[spitfire6000]

I have been reading around that people are always using dawn in order to strip old wax before applying a new layer. Is there really a point in this? Whats the problem with just applying a new layer over the old one?

[RyBMW]

Sometimes two different waxes won't mix well. Other times you just need to remove the wax so you can use touch up paint, install a clear bra, etc.
When you just apply a new layer of wax over the old layer, the old layer of wax is still there.
Only time you would apply a new layer of wax over the old layer of wax is when you layering the waxes.

Best way to remove wax is to use polish or clay bar.

[nick0]

Don't use dawn! Only zaino users use dawn because their process requires the car to be COMPLETELY clean for application. Regular wax users however, simply need to polish and/or clay the car for wax removal, and then you can apply a new layer of wax. If you want to check for a completely new surface (non-waxed), just rub your finger over the surface, and if it squeaks or if you feel a tension on the surface, there no longer is any wax.

Dawn WILL dry your paint out; there have been HORRIFIC stories of peoples' cars changing color due to the consistent use of Dawn--don't do this to your beautiful e90!

[impulsebrklyn]

Bonding issues or buildup. If you use dawn a few times a year it not going to do anything. Personally I just rather use some Klasse AIO, or a fine fine polish. Chris

[castleking]

Could someone explain what Dawn is ?
I have read about it many times in threads but i am not clear as to what the product is. I know what it is supposed to do though.
Is the product called something different in England?

thanks!

[afocoryw20]

Originally Posted by castleking

Could someone explain what Dawn is ?
I have read about it many times in threads but i am not clear as to what the product is. I know what it is supposed to do though.
Is the product called something different in England?

thanks!

Dawn is a over-the-counter dishwashing liquid that is known for cutting grease. It costs about $1.00 here in the states. It stripped all of the dealer's wax off with one wash. Then I used 3 coats of Zaino.
It's good to use if you want to start with a totally clean surface. But the above posts were right. The only true way to clean the surface perfect is by using a clay bar.

[cdxp]

Can we get a translation for "clay bar" into english as well . They only clay i know is the stuff you make pots from.
Just so you know in England Dawn is called a few different thinks but one of them is Fairy :-)

[AW330i]

clay bar is something that you buy at an automotive place like pep boys that is used along with some type of detailer spray inorder to lift everything and i mean everything off of your paint...

[D-Rock]

So when you use DAWN how many times do you use it to strip the wax ?

[SCA]

Recent info that I have read advises to not use Dawn as it will strip nutrients from your paint. Honestly, in the past when I used Dawn I never noticed any differences versus not using it.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by cdxp

Can we get a translation for "clay bar" into english as well . They only clay i know is the stuff you make pots from.
Just so you know in England Dawn is called a few different thinks but one of them is Fairy :-)

It's the same clay, but packaged and sold in automotive stores in small quantities.

Well, it's not exactly the same clay, the "ingredients" are slightly different to get the maximum effect when using it to clean your car. Here in the states you can buy clay bars formulated to be used with water or a special liquid (the special liquid is usually included if you buy this clay formulation).

[cosmosblau]

just say NO to Dawn!

[F32Fleet]

If you detail your car 2-3 times a year. Dawn isn't going to do anything bad to your paint. Clay will remove those containments(sp?) that dawn will not.

My detail procedure goes likes this:
-Dawn wash*
-Claybar
-Dawn wash (2nd wash is very quick)*
-Klasse AIO
-Klasse SG

* I use two buckets..1 for soap and 1 for rinsing.

[GTi325]

Originally Posted by Socom

If you detail your car 2-3 times a year. Dawn isn't going to do anything bad to your paint. Clay will remove those containments(sp?) that dawn will not.

My detail procedure goes likes this:
-Dawn wash*
-Claybar
-Dawn wash (2nd wash is very quick)*
-Klasse AIO
-Klasse SG

* I use two buckets..1 for soap and 1 for rinsing.

I too, use the two bucket method. Most German cars have a really hard clear coat on them, that dishwashing soap isn't going to hurt. It can break down the protective products that you put on top of your clear, so it's best not to wash the car with it on a regular basis, unless you plan on waxing it every time. I used dawn on rare occassion as a clay lubricant, otherwise, I use car wash for cars, and dish soap for dishes.

I:
-wash with car wash
-clay using a dawn/water mixture in a spray bottle
-wash the car once again with car wash (non-wax car wash)
-remove swirls with product of choice
-polish with product of choice
-wax with product of choice (for me, Pinnacle Souveran for Jet Black)

[JamieA]

I used Dawn for my first Zaino coat. I hated doing it and afterwards the paint looked very dull. I was glad to see a super shine once the Zaino was back on it.

I definitely wouldn't do it very often. It seemed totally the wrong thing to do to such a beautiful looking car.

[jmcphillips1]

I will stick to my Meguiars NXT products. That line kick the gold class line into the dirt. I have been highly pleased with it and it does not require the long time and efforts put into zaino

[inabis]

I know a lot of people are going to laugh at this but I use Johnson and Johnson's baby shampoo on my car...does the job and isn't as harsh (smells good too )

[06330i]

lol thats kinda a good idea, might give it a try. do u have like an industrial size bottle of it?

[dom1]

Originally Posted by SCA

Recent info that I have read advises to not use Dawn as it will strip nutrients from your paint. Honestly, in the past when I used Dawn I never noticed any differences versus not using it.

I'm hoping this is a joke. If not, then please pardon my ignorance, but what nutrients are you talking about?