Polishing - Is it possible without...

[Ran]

Hi.

I'm sure this question has been asked before, and I did do a little search on the forums, but didn't find the answer to it.

If I wax my model (car model that is) that was bought pre-painted, will it get nice reflections and shinyness? Instead of coloring it and doing the diry work?

Thanks in advanced.

[The Lambrusco Kid]

I'm not sure....

I think the reflection and shininess comes from the depth of the clear coat.

But it wouldn't hurt to try.

[Ran]

Thanks, ill have a go at it once im done with the body work (thats the time to do it, right?), and if you're wondering, the model im building is a Red Tamiya Ferrari Enzo wich I got a long time ago, just didn't have a chance to work on yet

[nis.k.a.]

Polishing and wax is going to give a shiny reflection not just wax alone. Give it a shot. Be sure not to rub through the paint.

[Ran]

Do you mean polishing as in sanding the car and then waxing it, or is there more into it?

[MancuZ28]

i tried waxing a pre made die cast once...looked alittle shinier, except that some of the wax got stuck in little crevices lol....just be careful and itll probably help alittle.

[Ran]

Lol, I guess i'll have to think about this more, it's a very expensive model and maybe I should just leave the stock color.

[Honoturtle]

Polish (compound) smoothens out the paint by cutting it. This is what makes it shiny. Wax is used to protect the paint. But I guess the only way to find out is trying.

[Ran]

Hehe... Would u have tried it on a tamiya ferrari enzo?

[nis.k.a.]

Originally Posted by Ran

Do you mean polishing as in sanding the car and then waxing it, or is there more into it?

I wouldn't sand it as the the paint is decent already. Sanding is only required when there is orange peel.

As mentioned, rubbing compound is what is going to smooth the paint shiny. Wax will protect and give a slight depth. You want to make sure you don't start out with a really course grit as your attention will turn from making a car shiny to removing scratches.

[Ran]

lol, thanks for clearing that up for me

[freakray]

As a precaution, you may want to read P-Man's tutorial on polishing and waxing paint.

An great shine with good depth can be achieveed without a clear coat, contrary to popular belief.

[mike@af]

Most diecasts have a very hard paint that is cured at a fast rate. Therefore using rubbing compound often doesnt do anything. I have done it before, without a noticeable difference. The best thing to do is strip it, repaint, and polish. Or just leave it alone.

[Ran]

Alright thanks guys.

[primera man]

If its pre-painted it should only need a wax if the paint is any good.