Waxing
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Waxing
Hi guys. I was just wondering about how long it would take me to wax my 82? I have this Meguiar's cleaner wax, and it says it "cleans, polishes, and protects in one easy step." Now I'm not planning to go to any shows or anything, so I figured this would be good enough for me. I just want to make it look better than it is now, but not necessarily perfect.
The directions say to just apply the wax with the included application pad to a thin, even coat and let dry, then to wipe off with a micro-fiber cloth. This seems simple enough, but I was wondering if I could maybe knock it out one day after school, or if I should wait until the weekend. I know it takes me around 45 minutes to wash it, which I would obviously do before I wax it. Is there anything else I should do before I wax it? And how long should I let it dry, or how can I tell when it is dry? Thanks.
The directions say to just apply the wax with the included application pad to a thin, even coat and let dry, then to wipe off with a micro-fiber cloth. This seems simple enough, but I was wondering if I could maybe knock it out one day after school, or if I should wait until the weekend. I know it takes me around 45 minutes to wash it, which I would obviously do before I wax it. Is there anything else I should do before I wax it? And how long should I let it dry, or how can I tell when it is dry? Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
You are thinking way too much into this. Wash it and streak-free it with a shammy, and then wait until all the water is gone from the surface. It might take an hour - probably less. If unsure, wait an hour. Now apply wax as per the instructions. But don't use the same cloth to apply as you use to shine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
Waxing doesn't take long at all. But before I wax, I always 'clay bar' first.
I would say that waxing doesn't take as long as washing, but clay-barring probably takes a bit longer than washing. But the good thing about the clay-barring, and the waxing, is that they are much more satisfying when done.
Total job ~ 2 hours.
I would say that waxing doesn't take as long as washing, but clay-barring probably takes a bit longer than washing. But the good thing about the clay-barring, and the waxing, is that they are much more satisfying when done.
Total job ~ 2 hours.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
Waxing doesn't take long at all. But before I wax, I always 'clay bar' first.
I would say that waxing doesn't take as long as washing, but clay-barring probably takes a bit longer than washing. But the good thing about the clay-barring, and the waxing, is that they are much more satisfying when done.
Total job ~ 2 hours.
I would say that waxing doesn't take as long as washing, but clay-barring probably takes a bit longer than washing. But the good thing about the clay-barring, and the waxing, is that they are much more satisfying when done.
Total job ~ 2 hours.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
It is important that the car is clean before you begin to avoid scratching the paint.
Also, you must avoid waxing in direct sunlight. The car must be shaded.
Other than that all you have to do is apply it, wait for it to dry to a haze, then wipe it off.
Also, you must avoid waxing in direct sunlight. The car must be shaded.
Other than that all you have to do is apply it, wait for it to dry to a haze, then wipe it off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 1
From: JOPPA MD
Hi guys. I was just wondering about how long it would take me to wax my 82? I have this Meguiar's cleaner wax, and it says it "cleans, polishes, and protects in one easy step." Now I'm not planning to go to any shows or anything, so I figured this would be good enough for me. I just want to make it look better than it is now, but not necessarily perfect.
The directions say to just apply the wax with the included application pad to a thin, even coat and let dry, then to wipe off with a micro-fiber cloth. This seems simple enough, but I was wondering if I could maybe knock it out one day after school, or if I should wait until the weekend. I know it takes me around 45 minutes to wash it, which I would obviously do before I wax it. Is there anything else I should do before I wax it? And how long should I let it dry, or how can I tell when it is dry? Thanks.
The directions say to just apply the wax with the included application pad to a thin, even coat and let dry, then to wipe off with a micro-fiber cloth. This seems simple enough, but I was wondering if I could maybe knock it out one day after school, or if I should wait until the weekend. I know it takes me around 45 minutes to wash it, which I would obviously do before I wax it. Is there anything else I should do before I wax it? And how long should I let it dry, or how can I tell when it is dry? Thanks.
Stay in tune....
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Chatham Ontario
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
Wash, dry, clay if you are going to, put wax on, wait til it hazes over then wipe off. It isn't really how long does it take, more of how long does your wax last. I use Zaino which I put on in different steps. It takes longer to wax but it last a really long time. Once I do it the first time with all the steps, the next time is fast.
After you wash the car rub your hand on the paint and see if it feels smooth like a glass. If it does then you probably dont need to clay bar it. If you feel anything just a little rough, the clay bar will remove it.
Just give yourself a couple of hours.
After you wash the car rub your hand on the paint and see if it feels smooth like a glass. If it does then you probably dont need to clay bar it. If you feel anything just a little rough, the clay bar will remove it.
Just give yourself a couple of hours.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 223
From: Sherman CT
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St. Jude Donor '24-'25-'26
Szinkel, there is a subforum here called "car care discussion" just scroll down to the bottom of the page and you should be able to see the navigation bar. Lots of good info there about waxes and stuff.
Regards
Roy
Regards
Roy
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
But I will definitely remember that if I ever need to post another question that might belong over there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
The thing with clay bar, is that it actually pulls out small particles that are partially embedded into the paint. It takes a bit of effort, and my arms feel like jelly when I'm done, but I think the results are incredible.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 297
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
I have not clay barred my Corvette yet, but here is my 'bad weather' car after clay bar/wax:
13 years old, 115k miles, parked outdoors, driven daily, original paint and still get comments on the shine ("did you repaint your hood recently?"). The reflections in the hood are almost as clear as the reflections in the windshield. Did not take any 'before' photos, but it was a noticeable improvement. Paint literally feels as smooth as glass after the clay bar.
Took me about 2 hours to clay bar the Mark VIII (after washing first). So far I have about 1.5 hours clay bar time on the Corvette and have not quite finished the hood. The 'Vette paint needs alot more work to feel smooth - it has more small particles embedded in it, as noted by Mashman.
13 years old, 115k miles, parked outdoors, driven daily, original paint and still get comments on the shine ("did you repaint your hood recently?"). The reflections in the hood are almost as clear as the reflections in the windshield. Did not take any 'before' photos, but it was a noticeable improvement. Paint literally feels as smooth as glass after the clay bar.
Took me about 2 hours to clay bar the Mark VIII (after washing first). So far I have about 1.5 hours clay bar time on the Corvette and have not quite finished the hood. The 'Vette paint needs alot more work to feel smooth - it has more small particles embedded in it, as noted by Mashman.
Last edited by indydoug; Aug 10, 2011 at 01:41 PM. Reason: Added time to finish
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I use that same wax as the OP has. it works pretty good and smells good enough to eat.
I do the car in sections and it take me around 45 minutes to wax my Corvette now that I have a routine. make sure you use a good cloth to wipe it off and polish it. I use a terrycloth towel with a short loop side and long loop side. I use the long side to wipe off the wax and then polish with the short side, using a circular motion with each side. it works really well.
I do the car in sections and it take me around 45 minutes to wax my Corvette now that I have a routine. make sure you use a good cloth to wipe it off and polish it. I use a terrycloth towel with a short loop side and long loop side. I use the long side to wipe off the wax and then polish with the short side, using a circular motion with each side. it works really well.