With Autumn on the horizon (saw some turning trees early this morning while driving the 66), I am looking to put a good wax job on big red. I have used Zymol and Sonax in the past. I am out of both. Curious to learn what others use for their cars and why that particular brand. Enjoy the day gentlemen. Not many more like this one depending on where you are in the country (or world).
Mother's Carnauba cleaner wax, hand applied. Goes on easy and easy to buff out.
I do not like, the liquid waxes, because, they always seem, to get into the nooks
and cranies, making it hard to get it out/off.
I finish up, with an application, of Mother's Instant Detailer. It all works for me. :)
Doug
Quote from: shlby66 on September 09, 2018, 03:37:08 PM
Mother's Carnauba cleaner wax, hand applied. Goes on easy and easy to buff out.
I do not like, the liquid waxes, because, they always seem, to get into the nooks
and cranies, making it hard to get it out/off.
I finish up, with an application, of Mother's Instant Detailer. It all works for me. :)
Doug
+1, that is the best one readily available. Gloss-It has good waxes and detailers too, but are much more expensive and you have to order them online.
Washed but not yet waxed. Thinking about trying P21S carnauba wax. It purports to be 100 percent carnauba. I'll keep you all posted how it works when it arrives.
(https://i.imgur.com/ALFLJmg.jpg?2)
(https://i.imgur.com/myQ9aLX.jpg?1)
Liquid Glass.
Z
Quote from: deathsled on September 09, 2018, 09:59:22 PM
Washed but not yet waxed. Thinking about trying P21S carnauba wax. It purports to be 100 percent carnauba. I'll keep you all posted how it works when it arrives.
I use P21S carnauba on my car and like it. Upon the recommendation of another owner, I started using it when my car first came home from restoration. It's all I've ever used so I don't know how it compares to others.
Steve
I use moonshine car care products. The shine is unbelievable! I use a pre cleaner and then the wax. You need to apply very little wax, it doesn't really dry, but it gets a slight haze. Then buff it with microfiber towel to an amazing shine.
A few years back I forked over about $20K for some minimal body work and a phenomenal, black paint job. Researching wax options to protect my "investment" was discouraging. Regional feedback was entirely opinion. Started attending SEMA a few years ago and remain awestruck at the paint jobs exhibited there. The cars in BASF and the Glasurit/Foose booths will redefine any previous benchmark of excellence. Shopping wax vendors at the show in mind numbing. Has to be over 50 vendors all with a spectacularly painted and waxed car in their booth. Stopped by the Flex polisher booth to demo the orbital and rotary models. By chance there was a German technician in the booth lending tips. Learned he was a professional detailer traveling the show circuit world wide. That premium, European luxury and Italian exotic manufacturers would pay him well to prep their cars for unveiling. Of course I had to ask his opinion on polish and wax. Without hesitation stated he exclusively used Sonax polish and Maguires Ultimate wax. I have since followed suit on my black GT 500, sapphire black BMW, and sister's black Volvo. Find the wax holds up well throughout winter driving. Not leaving white residue is a bonus. Certain there are many fine waxes, including some that probably last longer or shine better. Your mileage may vary.
I use Sonax products almost exclusively. Amazing products with a long history. They have excellent customer service as well.
At shows and when I am bored, I will use Adams Spray Detailer. I also like Meguiar's Ultimate line.
I still have a cabinet full of half-used Griot's products, but I am slowly using those up on the daily drivers since I discovered Sonax.
Quote from: deathsled on September 09, 2018, 09:59:22 PM
Washed but not yet waxed. Thinking about trying P21S carnauba wax. It purports to be 100 percent carnauba. I'll keep you all posted how it works when it arrives.
(https://i.imgur.com/ALFLJmg.jpg?2)
(https://i.imgur.com/myQ9aLX.jpg?1)
Deathsled, I watched a video of a guy who does very high end detailing and he had a can of 100% pure Carnuba and he said it set him back about $10,000. It is apparently, very hard to get and super-costly. He got a bit in his hands and rubbed it up and then used his hands to apply it to this Ferrari or Lamborghini. I use Meguiars, the tan bottle ones, which I think, is their highest end product? I clay any part that is anything but smooth after a good wash in Griots car wash, then I glaze it with Meguiars and then it gets 2-3 coats of wax. 3M makes terrific products for cars finishes. I'm in the middle of using cutting compound, glaze and wax on my CR-V and the paint is nearly webless; hardly a lick of spider-webbing. Probably a small dual-action buffer after the big 7 inch might get rid of the final webs, but black paint is notorious when it comes to trying to get all the webs out. Let us know what you choose and what your results are. I may get some of that 3M One Step cleaner wax; we'll see.
I use 3 m products. It is called 3 m pro formula perfect it show car paste wax-ultra high gloss Part number 051131... 395526 Easy on and off by hand or machine, black and dark color cars are simply stunning with this product. Really any color, my original paint RED 63 split window looked 50 years newer with it. About 30.00 a can, money well spent.
When I am able to run-out of my waxes and/or give some away, I'm looking into THAT product, for sure. Heading to Autozone today and Harbor Freight. That always makes for a good day. Oh, and will be making a Rock Auto purchase, as well. Good for me! I get to replace the front struts/coils on my '06 CR-V. Yay for me!
Interesting discussion but something that many overlook is to claybar after washing, then polish, then wax. You'll be amazed at what the clay picks up and then how much easier polishing and waxing will be.
I am surprised no one has talked about that new "Ceramic" wax/coating that others have been glorifying lately.
Quote from: NC TRACKRAT on September 11, 2018, 08:25:09 AM
Interesting discussion but something that many overlook is to claybar after washing, then polish, then wax. You'll be amazed at what the clay picks up and then how much easier polishing and waxing will be.
I am intrigued by claybar and have never tried. Any dangers associated with it (not healthwise but paint related)? And doesn't polishing wear down the paint? That's why I moved away from cleaner waxes.
Quote from: tesgt350 on September 11, 2018, 08:45:14 AM
I am surprised no one has talked about that new "Ceramic" wax/coating that others have been glorifying lately.
Never heard of it but now you have me interested.
Quote from: deathsled on September 11, 2018, 08:52:28 AM
Quote from: NC TRACKRAT on September 11, 2018, 08:25:09 AM
Interesting discussion but something that many overlook is to claybar after washing, then polish, then wax. You'll be amazed at what the clay picks up and then how much easier polishing and waxing will be.
I am intrigued by claybar and have never tried. Any dangers associated with it (not healthwise but paint related)? And doesn't polishing wear down the paint? That's why I moved away from cleaner waxes.
When I use Clay bar, I always break off a piece and flatten it out and run it over the Car using a water hose. If I drop it I toss it and break off another piece.
Quote from: deathsled on September 11, 2018, 08:54:45 AM
Quote from: tesgt350 on September 11, 2018, 08:45:14 AM
I am surprised no one has talked about that new "Ceramic" wax/coating that others have been glorifying lately.
Never heard of it but now you have me interested.
https://exclusivedetail.com/ceramic-coating-for-cars/
https://youtu.be/byKcYsEyWGk
What professional detailers have shown me is to use a detailer mist to make the clay bar slip and slide over the surface with ease. You will see the dirt lodged in the clay that was imbedded in your paint. Most excellent paint prep product.
I usually Clay Bar my car 3-4 times a year, it is amazing how much "stuff" it picks up. If the clay or a towel touches the ground, it never touches the car again. Too many times I've seen people pick up a micro fiber towel , shake it off and pick off the leaves and start wiping the car.
I use a mild polish a couple of times a year if I think it is required and use Jax Wax Liquid Carnauba as a final product
Hint: to check if your car needs clay bar, take the cellophane off of a cigarette pack and put your finger into the cellophane and little rub it over the cars surface, if it feels like you are rubbing sandpaper over the surface it needs clay bar. I use Mequiars spray to keep the surface wet and constantly keep turning the clay. When you are done, toss it away. So far its worked for me
You gentlemen are selling me on the claybar. I'm going to try it this weekend with the aforementioned mist technique.
This is much better and easier than a clay bar, and just as good:
https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/fine+surface+prep+mitt.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn
been tempted to try it, but haven't made the jump yet
I mentioned using clay if, after washing, any part of the surface doesn't feel smooth. I first used clay about 10 years ago or so. I love the results. Man, after putting tons of work into a cars surface by washing, claying, glazing and waxing is really worth the look and feel.
I agree, if waxing a car after any amount of time, claying is mandatory. I've tried several brands and noted no difference in effectiveness. I now buy by price. Just follow the directions regarding use of detailing spray as a lubricant. Detailing cars with original paint is critical. Have usually been buffed a few times with minimal paint thickness remaining. Necessary to not further remove paint, yet correct and protect what remains. New, high solids clears make life much easier. If you haven't yet used Dr. Color Chip, have a treat ahead of you.
Here's a decent explanation of "Claying" and the process involved. I've moved onto Clay Mitts as they work just as well, clean up easy and last far longer.
The mitts also come in various grades, from fine to heavy so you can choose your specific need. The mitts work equally well on paint, wheels, windshield and even chrome to remove imbedded particles.
https://www.lenosgarage.com/blogs/news/7-tips-for-using-a-clay-mitt
Quote from: deathsled on September 11, 2018, 01:45:06 PM
You gentlemen are selling me on the claybar. I'm going to try it this weekend with the aforementioned mist technique.
Try a clay glove/mitt instead. I always use a detail spray on the paint and then run the mitt over it.
Quote from: CorvetteMike on September 11, 2018, 02:15:43 PM
This is much better and easier than a clay bar, and just as good:
https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/fine+surface+prep+mitt.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn
Mitt plus what lubricant or solution?
Quote from: Bigfoot on September 11, 2018, 10:11:29 PM
Quote from: CorvetteMike on September 11, 2018, 02:15:43 PM
This is much better and easier than a clay bar, and just as good:
https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/fine+surface+prep+mitt.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn
Mitt plus what lubricant or solution?
Any of the detail sprays: Adams Detail Spray, Meguiars, Griot's Speed Shine....they will all get the job done. The Griot's is at a good price point for doing that "bulk" work, but I like Adams the best. I am always open to try new ones though.
https://www.amazon.com/Adams-Detail-Spray-16oz-Competition/dp/B001QVFD4K/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1536724304&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=adams+detail+spray&psc=1
Griot's...a lot of reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F4PB8QQ/ref=psdc_2687786011_t1_B0042KL8BY
Just received the P21S 100 percent carnauba wax in the mail today. Leave it to the Germans to use some obscure numbering system to identify it. I am sure there is some logic behind the designation. Next I will get the clay bar and go after the paint this weekend. I will let you gentlemen know how it goes...
(https://i.imgur.com/FbelZoV.jpg?1)
Just bought a Mother's 2.0 clay bar that is actually a really soft rubber pad good for 20 cars. My car was quite clean to begin with but it did seem to remove a bit of road grime after the wash. Then started waxing with P21S 100 percent carnauba wax. Above is the result. Is it apparent which had wax and which did not? Hood versus top of fender? I like the wax so I'm going out to finish the car after a meal of CS chili, rice and broccoli.
Great looking shine, deathsled. Same shine I got on my CR-V after lots of very sweaty work with Meguiar's Professional line of glazes and their wax. Thanks for mentioning Sonax. I'll have to try it. Does anyone use Rain X on their windows; I do. Also, I can't find any wheel protectant on the shelves of my local auto stores, like AutoZone and Pep Boys. I bought a can from one of those two places a few years back. I guess I'll have to hit the internet, again!
SnakeBit,
Give another Sonax product a try, it's their Sonax rim shield. It protects all different types of wheels and lasts on my daily drivers for a month or longer.
https://www.sonaxusa.com/sonax-wheel-rim-shield.html
Ok, great. Thanks for the heads-up. I guess I have to buy it online? Ok.