Hey,

I was thinking about applying a good coat(s) of wax. Would it be a good idea to mask off the plastic cladding (panels) to keep wax off?

Like to hear your ideas about masking necessary or unnecessary?

Thx, Phil

YES!
Mask the cladding. Unless you want white residue on the plastic.

Masking will certainly do it but it is such a pain. It is absolutely necessary, in my experience, if you use liquid wax.

One of the reasons I use paste wax is that it is easier to apply in tight places without making a mess. You shouldn't have to mask if you are careful with it.

Rather than masking, I've used a piece of lightweight cardboard (posterboard). Just stick it in the gaps and seams between the panels and the sheet metal.

If you used Zaino you wouldn't have to worry about it. You can actually use it on the cladding if you want. I use 303 on the cladding but am not at all careful about applying Zaino on the painted surfaces. I have used Zaino for years on my Miata and have been very pleased with the results. No white residue in cracks, top, black molding, etc. Good stuff.

Vaughn