Waxed car, hood clear coat was faded, absorbed wax

[lorddingus]

Hey guys, first time poster but I've lurked around here before for tips.

I waxed my '97 Firehawk for the first time in years the other day after I brought her out of storage. There are sections of the paint that have lost their coat on the hood and after waxing I couldn't get the swirls out no matter what I tried, is there a product that can help this 'Bird look better? Thank you for any advice.



http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af188/craigoconnell85/DSC_0066_zpsblvmrgyn.jpg (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/craigoconnell85/media/DSC_0066_zpsblvmrgyn.jpg.html)

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af188/craigoconnell85/DSC_0063_zps21of7ssz.jpg (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/craigoconnell85/media/DSC_0063_zps21of7ssz.jpg.html)

[Setec Astronomy]

Um...huh?

That looks like unbuffed wax. I'm not sure I see any clearcoat failure.

What did/have you used?

[lorddingus]

Um...huh?

That looks like unbuffed wax. I'm not sure I see any clearcoat failure.

What did/have you used?


Mothers Pure Polish. The rest came off normally with a microfiber but the sections on the hood did not, and it was only these sections that were previously faded that have these marks/swirls.

[jamesboyy]

It doesn't looks to be clear coat failure either could be just the paint is hungry from years of no wax(food) meaning something like meguairs number 7 may help or you'll probably need to do a one step on paint to revive the luster

[lorddingus]

It doesn't looks to be clear coat failure either could be just the paint is hungry from years of no wax(food) meaning something like meguairs number 7 may help or you'll probably need to do a one step on paint to revive the luster

Awesome thank you, I'll try the Meguiars first. Also for the un-initiated, what's a one step on paint? Like a single stage paint kit?

[Eldorado2k]

Did you allow the polish to dry, and are having trouble removing all it from the paint? If that's the case, try re activating it by adding a little bit more polish to the paint [by little bit I mean just a tiny bit, not more than you previously added] but start buffing it off before it dries. That may not solve your swirl problem completely, but you'll at least be able to remove the dried polish off your paint.

[custmsprty]

It doesn't sound like you have the experience to start working on that paint with a machine. I'd suggest seeking professional help. You could do more harm than good. The Megs #7 is a good place to start and most likely stop. Maybe their is an AG Forum member near you or someone Mike P may be able to refer you too.

[Eldorado2k]

Also, you might want to look into a claybar kit. Your paint will benefit from using it.

[lorddingus]

Did you allow the polish to dry, and are having trouble removing all it from the paint? If that's the case, try re activating it by adding a little bit more polish to the paint [by little bit I mean just a tiny bit, not more than you previously added] but start buffing it off before it dries. That may not solve your swirl problem completely, but you'll at least be able to remove the dried polish off your paint.

Yes I allowed it to dry and then the sections I pictured above it did not fully remove. I'll try what you mentioned and thank you!

[lorddingus]

Also, you might want to look into a claybar kit. Your paint will benefit from using it.

I tried the claybar on the sections above, didn't remove the wax but once I get it removed I'll be trying the claybar again.

[geekdout]

Just like others have said I dont think the clearcoat has failed, although the white little speckles on the bottom right of your picture look like they are in the paint. Megs 7 will only work on single stage paint.

If you do not have much experience I would just start with a cleaner wax like Mothers. But that paint really needs to be machine polished by experienced hands.

[jamesboyy]

Awesome thank you, I'll try the Meguiars first. Also for the un-initiated, what's a one step on paint? Like a single stage paint kit?

One step polish, sorry for the confusion, though it's basically a mild abrasive that can potentially remove the haze your dealing with also I forgot to mention that you could be dealing with a haze on the hood because heat from the engine and from the sun, hence the color red is sometimes the most delicate that's also something to consider

[Eldorado2k]

I tried the claybar on the sections above, didn't remove the wax but once I get it removed I'll be trying the claybar again.


Sounds like a plan.👍🏽
Claybar is the 1st step, so it's advised to re do the polish step once you're done claying. Also, don't forget to use plenty of lube [quik detailer] while claying. Nead the clay often to work as clean as possible, and as has been mentioned, work in the shade on a cool surface. Good luck!

[Billy Baldone]

You need a proper 3 step. Compound/polish/wax. Do you have a proper polisher? Where are you located? Typically the paint on GM f-body cars has always been a little bit on the harder side.. if you are nearby me I would be happy to help you

[lorddingus]

You need a proper 3 step. Compound/polish/wax. Do you have a proper polisher? Where are you located? Typically the paint on GM f-body cars has always been a little bit on the harder side.. if you are nearby me I would be happy to help you


I do not have a proper polisher. Whenever I wax it's always just a terrycloth or microfiber. I guess the question is can I do it by hand or should I invest in a polisher? I took the car by a detailer today and he said it needs a cut wax on the hood, anywhere from $80-100 for the hood. I'd rather do it myself as I always try and do my own work on my cars when possible.

Also my local parts stores are all out of stock on Megiuars No.7. No word on whether they are getting more. Is there a different product line I should look at? I do have the Step 1 of the Mothers wax and can easily get the others. Again thanks for all the help guys.