Todd@ProperAutoCare

PAC Tells How to... Remove existing wax or sealant coatings

When switching from one wax (or sealant) to another, manufacturers recommend removing the prior product before applying the new. This insures a clean surface for uniformity of shine and maximum product adhesion which increases the durability of the wax (or sealant). Applying one product over another, particularly if the brands are different, can lessen durability and cause streaking or hazy patches due to the interaction of various chemical ingredients.

Removing the current wax requires either chemical cleaning (using chemicals that strip the wax) or abrasive polishing (using ultra fine polishing agents to lightly abrade the coating and polish the paint). Most dedicated ‘pre-wax cleaners’ use a combination of both. And since most manufacturers of wax products offer specific pre-wax cleaners, it is a sure fire way to insure the wax (or sealant) generates the highest level of shine and longest life cycle.

A note on manufacturer specific ‘Pre-Wax Cleaners’.



While we applaud the detailer who mixes and matches products, thinks out side the box, and uses chemicals like various hues on a palette to paint their version of perfection, it is often safest for the rest to stick with a particular manufacturers pre-wax cleaner. Certain pre-wax cleaners may leave behind a chemical designed to promote the maximum adhesion of their wax, sticking with the same manufacturer guarantee best results. Some examples of manufacture specific pre-wax cleaners include P21s Paint Work Cleaners, S100 Paintwork cleanser, Optimum Poli-Seal, Mother’s California Gold Liquid Wax Cleaner)

Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish.



Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish is a pre-wax cleaner that uses ultra fine polishing agents combined with cleaners to safely remove previous wax as well as polish paint to a high shine. While Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish does leave behind a chemical that will promote the bonding of the Blackfire Wet Diamond paint sealant or Blackfire Midnight Sun carnauba paste, we have tested many other brands over this product and have never found one that was negatively affected by the product. When in doubt, Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish is a great choice when you want the shine cleaning ability of a cleanser and the shine of a polish and don’t have a brand specific pre-wax cleanser at home.

Claying



Using Blackfire PolyClay II is another way to completely remove existing wax or sealant coatings. Claying the surface prior to waxing will remove old wax, surface contamination (overspray, fallout, pollution) and helps restore a clean car shine by deep cleaning the paint. If the surface still looks dull (but feels smooth) than a light polish can help restore that new car shine, such as Blackfire’s Gloss Enhancing Polish.

Chemical Cleaning



Tar removers, body shop prep solvents, Wurth Clean Solve , P21S Total Auto Wash, and heavily diluted (100 parts water: 1 part clear) Meguiar’s Super Degreaser will also remove wax and sealant coatings. Many people use a light mix of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), diluted to about 10-20% total alcohol to remove wax and sealants as well.

Dish washing soaps have a reputation for removing wax but better waxes and sealants seem impervious to the pH neutral liquids. They have also earned a reputation of drying out seals and fading plastic trims. While the jury is still out on that, we believe that using chemicals designed for automotive cleaning is not only potentially safer, but just makes sense.

All-In-One Cleaner/Waxes.



There is a subset of waxes and sealants known as All-In-One products. These AIO products are waxes or sealants that contain their own cleaning agents, negating the need for a separate, pre-wax cleaning step. In many cases these one step waxes (and sealants) will not clean as effectively, nor last as long, as using products designed for each step, but they are easy to use and do a great job with minimal time invested.

Products like Autoglym Super Resin Polish , Klasse All In One, Optimum Poli-seal, Meguiar’s Cleaner/Wax, Mother’s California Gold Cleaner Wax can be applied over existing products without any pre-wax cleaning or polishing. The cleaners in these products will automatically remove pre-existing wax or sealants. For the professional detailer, cleaner/waxes such as Optimum Poli-Seal and Meguiar’s D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream are available in bulk sizes and perfect for the customer who wants a high shine in no time.

If you have any questions or concerns about removing your existing wax or sealant coating please give us a call at 1-800 628 7596 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting**************1-800 628 7596******end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Diesel350

Would u apply the Blackfire gloss enhancing polish after you clay the car? Also, would u apply it by hand or machine?

PaPaHoFF

iTrader: (19)

Yes you would apply it after clay if your not polishing. You apply this product right before wax if that makes more sense to you hence the name pre wax cleaner. You can apply by hand or machine as long as you buff at lower speeds.

Diesel350

What if I am polishing?