Wax vs Polish - The Difference

[Wolfgang]

Hey Guys

What are your thoughts on "waterless" car wash products??

(sorry, probably wrong forum)

Unless you are absolutely stuck for somewhere to wash your car I would avoid them. I'm not a fan because the thought of a grit filled cloth being dragged over the paint doesn't appeal to me.

Invest in a good paint sealant so your car is easier to clean.

[Njay]

is there any chance you can do damage to the paint with orbiter?

and what products would you recommend for a beginner

[Wolfgang]

is there any chance you can do damage to the paint with orbiter?

and what products would you recommend for a beginner

You can do damage if you disregard all common sense.

Knowledge is power, have a look at Car Care Products How To videos to get a better understanding. I'll track down a thread on polishing from a detailing forum that will explain all.

As for recommendations, Car Care Products / RO Polisher DAS6 Starter Kit. Best to have a chat to CCP before you buy so you get what is best for you.

EDIT: Here's the link Machine Polishing by Dual Action Polisher - Full Guide - Detailing World

[VeeDub23]

Hi guys

Just wondering if anyone has any experience applying Lime Prime by hand. I don't have access or ability to buy a polisher right now but I think my car would benefit from lime prime(as any other polish would need a machine polish anyway)...

Thoughts and/or recommendations?

Thanks!

[wfdTamar]

Why don't you see if someone on here will hire you their polisher? Really for most single car owners it's a big and not often used tool. In theory, once you give it the initial going over, as long as you look after it you shouldn't need to redo it for years (unless you're looking for concours standard). So that means all those people that bought a polisher having it sitting in their shed doing nothing.

[fuzion]

Hi guys

Just wondering if anyone has any experience applying Lime Prime by hand. I don't have access or ability to buy a polisher right now but I think my car would benefit from lime prime(as any other polish would need a machine polish anyway)...

Thoughts and/or recommendations?

Thanks!

Lime prime will only take out the finest of marks. And on a euro not much, but it does have really good glazing oils.

Machines are on sale now from CCP, maybe nows the time to consider doing a full correction?!

[Njay]

I have a das-6 random orbital with the merzerna 500,2500 and 4000

after I use all three do I then apply the wax by hand and then the sealant?

[Wolfgang]

I have a das-6 random orbital with the merzerna 500,2500 and 4000

after I use all three do I then apply the wax by hand and then the sealant?

Try the less aggressive 2500 first, it may give you the result your after. If it doesen't, move to the 500, follow either with the 4000.

Always apply the longer lasting LSP first, so sealent first, let it cure for at least a week before applying the wax for best results.

[SilvrFoxX]

I have a das-6 random orbital with the merzerna 500,2500 and 4000

after I use all three do I then apply the wax by hand and then the sealant?

How old is the car? Has it been garaged or left outside? what is the condition of the paintwork? is it a dark colour and does it have many swirl marks?

Without a clear sense of what the condition of the paintwork is it is hard to answer properly the right level of correction and compound required.

If the paintwork is in good condition with no scratches and swirls you may only need a light detail. I would recommend that prior to the detail you clay the car. Post polish you should clean the paint work with a good paint cleaner then apply sealant. The choice to apply wax is more about the finish you want as the sealant will protect the paintwork, the wax is a sacrificial layer which does give a warmer finish.

Sealant is generally quite liquid and can be applied by machine but buffed off by hand, wax however should be applied and removed by hand.

[Njay]

How old is the car? Has it been garaged or left outside? what is the condition of the paintwork? is it a dark colour and does it have many swirl marks?

Without a clear sense of what the condition of the paintwork is it is hard to answer properly the right level of correction and compound required.

If the paintwork is in good condition with no scratches and swirls you may only need a light detail. I would recommend that prior to the detail you clay the car. Post polish you should clean the paint work with a good paint cleaner then apply sealant. The choice to apply wax is more about the finish you want as the sealant will protect the paintwork, the wax is a sacrificial layer which does give a warmer finish.

Sealant is generally quite liquid and can be applied by machine but buffed off by hand, wax however should be applied and removed by hand.

the car is an 06 bmw with moderatly heavy swirls and scratches
I actually attempted by snow lancing the car, then washing with two bucket method, drying the car then clayed it

I separated sections of the car and worked with the 2500 as it removed pretty much all the swirl marks and then use the 4000

Im unsure about the next part, do I apply wax or just apply sealant, I got a SF with the menzerna kit