What wax do you use?

[Ben Rumson]

Mother's and Meguira's - both good.

I like Mother's California Gold with Carnauba wax.



But, I'm currently using Meguira's 3 step process - under $20 for all 3 bottles and multiple applications - if you use a buffer to apply it. I used to only put wax on every now and then, but not anymore. I have found MUCH better results by using:



Step 1. Clear Coat "Body Scrub" (cleaner),

Step 2. Clear Coat Safe "Polisher", and lastly

Step 3. "Carnauba Wax". (smells good too!)



The "Polisher" step really makes a deep wet-looking gloss!



Do yourself a BIG FAVOR and buy a random orbit buffer/polisher. It makes polishing and waxing a BREEZE!!! Buy a few extra terry cloth bonnets while you're at it. Some for applying, and clean ones for removal - then drop in the wash. You'll use a lot less paste, do a better job, and save tons of time and elbow grease. They're about $20 - $30 bucks from Walmart. I use an $80 Sears Craftsman - Christmas gift. I can easily do steps 2 and 3 on both my truck and my wife's Town and Country van in the same time it used to take my to just apply wax to my truck - about an hour.



Also, using dish soap can remove and dull the top coat of wax. It's best to wash using a soap made specifically for washing your car. These will not harm the wax. I use Armor All Car Wash Concentrate. Lather's well and one bottle has lasted me a long time.



Foot note: I used to use a bit of dishwasher detergent mixed in with dish soap because the acid-based detergent helped dissolve the organic bugs off the front of the truck. It softened and removed the bugs well, but was harsh on the wax.

 

[msimmons]

Amen to the random orbital buffer!



If you really want a superior job, though instead of spending megabucks for a bottle of wax, just use Griot's Best of Show wax but first clean the paint thoroughly with paint cleaning clay.



The clay cleans the contaminants off the paint the car wash soap doesn't and makes the finish smoother than a baby's behind making it easier to buff off the wax.



Mike

 

[T-Bone]

Originally posted by CROW:

I have used Nu Finish Polish (orange bottle, available at Wal Mart) for about 10 years and have been pleased with it.

I like that stuff too (in the the paste version). Easy to apply and lasts a long time. Also use it on the boat.

T-Bone

 

[CRSmith]

Zymol's Destiny is the best I had ever used, but it is spendy. Just under $600

Please God, let this be a joke that is going over my head... Why not just skip a few waxings and get your truck painted every other year?



BTW, I use Meguiar's from Wally World.

 

[The patriot]

I got the Zymol at the local price club. $12. 00 for two bottles.

It goes on and comes off easy, I like that.

Eric

 

[Blakers]

I second the clay bar. Picked mine up at AutoZone. That and the Permashield did a great job!

 

[EricBu12]

Thought I'd post what I use,

At www.prolong.com I got the prolong paint sealant. When i bought the truck, I got this because it has a lifetime paint warranty against fade and other cringes to the scalp

I use it twice a year and i never have too bad of water spots and it always shines. It is 3 yrs old now and still looks good. I use the orbital polisher once in a while and that seems to perk it up a bit. this item basicly adds a clearcoat to the paint to fill in all the gaps and stuff like water on old paint... . they have other products for vinyl dashes and the plastic on the outside. With religious use of this stuff, the truck still looks new.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Zymoil Vintage Glaze is on Sale here:



free re-fills too.



http://www.autofanatics.com/autofanatics1/vinwaxforlif.html

 

[Wiredawg]

I use Kit w/ Carnuba

I've uesed Kit for years. Wax about every 3 months. Workd good for me.



Wiredawg

 

[KL]

I like Meguiars Gold Class Liquid Car Wax the best. Walmart also carries this, so its easy to find. Its easy to apply and lasts a long time. If you really want to bring out the shine, put on some Meguiars Clear Coat prep and swirl reducer before waxing. I would stay away from any of the spray on waxes. While they may go on easy, they wont last long. KL

 

[Dkevdog]

Everything you could possible need, from the Cyclo polisher (simply the best polisher in the world) to their own brand of 100% Brazillian Caranauba wax... ... ... ... right Here .



Kev

 

[kevincook]

I use Eagle one Wet and wax about every month and a half, I use some quick eagle one products between waxs to keep the shine going!



KC

 

[Ben Rumson]

Carnauba - For What It's Worth...

Carnauba Trivia

Carnauba wax is a resin produced by the wax palm tree Copernicia Cerifera, also known as the carnauba tree. This tree grows in various parts of South America. However, Mothers uses only the premium-quality #1 yellow-grade wax that comes from the trees in the tropical rainforests of northeastern Brazil.



Carnauba wax protects the carnauba tree's leaves from the incredibly harsh conditions of the tropical rainforest—intense heat, harsh equatorial sun and constant moisture and humidity. This is why it works well as an automotive wax.



Carnauba is the hardest wax known to man. Incredibly durable, carnauba dries to a deep, natural shine. (In contrast, beeswax, paraffin and synthetic waxes tend to cloud and occlude. )



Aside from automotive appearance products, carnauba wax is used as a finish coating on items ranging from tobacco pipes to lipstick to produce (fruits and vegetables are sprayed with carnauba to achieve their polished look). Carnauba wax is so pure that it's routinely used to coat pills in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

[Wiredawg]

Carnuba Wax

Good background on carnuba. A few years ago, a car detailer in San Antonio recommended how to care for auto finishes in the harsh southwestern sun. He recommended a coat of any carnuba wax ever three months. That's what I've done since '92.



There are expensive waxes and polishes out there, but I've always found great success using Johnson Kit or Turtle Wax with carnuba. I've never had finsish problems or fading and none of my vehicls are or ever have been garaged.



It's all in whatever works for you.



Wiredawg

 

[Bud Fox]

great site for detailing needs

 

[lschultz]

I found this Klasse over on a VW site and try-ed it. Easy on and easy off and it lasts. Heres some places to get detailing stuff

http://www.topoftheline.com/

http://www.carcareonline.com/

http://www.autodetail.com/

http://www.properautocare.com/

http://www.motorhead.net/

http://www.tacsar.com/

 

[monkfarm]

3M wax

I like the 3M products. You have to use the cleaner wax before you use the polish or the finishing wax. Seems to last a long time.

 

[VietDoc]

I tried this and love it.

Sorry for the long post, but this stuff is great!



Another TDR member told me about a waterless car wash. I was very skeptical, I tried it. Absolutely amazing:--) :--)!!



I spray it on and wipe it off (I do hose off heavy dirt first). I don't have to get out the soapy water bucket, hose the truck, brush on the soap, rinse the truck, chamois dry, apply the wax and buff the wax off!! It saves me lots of time!! And with another year of drought in Utah, not using any water is a savings too.



Oh, did I mention the shine? Fantastic too!!



Have you noticed the fine scratches on your trucks and cars??? Well, washing the vehicles at car washes, dealers who wash the vehicles, you use a soapy brush, chamois or towel, causes those fine spider scratches. This stuff will remove them, little deeper ones with take a few applications.



Have you noticed how getting wax on your side mirrors or other black rubber or plastic parts turns to a dull grey-black? I use the tire cleaner on the bed liner, side mirrors, wiper blades, rubber door seals, door handles, etc and it removes the wax and turns them black again and treats the rubber parts so they last longer...



I tried it last night on my son's 1989 black Nissan that is very faded and almost a grey black. The oxide remover restored the finish to a shiny mirror-like black, but with one coat it still had some fine bumps when you ran your hand over it. On our '03 Ram it has a slick, smooth surface.



Oh, did I mention you can "do it" in the sun with this stuff? Try washing or waxing your truck in the sun :{ you will get water spots and you will be lucky if you get the wax off.



The wife & I just came back from a mountain trip. It rained on the way up and the truck had lots of road film. When the sun came out, I took out the spray bottle and cotton towel and washed the truck. Rained again a couple of days later and I washed the truck again. Now with 4 coats of this polymer coating I can rinse the truck with water, towel dry and buff with a baby diaper(clean of course). With 2 to 4 coats the surface reacts with the water to harden the top coat and soft diaper buffs it to a deeper shine.



If you are getting a new vehicle don't let the dealer wash it (if it is on the dealers lot, it may already have fine spider scratches). If it does have fine scratches it will take more than one or two coats to remove the fine scratches.



I was so impressed with the stuff I became a dealer and will post info in the TDR classifieds under Product Promotions then TDR Member Basement Enterprises.



doc

 

[brobeson]

Simply the Best

Let me open by saying I am a dealer for DWG!.



For anyone that does not want to damage the surface of their paint, you should look at DWG. Used on the worlds most expensive cars and trucks, it uses no damaging waxs, Teflons, or silicons.



Yes, clay bars and polishes can make your paint look good (as they basicly sand your paint down to fresh paint) in the short term, but the damage done is not worth it when all you need is DRI WASH n GUARD.



And waxing your car is very bad for the top surface of your finish, that is why few if any of your top classic auto restorers use wax.



Wax does not allow your paint to breath, you apply it, let it dry to a fine haze, then rub that power into your paint job. Not me!



See how the hard polymer protection of DWG is "Simply the Best" that no soft wax can match!



Check it out and get your free sample!



http://global.dwgint.net



Thanks



Bob

 

[Jff24Gordn]

I find that red clay works great for the paint protection. With an even yet lumpy coat 1-2 inches thick will protect from all but the biggest rocks, will block all of the evil UV rays, and when it rains, you can reapply at any time. Best when donw with 60 mpg tire speed. happy wheelin.