Prewax Cleaner for soft finish vehicles

**imported_RedlineIRL** · 11-25-2011, 12:55 PM

Can you all give me some product suggestions for prewax cleaners that are gentle enough to be applied by hand and will not marr or microscratch softer finishes? The vehicle I am working on neeeds no correction, but I want to use something in liquid form that will clean any kind of grime or stuff that washing cannot get to get a clean surface. Apparently honda black doesn`t like Poorboys Carnuba Blue Polish (bottle says non abrasive) applied via Meguiars microfiber hand applicators, since I can see some visible light micromarring after using it in a test section.

Being botique or OTC products doesn`t make a difference as long as they work well with LSPs like 845, DG 105, BFWD, and FK1000P. I was looking in the parts store and saw the blue Zymol Cleaner Wax that you can practically find at any store anymore, along with the Mothers California Gold Pre-Wax Cleaner. Are either of these any good, and will they affect the bonding of certain LSPs? Open to any suggestions. Thanks

**Dan** · 11-25-2011, 01:49 PM

KAIO is a great base for most stuff.

**DM101** · 11-25-2011, 02:09 PM

I like Menzerna Finish Polish PO85RD with a finishing pad. It cleans the surface so you can apply your LSP`s. Menzerna Polish PO85RD, Mernzerna 85rd, Menzerna finish po85rd

**Thomas Dekany** · 11-25-2011, 02:17 PM

Zaino all in one would be my first choice.

**imported_RedlineIRL** · 11-26-2011, 01:23 PM

I totally forgot about KAIO. If I remember correctly it supposedly has a wattery consistency. I`ll have to get some and give it a try.

For a softer finish vehicle is it best to use a foam hand applicator or a microfiber applicator? I am assuming that KAIO works well with sealants and carnubas layered on it after, correct?

**imported_RedlineIRL** · 12-02-2011, 11:51 PM

What about using KAIO with a PC and foam pad? I am assuming something like a grey pad should be fine and not overly agressive. I know that when using by hand you are supposed to dampen the applicator with water before using KAIO, what about with a foam pad with a PC?

**imported_sal329** · 12-03-2011, 11:40 AM

I`ve heard great things bout sonax

**imported_Bence** · 12-03-2011, 11:57 AM

For carnaubas, the classic Mothers PWC is excellent and I`d recommend Victoria Wax Lite/Deep Cleanses too. On soft finishes, apply them with a finessing pad on a DA.

If you want protection, chemical cleaning and some abrasive action, KAIO, ZAIO (but the latter can/may be a bit too aggressive on really soft paints).

**JohnKleven** · 12-03-2011, 12:13 PM

Dodo Juice Lime Prime Lite works very well on ANY paint. I have never had a problem.

**Accumulator** · 12-03-2011, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by RedlineIRL

What about using KAIO with a PC and foam pad?

That`s how I usually do it.

I am assuming something like a grey pad should be fine and not overly agressive.

If you have a more open/porous pad that`s mild enough (i.e., not so aggressive as to cause micromarring) I`d rather use that. But the finishing pads work OK too.

I know that when using by hand you are supposed to dampen the applicator with water before using KAIO, what about with a foam pad with a PC?

I`ve done it both ways with good results, but dampening it a little bit is probably worth doing.

**imported_RedlineIRL** · 12-03-2011, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by Accumulator

If you have a more open/porous pad that`s mild enough (i.e., not so aggressive as to cause micromarring) I`d rather use that. But the finishing pads work OK too.

So a blue or red LC pad should be mild enough?

**Accumulator** · 12-04-2011, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by RedlineIRL

So a blue or red LC pad should be mild enough?

Yeah, though that still leaves the Q "will the KAIO be mild enough?". And with a "tight" finishing pad you need to watch that it doesn`t get loaded with AIO/stuff that got cleaned off; any clumps on the pad can cause problems.

**imported_RedlineIRL** · 12-08-2011, 01:36 AM

I thought that AIO was a chemical cleaner, not an abrasive, am I wrong on that? I can see your point about the pads being loaded and causing problems too. I guess the phrase take your time and check your work frequently will come into play here

**Accumulator** · 12-08-2011, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by RedlineIRL

I thought that AIO was a chemical cleaner, not an abrasive, am I wrong on that?

It`s a matter of degree.

I always call KAIO "functionally nonabrasive", but people have used it after burnishing with Menzerna PO85rd and found that the KAIO diminished the gloss a little bit.

Unless you`re doing that with the PO85rd, I`d keep thinking of the KAIO as functionally nonabrasive. I`ve never had a paint that it caused problems on, but then I`ve never had any "stupid-soft" clear either and there`re all kinds of paint out there these days.