a question on polishing?

[solman]

I waxed my car only last week after a wash and clay. I used the souveran wax. Now I think I should have polished it first as I am not getting the proper shine anymore.
Can I polish the car after washing or do I need to strip the wax first?
I have M205 polish and the clear coat is in good shape.
I have a wide assortment of pads and the flex 3401.

[cleanmycorolla]

Just polish, it will by nature strip the wax. Enjoy!

[jamesboyy]

Like said polishing will remove the wax or LSP that's on the paintwork for the fact that the polish is an abrasive with that said I know we all like the maximum shine from out vehicles but if there is no major defects like etching, water spots etc then I feel removing environmental fall out that dimmed the "skin" (clear coat) of a vehicle is not necessary just save that potential skin until something major come up

[solman]

Thanks for the responses.
James do you mean to save the wear on the clearcoat until a more significant correction is needed?

[Mike Phillips]

How to maintain a freshly waxed car

I waxed my car only last week after a wash and clay. I used the Souveran wax. Now I think I should have polished it first as I am not getting the proper shine anymore.

[/quote]


What are you working on?
How are you washing the car now that you've waxed it?


Check out this article I wrote...


How to maintain a freshly waxed car

Can I polish the car after washing or do I need to strip the wax first?

Like already mentioned, polishing the paint with any quality polish will remove the wax and get you down to a fresh base.

I have M205 polish and the clear coat is in good shape.
I have a wide assortment of pads and the flex 3401.

• Wash the car.
• Do the Baggie Test - Clay if needed.
• Tape-off any plastic trim with painter's tape.
• Machine polish using a soft foam finishing pad with the M205 on speed setting 4
• Wipe off polish carefully.
• Machine or hand apply Souverän Wax.
• Wipe off wax carefully.

Then wash carefully, as in don't scrub the paint just make one or two passes over each section of a panel and rinse.

Blot dry or wipe dry carefully.

Mist on some Pinnacle Crystal Mist and wipe off with a soft microfiber towel to restore that "just detailed look".

[solman]

Thanks Mike,

It's a 2003 Nissan altima. I wash with a boar brush and Pinnacle shampoo. I use a microfiber towel for drying. I have kept up with the paint since it was new. I have used the Klass aio once a year with my flex to clean up the paint, but I guess its time for a more thorough polishing job now.

[jamesboyy]

Thanks for the responses.
James do you mean to save the wear on the clearcoat until a more significant correction is needed?

That is correct