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Safest way to remove/degrease wax?

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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 09:40 AM
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Default Safest way to remove/degrease wax?

I'd like to prep my side doors and front quarter panels for BSM installation, I have been using a product from Turtle Wax called ICE and I tried a small strip of double sided 3M exterior tape and it will not adhere.
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 09:46 AM
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I have always heard to use Dawn dish detergent before a claybar job because the Dawn strips ALL the wax off the car. Keep in mind though that right after doing your installation you will need to wax the car.
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 09:55 AM
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Dawn would work. If you really want, you can go to your local autobody supply store and just pick up some wax and grease remover.
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 10:24 AM
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Default Thanks for the tips

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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 02:05 AM
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If you want to remove all wax/grease, use lacquer thinner, especially if you are applying a molding or decal, it is the best way to remove any wax/grease/ tar etc. and dont worry it wont harm the paint at all. Just clean the surface you are applying molding to then wax after
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 09:11 AM
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Any dish washing detergent will do the trick.
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by s ladd
I have always heard to use Dawn dish detergent before a claybar job because the Dawn strips ALL the wax off the car. Keep in mind though that right after doing your installation you will need to wax the car.

Dawn is the best.
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by s ladd
I have always heard to use Dawn dish detergent before a claybar job because the Dawn strips ALL the wax off the car. Keep in mind though that right after doing your installation you will need to wax the car.
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 03:05 PM
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The ZAINO site recommends DAWN, but several on the CF Detailing Forum (main menu page) have suggested using isopropyl alcohol...
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 04:25 PM
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I use PrepSol, just like I do before I paint.
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 05:27 PM
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I'll pitch in denatured alcohol.....won't hurt the paint at all.
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 07:40 PM
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Denatured alcohol works great. U can use it on the outside or it also strips protectants such as armor all for interior mods.
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 07:50 PM
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3M general purpose adhesive remover and cleaner.
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by stroked408
If you want to remove all wax/grease, use lacquer thinner, especially if you are applying a molding or decal, it is the best way to remove any wax/grease/ tar etc. and dont worry it wont harm the paint at all. Just clean the surface you are applying molding to then wax after
I'd never use lacquer thinner...........pretty strong stuff, and I'd not trust it's use.........I agree Dawn, 3M Adhesive Remover, or denatured alcohol are OK to use.
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 01:58 PM
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I have installed several GM-made SUV bumper protectors and a couple of after-market side moldings. They all came with a couple of 70% isopropal alcohol pads to wipe down the surface before installing the 3M tape.
All those other things suggested would work also, but I don't think I would use just the Dawn and be confident of removing 100% of the Zaino. Dawn will definitely remove some wax, but certainly not as aggresively as alcohol or prep-sol.
But, then I would never rub my whole car down with alcohol or prep sol just to start fresh with new wax either - each has its place.

Just remember - wax on, wax off, Grasshopper.

DG
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 09:37 PM
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spic and span, powder, use hot water and make sure it desolves all of it. that will clean you right down to the clear coat
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