Wax . . . What Wax??

[larry47us]

Here is a DUH, for those of you who are interested.

This spring I spent time polishing and waxing Kermit - using only the finest Carnauba Wax - and he is looking mity fine. When I get back after taking him out, I give him a quick bath to keep him looking sharp and ready for the next ride.

So, after a couple of runs, I notice that he just isn't "beading" anymore. So I sweep a towel across the hood and fender - DRAGGGG. Hmmmm no wax. Boy that didn't last long!!!

So I wax him again. Coupla of nice coats, and he is shining like a mirror again. A couple of runs, a couple of washes, and zip zing, no more wax. Hey, what gives!!??!!??!!?? I'm using Blue Coral Super Foamy Car Wash. I give Blue Coral Technical Support a call . . . . (tech support for a car wash soap?) and they tell me I'm nuts. That there is no way that their super foamy soap strips wax. But honestly, there just isn't any wax on the car!!! What Gives?

Then I remember. I am washing Kermit with a soft rag and a bucket in my garage. Since I am in close proximity, I fill the bucket with hot water. WHy not? It's a cool spring, and why not have a warm hand and hot water to dissolve the dirt? Wouldn't you use hot water to give your baby a bath? Sure you would . . n't!!

And then it hit me!!!! Carnauba wax is soft at room temperatures. I have read of waxes that you use the heat of your hand to "melt" it onto the car. And here I am, washing it with HOT WATER??!?! $@&^$&%*@#

Just warmed up the wax, and wiped it off with a soapy towel!!! Geez, now I need to wax him again to get this shine back!!!!!

So, just a word of caution - use cold water on your clothes to maintain those great colors, and cold water on your car to maintain the cool waxed finish.

larry

[RickS]

I gave up wax years ago for Liquid Glass. Plus, hot water has no effect.

[kenikh]

Laugh if you will Zymol and Zaino freaks. My Glasurit painted, baby blue 1971 (one family, dad bought new) VW Fastback was washed and waxed with RAIN DANCE for 30 years and was only repainted due to rock chips and desire for full resto. The paint always beaded even after weeks of neglect. Rain Dance rules.

[pwd72s]

As some of you know, I've been at the wash/wax game a few years. Over that time, I developed brand preferences. But the bottom line? I really thinks it's the time spent and the techniques learned that matter more than the products themselves. There are many good waxes, polishes, etc. out there. I'd bet I could make my car, with it's 33 year old paint, look good using Turtle wax...

[kenikh]

I guarantee that diligence and technique are most important. My VW would have looked like your S if it had the same low mileage as your car (325,000 miles on the Fastback).

[larry47us]

I'd bet I could make my car, with it's 33 year old paint, look good using Turtle wax...

Paul,

You mean that you DON'T use turtle wax????

larry

[pwd72s]

Even show phreaks can have their little jokes, Larry...a fun thing to do is have a can of cheap brand name wax near your car at some gatherings of the faithful...

[kenikh]

Like Rain Dance?

[Cornpanzer]

I use Pledge with lemon.................

[larry47us]

I use Pledge with lemon.................

Dave:

You're leaving yourself WIDE OPEN with that intro. . . . . . . I will resist.

larry