Swipe Test The most common mistakes made when applying a wax or a sealant is to apply too much product and removing it too soon.
What is the best soap to remove wax?? I always hear that Dawn dishwashing liquid is great for this. Thks
Any alkaline car wash concentrate will remove wax i.e. P21S Total Auto Wash a d-limonene (citrus) based cleaner will safely remove wax and clean the paint surface Washing-up Liquids (Detergent) Dawn® and similar type washing liquids chemistry relies primarily on detergent and surfactant technology. This type of chemistry has advanced to the point that it can be engineered to specific soils (i.e. organic grease) Detergent and soap chemistry and product formulation is a lot more complicated than this, suffice it to say; modern car wash formulations are automotive soil specific. It was initially used to remove traces of the oils from waxes commonly used on Nitrocellulose Lacquer paints. Obviously time has changed and advanced abrasive polishes and paint cleaners are available and likely better to use. I would not recommend using a harsh dishwashing detergent such as Dawn® on a regular basis, as they contain a degreaser, although most of them are approx pH 8.0 the other ingredients will tend to oxidise the paint system and emulsify, breakdown and leach out oils found in rubber moulding, trim and the paint system, which causes the plasticizers to dry out and oxidize, causing them to lose their flexibility. The MSDS indicates that this product contains sodium hydroxide, which is highly alkaline the same ingredient used in engine degreasers to chemically ‘burn’ hydrocarbon oils and grease from engine surfaces (sodium hydroxide) it will severely stain aluminium, magnesium, etc. It will emulsify, breakdown and leach out oils naturally found in your paint, and also any oils you have applied in the way of a polish or glaze. Generally you should avoid the use of household cleaning products for automotive detailing as they are formulated for an entirely different type of cleaning. [Your car surface and the dirt that gets on it are a lot different from the food soils and dishes that dishwashing liquids clean effectively. We don't recommend them for cleaning your car] Proctor and Gamble
Thanks - that some good info. I was just reading about P21s wash the other day and wasn't sure if I needed it - I'm make sure to add it to my shopping list.
