Waxing w/ porter cable
 

This is just a quick question, I have been using spray wax on my car since October, and that was the last time I put a real good coat of Meguiars NXT wax on, it took me a while to do the entire car by hand, and it was pretty tiring.

I've got a porter cable sitting around waiting to be used, so my question:

If I were to use the PC to speed up the process a bit and take alot of the work out of waxing, will this do any damage to the paint?

Is it best to only use the PC AFTER the car has been claybar'd, polished etc?
Im just worried that the pad will pick up tiny particles due to the high speed rotations, and would put more scratches into the paint when used again.

Coles notes:

-Want to wax the car with porter cable
-Have not claybar'd the car yet (bought new in july)
-Will the pad pick up particles from the paint?
-Is it best to use the pc ONLY after clay/polish?

i think if you don't clay your pad is gonna pick up some crap since nxt has some cleaners in it. in the end your pad will be dirtier.
what spray wax did you use before?

I've been using Optimum spray wax to match up with ONR ;)

how is it ? im looking at using that instead of nxt paste. says 5 months of durability and would be so much ezier to apply. just spray and wipe right after onr drying pass.

most likely if the car is bad enough, you'll destroy the pads and swirl up the car.

it takes all of 45 mins for a good clay after a good wash.

give your car a few hours and itll look mint for you.

I wouldn't wax without claying first. It doesn't matter if you use the PC or not but make sure the surface is contaminant free before proceeding by machine or by hand.

I prefer to wax by hand however you will use a lot less product with a machine.

I agree with smoothie on this. Take the time and clay your car. The wax will go on way easier. How'd you like the Optimum? I got some to try on my Passat and was quite impressed with it. Very easy to apply and remove. If you are using the NXT paste, switch to the liquid, its WAAAYYYYY easier to use and when it dries it comes off like dust. I put 2 coats on a clients car back in October and just washed it yesterday for him. Water sheeted off like I just did it last week. Impressive.

Yeah thats what I was thinking, its probably just best for me to wait till
spring then detail it fully

Are you referring to the optimum no rinse or the optimum spray wax?
Either way I like both, I know the spray wax wont stand up against the NXT, but its a good quick alternative, especially with the colder weather

I think 5 months is under ideal conditions, if its rainy and cold I doubt it would last 5 months.
However if you use ONR, you should definitely pick up some optimum spray wax

on autopia, nxt's durability gets pissed on pretty bad but for me it seems like it lasts a long a time.
optimum on the other hand gets tons of praises.

you can feel the surface, if it has contaminants on it, then I wouldn't wax with the PC without claybarring.

PC and wax is not a problem as long as you're using a finishing pad, often these are red or black, these pads have no cutting power at all.

The Optimum Spray Wax. I don't know about the durability, but I applied mine about a month ago (2 coats) and after washing today the water sheeted off very well. Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger is a spray on, wipe off sealant as well and 2 coats of that will last well beyond 4 months.

I definitely would be using a finishing pad, however I'll just play it safe and claybar first in the spring

I'd use the PC for polishing. That's probably the part that needs it most.

I usually use my PC for waxing too (on a black or red finishing pad) using 3 on the dial. Makes easy work of waxing.

Polishing I use an orange or a white pad with Optimum Compound and/or Optimum Polish depending on what I want to get rid of. Claybar is probably good to do. My pads turn out a little brownish if I don't clay before a polish.

Yeah thats what I dont want, I dont want my pads to pick up contaminants and possibly scratch the paint if I use them again later on down the road

I hate how PC's vibrate so much, makes me want to learn how to use a rotary.

you get used to not holding it so tightly after a while, but dont ever EVER let it go.

rotaries dont vibrate but they take a little more attention

I also wouldn't apply wax with the porter, I have been told to always apply wax by hand.

if its a pure wax, i dont see any issues

Actually applying wax or sealant with a Porter Cable is a very good way to get a nice thin, even coat on your car. It helps to not apply too much product. I believe Todd H from Bella Machinna and the guys at Polished Bliss both use this method.