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Topic: Lazy Daze wax job follow up (Read 966 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #25

What come around goes around.
This subject comes up every two or three years.
Here is a thread on the subject from 14 years ago. Not much has changed.
Yahoo! Groups

My opinion is any of the Consumer's Reports recommended waxes are fine.
NuFinish is fine, I like the Meguiars, use whatever makes you happy but use it.

The long term success of a wax depends on how clean the surface is before waxing and the frequency of waxing.
I'm a firm believer in an annual clay bar session. The clay removes surface dirt and imbedded crud (technical term), without damaging the paint.
Do follow the instructions and never drop the clay.
The rig needs to be scrubbed cleaned, top to bottom, before claying. Figure on using two clay bars and up to two bottles of spray lubricant. 
Amazon.com: Meguiar's G1016 Smooth Surface Clay Kit: Automotive
Basic instructions.
Auto detailing clay, detail clay bar, clay lubricant, Pinnacle Poly Clay,...

Make a multi day job out of claying and waxing, your hands, arms and shoulders will appreciate it.

If you are experienced in the proper use of an random orbital buffing machine, it can do wonders for a faded paint job. it Unfortunately, it cannot bring back the paint on the stripes when the paint is gone or badly sun faded.
The lower, fiberglass panels ages quicker than the upper, aluminum panels and the paint seems thinner so be careful in how aggressive you get with polishers and rubbing compounds.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

 
Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #26
Which Meguiar's  product do you use, Larry? There are many products just in this "wax/protect" category on their online sale site:

Wax/ Protect | Meguiars Car Wax | Meguiar's

I tested NuFinish and Finish Kare 2180 on two sections of faded green paint on the rear of my LD. For me, Finish Kare is more tedious to apply and takes more effort to remove; I noticed no obvious difference between the results of it and the NuFinish. I've heard positive comments on the Meguiar's NXT, but haven't tested it.

I doubt that my goal is much different from that of most others, i.e., to use the product that offers the best/longest lasting protection with the least amount of work to apply and remove!   :D  I know that using the clay bar is the best "pre-step", but I almost curled up in a little ball when I read the project description and instructions; I try to make as few concessions to my "use by" date as I can manage, but one does have to prioritize!  ;) 
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #27
Many years ago my brother took on a huge project. He took it upon himself to re-stucco our jointly owned duplex.

He took his time doing it. One ten foot section every weekend over several months with an Alaskan cruise thrown in the middle.

It got done. Saved us a boat load of cash and turned out great.

I imagine clay barring the LD could be done in a similar fashion. Baby steps. One section at a time. Bit by bit. With a few naps thrown into the mix.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #28
While waxing my 2015 RV recently, I noticed that all the running light housings are rusted already. I was dismayed to see this!
Is this normal? Is there a product that easily removes the rust and maybe protects the metal housing?
Just wondering and disappointed in product quality. :(
2015 MB

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #29
While waxing my 2015 RV recently, I noticed that all the running light housings are rusted already. I was dismayed to see this!
Is this normal? Is there a product that easily removes the rust and maybe protects the metal housing?
Just wondering and disappointed in product quality. :(
When did LD switch from plastic to metal running lights? I thought they were all plastic.
Our 2003 still has its originals, except the two that have mysteriously disappeared from the rear corner ;-).

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #30
Which Meguiar's  product do you use, Larry? There are many products just in this "wax/protect" category on their online sale site:

Consumers Reports top three recommended liquid waxes.
1.  Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech.          Rating 69
2.  The NuFinish-NF76c                                Rating 68   
3.  Meguiar's Gold Class Carnauba Plus    Rating 68

The two CU recommended paste waxes
1.  Nu Finish NP80  Rating 71
2.  Turtle Wax Ice    Rating 68

Checked my garage, I have a bottle of Meguiar's NXT liquid and a can of Turtle Wax Ice paste.
IMO, any of the better waxes will do the job if done often enough.
The paste wax lives in the LD, not having to worry about it spilling.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #31
Rusted running lights? I thought all such hardware has been plastic for many years. I would tape off the are to protect the surrounding paint, wire brush the rusted metal and treat it with a POR primer, then paint. If you are referring to screws, why not just replace them with stainless?

It seems normal to me that any metal except high grade stainless steel will corrode over time, sooner if driven on salted roads or near salt spray.  Almost any plating on hardware is at best a sacrificial layer that erodes and gives up.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #32
I have used Mequiars, most of the product line, including the old commercial products, NuFinish, and a host of others.  My experience is the they are all good, those grades seem realistic.  The Zaino line is what I have come back to as my standard, because to me it lasts longer.

The Zaino link- Zaino Store

In any case, prep is more important than the final sealant. My process:
1) wash thoroughly with a good detergent
2) remove surface contamination- clay bar is easy and effective
3) if necessary polish out any paint imperfections like oxidization, minute scratches
4) seal with one of these fine sealants
5) for a sacrificial coat and greater depth and warmth of shine, top with a good carnauba wax

In my view any one step product is better than nothing, but I'd rather spend extra time to get steps 2 and 3 right, removing all the dirt I can before applying a sealant that traps the crud in it.  Step 4 is very easy with these new technologically advanced products. For step 3 a nice power buffer is helpful.

I plan on spending a week polishing my LD, but usually get carried away and it is done in a couple of days.  I do a small panel, walk away and before I know it I'm drawn back to do another. The result is so satisfying. With the headphones on, and nice weather, it's a relaxing form of exercise. But lately the shoulders protest more and more, so there is that.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #33
In any case, prep is more important than the final sealant. My process:
1) wash thoroughly with a good detergent
2) remove surface contamination- clay bar is easy and effective
In my view any one step product is better than nothing, but I'd rather spend extra time to get steps 2 and 3 right, removing all the dirt I can before applying a sealant that traps the crud in it. 

Waxing is similar to painting a house, you must do the prep and have the surface free from any contamination before applying the product.
If you wax your LD, without throughly cleaning it, just the dirt is getting waxed.
It's a big waste of time and does little to protect the finish.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #34
But the dirt is shiny! And safe from being washed away, so able to corrode the paint in peace.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #35
"When did LD switch from plastic to metal running lights? I thought they were all plastic."
---
Maybe the housing changed from plastic to metal when LD went from the round to the rectangular-shaped "sunken" (at least on the overcab) running lights? Don't know; just speculating.  ???
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #36
Thanks for the "wax" specifics, Larry!  :D
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #37
What come around goes around.
This subject comes up every two or three years.
Here is a thread on the subject from 14 years ago. Not much has changed.
Yahoo! Groups

My opinion is any of the Consumer's Reports recommended waxes are fine.
NuFinish is fine, I like the Meguiars, use whatever makes you happy but use it.

The long term success of a wax depends on how clean the surface is before waxing and the frequency of waxing.
I'm a firm believer in an annual clay bar session. The clay removes surface dirt and imbedded crud (technical term), without damaging the paint.
Do follow the instructions and never drop the clay.
The rig needs to be scrubbed cleaned, top to bottom, before claying. Figure on using two clay bars and up to two bottles of spray lubricant. 
Amazon.com: Meguiar's G1016 Smooth Surface Clay Kit: Automotive
Basic instructions.
Auto detailing clay, detail clay bar, clay lubricant, Pinnacle Poly Clay,...



Make a multi day job out of claying and waxing, your hands, arms and shoulders will appreciate it.

If you are experienced in the proper use of an random orbital buffing machine, it can do wonders for a faded paint job. it Unfortunately, it cannot bring back the paint on the stripes when the paint is gone or badly sun faded.
The lower, fiberglass panels ages quicker than the upper, aluminum panels and the paint seems thinner so be careful in how aggressive you get with polishers and rubbing compounds.

Larry

Hi Larry.  Sorry to hijack the thread but I'm still fairly new to owning a Lazy Daze, and I'm wondering roughly what I could expect cost wise if I have to hire someone else to do the above steps (clay bar, etc) that you mentioned?  I know it won't be cheap, but I've been calling around for estimates from people in my area and so far I've only had one person get back to me at all.   Can't tell if I'm getting a deal if I have no idea what it would cost to detail and wax an rv in the first place. 
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Hi, I'm Jo!
My little red wagon is a 1997 23.5 TK

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #38
I'm not Larry, but I have done vehicle detailing commercially. I don't any more, and my price list may be a bit dated.

I would do steps 1-5 that I listed above (no step 6, the additional coat of carnauba wax- I hated working with that stuff) , done at my place, on an RV like the Mid Bath, over a two day period and with my products, for between $300 and $500, depending on the state in which the vehicle came to me.

I hope this helps. It will be interesting to see what the market is nowadays.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #39
I'm not Larry, but I have done vehicle detailing commercially. I don't any more, and my price list may be a bit dated.

I would do steps 1-5 that I listed above (no step 6, the additional coat of carnauba wax- I hated working with that stuff) , done at my place, on an RV like the Mid Bath, over a two day period and with my products, for between $300 and $500, depending on the state in which the vehicle came to me.

I hope this helps. It will be interesting to see what the market is nowadays.


This does help, thanks.  I was quoted a price of $650 and the outfit was mobile and would come to me.  If they have multiple people working on it and manage to knock it out in one day that $650 doesn't sound too outrageous. I'm in southern California so everything costs more here. Just the initial ouch of hearing that quote I guess.
Hi, I'm Jo!
My little red wagon is a 1997 23.5 TK

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #40
A caution on farming out the detail job: be sure that you know, agree to, check the products and methods that the "cleaners" will use to do the work, and supervise the job. I used a wash/wax/detail service one time; based on that experience, I would not do it again.

I gave specific instructions to the service people as to what I wanted done; I asked them specifically not to use a power washer and not to use the stuff, e.g. Armor All and a couple of harsh abrasives, that they had with them. I provided all the equipment and products that I wanted used to do the job. (I was ill at the time, so I wasn't able to do the job myself and I didn't hang out and "supervise"; the mobile detail unit was well-recommended, and I was not in my usual skeptical, wary, "watch them" MO. )

The two guys apparently experienced total memory fail as soon as I was away from the scene; they did everything I asked them not to do and used the products they had with them. The result was a mess that took me a lot of time and energy to clean up.   >:(

Others may have more positive experiences with vehicle cleaners/detailers; as ever, YMMV.




2003 TK has a new home

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #41
Right on! The only time I paid someone to detail a vehicle was not quite that bad, but was a definite disappointment. I was looking for a thorough wash and vac, after a cross country trip on winter roads.  I got a sloppy finish using harsh products and a poor drying job. I spent 30 minutes finishing the work. Now I carry no rinse cleaner, a folding bucket, and towels on any extended trip.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #42
The last time I used Nu Finish on the LD I had my daughter give me a hand polishing the bottom 1/2 while I worked my way around on a step ladder polishing the top section.

Unfortunately, my guidance on care was a shy bit inadequate. Or perhaps it was my slight of hand that was responsible. 😁

While polishing the rig this week, I noticed some parts of the LD that were slighty smudged with Nu Finish. Standard stuff like cab door handles, mirror support arms and window frames. Nothing too dramatic, but noticeable.

We did a fine job all-in-all, but now I am frustrated by the dreaded "white stuff" left behind on the black plastic.

I'm now wondering if anyone has a way to remove the dried on polish. I'm thinking like-for-like. Perhaps a light repolish of these areas and quick wipe clean before it has a chance to dry, but I hesitate to take the plunge. 🤔

Does anyone here in LDO land have any solutions to this sticky problem?

Waxed on and not off...😖

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #43
Kent

Do you have shiny teeth? Try a toothbrush.   :D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #44
Hi Kent, re application of liquid Nu Finish in the areas of dried wax will redissolve the stuff and wipe off as if you intended it that way. Think of the dried wax as being extra protection from the sun. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Lazy Daze wax job follow up
Reply #45
Steve, Ron,

Back In The Day when I drove forklifts, it was not uncommon that I would invariably spill coffee on the lifts paint leaving it stained and unsightly (it was my new pride and joy).

After trying all manner of cleaning solutions, the only remedy was a dash of black coffee to break the bond of my morning dose of caffeine.

What have I got to loose, right? Perhaps I'll have a test run with a bit of Nu Finish on an old piece of car moulding I have laying around. Hmmm...can it be that easy? Sure it can.

Perhaps I'd better brush my teeth before I polish the rig. I really don't think my smile needs a waxy build up. 😁

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"