I want to shine up my 15-year old paint. Any suggestions as to the kind of wax to use? Thanks.

 

Probably something more like a "cleaner" first. That will take out the oxidation. You don't want to wax over a "dirty" surface. Then, any good paste wax that has Carnuba.

 

+1 to oldjaglover's cautionary advice about "dirty" surface.

This is another of those questions like asking which oil or which tyre is best. Everyone has an opinion and preference!

Take a step back from the Wax stage and get the preparation right first:

1. start with a thorough wash
2. follow by cleaning off the remaining surface contaminents sticking to the paint with Clay Bar. If you've never used Clay before, you'll be amazed at how smooth the paint feels afterwards.
3. Polish to remove scratches
4. Wax to protect the finish

There's plenty of advice on techniques and products in the Detailing / Car Care section. The detailing enthusiasts use combinations of products mostly applied by machine. Their dedication is enormous and the results are superb to see.

If you simply want a reliable product range for application and removal by hand, go with one of the major brands such as Meguiars.

Graham

 

+1 on the Clay bar. you will be amazed at what comes off of the paint and how much deeper the shine is when you are done

 

Love the claybar results. Washed twice with Dawn, claybar, wash with Dawn again wax/polish of choice, finsih with detailing spray- shiny, shiny, shiny!

 

When washing always use the "two bucket" method.

One bucket with soapy water
Second bucket with clean water
Before going back for more soapy water rinse whatever you are using (hopefully not a sponge) in the "clean" water bucket
Best way to avoid micro scratches/swirls

 

all the years ive had cars I never new there was such a thing as claybar..looked on ebay..loads..even autoglyn do it..its top of my list

 

I've used Meguiars carnauba paste wax for many years. Always delivers a great surface and shine regardless of which vehicle or exterior color I'm working on....

 

It really depends on the condition of the paint. Do you have a lot of swirls, light scratches and/or holograms in the paint. You may need to do some paint correction. You want to check out the detailing section---more info to confuse you. I actually just completed the Meguiars DA microfiber paint correction system on a 1999 Pontiac with incrediable results. I'll use it on the Jag. next.

 

I always like the liquid waxes, I use zymol. My paint is in excellent condition though.

 

There are lots of forums on this topic and many of the threads reveal just how obsessive some people are. I like to think of myself as appreciating a quality glass-like shine, without being completely **** over it.

Here is what I do about three or four times a year:

1. wash
2. dry
3. claybar
4. machine polish (cutting compound varies according to condition of the paint)
5. wax 1 (I use Pinnacle Souverän)
6. wax 2 24 hrs later (car has to be kept in the garage overnight)

 

This is my answer also. I may not wax twice, but I almost always use a glaze or swirl remover between #4<>#5

 

auto carwash.

I like patina

 

Use clay bar then wax with Maguires and then polish with a buffer for the finish. Last spray Maguires detailer one section at a time and use microfiber cloth to remove the spray immediately and your jag will have a showroom shine. Good luck!

 

You are all such Gentlemen. I was going to be a wise a** and say Brazilian! Honest answer, I like Meguiars liquid Carnuba.

 

yeah I think it's assumed everyone wash and dry the car before applying any wax etc.

 

I actually use mother's brazillian carnauba wax, with a 10" random polisher, works beautifullly. Do recommend polishing with a compound if it hasn't been done in fifteen years. I have great results with maguir's ultimate compound. Clay bars good idea if paints in really bad shape but if not used properly you can do more damage than good. Good luck

 

Find a good detailer and let them do it, then wax monthly in summer and every other month in winter.
As far as which wax works best, any good wax will do.

 

Unless it is dropped in a sandbox, I cannot imagine how using a clay bar can 'damage' the paint. I use it at least three times a year, and I can easily feel the difference. I really can not see a downside to using this before every detailing.

 

Doesn't have to be a sandbox Gordo.

I think clay bars are great and I have use them to remove overspray, etc. But they do remove contaminents from the paint surface and if not used properly can cause damage.

I once showed my nephew how to use the claybar and when I went back to check up on him a there was a scratch that I had to wet sand and compound out. Whether he dropped the bar and picked it back up, or didn't fold the clay to get to a new surface, I don't know.

So for someone who is trying to shine up 15yr old paint, I really didn't see it as being necessary. Compounding and a good wax should do the trick.

Wasn't trying to offend anyone.

I like randy's idea for Judi. Take it to a detailer and then wax it a few times a year.