Waxes 101: Types of Waxes & Their Uses

NXTAZEE · 03-17-2010, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalparadise

I won't dispute your suggestions, but will weigh in for Zaino. It is truly excellent and long lasting. Probably the best professional-quality results I've ever gotten doing it myself.

Most pros don't like it because of the "cure time" required. Most non-BMW people don't like it because so many BMW people swear by it. I'll admit it's a little expensive (especially the "accelerator" drops) but holy crap -- a couple of coats and my finish is so reflective, it looks like my car has some kind of cloaking device on it.

Most people who swear by it usually have not tried very many quality products, so their experience is usually limited. But having said that, it's still a quality product that a lot of people like. I personally find that there are other products that I like to use.

Forrest · 03-18-2010, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

Most people who swear by it usually have not tried very many quality products, so their experience is usually limited. But having said that, it's still a quality product that a lot of people like. I personally find that there are other products that I like to use.

I been doing alot more reading on autotopia, every one there seems to be a machine polish/buffer freak. Kind of like when you kept talking about the ammount of work that goes into a shine and not so much the product.

The Optimum Wax is misleading, its seems more a polymer than a wax. Not sure why they would even waste time putting wax into it. Essentialy i am reading that optima wax is same as zaino minus the durability yet plus on ease of use.

Still reading though, soaking it up. I am thinking i want to learn how to use a machine to put on z2 and remove z2 with out leaving scratches.

NXTAZEE · 03-18-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

I been doing alot more reading on autotopia, every one there seems to be a machine polish/buffer freak. Kind of like when you kept talking about the ammount of work that goes into a shine and not so much the product.

The Optimum Wax is misleading, its seems more a polymer than a wax. Not sure why they would even waste time putting wax into it. Essentialy i am reading that optima wax is same as zaino minus the durability yet plus on ease of use.

Still reading though, soaking it up. I am thinking i want to learn how to use a machine to put on z2 and remove z2 with out leaving scratches.

Yes most of us are very extreme about car care. With in a short period of time after a car is new, paint blemishes and marring are inevitable, in which case machine polishing is necessary. Some products will temporarily fill in the blemishes so it looks ok until the product washes out. The only time I believe that to be the best approach is when your dealing with old paint that measures too thin to polish away the marring. Optimum is not wasting time by adding wax to their polymer sealant, their improving it. You see, some people like the look of wax but want the protecting and longevity of a sealant. Optimum Car Wax is a very good combination of the two. The best part is how easy it is to use as well. Compared to Zaino I would say it looks warmer more like a wax and protects almost as well. But because of how easy it is to use, I usually apply a coat after every few washes. So now the protection is optimal as opposed to applying a product once and having it's protection slowly dissipate over a few months. Be carful of reading too much over there at Autopia, you may come over to the dark side

.

Forrest · 03-18-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

Yes most of us are very extreme about car care. With in a short period of time after a car is new, paint blemishes and marring are inevitable, in which case machine polishing is necessary. Some products will temporarily fill in the blemishes so it looks ok until the product washes out. The only time I believe that to be the best approach is when your dealing with old paint that measures too thin to polish away the marring. Optimum is not wasting time by adding wax to their polymer sealant, their improving it. You see, some people like the look of wax but want the protecting and longevity of a sealant. Optimum Car Wax is a very good combination of the two. The best part is how easy it is to use as well. Compared to Zaino I would say it looks warmer more like a wax and protects almost as well. But because of how easy it is to use, I usually apply a coat after every few washes. So now the protection is optimal as opposed to applying a product once and having it's protection slowly dissipate over a few months. Be carful of reading too much over there at Autopia, you may come over to the dark side

.

Well if i can figure out how to use a small pad and a machine and apply z2 i will be 1 step closer to the dark side.

NXTAZEE · 03-18-2010, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

Well if i can figure out how to use a small pad and a machine and apply z2 i will be 1 step closer to the dark side.

Forrest · 03-18-2010, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

any suggestions?

By no means do i want to remove scratches or even get near to messing with my clear coat but i do want to apply some stuff safely.

NXTAZEE · 03-19-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

any suggestions?

By no means do i want to remove scratches or even get near to messing with my clear coat but i do want to apply some stuff safely.

What stuff are you referring to? Z2? If your not wanting to do correction work then hand application of cleaners and sealants is fine. I never use a machine for applying LSP's. The safest way is always by hand. Also make sure you are using quality Microfiber cloths for removing sealants, polishes and cleaners as they will not marr the paint.

azn370z · 03-22-2010, 05:38 PM

I ordered optimum car wax hopefully i get it by Friday. Looking forward to claying the z.

Crazy8 · 03-25-2010, 06:32 PM

Has anyone heard of a polish called Glare? It has a glassplexin in it.

mjch3n · 03-27-2010, 10:41 PM

Thanks guys, this thread helped a lot. After getting my Z from the dealer it had some nasty swirls from what i guess was their machine buffer. So, I used Meguiar's Swirl-X, and then some Turtle Wax polishing compound on the deeper scratches to buff them out. Clay bar'd with Meguiar's clay bar kit and then did one step of Turtle Wax Ice (Polishing Paste). Lastly, did 3 coats of Meguiar's Gold Class Paste Wax by hand and she really shines.

Alexus · 03-31-2010, 11:53 AM

Haven't chimed in in a long time, but I'll post my opinion on Zaino products tonight.

Azathoth · 04-01-2010, 11:24 AM

I spent a good 5 hours reading autopia threads and washing/waxing threads here on the370z.com. I decided on Meguiar's. On Meguiar's website, I did the enter "Meguiar's Rx Plus Interactive Experience" and it bought the following for use on my 2010 370Z Nismo (1 mos old, 1800 miles):

Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover
Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner
Gold Class Trim Detailer
Smooth Surface Clay
Scratch X
NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0
Ultimate Quick Detailer
Natural Shine Protectant Wipes
NXT Generation Glass Cleaner

I picked up a couple of their microfiber wash mitts, supreme shine microfiber towels, super suede drying towels, and some even-coat applicators. I also snagged two wash buckets w/ dirt filter and lids.

Sunday morning, I'm waking up before the sun and beginning. I plan on: Washing, Bug/Tar Removing, Washing again, Detailing the Exterior Trim, Claying the vehicle, Scratch X'ing any swirls or imperfections, Wax, then clean the windows. Then use the Quick Detailer to fix up any spots I missed.

I fully expect to be at this all day, sunday. Washing outside and doing the rest inside a garage. I do not have a buffing machine, because part of the wash/waxing job is to make my arms stronger, so I plan on being in pain on Monday.

I have an extra MF mitt and extra MF towel I plan on using on the tires/wheels. Since the Z's manual says not to use dressing on the tires, I plan on Only washing them. Then, using the wipes for the interior (which still looks brand new).

Question: Am I missing anything?

NXTAZEE · 04-01-2010, 12:42 PM

Congrats on the new ride. Yes those are decent products. I'm not a fan of Micofiber wash mitts, as they are not as gentle as sheep skin mitts. But they should be fine as long as you don't scrub the paint as you wash. I see you bought Scratch X, what do you plan on doing with that? It's fine if you are removing some light marring in a couple of small spots, but not to remove marring from the entire car though. Have fun and let us know how you make out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azathoth

I spent a good 5 hours reading autopia threads and washing/waxing threads here on the370z.com. I decided on Meguiar's. On Meguiar's website, I did the enter "Meguiar's Rx Plus Interactive Experience" and it bought the following for use on my 2010 370Z Nismo (1 mos old, 1800 miles):

Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover
Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner
Gold Class Trim Detailer
Smooth Surface Clay
Scratch X
NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0
Ultimate Quick Detailer
Natural Shine Protectant Wipes
NXT Generation Glass Cleaner

I picked up a couple of their microfiber wash mitts, supreme shine microfiber towels, super suede drying towels, and some even-coat applicators. I also snagged two wash buckets w/ dirt filter and lids.

Sunday morning, I'm waking up before the sun and beginning. I plan on: Washing, Bug/Tar Removing, Washing again, Detailing the Exterior Trim, Claying the vehicle, Scratch X'ing any swirls or imperfections, Wax, then clean the windows. Then use the Quick Detailer to fix up any spots I missed.

I fully expect to be at this all day, sunday. Washing outside and doing the rest inside a garage. I do not have a buffing machine, because part of the wash/waxing job is to make my arms stronger, so I plan on being in pain on Monday.

I have an extra MF mitt and extra MF towel I plan on using on the tires/wheels. Since the Z's manual says not to use dressing on the tires, I plan on Only washing them. Then, using the wipes for the interior (which still looks brand new).

Question: Am I missing anything?

Azathoth · 04-05-2010, 03:48 PM

I didn't have to use the ScratchX... that'll probably go into storage for a year or two. Clay on my new car was useless as well, after claying the hood, roof and side panels, I had 3 specs of dirt on my clay (though my hand might have been dirty)

I did use too much wax, even though I let it dry/harden for ~ 30mins, there was still residue left over. A friend noted the right amount to use, and I used about 10x that amount! A small circle of product on a sponge is all you need for entire sections of the vehicle!

Otherwise, life is good. I did find that a microfiber towel dries the vehicle much better than an old school Shammy... Man, how things have changed!

Alexus · 04-06-2010, 04:53 PM

Meguiars' NXT Tech Wax is more of a paint sealant than it is a wax, and as with all synthetic "waxes," the point is to spread it as thinly and evenly as possible. Using too much will not only waste the wax, but it won't allow the wax to haze properly. This will not necessarily harm your paint, but it will make removing the wax a hassle, which can cause streaking.

Any type of wax should be applied by hand. Even pros shy away from applying it by machine, so elbow-grease is definitely the way to go. That being said, those are definitely good entry-level consumer products (the type you buy off the shelf). When you get more accustomed to the process, you can look into professional products, but the pricetag comes along with it.

I'm personally not a fan of microfiber wash mitts, I prefer good old-fashioned real sheepskin wash mitts, even though they are a hassle to clean.

03-22-2010, 05:38 PM	#143 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 490	I ordered optimum car wax hopefully i get it by Friday. Looking forward to claying the z. __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

03-27-2010, 10:41 PM	#145 (permalink)
mjch3n Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bay Area Posts: 296 Drives: slow Rep Power: 15	Thanks guys, this thread helped a lot. After getting my Z from the dealer it had some nasty swirls from what i guess was their machine buffer. So, I used Meguiar's Swirl-X, and then some Turtle Wax polishing compound on the deeper scratches to buff them out. Clay bar'd with Meguiar's clay bar kit and then did one step of Turtle Wax Ice (Polishing Paste). Lastly, did 3 coats of Meguiar's Gold Class Paste Wax by hand and she really shines. __________________ Powered by Safeway Gasoline

03-31-2010, 11:53 AM	#146 (permalink)
Alexus Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 178 Drives: The Beast Rep Power: 16	Haven't chimed in in a long time, but I'll post my opinion on Zaino products tonight. __________________ "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

04-06-2010, 04:53 PM	#150 (permalink)
Alexus Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 178 Drives: The Beast Rep Power: 16	Meguiars' NXT Tech Wax is more of a paint sealant than it is a wax, and as with all synthetic "waxes," the point is to spread it as thinly and evenly as possible. Using too much will not only waste the wax, but it won't allow the wax to haze properly. This will not necessarily harm your paint, but it will make removing the wax a hassle, which can cause streaking. Any type of wax should be applied by hand. Even pros shy away from applying it by machine, so elbow-grease is definitely the way to go. That being said, those are definitely good entry-level consumer products (the type you buy off the shelf). When you get more accustomed to the process, you can look into professional products, but the pricetag comes along with it. I'm personally not a fan of microfiber wash mitts, I prefer good old-fashioned real sheepskin wash mitts, even though they are a hassle to clean. __________________ "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

03-25-2010, 06:32 PM	#144 (permalink)
Crazy8 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 255 Drives: 09 370Z Rep Power: 15	Has anyone heard of a polish called Glare? It has a glassplexin in it.

04-01-2010, 11:24 AM	#147 (permalink)
Azathoth Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nowhere Posts: 58 Drives: nothing Rep Power: 15	I spent a good 5 hours reading autopia threads and washing/waxing threads here on the370z.com. I decided on Meguiar's. On Meguiar's website, I did the enter "Meguiar's Rx Plus Interactive Experience" and it bought the following for use on my 2010 370Z Nismo (1 mos old, 1800 miles): Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner Gold Class Trim Detailer Smooth Surface Clay Scratch X NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0 Ultimate Quick Detailer Natural Shine Protectant Wipes NXT Generation Glass Cleaner I picked up a couple of their microfiber wash mitts, supreme shine microfiber towels, super suede drying towels, and some even-coat applicators. I also snagged two wash buckets w/ dirt filter and lids. Sunday morning, I'm waking up before the sun and beginning. I plan on: Washing, Bug/Tar Removing, Washing again, Detailing the Exterior Trim, Claying the vehicle, Scratch X'ing any swirls or imperfections, Wax, then clean the windows. Then use the Quick Detailer to fix up any spots I missed. I fully expect to be at this all day, sunday. Washing outside and doing the rest inside a garage. I do not have a buffing machine, because part of the wash/waxing job is to make my arms stronger, so I plan on being in pain on Monday. I have an extra MF mitt and extra MF towel I plan on using on the tires/wheels. Since the Z's manual says not to use dressing on the tires, I plan on Only washing them. Then, using the wipes for the interior (which still looks brand new). Question: Am I missing anything?

04-05-2010, 03:48 PM	#149 (permalink)
Azathoth Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nowhere Posts: 58 Drives: nothing Rep Power: 15	I didn't have to use the ScratchX... that'll probably go into storage for a year or two. Clay on my new car was useless as well, after claying the hood, roof and side panels, I had 3 specs of dirt on my clay (though my hand might have been dirty) I did use too much wax, even though I let it dry/harden for ~ 30mins, there was still residue left over. A friend noted the right amount to use, and I used about 10x that amount! A small circle of product on a sponge is all you need for entire sections of the vehicle! Otherwise, life is good. I did find that a microfiber towel dries the vehicle much better than an old school Shammy... Man, how things have changed!