Tips, Tricks & How-To's By Meguiars
Have you heard a lot of different “facts” from a lot of different people on how to take care of your ride? Well, Meguiar’s is here to give you some honest tips that (hopefully) should help dispel the many myths that have been developed over the years.
***Should I prep my paint before waxing?
Evaluating the condition of your finish will let you determine the steps needed to prepare it for waxing. Just because your paint has no major scratches or other obvious signs of damage doesn't mean its surfaces are as flawlessly smooth as when they were new. There are many kinds of subtle surface defects that, if not corrected, can prevent you from restoring that perfect gloss.
There are two kinds of surface defects to look for. Those above the surface of the paint include: road film, bugs, tar, tree sap mist, dirt, dust and fresh bird droppings. Those below the surface include scratches, swirl marks, oxidation, stains and etching from acid rain, old bird droppings and other deposits.
**How do I accurately evaluate my paint finish?
You'll want to inspect the surface visually, as well as by touch. First, look along your paint surface at an angle. While noting the depth and richness of the color, search for: swirl marks, scratches etc. areas
A photographer's loupe or magnifying glass will make it even easier to identify any problem areas. Ideally, do this in sunlight as well as under indoor illumination to find defects visible under different kinds of light. Any flaws you do find should be treated with a product such as our ScratchX or Deep Crystal System Cleaner.
To find adhered contaminants that your eyes may have missed, slowly slide your clean, dry hand along the paint. The surface should feel as smooth as glass. Any irregularities you do feel are surface defects that must still be removed before waxing. The advanced-technology formulation of our Smooth 'n Clean Clay Detailer frees these tenaciously bonded contaminants, while gently protecting your paint from harm.
**What is gloss?
Gloss is an optical term that describes a surface's ability to reflect light. A high-gloss paint surface is one that directly reflects light with minimum hazing or diffusion. Dirt, grime and other contaminants on the surface of a car's paint absorb and diffuse light, reducing gloss and making the finish look dull and lifeless.
No paint--even the new so-called "no-wax" varieties--will remain glossy if it is neglected and exposed to environmental contamination.
**What is the difference between a polish and a wax?
Today there is a lot of confusion about the difference between a polish and a wax. Many manufacturers are marketing waxes as "polishes" and the terms have become almost interchangeable.
Professionals know there is a big difference. A polish is more like a paint conditioner that restores valuable oils to the paint, eliminates fine scratches and creates incredible high gloss not possible with waxes. An application of a pure polish should be followed by waxing to protect the shine and extend its life.
Meguiar's is one of the few companies that still offers car owners a true polish. All are non- abrasive and safe for all paints.
If you own a dark-color car, you'll see a dramatic difference if you use a polish.
**Which is better - paste or liquid wax?
The difference between paste and liquid wax is primarily one of convenience. Modern liquid formulas provide the same protection as paste, and are easier and quicker to apply.
**Are polymer sealants good for my car?
Quality polymer sealants are noted for their long-lasting abilities, but in recent years there have been many inferior formulations marketed at extremely high prices. These products are mostly hype, and lull a car owner into thinking one application will last for years-only to discover later that their finish has been damaged by the lack of care.
**What is Carnauba wax?
Carnauba is the hardest natural wax available, harvested from palm trees in Brazil. The wax is melted down and added to Meguiar's formulations to enhance their durability and protection against the environment. Meguiar's uses only #1 yellow Carnauba wax, the most costly and highest quality grade.
**Are waxes with Teflon any good?
Professionals consider "Teflon" formulas to be empty hype. Even the maker of Teflon (DuPont) issued the following statement:
"The addition of a Teflon fluoropolymer resin does nothing to enhance the properties of a car wax. We have no data that indicates the use of Teflon is beneficial in car waxes."
Meguiar's does not make any products containing Teflon.
**Do colored waxes work?
First, there are thousands of car colors used every year. Some paint companies offer over one hundred different reds alone. There is no way that a limited selection of 8-12 different-colored waxes can hope to match your color exactly.
Second, most paints today have a top layer of paint that is clear-it does not contain the color pigments. If you add a pigmented wax on top of the clear surface you are creating an unnatural effect that will look even stranger as the pigments in the wax fade. Imagine applying shoe polish to your windshield, and you can picture what is happening when you apply color waxes to clear coat paint.
If you want a great finish and wish to remove scratches, it is best to use quality waxes, surface preps and pure polishes that restore the surface properly.
**Is washing & surface prep the same?
Washing is the process of removing loose dirt and grime from a car's paint. Surface prep is a separate process designed to safely remove dead, oxidized paint, as well as stubborn surface contamination that will not come off during the washing process (i.e. acid rain, stains, tree, sap).
Paint that has been neglected or that has undergone severe environmental contamination should first be washed, then deep surface prepped with ScratchX , Meguiar's Body Scrub or Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner -- mild abrasive products that are safe to applied by hand on all paint finishes. Once the surface has been surface prepped it should then be protected with an application of a quality wax. Those with dark colors should also consider applying a pure polish before waxing to create incredible gloss.
We make several types of deep cleaners and always recommend that you start with the least abrasive surface prep first and only move to more aggressive cleaners when tests on the surface clearly indicate you need more "cutting" action. We do not recommend applying abrasive cleaners by hand application. They may actually mar your finish. If you have serious surface prep problems, it is usually best to have a professional detailer do the job.
**Can I get rid of stains, spots and smears on my car?
The best way to get rid of stains, spots and smears is to remove them as quickly as possible, before they have a chance to bake into the paint. It pays to carry a product like Meguiar's Quik Detailer or Final Inspection in your trunk, along with clean toweling so you can instantly remove contamination before any damage can be done.
If you have stubborn stains, spots or smears, you will need to wash your car and then use a paint surface prep that will safely deep clean the surface and remove the contamination.
**Can I hide fine scratches in my paint?
If you are like most car owners, your car has clear coat paint. Its clear layer magnifies scratches because it refracts the colored base-coat layer below. Don't be fooled by claims that color-matched waxes can hide these scratches. Since your surface paint is clear, pigmented wax will obscure its transparency, look strange and won't do the job.
A surface prep/polish can help reduce the visibility of fine, hairline surface scratches. ScratchX or Mirror Glaze Swirl Remover do a great job of hiding these imperfections in your paint surface. The polish will restore valuable oils to the damaged paint and help reduce the optical refraction that makes scratches noticeable. For even greater swirl-mark reduction, apply several coats of polish. And make sure you protect the surface by following up with a coat of wax. This process can handle most minor defects. But if you can catch your fingernail on the scratch, you'll probably need to see a professional detailer for help.
**How long does wax last?
The life of a wax finish depends on many things:
- Type and color of paint
- Condition of paint
- Local environment (normal conditions and extraordinary events)
- Number of hours exposed to outside conditions
- Quality of the wax used and method of application
Your best choice in all cases is to rely on the highest quality surface care products available. That's why Meguiar's guarantees that under identical conditions, "Our wax will outlast the competition."
**Are multiple coats of wax beneficial?
Environmental conditions today do demand more frequent waxing to prevent costly damage to the outer layers of paint. However we don't recommend applying two or three coats of wax at one time. While there is some slight incremental protection with each application, you'll gain greater benefits by spreading the same number of applications over a longer period.
**Why must I wax so often?
In addition to countless environmental factors, catalytic emissions from the cars in front of you are depositing hydrochloric or sulfuric acid particles on your car's upper surfaces. All of these contaminants take a toll on your car's paint if the finish is not properly maintained.
Imagine what would happen if you only brushed your teeth once a year. The buildup could lead to costly dental repairs. And your teeth might never look as good as they did before.
Your car's paint is constantly exposed to the elements and needs regular care to keep looking its best, too.
If you neglect your car, a good paint job could cost $4,000. If you decide to sell your vehicle without a new paint job, it could cost you anywhere from $500 to $5,000 in lost trade-in value, depending upon the age and type of automobile you have.
"You can expect from $500 to $5,000 more at resale time from a well-detailed, sharp-looking vehicle, instead of one that's 'showing its age.' (Actually more for exotics and collectible cars.)" -Detailing Cars & Trucks, Do-It-Right Publishing, Inc.
**How often should I wax?
There is no standard answer regarding how often you should wax. Many variables influence the life of the wax:
- Type and color of paint
- Condition of paint
- Local environment (normal conditions and extraordinary events)
- Number of hours exposed to outside conditions
- Quality of the wax used and method of application
That's why Meguiar's is the first to provide car owners with a personalized paint care prescription that takes into account all of these factors. What is right for a car kept outdoors all day in the Midwest is not right for a car kept 80% indoors in San Antonio.
** When should I wax or polish?
Clear coat paints make it more difficult to determine when your car needs waxing or polishing. It may need attention far sooner that its appearance would indicate.
Two simple tests can tell you if your car needs waxing:
Wad a clean, dry terry cloth, and rub it along a clean upper surface of your car. If you hear squeaking, that's a sure sign you need to wax.
After washing and drying your car, take your hand and run your fingertips along the upper surfaces of your car's hood and trunk. If you detect rough spots or feel drag, you also know you need to wax (using a cleaner wax). Or if the problem is more severe, you will need to deep-surface prep the paint prior to waxing, using a product such as Meguiar's Body Scrub.
The best solution is to get on a regular maintenance schedule. Your personalized paint care prescription will suggest one that's right for your car.
** Do waxes have UV protection?
Some waxes do contain UV-protection agents, but the amount of protection is limited. The main goal of a wax is to protect the upper layers of paint that do contain UV-protection agents.
If your car is waxed regularly, your paint will be protected and you should suffer no major UV damage.
** Is Hand or Machine application better?
While hand application of surface preps, polishes and waxes achieves brilliant results, professional detailers prefer a power buffer for some very good reasons. Machine application:
- Is nearly twice as fast as by hand.
- Is much less fatiguing to your arms and back.
- Applies a thinner coat that's easier to wipe away.
- Spreads product more evenly, for a more uniform gloss.
- Uses less product, for greater economy.
- Cleans deeper and removes oxidation more thoroughly.
- Does a more complete job of hiding swirl marks.
- Works more polishing oils into the surface, for an even glossier sheen.
Either of the two power buffers Meguiar's offers will give you an impressive finish, without any risk of burning your paint--even if you've never used a buffer before. And for expert advice on getting the most from a machine, we invite you to check out the online buffer clinic.
** Orbital buffer vs. rotary buffer?
A good orbital buffer should last many years. It's specially designed to run in an eccentric circular motion. This safe, random pattern doesn't apply torque to the surface, and assures the buffer never concentrates its energy in one spot, unlike your hand or a regular rotary buffer.
If you use a rotary buffer and are not skilled in its use, you can easily apply too much pressure to the paint and burn right through it, requiring a new paint job. For the same reason, do not use buffers that are attached to power drills.
** What’s the best wax for my brand new car?
Any new car will require a non-abrasive wax that is safe for newer paints. The best wax to use varies with the type of car you are buying, the environmental conditions in your area and the amount of time you are willing to invest in waxing each year. For a recommendation tailored to your specific needs, we encourage you to apply for a free paint care prescription.
Meguiar's Gold Class Clear Coat Liquid Wax is an excellent product for new car finishes. It can be found wherever quality car wax is sold.
** How soon can I wax a new car?
A new car that has a factory paint job can be waxed the moment it is rolled out of the plant. Cars that have factory paint jobs are cured at much higher temperatures, because the car goes through the paint booth without the rubber, plastic, and cloth components. This means the paint is cured by the time the car is completed. After-market paint finishes, however, are cured at a much lower temperature to ensure the booth doesn't melt non-metal components. In this case, allow for a 2-3 month curing process before your first wax application.
** Should I use a non-silicone wax?
If your car needs repainting, silicone-based waxes create extra work for the painter. The wax will have to be stripped to avoid "fish eye" problems in the painting process. The silicone embeds itself in the finish, and new paint won't adhere properly. The use of some silicone does make certain wax formulas easier to spread. Meguiar's has been the leader in non-silicone technology because of its heavy involvement in the professional field, and most of our retail waxes and polishes are silicone free-yet incredibly easy to use.
** How do Final Inspection and Quik Detailer differ?
Both Meguiar's products are designed to maintain that "just detailed" look between washes. Final Inspection has a high gloss, and can be purchased in gallons at local paint supply shops by professional detailers and other high-volume users. For enthusiasts, Meguiar's Quik Detailer provides outstanding results at a slightly lower price per 16-oz. bottle.
** Does Quik Detailer remove wax?
No. Quik Detailer is a specially formulated products not a cleaner. It is designed to add gloss and actually prolong the life of your wax by removing fresh contaminants before they bond.
** Does Quik Detailer contain wax?
No. It is designed to remove contaminants from the surface and restore the gloss of a freshly-waxed finish however, no wax coat is applied.
** How does a polish and glaze differ?
Meguiar's uses these terms interchangeably, hence the name of our most popular polish: Mirror Glaze #7 Show Car Glaze. Remember that whatever you call them, "polishes" and "glazes" are different from "polishing compounds." Pure polishes (like the ones Meguiar's offers) are non abrasive and totally safe for your finish. They're also essential to assuring the highest gloss and longest life from your paint.
** Does polish need to dry?
Unlike wax, polish does not need to dry. Thoroughly work it into the surface one section at a time, then immediately remove the excess before beginning the next section. Apply polish as if you were rubbing lotion into your hands. The more you work into your finish, the better. Don't apply too much at once, though. Only so much polish can penetrate the surface at one time. The rest will be wasted, creating extra residue that is more difficult to remove.
** How do I best remove polish or wax?
Meguiar's research has concluded that removing product with our Microfiber Ultimate Wipes will produce the best shine with the least effort and the fewest swirls.
For more information call our Customer Care Center at 1-800-347-5700, and talk with a surface care specialist. Or, use the convenience of e-mail.
** How do I remove wax from vinyl trim/rubber parts?
The best way to remove wax from vinyl or rubber is to use #39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner. #39 breaks down the dry wax residue, revealing your vinyl's natural color. If you can't find #39, any all-purpose cleaner (e.g. Simple Green) also will do the job. Agitating the cleaner by gently scrubbing the surface with a soft bristle brush can help break up the wax. Once you have cleaned the vinyl or rubber, bring back the full depth of its natural color and help protect it with #40 Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner.
** How long should I let wax dry?
Under normal conditions, wax usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to set. To determine whether the excess wax has dried enough you can perform the "swipe test". Take your index finger and wipe it across the waxed finish. If your finger wipes away the dried residue and the surface below is shiny, then the wax can be removed. However, if you swipe the finish and the product streaks or smears, you need to allow a little more time for it to harden. One major misconception is that the more wax you apply at one time, the better.
Applying a thick coat of wax does not give your finish greater protection. Only a small amount of wax actually bonds to the finish during each application, while the rest is wiped away. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
** How do I remove the rough feeling from my paint?
There are many environmental contaminants that adhere to your paint so stubbornly that even a high-quality car wash can't remove them. Some may be visible to your eye. Others you'll detect when you pass your hand across the finish and notice it doesn't feel as smooth as glass. All of these contaminants can reduce your shine and ultimately do permanent damage to your paint. A safe, non-abrasive surface prep (never a harsh rubbing compound that can scratch your finish) is the answer. Suitable Meguiar's products include:
- Body Scrub
- Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner
- Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner
- ScratchX
- Swirl Remover
For spot cleaning of bonded contaminants, our advanced-technology Quik Clay Detailing System is also an effective way to eliminate surface defects without harming your paint.
** Why does Meguiar's have so many products?
Everyday, your car is exposed to many different types of environmental hazards and it takes a wide spectrum of surface care solutions to treat them all.
We want you to be able to take good care of
your car whether it's for the paint, plastic, rubber, or metal. So we make products for all of your different needs. From scratches in your paint to stains on your carpets and floor mats, we’ve got you completely covered.
No automotive enthusiast’s garage is complete without a complete set of car care “tools” from Meguiar’s.
** How do I know what products to use?
The best combination of surface care products for your car depends on a number of factors such as your vehicle's condition, environmental exposure, local climate conditions, and your own goals for your car’s appearance. If you want to take othe guesswork out of it, use the Meguiar's exclusive online Paint Care Rx.
We’ll take into consideration your year, make, model, your car care goals, and even your environmental conditions and give you a car care “prescription”.
** What causes swirl marks?
Swirl marks are actually microscopic scratches in the finish. Swirls are often caused by the use of a buffer with the wrong type of polishing pad and/or wax or polish. Automatic car washes can also cause swirls, especially on late model vehicles with clear coat paints. Another way to cause swirl marks is hand application, or removal of products using a harsh material. Pads and cloths that with micro abrasives (from falling on the ground or improper storage) are also a cause of swirls marks. To avoid swirls, thoroughly wash all dirt particles from your finish before applying polish or wax. Always use a 100% terry cloth towel because its nap draws any contaminants on the surface into the towel instead of allowing them to scratch the sensitive paint. Visit Barry Meguiar's Swirl Marks Clinic to learn even more.
** How do I remove swirl marks?
If you have light swirls, swirl removers such as ScratchX or Mirror Glaze Swirl Remover will help safely restore your finish. Moderate to deep swirls, however, will probably require a safe paint surface prep, followed by a pure polish and then a protective wax. If this process won't remove the swirl marks, you will need to take your car to a local professional to determine whether the scratches are so deep that painting or other work is needed.
** What is clear coat paint?
Today, over 90% of all factory finishes are clear coated. A clear coat finish is a multi-layer paint system comprised of a primer, a base coat (the pigment color of your car), and a clear coat. Although a clear coat does protect the base coat, it is very sensitive to scratches and swirl marks because of its clear, non-pigmented layer that allows light to reflect through it. Clear coat paints require special care and should never be treated with harsh abrasive waxes or rubbing compounds, unless you are an experienced detailer using proper equipment.
** Can a clear coat oxidize?
Most modern car finishes consist of a base coating that contains the color, topped with a protective clear coat that is designed to keep the pigmented paint from oxidizing. This outer clear coat adds UV protection that helps prevent the sun's rays from drying out the base paint. Oxidation was an obvious problem ten or so years ago because colors quickly faded. Now that outer layers are usually clear, oxidation is less obvious, yet it still occurs. The sun dries out top paint layers and natural oils are lost. If these oils aren't replaced, the paint oxidizes and the surface gradually becomes duller and duller.
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