Wax: What do you use?

[cheesehead]

The wax I used to use seems to be out of production, and I was wondering what AT recommends. I'm looking for something simple and old school - wash thoroughly, apply vast amounts of goopy white stuff with a soft cloth, let dry, apply a little more goopy white stuff and buff hard, rinse, buff again. (No clay bricks, please.)

 

[JulesMaximus]

Meguiars. I've been using their products for years with excellent results.

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Meguiars. I've been using their products for years with excellent results.

Which one?

 

[Audiotherapy]

you'll get better results here: http://www.autopia.org/reviews/index.php

 

[thomsbrain]

I have Meguiars cleaner wax, Meguiars "professional sealant," and some "higher-end" liquid Turtle Wax that's been sitting around for a while. If I require the cleaner wax because of tree oil/sap, I first use the cleaner wax and then the sealant and run out of energy there. If the car is clean enough after a wash, I seal first and then wax with the Turtle Wax. I don't know that these are the "best" products, but I've been happy with the results. They all do what they are supposed to do, as far as I can tell.

I also have a clay-bar kit, Meguiars Scratch-X, some 303 vinyl cleaner and Aerospace protectant for the convertible roof, Armor-All, tire shine, Rain-X, Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner, an interior static duster, a California Duster for the exterior, a $350 car cover, etc. The amount of money I've spent on car detailing crap is kind of scary to me, although I know it's just a drop in the bucket for some people.

 

[angry hampster]

Meguiar's Cleaner Wax then Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax.

 

[mwmorph]

If you don't know what to buy, you really cant go wrong with Meguiar's. Turtle Wax is good too, it's really not too big of a difference.

 

[zerocool84]

I use Turtle Wax Ice. I like it and it's clear so leaves no white residue if I miss a spot or some gets inbetween body panels.

 

[thescreensavers]

Meguairs NXT Tech Wax 2.0

Cheap and looks good. This is what I used.

Comes with an applicator, put on thin layer, let dry ,wipe off, easy.

 

[AMCRambler]

Bah! I'll see your practival, sensible topic and raise you an impractical, nonsensical post!

 

[big man]

Originally posted by: Cheesehead
I'm looking for something simple and old school - wash thoroughly, apply vast amounts of goopy white stuff with a soft cloth, let dry, apply a little more goopy white stuff and buff hard, rinse, buff again. (No clay bricks, please.)

That's not old school . . . . .people have been claying and polishing their cars for ages to prep for wax.



I prefer Meguiars ProffesionalHiTech Yellow Wax. Very good results (assuming you have a clean, contaminant free surface to start with), lasts at least a few months, is readily available at most auto retail stores, and relatively cheap compared to other high end waxes.

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: big man

That's not old school . . . . .people have been claying and polishing their cars for ages to prep for wax.

"New school" is clear or comes in aerosol cans. I want something goopy and idiotproof, something where you keep applying wax until you can't rub in any more. ttt

I should specify that I'm not too particular about having a perfect shine - I'm doing this for rust protection. It's hard to keep an old car corrosion-free in Wisconsin.

Originally posted by: big man

I prefer Meguiars ProffesionalHiTech Yellow Wax. Very good results (assuming you have a clean, contaminant free surface to start with), lasts at least a few months, is readily available at most auto retail stores, and relatively cheap compared to other high end waxes.

The stuff I used on my father's car when I was a kid worked up to six months - I waxed them twice yearly, and we had no rust despite living smack dab in the salt belt.

 

[Mutilator]

I use Klasse All in One and then throw a coat of P21S wax on top of it. Since you're trying to prevent rust Klasse AIO may be a good option for you because it lasts a lot longer than a regular carnauba wax will.

 

[Homer Simpson]

strongly suggesting claybar before waxing..... having said that, Meguire's NXT tech wax was good. then i tried Mother's Reflections. i like it even better than the NXT.

 

[EightySix Four]

I really love Adam's polishes and waxes. For me they have been long lasting with a great shine. All their products have instructional videos on their website that teach you how to use them too.

Adam's Polishes

Zaino's waxes are definitely not old school or "easy" to apply, but for long-term shine and protection I cannot think of a single wax that can top them. Maybe you should consider them since you're in an area pretty tough on cars.

 

[mc866]

I've been using poorboy's word EX-P sealant and then using the natty's paste wax as a topper, I also like klasse as a sealant. I also use poorboy's world polish.

 

[Knavish]

If you use a clay bar every time you wax, don't you end up wearing off the clear coat early? I was under the impression that a clay bar is a very mild abrasive that is meant to polish scratches out the clear coat.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: Knavish
If you use a clay bar every time you wax, don't you end up wearing off the clear coat early? I was under the impression that a clay bar is a very mild abrasive that is meant to polish scratches out the clear coat.

You don't use the claybar on the clear coat. The clay rides on a layer of lubricant over the clear coat and grinds away little particles that stick out above the clear coat level.

Clay is only used for removing contaminants above the clear coat that don't come off with a wash mitt, things like tar, bug guts, sap, etc. Things you might otherwise be tempted to remove by picking with your finger nails or furiously scrubbing a small area while washing to get rid of pesky specs that wont gently wash away (and scratching the clear coat in the process).

You know when you are washing and you rub your bare hand over an area you still feel spots here and there and no matter how many times you run the wash mitt over it, it doesn't go away, and you know better than to scrape it off? That's exactly what clay is for. Clay bar progressively files those away without digging into the clear, if applied properly.

If you are doing anything with clear coat or scratches or swirls, you are using things like sand paper or a polisher that is intended to remove clear/paint.

 

[KIAman]

Although not a wax and is a little expensive, I use Zaino. I apply about once every 6 months because I'm too lazy to wax every month.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
Meguairs NXT Tech Wax 2.0

Cheap and looks good. This is what I used.

Comes with an applicator, put on thin layer, let dry ,wipe off, easy.

I'm reading the NXT only lasts a short while, but it looks very effective. How often do you re-apply? How often do you wash?

 

[Knavish]

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: Knavish
If you use a clay bar every time you wax, don't you end up wearing off the clear coat early? I was under the impression that a clay bar is a very mild abrasive that is meant to polish scratches out the clear coat.

You don't use the claybar on the clear coat. The clay rides on a layer of lubricant over the clear coat and grinds away little particles that stick out above the clear coat level.

Clay is only used for removing contaminants above the clear coat that don't come off with a wash mitt, things like tar, bug guts, sap, etc. Things you might otherwise be tempted to remove by picking with your finger nails or furiously scrubbing a small area while washing to get rid of pesky specs that wont gently wash away (and scratching the clear coat in the process).

You know when you are washing and you rub your bare hand over an area you still feel spots here and there and no matter how many times you run the wash mitt over it, it doesn't go away, and you know better than to scrape it off? That's exactly what clay is for. Clay bar progressively files those away without digging into the clear, if applied properly.

If you are doing anything with clear coat or scratches or swirls, you are using things like sand paper or a polisher that is intended to remove clear/paint.

Interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind for my next car. I am unfortunately getting less motivated to keep my current car nice and shiny since it turned 11

 

[Homer Simpson]

Originally posted by: Knavish
If you use a clay bar every time you wax, don't you end up wearing off the clear coat early? I was under the impression that a clay bar is a very mild abrasive that is meant to polish scratches out the clear coat.

the clay removes surface contaminants. this way you dont grind all those contaminants into your paint as you polish and buff your wax on. after you're done claying, run your hand over the surface of the paint. it should be super smooth and feel like glass. now your wax can go on nice and easy.

 

[SSSnail]

I bought a sponge from SpongeTech (you can get them at CVS, etc...), the one where they have soap and wax baked into a sponge and all you do is wash and dry. Works pretty good so far, before that I used Meguiars liquid wax, and quick detail.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: Knavish

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: Knavish
If you use a clay bar every time you wax, don't you end up wearing off the clear coat early? I was under the impression that a clay bar is a very mild abrasive that is meant to polish scratches out the clear coat.

You don't use the claybar on the clear coat. The clay rides on a layer of lubricant over the clear coat and grinds away little particles that stick out above the clear coat level.

Clay is only used for removing contaminants above the clear coat that don't come off with a wash mitt, things like tar, bug guts, sap, etc. Things you might otherwise be tempted to remove by picking with your finger nails or furiously scrubbing a small area while washing to get rid of pesky specs that wont gently wash away (and scratching the clear coat in the process).

You know when you are washing and you rub your bare hand over an area you still feel spots here and there and no matter how many times you run the wash mitt over it, it doesn't go away, and you know better than to scrape it off? That's exactly what clay is for. Clay bar progressively files those away without digging into the clear, if applied properly.

If you are doing anything with clear coat or scratches or swirls, you are using things like sand paper or a polisher that is intended to remove clear/paint.

Interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind for my next car. I am unfortunately getting less motivated to keep my current car nice and shiny since it turned 11

Do what I'm doing and use your old car for practice

 

[ElFenix]

i have no idea of the order to do things in.