Waxing Vs polishing?

[joemon1984]

Hi Zoom Zoomers,

What method you guys use to keep your CX5 clean and shiny? Waxing or polishing?

Any inputs on which method is best and safe for the paint?

Is polishing materials have abrasives in it?

 

[SayNoToPistons]

Waxing is natural protectant with no abrasives or correction properties. Polishing consist of fine abrasives that remove/correct the paint with no protection properties.


I suggest visiting http://www.autopiaforums.com/ and clicking the "DETAILING GUIDE" on top.

 

[erhayes]

I prefer a Polymer with a cleaner like NuFinish but, as SayNoToPistons suggested, go to the detailing section. Ed

 

[Rich 65]

As you can see - polish and wax are not the same. I like the Carnauba based waxes - especially on dark colored cars. Another good (but little known) site is:
http://store.carcareonline.com/howtoarticles-2.aspx. I like his classic approach to car upkeep. There are now liquid based carnauba's so "wax on, wax off" is not as time consuming as with paste.

 

[JTNY]

For a new car consider using the "Klasse" twins. "All in One" and "SG" Been using them for years without any issues and protects the car very well.

 

[TURBOJ1]

Polishing 'cleans' the paint
Waxing protects it

 

[erhayes]

Polishing cleans the paint and a Polymer protects it as well.

 

[wardorican]

Polishing shouldn't even be something you consider doing until you have years of wear on that paint. Wax is as soon as they recommend (might be a few months). Wax it and wash it regularly and it will sparkle.

Polish only after the shine starts to fade or you have minor damage.

 

[cabin]

Polishing shouldn't even be something you consider doing until you have years of wear on that paint..

Not exactly, it only takes one time improperly washing/drying your car to intorduce swirl marks into the clearcoat. Once you have swirls, the only way to remove them is by polishing. That is unless you like to hide them by using waxes or other products with fillers in them. You're better off fixing the problem correctly IMO.

Polish does not "clean" the paint, it corrects minor imperfections with abrasive material.
Wax seals and protects the finish.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

I prefer mine waxed

 

[Rich 65]

There are different grades of polish. Glaze is another term. A polish/glaze can be chemical (very mild) to mild (very mild abrasive). What they both do, in addition to "cleaning" the paint is to nourish it to bring out a nice depth of color (especially in dark paint). If you wash you car with a good car soap (so as not to strip the wax)and then finish with a quick detailer after drying you should be good for at least 6 mo. Of course this depends on where you live - up north with show, ice and salt the paint taks a bigger beating.

 

[FiveCX-5]

Clayed, polished and waxed......First time the Meguiars M105, than M80 and last SurfCityBarrierReefCarnaubaWax (super short issue....)

 

[IHeartGroceries]

It has been a long time since I researched the subject...

But, I thought most polish nourished the paint as well. Almost like a re-hydration.

 

[Rich 65]

yup, a polish or glaze does that.

 

[Copdodger]

A good sealant gets u awesome gloss effect..polish angel master sealant is a good start...

 

[SayNoToPistons]

Sealant and waxes get you only as far as the surface prep goes...