When it comes to detailing, there are a million opinions and tons of information available online. A lot of the information is good, but some of it is simply misleading (or just plain wrong)! The following are three common misconceptions that we at Presta would like to clear up.
Myth 1: Washing a car and cleaning a car are the same thing. While regular car washing is important, Car Wash Soaps really only break up and remove loose dirt and contaminants. The trouble is, even the best car wash soaps won’t touch stubborn stains, bonded dirt and oxidation. If you run the back of your hand across the surface of the paint and it feels bumpy or rough, you may consider using a clay bar. Clay bars help break loose and remove bonded on contamination that regular washing cannot. The best part is, clay bars are easy to use and even the most novice of driveway detailers can achieve a clean, smooth as glass surface with just a little elbow grease. Just remember to continually kneed and lubricate your clay!
Myth 2: Waxing alone will remove fine swirls. If only it were that easy. Unfortunately, polishing and waxing are two entirely different processes that serve two entirely different purposes. Wax is simply a layer of protection that sits on top of your paint and prevents dirt and contaminants from becoming bonded to the surface. The misconception comes from the fact that waxes typically contain ingredients that fill fine scratches and swirls, creating the appearance of a smooth and flawless finish. However, as the wax eventually begins to wash away, the scratches and swirls will reappear. Polishing, on the other hand, flattens out scratches and swirls by removing the uneven portions of your clear coat. The result is a flat, flawless finish that will not wash away. For show car quality results, we recommend polishing surfaces to bring up and enhance the gloss and using wax as a top coat to protect and add shine
Myth 3: Paste wax offers better, longer-lasting protection than liquid waxes. Years ago, this may have been the case, but now, with break throughs in ingredients and technology, liquid waxes offer every bit as good of protection as your favorite paste wax. Presta Best Wax, for example, offers 60-90 days of protection. However, keep in mind, how long your wax lasts depends heavily on how much you drive, how often your vehicle is outdoors, and your local climate and environment, so individual results may vary.
