Finishing Polish Help

[Bogey]

I purchased the Adams two step swirl killer advanced kit.  Started with the less aggressive orange paint correcting polish and orange pad.  Was pleased with the results as it removed 98% of the finish imperfections, mostly swirls gained over time on an older 2002 vehicle. 

 

Got some of my "brand X" carnauba to put some protection on the now very nice looking finish.

 

All of the products worked so well I went back to the Adam's website to learn some more and was intrigued by the finishing polish and the claims that it will take the finish to another level.  This is not a daily driver so I decided to order the white finishing polish (and some buttery wax), now my dilemma...

 

Do I need to "strip wash" before using the white finishing polish or can I just apply it right over the carnauba?

 

Is the sealant really worth the money if you don't mind applying wax a couple of times a year on an vehicle driven 20 to 30 days a year?

 

Thanks in advance for the "newly addicted" to Adam's products!

[Bogey]

I appreciate the advice as I begin to learn some of the finer points of detailing...

[LT1xL82]

A strip wash is a must in my mind. The wax will load up the polishing pads and really mess with the polishing.

 

Paint Sealant is good stuff...it provides protection and shine. That said, it is not absolutely necessary. A good wax used as you plan should do nicely.

[Jason S.]

I would do the strip wash for sure. The finishing polish doesn't do much correcting. And if you polish on top of the wax, you are just going to fill up your pad with wax and diminish the effect of the finishing polish.

As far as sealant vs wax, I think that's all personal preference. A vehicle only driven 30 days a year is an excellent candidate for wax. And if that's the case, I would go all out and get the Patriot wax. My daily driver gets the liquid paint sealant, topped with Americana paste wax. This is a very popular combination.

[Bogey]

Thanks for the responses, I don't have Adams strip wash would a good dose of liquid dish soap do the trick?

[Jason S.]

That would probably work. I think you can also add a dash of Adams all-purpose cleaner as well to your normal wash. That would be my preferred method if I didn't have the strip wash.

[falcaineer]

Thanks for the responses, I don't have Adams strip wash would a good dose of liquid dish soap do the trick?

Yes. 2-3 oz of blue Dawn liquid soap in a gallon of two of water works great. It doesn't hold suds the best, but it does the trick for what you are doing. Be forewarned, some will say it's not as gentle on trim as APC and/or SW, but I've found treating the trim with VRT restores any otherwise adverse effects.