Wax/ Polish

Broken1 · 12-21-2005, 08:07 AM

I am posting this here to get more replies:

A while ago I posted I bought some new products:
wax, polish, clay bar etc...

Well...today I used them. I washed the car and dried it and then parked it in my garage. I used the clay bar and quick detailer on the bonnet and then I waxed it all with Meguiars products. I haven't done the rest of the car yet, as I was just testing it...to see that I am not making swirls or anything with my inexperience.

My question is: What is the difference between wax and polish?
I usually use a car polish, which you put on let dry and then buff off. It's significantly harder to get off than the wax...so if I am doing the whole car, the wax would be so much easier! What's the difference?

My next question is about clay: Am I supposed to clay the whole car or just the places where there are imperfections?? The box says spray the detailer on, then work in squares, refolding the wax in on itself each square to ensure you don't scratch the finish...any other tips?

Question 3: Can I use the quick detailer for anything else? It seems very usefull - i used it today to touch up on some "marks" that were left after I dried the car. What is it really for?

The front end of the car now feels silky smooth and is more shiny then when the car was new...I'm really impressed!!! Maybe I can get someone to buy me Zanino seeing as most poeple say it's even better!

F32Fleet · 12-21-2005, 08:20 AM

Polish will "bond" with the paint. Wax sits on top of the paint. Polish will help smooth over fine scratches in the clear coat.

Always apply polish before waxing.

jcoo085 · 12-21-2005, 08:21 AM

AFAIK, a wax is basically a layer that sits on 'on top' of the cars' surface and acts as a protectant. A polish on the other hand is used in varying degrees to remove surface imperfections (such as swirls, or small scratches). Hand polishing can usually remove light imperfections, but for deeper scratches, marks, or imperfections a machine polish (or even machine cut & polish) is the way to go.

Normally I just wash my car, but 2 or 3 times per year I give it a detail. I'm really not into the whole clay bar or machine polish thing (if the car needs it, I'll take it to a detailer) so I just wash, then polish to remove any surface nasties, then wax to give it protection until the next time I detail.

darkside · 12-21-2005, 08:23 AM

First, the clay removes contaminants from the paint. If after washing you can run your finger over the paint and it is very smooth and slick then you may not need to clay prior to polishing and waxing. To clay you need a lubricant such as a quick detailer which you spray liberally on the small area you are claying. Or you can use a wash solution in a spray bottle as a lubricant which is much less expensive and works just as well. You should clay the whole car going back and forth in the longitudinal direction. After claying many will wash the car again prior to polishing. The polish removes fine imperfections such as swirl marks etc. I use a Porter Cable dual action polisher to apply and work the polish, but many polishes can be applied by hand as well.The last stage product is the wax or sealant. It really is all in the prep. If the preparation is good enough almost any wax or sealant will look great.

To learn about detailing visit autopia.org and click on the learn section up on the top. It will instruct you on everything you want or don't want to know about auto detailing. But beware as it may be habit forming and THERE IS NO CURE!

SCA · 12-21-2005, 08:30 AM

Various polishes remove imperfections and wax protects the finish.

When I clay, I do the entire car paying close attention to the hood, roof, trunk lid, rear bumper cover, and the rear fenders.

e90driver · 12-21-2005, 10:59 AM

Clay makes the biggest difference when your car is contaminated. Since your 3 is "new", you won't be removing that much, but you will still notice a difference. I clay 2x a year and it keeps the finish silky smooth. It's cool to see it take off little rust spots on a white car. Meguiars is a good product, and they usually last a while. Good luck! And I know this is

Broken1, but did you get your car fixed yet (vibration thingy or something)?

Broken1 · 12-21-2005, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90driver

Clay makes the biggest difference when your car is contaminated. Since your 3 is "new", you won't be removing that much, but you will still notice a difference. I clay 2x a year and it keeps the finish silky smooth. It's cool to see it take off little rust spots on a white car. Meguiars is a good product, and they usually last a while. Good luck! And I know this is

Broken1, but did you get your car fixed yet (vibration thingy or something)?

Yea, it got fixed the monday after I posted. I followed up in that thread :-) Fixed under warranty, good as new...and they didn't even dirty my interior!!

jcoo085 · 12-21-2005, 11:25 AM

I don't know how some of you have the patience for all that. Ahh, to be young again.

The most I can be bothered doing myself is a hand polish/wax every 4-6 months. For the rest, I take it to a detailer after 18 months to have the experts make it look like new again, and then I take it back just before I sell it (usually in another 18 - 20 months).

HRC · 12-21-2005, 11:47 AM

Then there's the zaino *polish* that doesn't remove imperfections(clay bar will do that) and replaces the need for wax...

Danny

bimmernotbeamer · 12-21-2005, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

I am posting this here to get more replies:

A while ago I posted I bought some new products:
wax, polish, clay bar etc...

Well...today I used them. I washed the car and dried it and then parked it in my garage. I used the clay bar and quick detailer on the bonnet and then I waxed it all with Meguiars products. I haven't done the rest of the car yet, as I was just testing it...to see that I am not making swirls or anything with my inexperience.

My question is: What is the difference between wax and polish?

A POLISH HAS ABRASIVES THAT WILL REMOVE SWIRL MARKS (AKA FINE SCRATCHES) IN THE CLEAR COAT. THERE ARE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ABRASIVE POLISHES, WITH THE HEAVIER DUTY ONES USED FOR SEVERE SWIRLS AND THE LESSER ONES USED TO BRING OUT PRIOR TO WAXING TO BRING OUT THE FULL GLOSS IN THE PAINT. ALSO, POLISHES HAVE NO PROTECTIVE QUALITIES.

I usually use a car polish, which you put on let dry and then buff off.

DON'T LET THE POLISH DRY. WORK IT INTO THE PAINT IN 2X2 SECTIONS UNTIL IT STARTS TO HAZE, THEN REMOVE THE RESIDE WITH A QUALITY TOWEL.

It's significantly harder to get off than the wax...so if I am doing the whole car, the wax would be so much easier! What's the difference?

A WAX IS JUST FOR PROTECTION, AND DEPENDING ON THE WAX, THEN IT NEEDS TO BE APPLIED AND LEFT TO HAZE (AKA DRY) BEFORE BEING REMOVED. IT'S INTENDED TO BE USED THIS WAY WHEREAS THE POLISH ISN'T, HENCE THE DIFFERENCES IN DIFFICULTY OF REMOVAL YOU HAVE OBSERVED.

My next question is about clay: Am I supposed to clay the whole car or just the places where there are imperfections?? The box says spray the detailer on, then work in squares, refolding the wax in on itself each square to ensure you don't scratch the finish...any other tips?

I WOULD CLAY THE WHOLE CAR, EVENTHOUGH IT IS BRAND NEW. CLAYING WILL REMOVE EMBEDDED CONTAMINATION THAT WASHING ALONE CANNOT. AS A SIDE NOTE, CLAYING WILL NOT REMOVE SWIRL MARKS.

SEE MY CLAYING TECHNIQUE IN THIS POST FOR MORE INFORMATION

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9145

Question 3: Can I use the quick detailer for anything else? It seems very usefull - i used it today to touch up on some "marks" that were left after I dried the car. What is it really for?

QUICK DETAILERS CAN BE USED FOR MANY THINGS; AS A CLAY LUBRICANT, TO REMOVE BIRD BOMBS, AS A MEANS TO SPRUCE UP THE CAR AFTER WASHING. THEY ARE MOSTLY INTENDED TO BE USED FOR MAINTENANCE BETWEEN WASHING.

The front end of the car now feels silky smooth and is more shiny then when the car was new...I'm really impressed!!! Maybe I can get someone to buy me Zanino seeing as most poeple say it's even better!

ZAINO MAKES A COMPLETE LINE OF PRODUCTS INCLUDING A SYNTHETIC WAX (AKA SEALANT), CLAY BAR, QUICK DETAILER, ABRQSIVE POLISH, ETC.

SEE MY STICKY THREAD IN WASH AND WAX FOR MORE DETAILING INFORMATION.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9145

I'll put answers inside the quote in CAPS.

ga-bmwdrvr · 12-21-2005, 12:05 PM

Broken1, which polish did you use? A polish is usually designed to remove swirls,scratches and imperfections, so they need to be worked on the paint. Some "polishes" are not true polishers. You may also hear of wax vs sealant. Wax is the natural product, sealants are their synthetic counterparts.
This stuff can get confusing. I also recommend autopia.org if you are inclined to learn more. I'm not sure in spending the money on Zaino is worth it if you are satisfied with the results and plan on waxing every few months. If you do not plan on it regularly then Zaino would be worth it.
BTW, post some pictures of your results

ga-bmwdrvr · 12-21-2005, 12:08 PM

crap, DavidN posted as I was replying and made some of the same points I did, except his post is much better than mine...

Broken1 · 12-21-2005, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga-bmwdrvr

Broken1, which polish did you use? A polish is usually designed to remove swirls,scratches and imperfections, so they need to be worked on the paint. Some "polishes" are not true polishers. You may also hear of wax vs sealant. Wax is the natural product, sealants are their synthetic counterparts.
This stuff can get confusing. I also recommend autopia.org if you are inclined to learn more. I'm not sure in spending the money on Zaino is worth it if you are satisfied with the results and plan on waxing every few months. If you do not plan on it regularly then Zaino would be worth it.
BTW, post some pictures of your results

I'll try get a decent shot of the car tomorrow, it may be dirty again - seeing as I park outside, under a cover...and the black car attracts dust like theres no tomorrow.

It's just interesting, now I am getting more involved with my car that I am finding out new things.

I used to use the BMW Polish and another product called Titanium Protection - but it was such a mission getting the stuff off, even if I followed the directions. The Titanuim Protection polish claimed to "protect the paint" against even fire and acid, but after todays clay and wax...the car feels alot smoother, and looks alot shiner and the whole process was alot easier. So I don't really know. I don't have swirl marks on my car, possibly because I've polished it once every 2 months...but if i ever do I could polish again.

I enjoyed the results from todays work...makes me happy :-) My car is soooo smooth :-)

I must just buy some gloves, my hands don't like the products...I have excsema

12-21-2005, 08:07 AM	#1
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Wax/ Polish - What I just did... I am posting this here to get more replies: A while ago I posted I bought some new products: wax, polish, clay bar etc... Well...today I used them. I washed the car and dried it and then parked it in my garage. I used the clay bar and quick detailer on the bonnet and then I waxed it all with Meguiars products. I haven't done the rest of the car yet, as I was just testing it...to see that I am not making swirls or anything with my inexperience. My question is: What is the difference between wax and polish? I usually use a car polish, which you put on let dry and then buff off. It's significantly harder to get off than the wax...so if I am doing the whole car, the wax would be so much easier! What's the difference? My next question is about clay: Am I supposed to clay the whole car or just the places where there are imperfections?? The box says spray the detailer on, then work in squares, refolding the wax in on itself each square to ensure you don't scratch the finish...any other tips? Question 3: Can I use the quick detailer for anything else? It seems very usefull - i used it today to touch up on some "marks" that were left after I dried the car. What is it really for? The front end of the car now feels silky smooth and is more shiny then when the car was new...I'm really impressed!!! Maybe I can get someone to buy me Zanino seeing as most poeple say it's even better!
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12-21-2005, 08:20 AM	#2
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3570 Rep 10,351 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	Polish will "bond" with the paint. Wax sits on top of the paint. Polish will help smooth over fine scratches in the clear coat. Always apply polish before waxing.
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12-21-2005, 08:21 AM	#3
jcoo085 Lieutenant 43 Rep 463 Posts Drives: E90 320d Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stuttgart, Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320d [0.00]	AFAIK, a wax is basically a layer that sits on 'on top' of the cars' surface and acts as a protectant. A polish on the other hand is used in varying degrees to remove surface imperfections (such as swirls, or small scratches). Hand polishing can usually remove light imperfections, but for deeper scratches, marks, or imperfections a machine polish (or even machine cut & polish) is the way to go. Normally I just wash my car, but 2 or 3 times per year I give it a detail. I'm really not into the whole clay bar or machine polish thing (if the car needs it, I'll take it to a detailer) so I just wash, then polish to remove any surface nasties, then wax to give it protection until the next time I detail. __________________ E90 320d - Black Ext/Fluid Grey Int \| Steptronic \| Business Navigation \| PDC \| Sunroof \| Alarm Exterior Pictures \| Interior Pictures \| Video
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12-21-2005, 08:23 AM	#4
darkside Private First Class 4 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 07 e90 335 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	First, the clay removes contaminants from the paint. If after washing you can run your finger over the paint and it is very smooth and slick then you may not need to clay prior to polishing and waxing. To clay you need a lubricant such as a quick detailer which you spray liberally on the small area you are claying. Or you can use a wash solution in a spray bottle as a lubricant which is much less expensive and works just as well. You should clay the whole car going back and forth in the longitudinal direction. After claying many will wash the car again prior to polishing. The polish removes fine imperfections such as swirl marks etc. I use a Porter Cable dual action polisher to apply and work the polish, but many polishes can be applied by hand as well.The last stage product is the wax or sealant. It really is all in the prep. If the preparation is good enough almost any wax or sealant will look great. To learn about detailing visit autopia.org and click on the learn section up on the top. It will instruct you on everything you want or don't want to know about auto detailing. But beware as it may be habit forming and THERE IS NO CURE!
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12-21-2005, 08:30 AM	#5
SCA Brigadier General 565 Rep 3,742 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	Various polishes remove imperfections and wax protects the finish. When I clay, I do the entire car paying close attention to the hood, roof, trunk lid, rear bumper cover, and the rear fenders.
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12-21-2005, 10:59 AM	#6
e90driver Lieutenant 14 Rep 502 Posts Drives: 06 325i, 08 328xi Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Clay makes the biggest difference when your car is contaminated. Since your 3 is "new", you won't be removing that much, but you will still notice a difference. I clay 2x a year and it keeps the finish silky smooth. It's cool to see it take off little rust spots on a white car. Meguiars is a good product, and they usually last a while. Good luck! And I know this is Broken1, but did you get your car fixed yet (vibration thingy or something)? __________________ see ya 06 325i. IT'S HERE!- 08 E92 328xi, Premium, Auto, Cold- Montego Blue
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12-21-2005, 11:25 AM	#8
jcoo085 Lieutenant 43 Rep 463 Posts Drives: E90 320d Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stuttgart, Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320d [0.00]	I don't know how some of you have the patience for all that. Ahh, to be young again. The most I can be bothered doing myself is a hand polish/wax every 4-6 months. For the rest, I take it to a detailer after 18 months to have the experts make it look like new again, and then I take it back just before I sell it (usually in another 18 - 20 months). __________________ E90 320d - Black Ext/Fluid Grey Int \| Steptronic \| Business Navigation \| PDC \| Sunroof \| Alarm Exterior Pictures \| Interior Pictures \| Video
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12-21-2005, 11:47 AM	#9
HRC MAUI BUILT 485 Rep 7,781 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2002 E46 325i [0.00] 2012 E70 35i [0.00]	Then there's the zaino polish that doesn't remove imperfections(clay bar will do that) and replaces the need for wax... Danny __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box
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12-21-2005, 12:05 PM	#11
ga-bmwdrvr First Lieutenant 21 Rep 327 Posts Drives: E21 320i, E90 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgia iTrader: (0)	Broken1, which polish did you use? A polish is usually designed to remove swirls,scratches and imperfections, so they need to be worked on the paint. Some "polishes" are not true polishers. You may also hear of wax vs sealant. Wax is the natural product, sealants are their synthetic counterparts. This stuff can get confusing. I also recommend autopia.org if you are inclined to learn more. I'm not sure in spending the money on Zaino is worth it if you are satisfied with the results and plan on waxing every few months. If you do not plan on it regularly then Zaino would be worth it. BTW, post some pictures of your results
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12-21-2005, 12:08 PM	#12
ga-bmwdrvr First Lieutenant 21 Rep 327 Posts Drives: E21 320i, E90 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgia iTrader: (0)	crap, DavidN posted as I was replying and made some of the same points I did, except his post is much better than mine...
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