getting wax off black car

[dbrufus1234]

when ever i wax my car, when i get to the hood it is about impossible to get the wax residue off. its like when i get the wax haze off it is all streaky and i have to put some elbow grease to get the streaks out. it takes my about 20 mins to get the wax off the hood. i even let it sit for like 10 mins and it still wont come off very easy. anyone know what it could be??

 

[ScottM]

when ever i wax my car, when i get to the hood it is about impossible to get the wax residue off. its like when i get the wax haze off it is all streaky and i have to put some elbow grease to get the streaks out. it takes my about 20 mins to get the wax off the hood. i even let it sit for like 10 mins and it still wont come off very easy. anyone know what it could be??

Hmmm, could be a couple of different things. As far as the streaks, when you look at the hood in the sun, does it kind of look like smear marks? I looked at mine one time after a wax job and it was really streaky, but mine was because I applied to much product. I could actually take a rag and wipe across the streak and the streak would change directions. Basically, I had to wash it once or twice a week for about a month until the streaks were gone. I'd never dry scrubb the car, that might induce swirls in the paint job. You could go over it with a quick detailer though several times with a microfiber cloth and that will help it along.

As far as it being stubborn to come off (the white haze), you can again spray some quick detailer on it, or some straight water out of a spray bottle and then buff it and it should come right off.

Also, what kind of weather are you applying it in? Outside in the sun? In the garage or in the shade?

 

[dbrufus1234]

yeah i was using microfiber so i didnt cause swirl marks, but the car was in the sun for a couple hours (90 degrees) and then sat in the garage for an hour. so the hood was still kinda hot

 

[ScottM]

yeah i was using microfiber so i didnt cause swirl marks, but the car was in the sun for a couple hours (90 degrees) and then sat in the garage for an hour. so the hood was still kinda hot

The heat could have definately had something to do with it. Some products will react different to hotter temperatures than others. Next time, put a fan on the hood if you have one and try to cool it off a little more. Did it not do it to the rest of the car? Was the rest of the car not as hot as the hood maybe?

I meant to ask earlier, what kind of wax are you using? I've used some sealants that were an absolute a bear to try and get off. Using the quick detailer got it right off though.

The best LSP, or Last Step Product I've found, which is formulated for dark colored cars is a Poorboy's World wax called Natty's "Blue" paste wax. I've tried tons of different ones out there and that one is by far the best I've ever used. It goes on extremely easy and comes off even easier with no dusting. The great thing is the manufacture says it can be used in direct sun light if needed (I don't do it, but I guess I could if I wanted to). Plus it's relatively cheap compared to the higher end waxes at $14 dollars. Also, you can only order it online, you can't pick it up in stores.

Look at me sounding like an infomercial! There are a lot of good one's out there which I have tried, but this one is my favorite.

 

[Emay]

dbrufus,

Sounds like you have a combination of things going on honestly.

First, an hour of cooling time is no where near enough time for a black car in 90 degree sun. 3 to 4 hours is a smarter move. Iknow that's hard to do, but black is a mean mutha to maintain.

Second, likely a bit too much product was applied. However you may have contaminants on the paint that are holding the product and making it appear that your using too much, when in fact your not.

All that being said, when was the last time the car was claybar'd? If you don't know, or you have never done it, I'll bet you have some contamination on the surface that is grabbing your wax.

Best thing you can do is clay bar a small area, then wax like normal. Willing to be all will be good.

Also, Another way to tell if you have contamination, is with your spray detailer. If your spray detailer takes more than one or two wipes with a microfiber towel to remove, then there is contamination on the surface and it's claybar time.

Black tells everything, very high maintenance.

 

[dbrufus1234]

i clayed 3 days ago. and scratchXed the hood. and i was using mecguires NXT wax. im gonna try to put is on REALLY thin and see what happens

 

[Matt's 03 GT]

What are you applying the wax with?

 

[anthony05gt]

Get Wizard's Mist & Shine detailer. It makes Meguire's detailer look like trash.

 

[dbrufus1234]

What are you applying the wax with?

cotton terry round applicator

 

[Matt's 03 GT]

It is most likely just the heat. NXT should come off very easily. Try next time on a cold surface and using an extremely thin coat. Also, be sure to turn your towel a bunch when you are removing the wax. A lot of guys will go over a freshly waxed vehicle with QD for their last step.

Was the car clean before you waxed?

Good luck,

Matt

 

[dbrufus1234]

iight ill try that, thanks

 

[ScottM]

What everyone else said. To help the hood cool down, if you know ahead of time you are wanting to wax it, pop the hood about an hour ahead of time and that will help cool it, rather than the engine sitting there keeping it warm. I've used NXT before as well and it should come off a lot easier than that. With wax, remember, the thinner the better. The more you put on doesn't neccessarily mean better protection or more shine. Basically, you barely want to be able to see it. If you get excessive dusting and streaking when removing, it's too thick. I can go over my whole car with 2 to 3 dips in to my paste wax. You should be able to do the whole front of the car and probably some of the doors with one application before putting anymore on the applicator. Another tip would be to lightly mist the applicator with some quick detailer before putting the product on and it will help the applicator glide over the surface, thus helping prevent swirling.

On a side note, I just claybarred/polished/waxed my wifes new S2000 and you would not believe the difference the prep work makes! I love my PC 7424

 

[LV51FER]

One tip is to start again with Zaino. You can wax the whole car and the longer the better. It also resists dirt far better so you don't have to wax as often.

 

[Art161]

I have found that spraying the leftover mess with distilled water and wiping it down can work wonders.

 

[stanmckinney]

I had a 1994 black GT. It was beautiful when it was clean and waxed. It is high maintenance.
The kind of wax can make a real difference. Some carnubas are actually absored by the paint and should be easy to get off or in as the case may be.
I like McGuiar's. Many people swear by Mother's.