How Do You Wax Without F****ing Up The Arches? - MINI2

kshapiro · #1 (**permalink**) Mar 29th, 2002, 08:19 PM

For those who already have a MINI..how do you wax them without getting wax on the wheel arches? Don't they get those semi=permanent smears of wax on them that leave ugly discoloration?

noahe · #2 (**permalink**) Mar 29th, 2002, 08:56 PM

Try waxing it with a dark car formula wax. That works on my dads Jeep with black textured plastic wheel arches.

Apial · #3 (**permalink**) Mar 30th, 2002, 03:43 AM

Pressure wash old wax residues off the vinyl then treat with vinyl care product to act as a barrier. Then wax carefully leaving 1" gap around the black plastic bits. It does take a little longer, but the MINI isn't very big to begin with.

Black wax is good on black cars, but not on my yellow MINI!

monsta · #4 (**permalink**) Mar 30th, 2002, 04:19 AM

I find that you can do it if you are just a bit careful around the arches.. I then use black trim wax for the arches etc..

Paul · #5 (**permalink**) Mar 30th, 2002, 04:31 AM

I've just been cleaning my old Pug yesterday, lots of plastic trim around that.

It was looking like an abandoned wreck, but it looks OK now!

I used AutoGlym 'bumper care' or something, green gel, amazing stuff! Best stuff I've found so far for plastic trim cleaning/renovation.

You could tape them off each time with masking tape? OTT? Probably.

SuperMiniOne · #6 (**permalink**) Mar 30th, 2002, 10:45 AM

Guys,

I use Autoglym Glass Clear to remove the wax stains from the black exterior trim. I know it sounds strange using glass cleaner on plastic but it works. On the label it states that it may be used for this purpose it also does a top job on removing wax from glass. It costs £4.99 from Halfords.

Also, Simoniz have produced a new car wax called Teflon that does not stain unpainted black trim. I use it and saves alot of time and effort, as I don't have to go back around the car and clean up after myself. It costs £10 from Halfords.

Hope this helps

noahe · #7 (**permalink**) Mar 30th, 2002, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Black wax is good on black cars, but not on my yellow MINI!

The 'dark car formula' wax we used is not actually dark... It dries clear, rather than white, so it is not problematic when you over apply it, or manage to wipe it on to the flat, textured black plastic fenders on the Jeep. Also does not show on our red car, when you wipe it across the rubber for the sunroof.

The one drawback is you need a bright sunny day to do it. Otherwise it is difficult to spot all the places you not rubbed it off yet. Also no big deal if you leave it a bit thick in places.

I don't know if there are any other trade-offs, it still seems to last a good while, nice beading and all, even after the winter.

Skinnyrunt · #8 (**permalink**) Mar 31st, 2002, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kshapiro
For those who already have a MINI..how do you wax them without getting wax on the wheel arches? Don't they get those semi=permanent smears of wax on them that leave ugly discoloration?

Get a friend to do it

. I get one of mine to do it and he does a really good job

Mark

minigolf · #9 (**permalink**) Jul 1st, 2005, 04:45 AM

I find if you're careful you should be okay. I find it more of a problem the other way around; ie, its harder to keep the vinyl cleaner stuff off the paint (I generally use the 303 Auerospace stuff).

One tip I have heard thoguh, if you do get wax on your black plastic bits, apparently baby wipes will remove the wax.

Rakey · #10 (**permalink**) Jul 1st, 2005, 04:49 AM

the meguirs wax application pads help to give greater control when waxing the paint work. I use one of these, and carefully guide my hand around the plastics by running my thumb on the plastic, so you follow the line of it, but don't actually touch the plastics

as for cleaning the plastics, I also use the autoglym green cleaning stuff its great

Paul · #11 (**permalink**) Jul 1st, 2005, 08:10 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by minigolf

apparently baby wipes will remove the wax.

Are "baby wipes", small, random wipes with grubby hands?

Cooper76 · #12 (**permalink**) Jul 1st, 2005, 10:17 AM

I just say 'to hell with it,' wax the car, then try my best to hurry up and wip eoff the arches. Whatever I don't get or remains, the rain seems to take care of.

NoNo · #13 (**permalink**) Jul 1st, 2005, 11:06 AM

Peanut butter! I read that in a few places, thought it was crazy, but tried it out a few weeks ago, and it worked! I buy natural PB, so that the oil is already separated and sitting on top, and then just wipe it on the arches to take the wax out. While waxing, I guess either take your time or tape off the arches.

Wul · #14 (**permalink**) Jul 1st, 2005, 11:22 AM

2 solutions:

As Paul suggested - masking tape - the blue 3M tape is good for this as it is bendy and doesn't leave any residue. Takes about 10 mins to mask the whole car.

Trim Detailer - but apply twice - before waxing and again after waxing - the first application protects the trim - the second removes the unbonded wax.

minigolf · #15 (**permalink**) Jul 1st, 2005, 11:29 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey

the meguirs wax application pads help to give greater control when waxing the paint work. I use one of these, and carefully guide my hand around the plastics by running my thumb on the plastic, so you follow the line of it, but don't actually touch the plastics

as for cleaning the plastics, I also use the autoglym green cleaning stuff its great

Yep, I've tried the Auto Glym gel stuff too. At first I was really impressed with the 303 Aeropsace, but am not so sure any more! Might try the Auto Glym product again. I have tried Zaino bumper cleaner too.

I also use one of the Meguiars applications pads for cleaning the black plastic.