Cleaning and prepping paint before Wax.

[Mustang5L5]

I've had my '03 now for about a month. The paint is excellent except for the fact that there is road grime and such stuck to the area behind the wheels that i can't get off. Nothing major as you can't see it on silver paint from more than a few feet away, but it bothers me. I also have stuck bugs on the front of the car i can't seem to get off.

I want to wax the car, but i don't want to wax over this. I was wondering if there was anything i could use as a cleaner or such that would loosen up the stuck grime/bugs and allow me to take it off before i wax.

I know silver is a clean color, but i really want this car spotless

 

[rjstaaf]

When you say road grime I am assuming tar? For the tar and the bugs resist the urge to rub hard to get them off, you will just replace the bugs and tar with scratches. You want to soften them up really well so that they wipe off easily. Just go by the auto parts store and get a bug and tar removal spray. Several companies make them like Prestone, Meguiars, etc... Read and follow the instructions on the bottle.

 

[Go HoTO!]

Yes, I agree!

Also, if you want an awsome wax job, get either Maguires of Mothers three step programs. There is a cleaner, polish, and then wax. The bottles are numbered 1, 2, 3. First, of course, get the bugs and tar off. Wash the car and then start with the cleaner. Don't use too much product and be sure to have a lot of 100% cotton cloths on hand. You will not believe how good the shine will be. I do this about every three months and just did it again last night.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Yeah it's mostly bugs and tar that have hardened. I'm gonna try the bug and tar remover my next couple of car washes first. I really want to get every bit of it off, then i'll move on to waxing. I already have the 3-step program from mothers, i'm just trying to make sure i don't wax over the stuff i don't want on the paint first.

 

[larrendeuce]

Another product is the clay bar. If your paint doesn't feel like glass, kinda rough, then you'd need to clay. Afterwards the surface is perfect for waxing. I use the Griot's Clay. www.griotsgarage.com

 

[jonw440]

HOW to Clay with "Holly" The Mayors BABE!!

The perfect shine

Polishing Paint
How to Wax


Enjoy!!
Jon