The older I get washing & waxing ..

[sleepybozo]

On my ambulance, I used to use Armor-All mixed 1:10 with water, use a spray bottle to spray it on, then wipe down with a towel before it dries. Shiny look, slick feel, very easy and cheap. I hear the guys that have to repaint it hates it.

Now, my personal vehicles get the windows washed so I can see.

 

[ray66v]

Not that I need to provide credentials to point out bad advice, but I've owned a high end detail company for the better part of 15 years (hence my forum name).

I will say, it does seem to be a party line between body guys and detail guys regarding proper practices for taking care of the paint. The body guys want to point out that the paint has enough protection and the prep is important (which it is, proper clay and polish routine is key to the wet paint look), the detail guys want to point out that proper defect/contaminate removal is key along with protecting the paint with a sealant or wax ( I prefer sealants).

In fact, going one step above are modern coatings and not waxes or sealants. Offering up to 12 month durability and exceptional protection they are quickly becoming the best option for people truly concerned about protecting paint.

Like another user said, I can provide plenty of picture evidence that a proper application of wax or sealant along with a clay and polish routine, is paramount to protecting the paint.

Bottom line, after your suggestion to clay and polish, a wax/sealant/coating needs to be applied to property finish the task. Leaving the surface bare is just asking for paint damage.

Your opinions are yours. Believe what you want.

You sell sealants, and waxes, so I don't expect you to put yourself out of business.

Meanwhile, my unwaxed, unsealed, unpolished, untouched, van roof, didn't suffer any "paint damage" in 20 years.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I take my wife's 2010 Subaru and my 2012 F150 to the car wash every month or so. They look great. I would not know a "clay bar" if it bit me on the nose.

 

[ray66v]

On my ambulance, I used to use Armor-All mixed 1:10 with water, use a spray bottle to spray it on, then wipe down with a towel before it dries. Shiny look, slick feel, very easy and cheap. I hear the guys that have to repaint it hates it.

Correct. By far, one the best way to sabotage a paint repair, is to contaminate the paint, or trim adjacent to it, with Armour all.

It is difficult, and time consuming to remove, can cause fish eyes, adhesion problems, masking problems, contamination of other jobs, and tools.

Not recommended.

 

[ShowroomShine]

Your opinions are yours. Believe what you want.

You sell sealants, and waxes, so I don't expect you to put yourself out of business.

Meanwhile, my unwaxed, unsealed, unpolished, untouched, van roof, didn't suffer any "paint damage" in 20 years.

I don't "sell" any products, I give clients the assurance of paint protection. Something I couldn't do if I just stopped the last step with polishing only.

 

[coobie]

I clay bar couple times a year and then wax with liquid glass car polish spring & fall.Seems to hold up pretty well.

 

[JJZ 109]

I hired a detailer once a year because he was so reasonably priced. We have 2 cars, a pickup and 3 motorcycles. Last year I also had a daily driver car in addition to my F250. The more he did, the better pricing we got.
He seems to be concentrating more on his full time job this year, we haven't heard from him. So this year I'll just do my regular car washes with my monthly membership. With a business plus another part time job, waxing cars & trucks is not high on my priority list. Other than my 2007 Mustang GT, the others get traded every 2-4 years anyway.
Whether others do or do not regularly wash/wax/polish/seal, etc. is not really my business. Just like what I do is not their business. Certainly not important enough to argue about on this forum.

 

[RobertN]

Try waxing a Fire Engine.... Lot of area to wax. It is really bad after a tanker retardant drop. That stuff is a mess wot wash. It can really ruin a paint job if not removed.

 

[coobie]

Try waxing a Fire Engine.... Lot of area to wax. It is really bad after a tanker retardant drop. That stuff is a mess wot wash. It can really ruin a paint job if not removed.

I used to wash and wax the booms on our electric line trucks that was plenty.LOL

 

[ray66v]

I don't "sell" any products, I give clients the assurance of paint protection. Something I couldn't do if I just stopped the last step with polishing only.

Okay, you "give" them a false sense of security, and they "give" you their money.