srcnix
17th April 2007, 12:42
Hi guys,
Based on talking to a few people recently they couldn't explain why they use polish or wax and didn't know what a sealant was. Because of this I thought I'd detail the used of these products.
It would be good if you could correct me and give your own input. I'm a little light on the use of Waxes.
Compound polish
A compound polish is used to restore the paint work of your motor by removing defects. This happens by small grains in the compound polish wearing away at the paint work removing a very fine coat of the clear coat.
Polish
Polish is used to remove very fine defects such as water spots, bug guts etc which are left after washing your car.
Polish is also used to restore your paint work by (depending on the grade) removing a thin layer of the clear coat and effectively re-glazing the paint work.
Different polish gives different overall affects. Some polish can give deep shines and some a wet look. Some polishes can give both affects.
Waxes
Waxes are used to protect the clear coat and help revive your cars paint work by giving a finish much like a sealant does.
Sealants
Sealants are used to protect your paint work against the forces of nature. For example rain, acid rain, fumes and other natural problems. A decent coat of sealant can also protect your cars paint work from fading.
Some polishes and all waxes will fill in swirl marks to help cover up the defects. This is often useful if you don't want to fork out on a PC 7424 polisher which will help you remove the defects using polishing compounds.
Questions that need to be answered:
1. Usually you apply polish to remove defects and help re-glaze your car and then apply a sealant to protect your car. What about when you wax it? Do you use either a Wax or a Sealant depending on the overall finish you want as they seem to do the same thing?
Based on talking to a few people recently they couldn't explain why they use polish or wax and didn't know what a sealant was. Because of this I thought I'd detail the used of these products.
It would be good if you could correct me and give your own input. I'm a little light on the use of Waxes.
Compound polish
A compound polish is used to restore the paint work of your motor by removing defects. This happens by small grains in the compound polish wearing away at the paint work removing a very fine coat of the clear coat.
Polish
Polish is used to remove very fine defects such as water spots, bug guts etc which are left after washing your car.
Polish is also used to restore your paint work by (depending on the grade) removing a thin layer of the clear coat and effectively re-glazing the paint work.
Different polish gives different overall affects. Some polish can give deep shines and some a wet look. Some polishes can give both affects.
Waxes
Waxes are used to protect the clear coat and help revive your cars paint work by giving a finish much like a sealant does.
Sealants
Sealants are used to protect your paint work against the forces of nature. For example rain, acid rain, fumes and other natural problems. A decent coat of sealant can also protect your cars paint work from fading.
Some polishes and all waxes will fill in swirl marks to help cover up the defects. This is often useful if you don't want to fork out on a PC 7424 polisher which will help you remove the defects using polishing compounds.
Questions that need to be answered:
1. Usually you apply polish to remove defects and help re-glaze your car and then apply a sealant to protect your car. What about when you wax it? Do you use either a Wax or a Sealant depending on the overall finish you want as they seem to do the same thing?