Paint Care FAQ

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Paint Care FAQ

What is Factory Applied (OEM) Paint?

This is the paint applied to a vehicle at the Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) factory.

What is Fresh Paint?

This is a term used to describe "refinish paints" (paints used in automotive body shops) that have not fully cured.Refinish paints are deemed fresh for 30 days after their application. Most paint manufacturers do not recommendapplying a wax to fresh paint.

What is Cured Paint?

This refers to all automotive paints applied at the factory, and refinish paints that are more than 30 days old. Wax isrecommended for application only to cured paints.

What is a Clear Coat Paint?

Clear coat paint refers to the clear (non-pigmented) top coat paint that is applied over a colored base coat paint, andis found on most vehicles built in recent years. Clear coat paint increases the vehicle's paint durability, gloss andresistance to harmful environmental effects. Most car care products that are recommended for use on clear coat paintare clearly marked "clear coat safe."

What is a Single Stage Paint?

Single stage paint refers to the pigmented, or colored, top coat paint applied to most older vehicles and some newvehicles. Single stage paints do not have a clear top coat. However, car care products that are marked "clear coat safe"may also be used on single stage paints.

What is Oxidation?

Oxidation is the dulling and/or hazy appearance of a vehicle's paint caused by weathering from outdoor exposure.Correction requires the removal of the oxidized layer of paint by using a cleaner wax, polish, or rubbing compound,depending on the degree or severity of the oxidation.

What is "Orange Peel"?

"Orange peel" is a term representing the texture of a painted surface that has "hills and valleys" or bumps similar to theskin of an orange. Excessive orange peel is generally considered a paint condition defect.

What is a Swirl Mark?

A swirl mark is a curved, minor scratch left in the painted surface by a rubbing compound or a wool buffing pad. Swirlmarks can be removed from the paint surface by using a polish or wax.

What are Polishes?

Polishes are specifically formulated blends of oils, solvents, water and minerals that are designed to remove minor paintsurface imperfections such as fine scratches, light oxidation, water spots and swirl marks left from rubbing compounds.Polishes may , or may not, contain waxes or silicones. Polishes create a deep, rich, swirl-free finish, and can be appliedeither by hand or machine.

What are Glazes?

A glaze is a polish that is safe for use on fresh paints. Glazes also have varying degrees of aggressiveness. Glazes,used either by hand or machine, will remove minor paint surface imperfections. It should be followed either by a waxon cured paint or by a hand glaze on fresh paint. Hand glaze does only minor polishing, and its primary use is toenhance surface gloss and luster on fresh paints. It needs to be re-applied frequently until the paint is cured and canbe waxed.

What is Silicone?

Silicone is a chemical polymer that has excellent water repellency and a very slippery feel. Silicones are commonly usedin automotive waxes to enhance the application and ease of removal, and to increase gloss and durability.

What are Rubbing Compounds?

Rubbing compounds are specifically formulated suspensions of oils, solvents, water, and minerals produced in eithera liquid or a paste construction. They are designed to remove paint surface imperfections such as scratches, oxidation,stains, and acid rain etching. Rubbing compounds can be applied either by hand or machine.

What are Waxes?

Waxes are uniquely formulated blends of wax, polymers, glossifiers and other ingredients that protect and produce adurable, ultra-high gloss finish. Waxes make it easier to clean (wash/dry) the paint surface. Some waxes also serveas polishes, and are capable of removing minor paint imperfections.

What are Cleaner Waxes?

Cleaner waxes are wax/polish combinations. They contain mild abrasives that are capable of removing minor paintimperfections, as well as wax and other ingredients that produce a durable, high- gloss finish.

What is the Difference Between Rubbing Compounds and Cleaners?

There is little difference between rubbing compounds and cleaners that are designed to remove imperfections from apainted surface. They vary by the types of minerals (abrasives), mineral particle sizes and chemicals they contain, butthey provide basically the same action. Both use an abrasive to remove imperfections in the paint, and both are madewith varying degrees of aggressiveness.

How Often Should I Wax My Car?

There is no exact length of time that any wax will last. Variables such as the type, color and condition of the paint, theamount of exposure to outdoor elements, and the quality of the wax all affect how long it will last. Generally speaking,when the water beading and the finish appearance indicate that the wax is gone, you should re-apply the wax.

Why do I Need a Car Wash soap?

Car wash soaps are specially formulated to remove dirt, grime and soils commonly found on vehicle surfaces, whilehaving a minimal affect on the wax finish. Many other soaps, such as dish washing detergents, are formulated toremove tougher soils like cooking oils and greases. These stronger soaps can attack a wax finish, reducing the overalllife of the wax.