Wax Question

[Sterno]

Do you use the same wax on the metal bits (fenders, doors, hood, etc.) as you do on the plastic bits (bumper covers)? I'm about to give my 'S' its first wax and was just wondering.

[GapBoyPCS]

Originally Posted by Sterno

Do you use the same wax on the metal bits (fenders, doors, hood, etc.) as you do on the plastic bits (bumper covers)? I'm about to give my 'S' its first wax and was just wondering.

I only wax some of my plastic bits - usually the bumper or other painted parts. If it's matte or shiny black plastic, I leave those to products designed for those surfaces.

In any case, read the label and see what you can or can't do. Just make sure you have clean applicators and towels, the car is clean, and follow the instructions on the container.

If you're gung-ho, I'd also recommend using a clay bar first to get any surface impurities off and then apply the wax. It usually makes for a better and more rich job.

[Sterno]

Thanks, GB. Yes, I meant the painted parts. I bought a paste wax so the applicator is brand new. And I bought a whole pile of micro-fiber towels. Those towels make a huge difference after washing, I've noticed. No streaks or spots at all after drying with the towels. First time I've ever used 'em. I have one pile for drying and one pile that I'll use for wiping off the wax.

[Willies Silver Ingot]

Be careful on the black plastic trim piece on the trunk. I waxed my car when it was 3 days old and it looked great then a few days later the dang thing turned from black to grey and I haven't found anything to get the "residue" off permanently. I had no issues with any of the other plastic trim. It wiped clean. If I had known it was going to do that I'd have literally masked it off with painters tape. Back to black makes it look good........until it rains or you wash the car.

[Voleurz]

Originally Posted by Willies Silver Ingot

Be careful on the black plastic trim piece on the trunk. I waxed my car when it was 3 days old and it looked great then a few days later the dang thing turned from black to grey and I haven't found anything to get the "residue" off permanently. I had no issues with any of the other plastic trim. It wiped clean. If I had known it was going to do that I'd have literally masked it off with painters tape. Back to black makes it look good........until it rains or you wash the car.

Might want to try something like a tire conditioner thats safe to use on plastic. I use that stuff everywhere, even on the interior to get scuffs out and everything. Is the piece your talking about chrome on SES models? Because I have a chrome part on the trunk but no plastic.

[GapBoyPCS]

Originally Posted by Willies Silver Ingot

Be careful on the black plastic trim piece on the trunk. I waxed my car when it was 3 days old and it looked great then a few days later the dang thing turned from black to grey and I haven't found anything to get the "residue" off permanently. I had no issues with any of the other plastic trim. It wiped clean. If I had known it was going to do that I'd have literally masked it off with painters tape. Back to black makes it look good........until it rains or you wash the car.

Try a pencil eraser or peanut butter to remove the wax residue.

Some waxes advertise that they won't leave a residue on black plastic trim pieces. See if your wax advertises the same. In any case, I always try and minimize how much wax can get near/on any plastic.

[Lonestar]

Originally Posted by Willies Silver Ingot

Be careful on the black plastic trim piece on the trunk. I waxed my car when it was 3 days old and it looked great then a few days later the dang thing turned from black to grey and I haven't found anything to get the "residue" off permanently. I had no issues with any of the other plastic trim. It wiped clean. If I had known it was going to do that I'd have literally masked it off with painters tape. Back to black makes it look good........until it rains or you wash the car.

OK to wax the moulded/painted plastic, like the bumpers. No no to any black plastic.

I respectfully disagree with the 'pencil eraser' technique...it's abrasive, that's how it removes it (think about how an eraser works on paper!). Better to use silicone spray (like WD 40) liberally on a rag with some elbow grease...it uses the slipperiness of silicone to remove even the most stubborn, ingrained whities.

[Willies Silver Ingot]

Originally Posted by Voleurz

Might want to try something like a tire conditioner thats safe to use on plastic. I use that stuff everywhere, even on the interior to get scuffs out and everything. Is the piece your talking about chrome on SES models? Because I have a chrome part on the trunk but no plastic.

The SEL sedan has the chrome molding. Looks like all other '12 model sedans come with black from the build pic's on fords website.

[Willies Silver Ingot]

Originally Posted by GapBoyPCS

Try a pencil eraser or peanut butter to remove the wax residue.

Some waxes advertise that they won't leave a residue on black plastic trim pieces. See if your wax advertises the same. In any case, I always try and minimize how much wax can get near/on any plastic.

Trust me I wasn't trying to get any on it, lol. Matter of fact it looked good and clean like I said until several days later. Then it showed up. I used Meguiar’s cleaner wax. We use it at work and I've had good luck with it. Every piece of black trim besides the one on the trunk came permanently clean with back to black. (i.e. been washed and rained on several times) Must be made of a slightly different plastic, or just needs a little more persuasion.

[Sterno]

It got into the mid-60s here this weekend so I finally gave my Fiesta its first wax. I used Meguiar's Cleaner Wax - Paste. Mainly because the Car Guys said to. I'd never used it before. I'm going to stick with it ... the results are GREAT! I don't think I've ever felt a car so smooth after the application of this wax.

It's a semi-hard paste that spreads fairly easily. It comes with a nice sponge applicator. It does take a bit of elbow grease after it dries. I used four micro-fiber cloths to wipe/buff with. Quite a bit of residue left on the cloth. But the final result: It looks better than the day I picked it up. I can recommend this product.