Waxes 101: Types of Waxes & Their Uses

dlmartin81 · 07-13-2009, 10:57 PM

I applied the BlackFire Wet Diamond Clay, Polish & Shine Kit yesterday (07/12/09).

Here's the link to my review.

Alexus · 07-18-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogoodname007

dish soap and detergent removes everything...that's why it's really bad to use that regularly................i have no paint left on one car....lol

Now I wouldn't go as far as saying that dishwashing liquid will go as far as removing the paint from your car but it will definitely, in the long run, dull the finish of your paint – or so they say. It's just one of those things that get mixed reviews. Some people will say that it will harm your paint; others have been washing with it and have great longevity out of their paintjob. Then again, these same people more often than not apply a fresh coat of wax every time they wash the car (talk about craziness).

Anyhow, one thing to keep in mind about dishwashing liquids is that they are more often than not conceived to cut through grease. Wax, while not being grease per say, has the same damp proofing properties as grease. In short, it repels water and it does it so well that people have been putting it on their cars for decades. If you're going to be using a clay bar on your car, you don't really need to be washing it with dishwashing liquid but it sure doesn't hurt as long as you don't make it a habit. Half a teaspoon is all you really need to get all that wax off.

However, even that notion is up for some debate. We used to wash the floor of my shop every day with dishwashing liquid and no amount of rubbing could get the oil spills completely off the sealed floor. We've since moved to industrial degreaser which is much more expensive but 100 times effective. That being said, I wouldn't recommend using industrial degreaser on your car. Moreover, I strongly advise against it. I shouldn't have even mentioned it. If you really want to get the wax off, I'd recommend using that liquid clay bar stuff from TrutleWax. Don't know how well it works, or exactly what's in it, but if it's true to the name it will remove all that wax and keep your finish looking great even in the long run.

Food for thought.

Cheers,
Alexus

hide187 · 07-20-2009, 04:11 PM

I gave my Z some love today, NXT ftw !! Thanks for this thread as it made my decisions easier...
Side view

Roof shot

From my porch

Alexus · 07-21-2009, 11:17 AM

NXT, for the synthetic wax, works very well on black paints. Good job.

hybridnation · 08-29-2009, 10:40 PM

fellas go to 5starshine .com gauranteed stuff. use it once and thats it

NXTAZEE · 08-30-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hybridnation

fellas go to 5starshine .com gauranteed stuff. use it once and thats it

More garbage. I like when it says it can only compare to the paint protection systems from new car dealerships, that stuff is crap and is the biggest rip off in the auto industry. The only thing that can bond to your cars surface for years is more paint, everything else is short term protection. A sacrificial barrier is needed but just don't pay more that $20 or so for it.

datsunguy · 08-30-2009, 06:53 PM

I tried a couple of different waxes on my black 350z but ended up using NXT for most of the 6 years I owned it. I've waxed my PG 370z twice since I bought it in January with NXT but it just doesn't seem to have much affect on the shine after I'm done. At least nothing like it does to black.

So what is a good choice for Platinum Graphite? My car never gets driven in the rain or bad weather so staying power is not as much of an issue as the quality of the shine.

NXTAZEE · 08-30-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datsunguy

I tried a couple of different waxes on my black 350z but ended up using NXT for most of the 6 years I owned it. I've waxed my PG 370z twice since I bought it in January with NXT but it just doesn't seem to have much affect on the shine after I'm done. At least nothing like it does to black.

So what is a good choice for Platinum Graphite? My car never gets driven in the rain or bad weather so staying power is not as much of an issue as the quality of the shine.

To make a car shine, the paint must be free of any marring which will give it depth and clarity and be very reflective. If it is new, and the dealer hasn't marred it, it will have shine as you say and you can use any good wax or sealant and it will look good. In the case of the Z the paint is soft and mars easily, so if you have had it since January, more than likely it will need to be polished to bring back the shine. Perfectly polished paint looks amazing with out anything on it. Waxes and sealants just give it a sacrificial barrier from the elements. Now if you choose not to have it polished then you will need to buy a wax with fillers in it so it hides the marring, for a short time I might add, by filling it in so your paint looks shinny. I don't recommend this choice unless your paint is old and very thin, which makes it impossible to polish out the swirls.

99% of my customers have black cars, and if they want them to look their best I lightly polish them twice a year and they keep a perfect shine. I like to use polymer based sealants instead of wax. Sealants will usually last longer and give better protection as well. Sealants have a little different look than waxes. Sealants have more of a shinny candy look as opposed to the warm glow of a wax. These differences are very subtle and some people can not see any difference at all.

USNA94 · 08-31-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

Sealants will usually last longer and give better protection as well. Sealants have a little different look than waxes. Sealants have more of a shinny candy look as opposed to the warm glow of a wax. These differences are very subtle and some people can not see any difference at all.

I have heard of people layering a carnuba wax over their sealant to obtain the longer lasting protection of a sealant with the added warmth of a wax. Have you found this to work or just a waste of wax?

NXTAZEE · 08-31-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USNA94

I have heard of people layering a carnuba wax over their sealant to obtain the longer lasting protection of a sealant with the added warmth of a wax. Have you found this to work or just a waste of wax?

Yes, I do this for people that want the best protection possible but love the way a wax looks. But you do have to know what sealant and wax go together so you don't have bonding issues.

bigaudiofanat · 08-31-2009, 08:03 PM

I choose pure carnuba and if I want something quick mothers synwax

kenchan · 10-13-2009, 02:10 PM

yah, carnauba for hobby cars for me too.

i use Griot's Best of Show topped with their SprayOn wax as LSP.

NXTAZEE · 10-13-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

yah, carnauba for hobby cars for me too.

i use Griot's Best of Show topped with their SprayOn wax as LSP.

Very nice.

Pointman · 10-13-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

To make a car shine, the paint must be free of any marring which will give it depth and clarity and be very reflective. If it is new, and the dealer hasn't marred it, it will have shine as you say and you can use any good wax or sealant and it will look good. In the case of the Z the paint is soft and mars easily, so if you have had it since January, more than likely it will need to be polished to bring back the shine. Perfectly polished paint looks amazing with out anything on it. Waxes and sealants just give it a sacrificial barrier from the elements. Now if you choose not to have it polished then you will need to buy a wax with fillers in it so it hides the marring, for a short time I might add, by filling it in so your paint looks shinny. I don't recommend this choice unless your paint is old and very thin, which makes it impossible to polish out the swirls.

99% of my customers have black cars, and if they want them to look their best I lightly polish them twice a year and they keep a perfect shine. I like to use polymer based sealants instead of wax. Sealants will usually last longer and give better protection as well. Sealants have a little different look than waxes. Sealants have more of a shinny candy look as opposed to the warm glow of a wax. These differences are very subtle and some people can not see any difference at all.

NXT, what products do you recomend? Polishes, waxes, sealents, the works. I make many noob mistakes with my waxing but I love a clean, and shinny ride so I continue to try my best. I currently use Meguairs NXT 2...

NXTAZEE · 10-13-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pointman

NXT, what products do you recomend? Polishes, waxes, sealents, the works. I make many noob mistakes with my waxing but I love a clean, and shinny ride so I continue to try my best. I currently use Meguairs NXT 2...

As far as the polishes and compounds that I use, I use a rotary and sometimes a DA polisher, so the products I use may not be the best for someone just starting machine polishing or polishing by hand. Let me know how you plan to maintain your car and your skill level. From your post I'm assuming you are new to this.

07-20-2009, 04:11 PM	#48 (permalink)
hide187 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 186 Drives: 09 370 MB Sport Rep Power: 47	I gave my Z some love today, NXT ftw !! Thanks for this thread as it made my decisions easier... Side view Roof shot From my porch bcccpals likes this.

07-21-2009, 11:17 AM	#49 (permalink)
Alexus Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 178 Drives: The Beast Rep Power: 16	NXT, for the synthetic wax, works very well on black paints. Good job. __________________ "The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his." -General George S. Patton Jr., 1885-1945

08-30-2009, 06:53 PM	#52 (permalink)
datsunguy Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 27 Drives: 09 370Z PG/B 7AT Rep Power: 16	I tried a couple of different waxes on my black 350z but ended up using NXT for most of the 6 years I owned it. I've waxed my PG 370z twice since I bought it in January with NXT but it just doesn't seem to have much affect on the shine after I'm done. At least nothing like it does to black. So what is a good choice for Platinum Graphite? My car never gets driven in the rain or bad weather so staying power is not as much of an issue as the quality of the shine. __________________ 09 370Z Platinum Graphite/Black Touring Sport 7AT 93 Pathfinder SE V6 4x4 winter driver

08-31-2009, 08:03 PM	#56 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I choose pure carnuba and if I want something quick mothers synwax __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

07-13-2009, 10:57 PM	#46 (permalink)
dlmartin81 Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chalfont, PA Age: 43 Posts: 923 Drives: 09 370Z Rep Power: 607	I applied the BlackFire Wet Diamond Clay, Polish & Shine Kit yesterday (07/12/09). Here's the link to my review.

08-29-2009, 10:40 PM	#50 (permalink)
hybridnation Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: queens n.y Posts: 49 Drives: base 370z red Rep Power: 16	fellas go to 5starshine .com gauranteed stuff. use it once and thats it

10-13-2009, 02:10 PM	#57 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	yah, carnauba for hobby cars for me too. i use Griot's Best of Show topped with their SprayOn wax as LSP.