Wax or Polish Question

[cajuncorvette]

I have used a certain brand of polish (Zaino) on my cars for years and have been pleased. Recently, a friend who owns several classic cars told me that polish has little protective values for a paint surface -- that it is mainly a light abrasive to clean/prepare paint. He said I need to polish and then add a high quality wax every four or five months to keep the protection up on the car surface. What do you think? Is it beneficial or necessary to polish and then wax? What method/methods would provide the best results for the look and the protection of the car? Thanks!

 

[Paul T]

Your friend is correct. Polish does not offer paint protection unless it is a product that contains both a polish and wax. Those products that have both are usually inferior to those that are seperate. There are three steps to paint protection, clay bar, polish, and wax. To determine if you need to clay bar the paint, run your hand over a newly washed surface and if you feel small bumps and/or a grainy surface, you should clay bar the car. After you clay bar, carefully look over the paint to detect any swirls, scratches, or other imperfections that are minor in nature. If they are present, then use a quality polish to prepare the paint for waxing. A dual action rotary buffer sure makes things easier. When you are content with the paint, then apply a quality wax. Wax will not add much luster to the paint, that is achieved with the polish. You can repeat this process each time you wash your car to determine what step(s) are required. Good luck. And be sure to solve all the world's problelms while doing this mindless labor.
Paul

 

[GS Diva]

Nice response, Paul.

Elaine