Will a pressure washer strip off wax?

[PhatRoyale]

Just got back from a road trip last night and thought about going to one of those DIY car wash bays for a quick rinse off of bugs and dirt, since it was late and I was tired.

My question is will using the pressure washer from a car wash bay strip off wax?

[humanoid]

Probably, it might do more harm than good. Just spend some time and do a nice claybar job and that should take care of all that mess.

[Mr E]

Regular washing will remove wax.
Pressure washer will only do it qucker.

I wouldnt worry too much about it damaging anything unless you have a lot of rust and focus on it.

Claybar job is nice, but TAKES a long time and a lot of effort.

In the end, no, the coin op wont really ruin anything, just give ur car a nice wax sooner then later and all will be well.

[secrecyguy]

hmmm... interesting information...

I always use the those pressure washers because I figured that it will be safer for the car than using a sponge or brush to clean the car.

[Pb]

Originally Posted by Mr E

Claybar job is nice, but TAKES a long time and a lot of effort.

Not really. I can properly clay my whole truck in less than an hour.

Polishing is what takes time and effort.

Then Waxing is the easiest step.

[PhatRoyale]

I just did a full detail less than a month ago that included claying the entire car

About how many pressure washes should I be able to do before all the wax gets stripped off?

[secrecyguy]

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

I just did a full detail less than a month ago that included claying the entire car

About how many pressure washes should I be able to do before all the wax gets stripped off?

That's a good question! I like to know that too!

[CamrySExxx]

pb how oftren do u clay?

[Pb]

Usually before I polish. At least twice a year. Or anytime that it really needs it. Like if I notice some bad contaminants like tree sap, tar, bugs, etc. It just depends where you live, and what your environment is.

[Pb]

In most climate conditions, I recommend waxing a minimum of twice a year. Waxing any less frequently than this and your paint will suffer premature deterioration from oxidation. If you use a pure wax (a wax with no cleaners) product, you cannot over-wax your car. If you use a clearcoat safe cleaner-wax, wax no more than four times a year. A pure wax like P21S Carnauba Car Wax is an excellent choice if you like to wax frequently to maintain a perfect wax finish.

Generally synthetic waxes last longer than natural (carnauba) waxes. If you use a natural wax you can tell by how tight the water beads are. If water beads are small in diameter and tall then your wax is good. Once the water beads get bigger in diameter and flatter then that means your wax is wearing out.

Some synthetic waxes don't make water bead, so the only way to really tell is to feel how smooth the paint is, or just go by how long it's been since you last waxed.

With synthetic wax I would wax at least twice a year. With carnauba I would wax at least 4 times a year.

[CamrySExxx]

also sine on topic about wax...i have the meguairs NXT wax (cleaner) but i am aware it has a bit of polish in it. i like to keep my car clean and shiney so i wash+Wax it when ever it gets dirty (very often) so is using cleaner wax over and over really jsut gonna strip all my clear coat off? i remember last year i waxed at least 6-8 times :s

[Funnyguy263]

Whats this claybar you guys are talking about? Whats the point in using it?

Also:

I wash my car every week and do the polishing...am I doing something bad?

[Pb]

Originally Posted by CamrySExxx

also sine on topic about wax...i have the meguairs NXT wax (cleaner) but i am aware it has a bit of polish in it. i like to keep my car clean and shiney so i wash+Wax it when ever it gets dirty (very often) so is using cleaner wax over and over really jsut gonna strip all my clear coat off? i remember last year i waxed at least 6-8 times :s

NXT barely has any polish in it. You're fine.

[Pb]

Originally Posted by Funnyguy263

Whats this claybar you guys are talking about? Whats the point in using it?

Also:

I wash my car every week and do the polishing...am I doing something bad?

Search, and read the detailing sticky thread.

[PhatRoyale]

Does anyone have an answer to my question?