Roostor

Maybe this subject has been covered, but I couldn't find anything by using the search feature. I want to get my truck polished/waxed....are there any special things I need to know? I have heard some say not to use a buffer, others say only a certain wax. I have the Tuxedo Black paint and so I really don't want to screw it up.

stanand23

First start by washing the truck, next you use a clay bar, then you can go to a polish and orbital buffers won't hurt the paint if you know what you are doing I use Wolfgang. Then you can put a sealant on and follow up with two coats of wax. I use pinnacle liquid wax. Thanks just my process.

mwardncsu

iTrader: (1)

Here's a good post - https://www.f150forum.com/f71/how-de...-finish-43935/

I think a key is using a two-bucket wash system and a good quality microfiber mitt to wash - and then I use an electric leaf blower to dry 99% of the truck so that in don't have to use (microfiber) towels to dry which lowers chances for putting swirls on the paint.

I like to put a ceramic coating like CQuartz or Opti-Coat on the paint after doing a full paint correction to perfect it. This makes washing so much easier and removes needs for as frequency polish/waxing

Clay bar should not be needed everytime you wash in most cases - same with polishing - do when needed. A good quality coating or polish or wax will keep it protected across multiple washes.

Don't forget to treat and protect your plastics - the B pilar plastic is especially soft and easy to swirl so be careful. Use something with UV protection (303 as an example) on the bed tail covers and similar plastic.


There are whole forums on techniques and debating products to use..... More of a religious debate than Ford or Chevy

srb1194

I've always had excellent results with Meguiars products applied by hand. I do have a hand held random orbital buffer I use on occasions. I personally believe buffers can cause swirling unless you're skilled in operation. I'd stick with hand application on black paint until something else is warranted.

Bafflingbs

Fast and easy? Ice spray on wax, and a microfiber towel. Leaves no residue. I started using it when I found out the dealer used it. Now I use it on everything, especially my Harley.

But, if you want it done right, clay bar it and use one of the products above. You could just find someone who will Simonize it for you. You then get a warranty. My dealer would have done it for $399. And, I would've had a 7 year warranty.

FX4*

I normally use clean wet cloth, wipe it. Rinse it to clean and wipe it again. I have a tri-coat metallic paint, so it's easy to clean. Then clean dry cloth for the chromes to shine and done.

covertness

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to.html

Here ya go.

Ricktwuhk

Entire section of the forum dedicated to cleaning and polishing: https://www.f150forum.com/f28/

Droog

Schmidbc

I strongly suggest you checkout Junkman2000 on YouTube. He talks about the two bucket wash method, how to properly clay bar your truck (VERY important) and what chemicals to use based on what you're trying to accomplish. He takes you step by step and helps you understand WHY you should do each thing, based on a specific symptom.

He covers buffers and dual action polishers too. For a black truck I'd also suggest watching the video on the difference in quality and how to care for your microfiber.

My 2010 looks better than most new trucks and it's all down to following his methods.