash and dry the car as normal with 2bm. then apply something like autosmart tardis. leave this to soak for a few mins and wipe off with a soft microfibre. using this step will also help to remove tar, brake dust deposits, tree sap etc. then once wiped all over wash & dry again with 2bm. then using a good quality mild claybar (to avoid marring) & detailer, clay the car drying as you go. after this wash again using the 2bm. you're now ready to polish / re seal / wax etc. i know it sounds long winded but this will ensure that all wax has been removed and won't damage your paint.

[HRG]

dtmpower said:

Wash the car with car wash solution that removes WAX - washing up liquid will happily do the job, but it contains salt which over time damages the paint - just once won't hurt. Or maybe get some panel wipes (alcohol based) to wipe over the car once you've washed it with normal car shampoo.

Salt... You know those nice swirly marks in you paintwork...

OP, is the wax petroleum based or something else such as carnuba?

[Justin S]

The paintwork will need to be flatted and painted, but even after flatting the waxes can still be present in the surface.I shant bother with 2BM as it will be new paint on the panels. Lets hope that my local guy can paint a red panel red rather than a lotus dealer painting it orange.........

[dtmpower]

HRG said:

dtmpower said:

it contains salt which over time damages the paint - just once won't hurt.

Salt...

As I said - once won't hurt - the whole car is going in the paint shop - where it will encounter dust, overspray, etc, etc so will need to be prep' polished and waxed afterwards regardless.....