Polish,Wax, Buff Paint??

[55 Fargo]

Hi all, as some of you know I painted my car last year at home in the garage.

I got a few nasty runs, some dirt, and some imperfections.

I did use Synthetic Enamel, very much like what was used in 1940s, I did however add a hardener.

I do not think I am going to worry about the runs, so am not going to wetsand the car, or try to cut off the runs in paint, don't think I will do a good job.

Should I use a mild polish, buffer, and then do a wax job?

Or should I just continue to wash and drive?

This paint job, will eventually be redone, but for now want to get the most out of it, and keep it shiny and in good shape.

The shine after 1 year is very good, as the car is in the garage 95% of the time, has not seen any rain or snow to speak of.

Since I have more time than money, plan to polish and clean up the chrome and trim, as best I can, on car, at least it can be preserevd until one day, when there is more fatter pockets.......Fred

[RobertKB]

Wash and drive! You will be amazed how shiny the paint stays when it lives 95% of its life inside. It will still be shiny when you decide to repaint eventually. I speak from personal experience as my '48 paint was 30+ years old when I decided to repaint and was still shiny. Like yours, it was not perfect and I can now afford to repaint it.

[55 Fargo]

Wash and drive! You will be amazed how shiny the paint stays when it lives 95% of its life inside. It will still be shiny when you decide to repaint eventually. I speak from personal experience as my '48 paint was 30+ years old when I decided to repaint and was still shiny. Like yours, it was not perfect and I can now afford to repaint it.

Thanx Rob, just thought even a mild wax job, say old fashioned Turtle paste wax, might help the gravel road dust not stick as well to the paint.

I am sure by it staying indoors it will look good as far as shine is concerned for years.......

Taken 15 minutes ago, my Boy, my car, my field

Edited April 11, 2010 by Rockwood

[RobertKB]

Taken 15 minutes ago, my Boy, my car, my field

You are a wealthy man!!

Edited April 11, 2010 by RobertKB

[thrashingcows]

A little wax can't hurt any. I'd give it a rub down when you have time.

Sure is a pretty car!!

[Flatie46]

Yea, the wax might suprise you. I think the paste waxes work best, more effort but better results. It is a nice ride.

[WatchingWolf]

Turtle wax and elbow grease. Steal a couple of the rattyer bath towels from the linen closet to wipe the haze off. Terry cloth works great. If you drop the towel, grab a new one, 1 single little stone in the wipe cloth can really ruin your day.

[Flatie46]

Turtle wax and elbow grease. Steal a couple of the rattyer bath towels from the linen closet to wipe the haze off. Terry cloth works great. If you drop the towel, grab a new one, 1 single little stone in the wipe cloth can really ruin your day.

Yea that terry cloth makes a difference. I think it also is the best on the stainless and aluminum.

[BobT-47P15]

Fred.....I've got a lot the same type paint job, -- acrylic enamel (with

hardner) and some runs. Have never color sanded.....just wax, not

even wash, except for tires. I don't wash (just wipe off if dusty) as it

leaks around the windshield.

I use either Maguires cleaner/wax or some of that light blue colored

carnuba wax sold at swap meets. Either does a good job.

A "California Car Duster" treated dust mop is also a handy thing to have.

[Plymouthy Adams]

A "California Car Duster" treated dust mop is also a handy thing to have.

so is having a young bikini clad girl doing your car as you sit and watch..but momma is not to let that happen..maybe this can be the next reality TV show..why not we got everything else it seems...Norm had the right idea...keep it in the garage or no further than the driveway and wah-lah..clean car al the time..

I hate washing and waxing a car..it seems to spoil a perfectly good opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee

[Flatie46]

A "California Car Duster" treated dust mop is also a handy thing to have.

so is having a young bikini clad girl doing your car as you sit and watch..but momma is not to let that happen..maybe this can be the next reality TV show..why not we got everything else it seems...Norm had the right idea...keep it in the garage or no further than the driveway and wah-lah..clean car al the time..

I hate washing and waxing a car..it seems to spoil a perfectly good opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee

This reminds me of going to a "Bikini car wash" a few years ago. I had an old harley shovelhead that was chromed up kinda nice. When I got off the bike several very nice looking girls that had my full attention were asking me questions. Then I noticed one of them take a soapy mit and start to wash a very hot new chrome pipe [she hadn't even wet it or sprayed the bike down]. It baked a soapy stain on to the pipe that I had to later polish out. She kinda freaked when the mit smoked when it touched the pipe. I was going to school them up on how to wash a bike before they started but like I said, I was distracted.