Guys,

Do you apply liquid wax by hand or with a Porter Cable? If with a PC which pads do you use for application and which for removal? How about when using a paste wax?

Thanks.

 

I usually apply liq wax with a PC with a blue or grey LC pad. If you have a microfiber bonet, you can put it over a pad and use it to take the wax off. I dont think you'll have much luck doing it that way. I'd just take it off by hand. You can apply paste wax with a pc. Take your drivers license and scrape the paste wax and then apply it to the pad. Like buttering toast.

Heath

 

I started out using the PC with a grey finishing pad - but since wax has no "polishing" properties and doesn't need to be worked in I decided to apply by hand on the last two cars I did. I also discovered that when done by hand there is virtually no splatter wax to clean up and you get a lot less wax residue on trim and in cracks/crevices.

 

I always apply by hand and remove with the buffer/polisher.

 

Oh yeah, guess that counts as using the PC still....I remove by hand with a micro fiber then do a final buff with the PC and a buffing pad.

 

The PC will do the job a LOT quicker and easier. I agree that if it is a "pure wax" with no polishing agents, the end results should be similiar but most consumer products contact polishing agents and cleaners which will work much better with the PC unit. Unless your paint is perfectly clean and scratch free, you probably will want to go over the car with a cleaner/mild polish to get rid of all the crap on the surface and smooth out any scratches or swirls. The PC shines in that area and does the whole job in no time.

Check out the detailing packages we offer on our web site:

http://fasttoys.net/shop/index.php?cPath=831

 

Ah, but thats the key....most of us are using professional/boutique products are a bit better than your everyday Turtle Wax, etc... But if you are using OTC products with polish or cleaning properties then I would have to agree. But I still say the time saved by using a polisher is lost in the cleanup of the splatter and trim residue.

 

Splatter really depends on your speed and the amount of product you apply at a time. If you use a random orbital on a lower speed and don't apply too much product at a time, there is very little. For me, it gets very tiring to apply by hand so I prefer to use a machine. I usually take off the product by hand though as I find that easier and quicker.

 

I always apply liquid waxes by machine and paste waxes by hand.

Remember that prep work is the key to having the best possible finish. Claying, swirl removal/polishing are the most important steps. A glaze will add some more depth and wetness to the paint, a wax and sealant will add some more in the looks department plus add your protection.

I also carry the Porter Cable polisher and carry many high end detailing products. Be sure to contact me if you have any questions!

 

+1

I typically polish with the buffer though.

In fact, I make polishing a priority. Sometimes I will wax the car real quick by hand because its just a protective layer, but polishing it before hand really makes a difference.