Local Purchase Wax Remover - Prep for polish and new Wax

jatleson

New member
Just got a brand new 2015 Dodge Durango R/T (yes brand new). I`m getting ready to give it a once over. Clay, Meg 105 on the bad spots, Polish the whole car with Meg 205 and top it all with Collinite 845. All applied with GG Boss 15, Porter Cable and GG 3" polishers with pads from GG and Buff + Shine. I`ll do a test spot first, but will likely need to start with a wax/silicone remover. Tools, polishes and waxes - I`m good. Question is where to get some paint prep (wax/silicone remover) locally? Don`t want to wait for shipping from any of the online places. Does Autozone, O`Reileys, Advanced Auto, etc. have any decent wax/silicone remover? Just checked their websites, any it is all paint remover/stripper.
 
If you have an auto paint store nearby you can get PPG`s wax and grease remover. It`s what bodyshops use to prep cars for painting. Heavy duty stuff though so wear gloves.

If it were me I`d just use isopropyl alcohol and water.

How to Mix IPA for Inspecting Correction Results

Honestly, if you are going to clay and polish the paint - you`re stripping everything off anyway. More often than not, the only time you would really need a chemical "paint cleaner" is after polishing and prior to applying your 845 to make sure sure any polishing oils are cleaned off the paint and your Collinite has a good base to bond to.
 
Thanks dschribs - I can do the IPA and water mix. Reason for the paint prep chemical is because it feels like something is on there, not sure if the dealer put a coating on it. I`ll do a test without the prep chemical step to see what results I get.
 
You could always add a little bit of all purpose cleaner to your wash. This is referred to as a strip wash.
 
You could always add a little bit of all purpose cleaner to your wash. This is referred to as a strip wash.
I agree with adding an APC to car wash soap to remove oily residue that may be left on a new vehicle from the dealer car prep. I would think, however, that this surface cleaning SHOULD have been part of the new car prep customer delivery done by the dealer. You may want to ask them.
ValuGard makes a product called New Car Prep-Tar and Adhesive Remover that they might have used for just such a purpose.

Since you are looking for a wax-and-silicone remover available locally and over-the-counter (OTC), go to a local body shop and ask what they use and tell them what you intend to do with it. They might be so inclined to tell you where they purchase their product from, or, if you are lucky and persuasive enough, they may sell you some of what they use.

I think the general consensus by many Autopians is that that a dedicated wax pre-cleaner is better than iso-propyl alcohol/water mixture, BUT that IPA use is better than nothing at all. I like the 90% IPA better than the more-common 70% and I do not dilute it. I think it flashes off (evaporates) faster if undiluted, especially now that ambient outside temps are cooler (less than 60°F). I have had one bad experience with M205 Trade Secret Oils (TSOs) used as a emulsifier/lubricant with their abrasives not being "compatible" with AutoGlym`s High-Definition Wax (great wax formerly sold at Walmart), causing it to "fog and cloud" in the sun. Now I ALWAYS wipe down with PPG`s DX330 Wax Remover OR 90% IPA after polishing with M205 to avoid this "problem" with any last-step product (LSP, like wax or sealant) I will apply.
 
It sounds like you`re in a hurry and I don`t know where you are located but it may be worth an internet search to see if there are any detailing supply shops in your area. I`m lucky to have one in mine that carries a full line of products (the staff is knowledgeable as well).

Also, Amazon does carry some detailing supplies that you may not find in your typical retail stores. With my Prime membership, I can get the eligible items on my doorstep within 1-2 days. ....just throwing it out there.
 
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