Should I wax before installing mouldings?

[priusfan808]

If I need to install door mouldings and a rubber bumper protector, should this be done between the claying and the appling of sealant? It seems like the sealant or wax might not allow the 3m tape to adhere as well. I do recall installing some ventshades (which used the 3m tape) and all I did was wipe the area with an alcohol pad before installing them, so completely detailing before installing is therefore OK. Is this the case here as well? I'm assuming the alcohol removes all of the wax and sealant.

[makdaddy626]

I think you've got the right idea, it's probably best to have a clean surface for the tape to bond to, this can be accoplished by either applying before a wax or sealant is applied, or by removing the wax or sealant prior to installation. Which you choose is just a matter of preference and what makes the most sense. Certainly a good wash with Dawn and then claying would remove any old wax. If you're planning on polishing, I would do that before the installation - you'll still have a clean surface (after a 50:50 wipe down) and you won't have to worry about taping off mouldings etc.

[MadOzodi]

The miggity-miggity-mak has spoken!

OH YEAH, IT'S FRIDAY!!!