To wax or not to wax

**Al1969** · 02-06-12 10:23 PM

Hi,
I recently joined the forum and picked up a 2012 Ext two weeks ago. I've been reading on different
Ways to take care of the finish. However, I'm confused. Some say wax and apply some type of protectant, others say wait. Can anyone give me some ideas on exactly what to do? I'd like to know what products to use and how to best protect the paint. My plans
Are to bring it to a detail shop and would like to have a good idea on what they should
Apply to the paint. I'd want some type of wax/protectant that can be applied two to three times a year and offer good protection.

Thanks in advance

**mrholland** · 02-06-12 10:50 PM

I had a clear bra installed on my car. Probably the greatest automotive investment ever, but it also depends on the installer. I also take my car to them at least once if not twice a year to have it waxed/detailed. Between my visits to the detail shop I wipe the car down periodically with a detailer spray. The less you touch the car, the fewer scratches and swirls you have to worry about. The darker the car the less you'll wanna touch it. Good luck and find yourself a reputable detailer.

Thats just my opinion!!

**murphy** · 02-06-12 11:36 PM

firstly warm welcomes
mrholland is correct...clear bra is a must afaic...headlights,mirrors,bumper,rockers,hood,fog s..etc. A well qualified installer will have a laser cut installation package that when properly installed should provide years of protection...as far a wax goes I'd suggest asking Mr. HCV

**quattrotman** · 02-07-12 01:16 AM

I wouldn't wait. I would wax that thing right away but no cleaner/detail wax which may have abrasives ...just finish wax. It's better to have something one there for when you wash it. Most damage comes from washes (rock chips of course are a different problem). You'll also protect the paint from mother nature. Sun, rain, snow and salt which accompanies snow all do damage to the paint surface.

**hcvone** · 02-07-12 06:37 AM

Welcome to the forum. Wax right away, as said you do not need a cleaner wax, just a wax, and if you don't want to wax monthly then get a synthetic wax, that will allow you to wax a few times a year instead of monthly. A clear bra on the front bumper and under the doors will keep your truck nick free longer, and can also be waxed and cleaned with a good detail spray as said.

**M5eater** · 02-07-12 07:52 AM

Most OEM finishes and dealer prep have already introduced swirls and rids into paint that's not even 100 miles or 2 months old. If you're asking whether it's safe to wax a brand new car, then yes, it is. OEM paint does not require a cure time that aftermarket paint does. I'm unsure why people are suggesting not to use something with abrasives. I have yet to see a brand new car that did not need a correction at some level.

if you're not into the detailing aspect of the car that much then yes, just throw some wax on there and call it a day.

**hcvone** · 02-07-12 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by M5eater

Most OEM finishes and dealer prep have already introduced swirls and rids into paint that's not even 100 miles or 2 months old. If you're asking whether it's safe to wax a brand new car, then yes, it is. OEM paint does not require a cure time that aftermarket paint does. I'm unsure why people are suggesting not to use something with abrasives. I have yet to see a brand new car that did not need a correction at some level.

if you're not into the detailing aspect of the car that much then yes, just throw some wax on there and call it a day.

I tell this to many owners, it's always better to use a product without abrasives because most owners can not correct their paint without causing more scratching, and yes you are correct all factory paint need to be polished or corrected, but is should be done by someone who is good at it, or it can become a disaster, this is more true the darker the paint color.

**M5eater** · 02-07-12 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by hcvone

I tell this to many owners, it's always better to use a product without abrasives because most owners can not correct their paint without causing more scratching, and yes you are correct all factory paint need to be polished or corrected, but is should be done by someone who is good at it, or it can become a disaster, this is more true the darker the paint color.

You really don't have to worry about that if applying by hand. You could hand-spot the same area with M105 for an hour and not even put a dent in GM clear. A cleaner wax is going to do practically nothing except remove contamination. On a super-soft paint like BMW Jet-Black *maybe*. On one of the hardest clears in the auto-industry? I wouldn't even think twice about it.

**hcvone** · 02-07-12 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by M5eater

You really don't have to worry about that if applying by hand. You could hand-spot the same area with M105 for an hour and not even put a dent in GM clear. A cleaner wax is going to do practically nothing except remove contamination. On a super-soft paint like BMW Jet-Black *maybe*. On one of the hardest clears in the auto-industry? I wouldn't even think twice about it.

I see a lot of cars weekly, it would shock you to see how much damage can be done by hand and circular motions, black GM cars looking bad in weeks, it's sad but many times it's poor care with poor products that cause much of the problem.

**mrholland** · 02-07-12 10:59 AM

Depending on how long the car sat on the lot outside, one might also consider having the paint corrected by using a clay bar process. Due to the time and effort involved, I would recommend paying to have this done.

**hcvone** · 02-07-12 11:34 AM

Some will call synthetic waxes "protectants" , they are anything that is not a carnauba wax.

**surburban99** · 02-07-12 07:26 PM

Get a good clay bar kit, read the instructions. After you use the clay bar, apply a good synthetic wax. You will be surprised at the results.

It is amazing what the trash and crud the clay will be remove. I've had good success with the Meguiar's products.

**M5eater** · 02-07-12 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by hcvone

I see a lot of cars weekly, it would shock you to see how much damage can be done by hand and circular motions, black GM cars looking bad in weeks, it's sad but many times it's poor care with poor products that cause much of the problem.

your experience would be in direct opposition to the majority of people I've encountered on autopia and in my limited detailing experience. Maybe you can swirl it up if you're using rocks or some kind of $3 compound from 10 years go. I simply haven't seen a case like you're describing.

Get a good clay bar kit, read the instructions. After you use the clay bar, apply a good synthetic wax. You will be surprised at the results.

It is amazing what the trash and crud the clay will be remove. I've had good success with the Meguiar's products.

Ironically, clay barring *will* micro-mar the finish to a degree.

**bigtone1013** · 02-07-12 10:18 PM

So what is the best type of wax to use?

**Al1969** · 02-07-12 11:25 PM

Wow,
You guys sure know your stuff! So let me see if I understand this. I'm looking for something that only needs to be applied a few times a year. So use synthetic wax, is that correct? Now I definitely don't have the time to do it myself, so I'll bring it to a detail shop. I just wanted to know what I should use. And apologize for my lack of knowledge in advance, but what is a clear bra and where can I get it?