[STI*FEVER]

I own an 05 STI, its black so im sure you all can sympathize with how hard it is to keep clean, ive had the car for a year this month. Ive always detailed my car every week, and waxed it every two weeks, but now i notice that i have old wax build up on my car that i cant seem to wash off. it looks like wipe marks from the way i wax my car. I wax back and forth not swirl style because thats not good for black paint. i know its not the paint thats screwed but the old wax that keeps building up. how do i get this old wax off and make my paint look fresh again, please help. Ive heard of using a clay bar but i dont know how it works or where to get one, and ive also heard that using DAWN dish soap will get it off but my wax is pretty built up so i dont know if it would work. any help would be appreciated thanks

[MadMan77]

There is nothing like a bit of Dawn to strip all the wax off of your car.

[dowroa]

Default
There is nothing like a bit of Dawn to strip all the wax off of your car.

Bingo! Had a black WRX, and this is how I reapplied. If you want a gloss finish, I sure hope you have an orbital buffer
- dow

[Nachos Libres]

Dawn works or a clay bar as well. Clay bar is easy to use, just spray some water onto an area of your car and then rub the clay bar over it. Not only does it remove wax but also removes overspray, chemicals from the road, etc., that can cause harm to your paint over time.

[STI*FEVER]

how much or many times should I wash the car with dawn before i wax it

[Ol'SaltyBastard]

I'm gonna advise against using Dawn. My reason is that you may have a hard time removing the soap, and if you live in an area with hard water, this is more so. Personally, I use a claybar. This can take forever, so do one section at a time. Wash your car, and then claybar the hood. Wax it when you are done. Next time you wash your car, do the front fenders. I break it up like this, but my car always looks freshly waxed whenever I wash it.

[Nachos Libres]

Originally Posted by Ol'SaltyBastard

I'm gonna advise against using Dawn. My reason is that you may have a hard time removing the soap, and if you live in an area with hard water, this is more so. Personally, I use a claybar. This can take forever, so do one section at a time. Wash your car, and then claybar the hood. Wax it when you are done. Next time you wash your car, do the front fenders. I break it up like this, but my car always looks freshly waxed whenever I wash it.

I find it better to wash the car, then claybar, then wash the car again (to remove any clay residue left behind), then polish and wax.

And using a claybar doesn't take that long, at least for me. I would say it takes about an hour for me to do a thorough job, but I do agree after you do all the things I listed above it takes more like 6-8 hours. Of course whenever I claybar I make sure to take the day off from work.

[Singletrack]

Claybar or paint cleaner.

[technica]

Originally Posted by Singletrack

Claybar or paint cleaner.

My thoughts exactly. Meguiars 3 step system's step 1 is the paint cleaner. Although, I am sure the claybar will clean it up.

[STI*FEVER]

where do i get McGuires paint cleaner

[Singletrack]

Originally Posted by STI*FEVER

where do i get McGuires paint cleaner

You can get the crystal cleaner in a red bottle at most car supply stores. You can order the medallion cleaner from Meguiar's or from many online retailers. Local detailers may also sell it...I use the Medallion and it works very well and is easy to work with. Old wax isn't really that hard to get off as far as contaminants go, so I doubt you need anything serious.

[blk04sti]

The meguiars clay bar works excellent in my opinion. I also have a black sti...and i had the same problem. Also here's something cool about the claybar:
After you wash your car, and its dry...glide your hand on the paint and feel for tiny little almost like bubbles or particles...you'll feel them if you have never claybared...those will be gone after you clay bar...and your paint be as smooth as glass.

[mn1028]

Here is what you need.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/search.j...x=8&search.y=5

[Singletrack]

Originally Posted by mn1028

Here is what you need.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/search.j...x=8&search.y=5

$16? Seriously man, there are far cheaper solutions that work just as well.

[STI*FEVER]

thanks guys for all of your help i appreciate it a bunch ill give that 16 dollar stuff a try, it not that expensive.