Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Cleaning Wax Residue from Trim

[Todd Walke (racertod]

Larry wrote:

>    Was getting ready to order some Buffalo Milke when I saw your comment 
> about Griots Wax - have been a customer of Griot for a long time and am 
> always happy with their products.
>
>    One question, assuming I use the cardboard trick and still manage to 
> get some "Best of Show" on the rubber trim - how visible is it and how 
> har to get off?

        Not really any different from any other wax - it's light tan 
colored and will show up on black trim.  I've use a little all-purpose 
cleaner (simple green) and a toothbrush if I really get an ugly 
blob.  Never tried the peanut butter trick many swear by.  Haven't had much 
of a problem, though, as the cardboard shield works quite well if you're 
careful and take your time near the trim.

>    From your post, I assume you are applying it & buffing it out with an 
> electric Orbital polisher?  Correct?

        Nope.  Old school - all by hand.

        Tricks I've found to a good wax job are:

        Waxing out of direct sunlight.
        Small amounts of wax.  Dime-size portions, spread out 
thinly.  Can't emphasize that enough. Pile it on and it'll be like 
concrete.  I use Griots foam pads to apply it.
        Let it dry to a haze for awhile.  Try to buff it off too early and 
it'll look like you got it all off - until the rest of it dries and you'll 
see dried wax all over the place.
        Apply in a circular motion.  Take it off in straight motions to 
avoid swirl marks or "spider tracks".


Todd
Seattle,WA
'86 GTI, Red of course. (exciting racey car) 268,000 miles
'01 Golf TDI, silver.   (new work car)       190,000 miles
'87 Golf, Polar Silver. (retired work car)   654,000 miles <- Gone to a new 
home :(
http://www.pureluckdesign.com <-Ferrari & VW stuff