Waxes 101: Types of Waxes & Their Uses

CaptainSlow · 06-10-2010, 04:08 AM

I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

NXTAZEE · 06-10-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow

I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

It will be fine.

Alexus · 07-11-2010, 09:54 PM

Hey folks. Sorry for not coming around here in such a long time. I've been preoccupied with school work and getting some cars ready for the summer, as y'all can imagine. I'll answer some of the questions that have been asked since my last visit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandra Dee

hi! I am a firm believer in asking someone a question who has experience in the field. I just bought the Wolfgang kit from autogeek-have a new 370Zroadster in black cherry. I was going to work on it soon-dealer told me to wax it when ever I wanted-

Any tips? I am going to do the two bucket/sheepskin mitt like you said-microfiber to dry? I am pretty much a novice since someone else usually washed /waxed my 350. Thanks!

I'm sure you've waxed your car already since this question has been asked, but what you'll want to do is wash the car using a two-bucket system and grit guards, sheepskin for the mitts preferably, or microfiber wash pads (not mitts) from Adam's. Since your color is hella-dark, you'll probably want to use a no-touch method to dry the car in order to avoid any kind of fine scratches. Get yourself a $30 leaf-blower from Sears or any retail store, really, and get as much water as you can off of the finish. Afterwards, come around with a quality microfiber and gently blot away any remaining water (don't wipe). Make sure to wipe off the door jams, or you'll get some streaking!

Even if it's brand new, your car may need some paint correction. Search for Junkman2000's videos on YouTube in order to see how you can do it. Has everything from clay-barring, to polishing, to applying a wax.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Two-Socks

Wow! What a phenominal thread...You guys have no idea what I've been doing to my cars. Thanks for the info. Any product for getting magnesium chloride stains/residue off of polished aluminum rims (ProCOMP)? Mag chloride is what they use on the roads in CO during the winter (instead of salt)

As far as getting stains out of aluminum wheels go, it really depends. If yours is a clear-coated type, any kind of fine polish used on the car's paint will work on the wheels, as long as it has a clear coat. If the finish of your wheel is either polished or machined, you'll need to get products specific to either type of wheel (some do both, but are not as effective). I'm not going to recommend any specific products, as I feel it's up to you to experience new products and determine what YOU like, but I'm currently using a lot of Adam's products and have had awesome results on polished aluminum. Just visit their website and browse around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Wax melting shouldn't be an issue.

Melting wax is not an issue. But when carnauba wax is exposed to direct sunlight during its curing period, it will tend to yellow, which will causea hazy, yellowish film to appear on your finish.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow

I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

NXT is great for any kind of paint. I personally find that it gives a whole new dimension to vibrant colors, such as red, yellow, or even a blue. Black cars find more depth from carnauba-based waxes such as Meguiars' Gold Class. Seeing as your car is white, just make sure that you apply it under an intense halogen lightsource, or you'll miss some spots.

nismo09 · 08-05-2010, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow

I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

I use it on my Red Nismo and it is wonderful. I can't see needing to use anything else. After 1 year of ownership is still looks like it just came off the show room floor.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Mw65 · 08-14-2010, 11:06 AM

Any one use Dry Wash N guard or have an opinion of it? I have in the past on older cars and liked the results.

NXTAZEE · 08-14-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mw65

Any one use Dry Wash N guard or have an opinion of it? I have in the past on older cars and liked the results.

I would be very careful with that. If the vehicle is a little too dirty you are going to scratch the paint. Everyone should buy a foam gun to wash their Z's, it's the best method of washing.

Alexus · 11-21-2010, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mw65

Any one use Dry Wash N guard or have an opinion of it? I have in the past on older cars and liked the results.

I personally wouldn't touch any kind of dry wash with a 10 ft. pole, especially on darker colors. You will get swirl marks - I garantee it.

cames4 · 12-29-2010, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmike

It's not mentioned in the thread, but I have to add the wax that I've been trying for the past two months: Turtle Wax Ice.

Now I know, it's not Mothers, or McGuire's, or Zaino. I've been using NXT and Gold Class for a while now. But, a friend of mine told me I should try the Ice, and the part that sold me on it was that you can get it on plastic and rubber trim, and it doesn't leave white residue behind.

So What, you say? Well, it is a nice feature, and I thought it would be good enough for my MINI at least, which has black plastic fender arches that show wax horribly and are really difficult to clean due to their texture.

Anyway, the wax is easy to apply as you'd expect, and the shine is deep and rich. But the amazing thing to me is the staying power of this wax. I went to wash the car today after two winter months, and the water beaded up and ran off as if I had just waxed the car. Now granted, the car is garaged, and I don't drive it every day. Still, to go through typical winter weather and come out with this sort of staying power is pretty impressive.

I made a short video so you can see how the car looks and how the water beads up and runs off, even when the hose is really running:

Turtle Wax Ice demo after two months

I know that I am no expert on wax but I have tried many including Mothers, Nu-Finish, and Ice (and 10-20 waxes in-between). For years I thought that Nu-Finish was the best but as you point out regarding some wax's, DO NOT get it on plastic. I bought and used Ice on my daughters SMART car as it was recommended to be safe on the plastic panels. After one year, the car shines better than it did when it was new.

I got my Nissan Z and refused to pay dealer prep so I used Ice on the car.... 3 months later; amazing. Now, I am not a show-car guy nor a "wax" pro but I will attest to the the ease, shine, and durabilty of this wax for the common user,,,

OK experts, let me know where I have gone astray besides telling me that I must use some paste wax that will take me days to apply and require multiple coats...... I like it as I like my Z; fast, clean, easy, and long lasting........

Sandra Dee · 12-29-2010, 01:43 PM

since I posted to this thread-I took an automotive detailing class at a technical college. Needless to say-was the only girl but came out 2nd in the class. Wow-did I learn a lot!
I have the whole detailing shabang with a high pressure washer, blower, PC, swirl remover,waxes, wheel cleaners and sealants, etc. I have been an Adam's fan for awhile because of how the products perform and are backed 110%. Americana is the paste wax I use from them-perfect on dark colors!
Watched also the Junkman videos-he is #1 in my book. He has taken the time to answer any question I have asked.

Bodytechz · 01-13-2011, 03:34 PM

Have a 2011 Pearl White 370z on order as of 01/08/11, have to wait 3 months to get it UGH!!! Well, in the mean time I'm trying to gather all the info I can to baby it once I get it. Could someone point me to a great wax for the Pearl White finish please? Also, what would you recommend for the wheels and tires to keep them looking SLICK? I appreciate your time...TY

Bodytechz · 01-13-2011, 03:36 PM

Also, once I get my new ride is there a length of time I should wait before applying my first coat of wax?

Sandra Dee · 01-14-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodytechz

Also, once I get my new ride is there a length of time I should wait before applying my first coat of wax?

if you bought the car off the lot-the paint has had time to "cure" which is about 90 days to be safe. If you ever get a paint job-wait that long before waxing. Otherwise, a car off the lot is good to go for a nice clean up and wax. I wax-let it sit-then buff and apply a second coat or subsequent coats atfer 12-24 hours.

Sandra Dee · 01-14-2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodytechz

Have a 2011 Pearl White 370z on order as of 01/08/11, have to wait 3 months to get it UGH!!! Well, in the mean time I'm trying to gather all the info I can to baby it once I get it. Could someone point me to a great wax for the Pearl White finish please? Also, what would you recommend for the wheels and tires to keep them looking SLICK? I appreciate your time...TY

i like Adam's products-they have a great wax called Americana. For tires-they have a green wheel cleaner etc. If you do not like the product-Adam stands behind it 110%. That is the beauty of buying from them. Also, they sell American made products. Now I have a non american car-but try to do my part in other ways.
Google Adam's polish -you can shop and look at the forum-many detail tips and tricks to help out. Everyone has different cars-but like them CLEAN...

mistermoe · 01-20-2011, 02:21 PM

does this detailing setup make sense? I am open to suggestion I am really new to this

Products:
Gilmour's Foammaster II
2x Sheepskin mitts
2x buckets
Meguiars gold class car wash
Meguiars' NXT TechWax paste
Meguiars quick clay detailing system
4-5x microfiber cloths

1) rinse car
2) wash car with foam master + gold class car wash using my sheepskin mitts (1 for wheels/bottom 1 for rest of the car) using 1 bucket to rinse mitts.
3) Dry car with microfiber cloths
4) Clay
5) wash car repeating steps 2 & 3
6) wax car with the techwax

I assume I dont need the two bucket system if I am using a foammaster? Should I polish the car? I've been reading up polishing and it seems pretty complicated so I am unsure if it's worth the trouble.

Methodical4u · 06-14-2011, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow

I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

I've got the pearl white as well and I just finished my third layer of Finish Kare 1000p. It's a high temp paste wax that's good for up to a year. I like to layer it... it's super durable and looks best on light colors.

I would also suggest Collinite's 846 double wax. It's SUPER durable and again also looks great on light cars. You can top it with a carnuba wax if you so choose, but it's not a necessity. There is a Finish Kare product that's called "pink wax" that supposedly looks really good over the 1000p... I haven't used it myself though.

12-29-2010, 01:43 PM	#174 (permalink)
Sandra Dee Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NC Posts: 215 Drives: 370ZRdstr BLK Cherry Rep Power: 15	update since I posted to this thread-I took an automotive detailing class at a technical college. Needless to say-was the only girl but came out 2nd in the class. Wow-did I learn a lot! I have the whole detailing shabang with a high pressure washer, blower, PC, swirl remover,waxes, wheel cleaners and sealants, etc. I have been an Adam's fan for awhile because of how the products perform and are backed 110%. Americana is the paste wax I use from them-perfect on dark colors! Watched also the Junkman videos-he is #1 in my book. He has taken the time to answer any question I have asked.

06-10-2010, 04:08 AM	#166 (permalink)
CaptainSlow Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 47 Drives: 02 VW Jetta Rep Power: 15	I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

08-14-2010, 11:06 AM	#170 (permalink)
Mw65 Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lumberton Tx. Posts: 22 Drives: 40th Rep Power: 15	Any one use Dry Wash N guard or have an opinion of it? I have in the past on older cars and liked the results.

01-13-2011, 03:34 PM	#175 (permalink)
Bodytechz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 253 Drives: '11 MB NISMO #0008 Rep Power: 14	Have a 2011 Pearl White 370z on order as of 01/08/11, have to wait 3 months to get it UGH!!! Well, in the mean time I'm trying to gather all the info I can to baby it once I get it. Could someone point me to a great wax for the Pearl White finish please? Also, what would you recommend for the wheels and tires to keep them looking SLICK? I appreciate your time...TY

01-13-2011, 03:36 PM	#176 (permalink)
Bodytechz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 253 Drives: '11 MB NISMO #0008 Rep Power: 14	Also, once I get my new ride is there a length of time I should wait before applying my first coat of wax?

01-20-2011, 02:21 PM	#179 (permalink)
mistermoe Base Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: ottawa canada Posts: 35 Drives: 2010 370Z MB Rep Power: 15	does this detailing setup make sense? I am open to suggestion I am really new to this Products: Gilmour's Foammaster II 2x Sheepskin mitts 2x buckets Meguiars gold class car wash Meguiars' NXT TechWax paste Meguiars quick clay detailing system 4-5x microfiber cloths 1) rinse car 2) wash car with foam master + gold class car wash using my sheepskin mitts (1 for wheels/bottom 1 for rest of the car) using 1 bucket to rinse mitts. 3) Dry car with microfiber cloths 4) Clay 5) wash car repeating steps 2 & 3 6) wax car with the techwax I assume I dont need the two bucket system if I am using a foammaster? Should I polish the car? I've been reading up polishing and it seems pretty complicated so I am unsure if it's worth the trouble.