Wax and treatments for lacquer paint

[Michael J.]

My new '67 has a recently finished Rally Red lacquer paint job that looks great. But I am used to BC/CC paint maintainence like washing, waxing, polishing etc. What would you all recommend as for a wax/polish/treatment to use on lacquer? Thanks for any opinions and views.

[Jaime G.]

Re: Wax and treatments for lacquer paint

I use the same process on all my cars. Wash, polish and wax. Depending on the condition of the old wax, I remove it first, then apply the new products. I use both an orbital buffer and my hand to apply. I use mostly products from Meguiars and Griots with great success.

[Steven B.]

Re: Wax and treatments for lacquer paint

Michael, I use two items on my '57's lacquer, Meguiar's (light polish) and 3M Glaze. Since I have nitrocellulose paint I polish only as necessary and then use the Glaze. Since it is stored indoors and covered with a flannel cover it works well, and has since '64. I apply the glaze by hand and remove it by hand.

Before the availablilty of a good and gentle polishing compound I used diluted toothpaste.

Steve

[Pat M.]

Re: Wax and treatments for lacquer paint

Assuming you used lacquer because you want to have the car judged, be careful because some polishes and even waxes can produce a deep, clear shine similar to BC/CC, and exceeding the correct appearance. (Don't ask me how I know ) This can defeat the whole purpose of painting the car in lacquer in the first place.

My 70's current lacquer looks correct, is shiny enough for me, and will not see bad weather. So I follow the advice an NCRS judge once told me: "leave it alone." Remember, you can't "unring the bell." JMHO

[Michael J.]

Re: Wax and treatments for lacquer paint

OK, thanks for the tips. I have always used carnuba based waxes (like IBIZ, my favorite but like Griots too), but sounds like that would be too deep and shiny for the lacquer.

[Dick W.]

Re: Wax and treatments for lacquer paint

I know that quite a few people with disagree with me, but wax has a tendency to "hide" the qualities of the paint job. Wax is a protective product and will build up over time. When we were doing classics and antiques and still using lacquer all we ever used was a very mild polish (DuPont 7) and 3M Fill and Glaze.

[Paul J.]

Re: Wax and treatments for lacquer paint

I know that quite a few people with disagree with me, but wax has a tendency to "hide" the qualities of the paint job. Wax is a protective product and will build up over time. When we were doing classics and antiques and still using lacquer all we ever used was a very mild polish (DuPont 7) and 3M Fill and Glaze.

I don't disagree, I stopped using waxes years ago on cars that don't see much weather. Just glaze and an occaisional polish.

Paul

[Bill C.]

Re: Wax and treatments for lacquer paint

100% agree with Dick ---
the mildest polish you can find.

Use very light pressure - remember lacquer comes off when you polish it.

It is the part that really sucks about the stuff...

If there car will spend most of the time in the garage, then a good wash frequently will do fine, only reserve polishing for 1-2 times a year.

[Jack U.]

Re: Wax and treatments for lacquer paint

Pick a product with no abrasives and no harmful silicone.

I like Zaino.