04/03/2020
Do you know what different products do? Here is a (lengthy but hopefully informative) explanation so you can better understand what type of restoration/protection you would like for your vehicle - brace yourself, it's allot of information but it's worth the read.
We will start of with car polish. (Assuming that the car has had its paint cleaned and prepared).
Car polish -
Car polishes are chemicals that contain solvent cleaners in them. Those solvent cleaners contain mildly abrasive particles. Both the abrasiveness and solvent come in varying degrees. Some polishes are stronger than others. Deciding which polish you need is going to vary from application to application.
Before you paint you need to prime. Similarly, before you wax, you need to polish. It’s often forgotten, but it’s an extremely important step. Polishing before you apply a layer of wax removes the old wax layer. Furthermore, the polish will remove any blemishes, swirls, or residue of any old paint sealants.
If you don’t polish your car before you wax it, all you’re doing is trapping all the blemishes and old wax underneath the new wax. You’re not going to get the shiny clean finish that you’re looking for, and your vehicle isn’t going to look as good as it should.
When polishing is done correctly it gives off a glossy finish that makes your vehicle look like it just rolled off the showroom floor. You wouldn’t think of painting without priming, don’t think of waxing without polishing.
T-cut
A T-Cut is like a polish on steroids. Far more abrasive and filled with more powerful cleaners. Typically for cars with new paint, all that’s needed is polish. However, once your car gets to be a few years old T-Cut is recommended to fully restore your car’s appearance.
What does a T-Cut compound do?
While polish simply removes the old wax and takes out minor blemishes, T-Cut takes care of surface scratches and bigger blemishes. Dirt and grime that have become engrained on the surface of the paint are easily removed with T-Cut.
When your vehicle is simply being detailed ask for a polish. If it’s more of a paint restoration then you will need a T-Cut.
Car wax -
There are many reasons why waxing your car is important. The reasons show how wax protects and maintains the look of the car and prevents excessive repair costs.
The No. 1 reason why anybody should wax their car is because of the protective layer. The layer is durable which guarantees long lasting beneficial effects on your car.
But what does this layer actually protect against?
It protects your car against the sun’s UV rays:
The sun’s UV rays age your car quickly because they fade the color. When your car has a layer of wax—even a thin layer—it reflects the sun’s light. This minimizes sun damage to the paint.
It protects your car from water corrosion:
As mentioned, water slides off the car when there is a layer of wax. Water can't pe*****te through the wax to reach the metal or steel frame. This prevents rust from occurring which maintains the look of the car.
It protects your car from scratches:
Your car can get easily scratched by:
Other people, dirt and grit, and bird p**p.
The wax layer seals in the paint which makes it difficult for the above mentioned to reach your car’s paint.
It protects the car’s paint and finish:
When you wash an unwaxed car, dirt and grime can scrape against the paint. You may not realize where these stem from. They could already be on the car, wind can blow them against your car or they’re stuck on the cloth you’re washing with.
When the dirt and grime scrape against the paint they scratch and further degrade the surface. This heightens the car’s wear and tear. Therefore, waxing your car is important to prevent this.
It reduces the cost of repairs and refinishing:
The wax layer prevents:
Discoloration, scratches and paint issues
This is a huge advantage and results in cost savings for you because you don’t need to repair or refinish your car. To fully reap this benefit, you must make sure your car has a wax layer throughout its lifespan.
Less frequent car washes are needed:
Dirt and bugs don’t stick to the car’s surface. Water droplets will slide off the car too so you won’t have to deal with water spots.
Whether you drive your car during a clear and sunny day or rain your car won't get as dirty. This will reduce the number of times you’ll wash your car throughout the year.
It maintains the aesthetic look of your car:
A car that is shiny always looks better than one that is not. This is also applicable for older cars. Washing your car with ordinary car soap won't give the shine you want.
To make your car look new, you need to wax it. Do you want the best effect possible? For that ultra-shine, we use wax that has a blend of carnauba wax.
If you do not want to wax your car then we can also take a look at paint sealing.
Paint Sealers -
Paint sealants are a synthetic car wax, whilst they do a similar job to a traditional car wax in that a paint sealant will protect your cars paintwork finish, they do have some unique properties of their own.
Made from synthetic ingredients as opposed to natural waxes and plant extracts, the durability of paint sealants is enhanced to upwards of 6 months. Secondly surface tension is reduced with paint sealants, whilst a car wax does a good job in shunning dirty water from paintwork, paint sealants shed water and grime far better meaning your car stays cleaner for longer longer, and it’s easier to maintain on future washes.
Overall protection offered by paint sealants from UV damage, acid rain and industrial fallout is higher than offered by a traditional car wax. Paint sealants offer a different level of gloss, more a glass like reflectivity than the deep warm glow offered by a car wax, however paint sealants do excel in bringing out the flake in modern metallic/pearlescent finishes
Power sealing your paint -
The ultimate in paintwork protection, Power Seal is a long lasting polymer paint sealant designed for use by hand or with dual action polishers. The synthetic formula chemically bonds with the paint finish to create a ultra durable protective layer, Power Seal also contains UV absorbers to help protect against paintwork fading & ageing.
