Best prep method?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Suburbs of New Orleans La
Best prep method?
What is the best way to get old wax products off of the car before you start to lay down something new? I have no idea if the current wax or sealant is carnuba or silicone based. I plan on coming back with Griot's products.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,739
Likes: 0
From: New Port Richey Florida
You can use a 50/50 spray (Water/Isopropyl) or a mild polish and a RO buffer. That should prep the surface nicely.
If you have any paint defects the buffer/polish route would be the way to go so you could correct them before applying your Griot's products
If you have any paint defects the buffer/polish route would be the way to go so you could correct them before applying your Griot's products
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley California
If you are going to go to the whole Griots route I'd recommend:
Starting by washing with just regular Griot's Car Wash
Then claying with Griot's clay using Speed Shine as a lubricant (though I somewhat prefer the cheap Meguiars quick detailer as a lubricant).
Follow by polishing with Griot's #3 Polish (though the Mezerna line is my current favorite for polishes) or #4 if you paint is virtually swirl free. By the time you are to this point, any prior products will be removed from the paint surface.
I'd then wash the car again using Griot's car wash to remove any abrasive residue
Apply Griot's Best of Show carnuaba very thinly. Work in small sections and don't use to much as it can be difficult to remove.
My trick is to remove the dried wax using a light spray of Griot's Spray on Wax and a microfiber cloth which makes removal a lot easier and further enhances the gloss.
Maintain by washing with Griot's Car Wash (truly one of the better car washes) and applying a quick maintenance coat of Griot's Spray on Wax.
Carry a small bottle Speed Shine detailer in your car to clean up any bird droppings or bugs when you are away from home.
I used Griot's Products for many years, and they can looking stunning on black, with decent durability, but nothing like Zaino. I'm now a Zaino convert.
Starting by washing with just regular Griot's Car Wash
Then claying with Griot's clay using Speed Shine as a lubricant (though I somewhat prefer the cheap Meguiars quick detailer as a lubricant).
Follow by polishing with Griot's #3 Polish (though the Mezerna line is my current favorite for polishes) or #4 if you paint is virtually swirl free. By the time you are to this point, any prior products will be removed from the paint surface.
I'd then wash the car again using Griot's car wash to remove any abrasive residue
Apply Griot's Best of Show carnuaba very thinly. Work in small sections and don't use to much as it can be difficult to remove.
My trick is to remove the dried wax using a light spray of Griot's Spray on Wax and a microfiber cloth which makes removal a lot easier and further enhances the gloss.
Maintain by washing with Griot's Car Wash (truly one of the better car washes) and applying a quick maintenance coat of Griot's Spray on Wax.
Carry a small bottle Speed Shine detailer in your car to clean up any bird droppings or bugs when you are away from home.
I used Griot's Products for many years, and they can looking stunning on black, with decent durability, but nothing like Zaino. I'm now a Zaino convert.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,744
Likes: 2
From: The King of Bling
St. Jude Donor '10
A mild swirl remover, paint cleanser or cleaner type product will do it. I use Z-AIO if I have some mild spiderwebbing I need to remove and am starting fresh.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley California
They still show it in the catalogs they send me. I have some and have used it a few times were I was going to be touching up a larger area. You apply it, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash it off. I think it is probably most useful, and originally designed to remove any trace of silicones or oils. Personally, I still think for the typical sealant, using a mild polish is quite sufficient for removal, and provides a step most are going to need anyway.