Ok, what's the easiest and quickest way to prep paint prior to waxing? Doesn't have to be perfect but something that's better than doing nothing at all.

 

prep to do what?

 

before waxing

 

a good claybar is always a good idea

 

Dont clay your paint unless your going to polish- or you WILL leave micro marring- its just a fact. There are ZERO professional detailers that clay with out polishing. Now if its not that big a deal for you and you want that immediate smooth feeling on the paint then go ahead and clay.

My advice to you would be if your not going to clay & polish, do a chemical decon then a IPA wipe down after wash then apply your LSP of choice, for you that would be a wax I guess.

 

Great, thanks. Suggestions for a chemical decon product and ISP wipe?

 

I meant a IPA wipe-- my mistake on that-- Here is a great link to make one on the cheap


https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...n-results.html


Lots of folks where $ is no object usually use something like CarPro eraser or the Geyon Prep that does the same thing. Mike Phillips likes using the Sonax glass cleaner if he runs out of his above mix- its cheaper to use than Eraser or Geyon Prep

The chemical prep is anything along the line of products like Iron X- What ever one of those you use make sure you read the directions-- DONT let it dry on the paint

Good Luck!!

 

Clean paint surface is important. Wash with a good quality wash and microfiber mitt. Twice if you have to. Then wax. Just did my wife’s new Nautilus and doing my new F150 this weekend because I like to get it done while it’s still relatively new with a fresh paint

 

Amen to this! I use Griots Iron and Fallout remover for a chemical decon, and Optimum paint prep. I really don't use regular waxes anymore. I did use Griots Polywax a lot and that held up really well. Now I either am ceramic coating or using a spray ceramic wax.

 

Yeah-- waxes are for old schoolers that have lots of time on their hands-- although its still hard to beat the pure glow & shine of a quality carnuba. Unfortunately 'nuba dont last or protect much @ all