Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)

c43ken · October 2001

Thanks for your advice!
I managed to pick up a bottle of Meguiar#2 today and applied it to the scratch...after applying and then removing it approx 5-6 times (each time with a bit more pressure), then topping it off with a few coats of M#9, the scratch is almost gone: Sure I can still see it but it's not as noticeable now than it was yesterday!
BTW, I tried the Scratch X product but I found the results to be ineffective even on minor spidey webs...the results were almost identical to using M#7...I put both on side by side on the same scratch line and found nothing special!... Maybe it was the scratch and not the product results??!!
Thanks again for your "always helpful" advice

PAman · October 2001

Here's an interesting car wax test I found by accident. It was done by owners of the Acura NSX. Since these guys treat their cars like a religion (there's something very sad in that statement when you think about it) I knew they would "take no prisoners." The author also used other NSX owners to help evaluate the results.

They compared their precious $144 per bottle custom blend Zmol with several others, including that other z-brand that is not to be mentioned on this site.

The results were interesting, to say the least, especially since the $144 Zmol stuff and the other z stuff didn't justify the extra work to get good results.

http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html

By the way, I wasn't involved in the test, nor do I own an Accura NSX. And, no, I don't use Zaino. I prefer doing something else with what little spare time I have than spending it applying several different processes.

Joe

PAman · October 2001

Did some greedy dirtbag of a lawyer threaten them with a lawsuit just for telling people the truth? They really don't give any explanation....

Joe

adc100 · October 2001

can take away the First Amendment(Freedom of Speech) Congress Can Not. So everything is perfectly consistent in our upside down world. Also dirtbags hire dirtbag lawyers. Glad I read the results of the forum before it got ejected. I wonder if I am allowed to evaluate products and publish them on this forum. I'm afraid Edmunds might cave and remove my post.

Later,
Al

compulady · October 2001

I have a Silver 2001 Acura CL. I am thinking of ordering the Pinnacle Shine kit as it is recommended for light colored cars. Also, it includes a polish, shine enhancer and wax. I realize everyone has their opinions but I am looking for some comments/testimonials of this product and kit.

I am open to suggestions. I want to protect my car and take good care of it but I don't have many spare hours.

Thanks in advance.

bretfraz · October 2001

Hmmm, I went to pinnaclewax.com and they don't offer a kit called that. Could it be called something else?

I use Pinnacle Souveran among other Pinnacle products and think it is terrific. Pinnaclewax.com has some customer comments as does Autopia-carport.com (new website spun off from autopia-carcare.com).

Let us know if you have a specific question and we'll try to answer it.

compulady · October 2001

Sorry I should have been more precise. On Properautocare. com it is called:

Pinnacle Sizzling Shine Detailing Kit.

http://www.properautocare.com/pinsizshinki.html

On Pinnical.com it is called:

Pinnacle Introductory Kit

http://www.pinnaclewax.com/inkit.html

It appears the Pinnacle Souveran kit is more for beneficial for dark colored cars and mine is silver. Please correct me if I am wrong. If there are more benefits to using the Pinnacle Souveran wax like a better shine on my Silver CL, please inform me. Have you tried both the Paste Glaz Wax and the Souveran Wax?

Trying to decide what to use on my car has been very confusing as there are so many products. Meguires would be easy as you can purchase it at a local store. The write-up on properautocare.com was good on use of the Meguires products but they still recommended the Pinnacle wax so I might as well mail order all the Pinnacle products.

Thanks.

bretfraz · October 2001

I have all the products from the kit, except for the applicator and towels (don't need them).

I think either wax will work great for you. I'm not sure if there is a big difference in formulation between the two. I've always been under the impression that Souveran has a higher carnauba content. But it certainly won't hurt your silver paint.

It's up to you whether to spend the $$ for the Suoveran. I think you'll be happy with both.

Their shampoo is the best product of it's kind I've ever used. The cleansing lotion is very good too but perhaps a bit too aggressive for me. It's more me being finicky than anything.

You've picked a great product line. Enjoy the results.

- - Bret - -

compulady · October 2001

Sorry I should have been more precise. On Properautocare. com it is called:

Pinnacle Sizzling Shine Detailing Kit.

http://www.properautocare.com/pinsizshinki.html

On Pinnical.com it is called:

Pinnacle Introductory Kit

http://www.pinnaclewax.com/inkit.html

It appears the Pinnacle Souveran kit is more for beneficial for dark colored cars and mine is silver. Please correct me if I am wrong. If there are more benefits to using the Pinnacle Souveran wax like a better shine on my Silver CL, please inform me. Have you tried both the Paste Glaz Wax and the Souveran Wax?

Trying to decide what to use on my car has been very confusing as there are so many products. Meguires would be easy as you can purchase it at a local store. The write-up on properautocare.com was good on use of the Meguires products but they still recommended the Pinnacle wax so I might as well mail order all the Pinnacle products.

Thanks.

rs_petty · October 2001

When I researched Vinylex, the website said it did contain silicone. What's your info - I had wanted to use it, but went with the Meguiars #40?

adc100 · October 2001

Called Lexol...Vnylex has silicon. I use it...Don't know what to do now!!!

protegextwo · October 2001

Al, sell your car and buy a new Protege. Just kidding! :-)

-Larry

bretfraz · October 2001

Gang,

I'm off to the SEMA show in Vegas. I'll stop by all the car care mfr's and check out their new stuff. If anybody wants specific info on a specific product or mfr, lemme know and I'll try to get it for you.

- - Bret - -

protegextwo · October 2001

Have a good time! I'm a huge Mazda fan. Let me know the latest.

-Larry

jster · October 2001

The "silicone" in Vinylex is polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS), a polymer developed by Dow Corning.

PDMS is a polymer put in water-based dressings like Vinylex (and Formula 303 and others). It is perfectly safe, as opposed to "silicone oils" which are used in solvent based dressings--

Silicone oils are the "silicones" you are typically warned not to use, and can be harmful to vinyl and paint. There are no silicone oils in Vinylex.

To sum up...Vinylex is a good product....and the silicone in it is not harmful. If you like it...keep using it.

protegextwo · October 2001

Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive and helpful during the past couple of days. We thought we'd give you a brief update.
We have decided to continue with the tests, although two of our testers have left us. We are also working on getting some non-detail-type people involved in the tests to serve as additional judges.

Due to some business requirements, we will be traveling over the next couple of days. We will work on our updates during that time, and the next time you see us "live", the site will have a new look and feel, much more information, more pictures, and more detail about our testing methods.

Thank you again for visiting us, we should be live again by the end of the week.

bretfraz · October 2001

John, coming thru in the clutch. Thanks, man.

adc100 · October 2001

Thanks for the info on the Vinylex. You would have thought that when I called the 800# they would have explained. But then again I only asked if there was silicon in the product.

jster · October 2001

But you're way too kind...it's all just info I gleaned from the Autopia board.

jster · October 2001

Yeah the whole subject can be a little confusing.

I originally had a link to the Autopia board here--but the url was over 115 characters long and the forum software wouldn't let me post the message. Huh! Well anyway....

Two chemicals commonly used in "vinyl dressings" are "dimethyl silicone oil" and
"polydimethylsiloxane resins" (PDMS). Both of these chemicals are commonly referred to as "silicone".

For car detailing purposes I guess you could say "dimethyl silicone oils" = "bad silicone".

Conversely you could say "PDMS resins" = "good silicone". Vinylex contains PDMS.

I think it would be helpful if these companies were a little more specific about what is in their products--especially if you go to the trouble to call them and ask--but I guess they figure most people don't really care all that much.

adc100 · October 2001

I used a buffer for the first time yesterday. It is a cheap ($29 one from Harbor Freight-random orbital though).. Anyway- washed my vehicle at car wash and then put on a coat of #26 on hood, trunk, roof and then buffed by hand, no buffer. When I got home I went over it again. Applied by hand and then buffed wityh wool bonnet. Should I have removed by hand the wax and then buffed with buffer?? Anyway, it looks great.

bretfraz · October 2001

I met the Lexol folks yesterday. Very nice people. Had an interesting conversation about silicone. Without going into a ton of detail, there is a huge number of products that use some kind of silicone and there are many different types of silicones.

Lexol has two patents on Vinylex making it a very unique product that other mfr's can't touch. One is a cleansing system and the other is a silicone composition that penetrates the plasticisers in the vinyl or plastic, providing superior protection and preventing drying out of the platic which leads to cracks.

Pretty cool stuff. Seems a no-brainer to me.

mbdriver · October 2001

I've been searching the stores in the D.C. suburbs near my home and can't find Vinylex or 303 anywhere. Trac Auto and Trac Auto Super Stores stock Lexol Leather Cleaner and the Leather Conditioner, but not Vinylex. Pep Boys is a long way from home.

Today I finally located two Meguires products for vinyl -- one was "Shine" or some such name, and the other was #40, which I bought.

Did I buy a good product? Or should I return it and keep looking? As a last resort, I'll order the Vinylex directly from Lexol -- I already use their leather products (great stuff).

Thanks in advance for the advice.

mrdetailer · November 2001

Sorry I'm slow to respond. It's been a very busy week.

Last Saturday I put 303 on my daughter-in-laws dash. It produced a nice finish without the blinding shine. I have also noticed that it the dash is no longer a dust magnet like it was with lower end products.

I have found 303 on the Internet and was thinking of purchasing it online before I found my local source.

Here are some of the sites.

http://www.bmwz3.net/seriousz3/303.html

http://www.autogeek.net/303aerprot.html

It's self serving of course, but Here's the description from one of the sites.

303 Protectant protects any color plastic, rubber, vinyl, fiberglass or sailcloth from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. 303 Protectant works great on boats, penetrating the colored gelcoat to restore a like-new finish. Protects new finishes from oxidation caused by UVS exposure. Excellent on RV's, convertible and vinyl tops, rubber bumpers, dashboards and woven polyester.

Surfaces treated with 303 protectant repel dirt, dust, oils, and all oil based stains! Safe for rubber, plastic, clear and solid color vinyl, glass and paint.

I have not found any of these statements to be false.

mrdetailer · November 2001

I like Meguiars Shine, but it is definitely a little lower quality and attracts dust. Seems to be a very good product.

However, I like the Meguiars #40 better. While a little thinner, and runs easily, it doesn't contain Silicone. I had a section on the drivers side what was filthy. Very black and greasy feeling. I tried for years to get it clean. #40 was the only thing that cleaned it up completely. Left a nice shine too. It doesn't feel slick like Armor All or Son of a Gun. Dust doesn't congregate on it. I just wish I knew what the SPF was.

mbdriver · November 2001

Thanks for the analysis and advise about the Meguiars Shine and #40. I just used Meguiars #40 on the dash, vinyl door panels and console. The results are extremely satisfying. The vinyl now has a muted shine, but it's not garishly reflective -- and it isn't dull matte. In a word, perfect. Thanks again.

britton2 · November 2001

just wondering - have you tried Blue Magic's vinyl and leather cleaner? It works very well and also leaves a muted shine without attracting dust -

hambone32 · November 2001

I've been using Meguire's Gold Class Clear Coat Car Wax for about a year and a half now. It leaves a really great shine on the car, and also protects it very well. Bird droppings and other funk just come right off with no staining. It is non-abrasive, so there's never any swirl marks. Most importantly, it goes on and off very easily. The only downside is that it does not bead very well when water hits it. However, I don't think the lack of beading equates with lack of protection in this case. I used to use Meguire's #26 and got similar results with much better beading, but it was WAY to hard to get off. I also have not noticed any difference in paint protection between the two.

adc100 · November 2001

I dond't think it is at all hard to get off. I have used it on three vehicles. I might offer though that the longer you let it on the harder it comes off. I assume that the longer you let it on the better is the durability. I do two coats with a 5 min set time and a couple hours between coats. Probably I am not leaving it on long enough, but it works for me.

protegextwo · November 2001

Update: 11/04/01: We will be live by Nov. 6, 2001. Perhaps earlier.

-Sincerely,
The Guys @ thewaxtest.com

fastdriver · November 2001

protegextwo-

Great news. Would they please identify the wax/polish person/people who "threatened" them so that the air can be cleared?

fastdriver

protegextwo · November 2001

>"Would they please identify the wax/polish person/people who "threatened" them so that the air can be cleared?"<

I don't think I have any pull with the operators at the Wax Test.com? I'm sure they have been advised to take the "high road" in regards to discussing the details of the threats. I found the original Wax Test site VERY VERRRY interesting and I cannot wait to read the new site.

-Larry

fastdriver · November 2001

protegextwo-

I found it very interesting also. Can't wait to see the long term results.

Thanks.

fastdriver

bretfraz · November 2001

If someone came to your home and threatened your wife and children would you discuss it publicly? All because you didn't like their favorite car wax?

Frankly this is none of our business. I only hope the jerks are in jail.

mbdriver · November 2001

Right on!

pjyoung · November 2001

When I post on the internet that I have observed a certain wax that lasts 5 to 6 months, it's a pure cock and bull story, but when someone else posts that the jihad is at their front door, threatening their family over car wax, it's 100% believable? Am I missing something?

div2 · November 2001

A Z-had would be more likely.

protegextwo · November 2001

Please forgive me for stating the obvious. Let me say this gently, this is a discussion about waxes. If you are concerned about the problems with the Wax Test folks, just contact them and discuss your concerns with them DIRECTLY.

http://www.thewaxtest.com/

Honestly, I'm not trying to show you up, however if you have something to contribute to this discussion, please do.

-Larry

bretfraz · November 2001

Prolly led by Sal Queda and Osama bin Zaino.

Remember kids, Zaino can be used for good or used for evil.

hambone32 · November 2001

adc100, I have used it on two vehicles. I have taken it off quickly, and I have let it sit awhile. I assure you, if you don't think that Meguire's #26 is hard to get off, you would be completely SHOCKED and ASTOUNDED at how easy it is to take off Meguire's Gold Class. It is so much easier, it is ridiculous. If you try it, let me know if you agree.

protegextwo · November 2001

Meguires #26 Hi-tech Yellow can be a bear to remove. However, most high quality carnauba waxes seem to share that trait. Thats why I enjoy KLASSE.

-Larry

pjyoung · November 2001

Post the same reminder to the originator of the following post:

"If someone came to your home and threatened your wife and children would you discuss it publicly? All because you didn't like their favorite car wax?

Frankly this is none of our business. I only hope the jerks are in jail. "

or this one

"Prolly(sic) led by Sal Queda and Osama bin Zaino.

Remember kids, Zaino can be used for good or used for evil. "

I didn't see much wax reference in either one. Good Day.

adc100 · November 2001

sure can't dispute you. I have not yet tried the Gold Klasse. I have used the Perfect-It and it does come off easier than the Meguiars. I am used to the KMart $3 one steps-so anything is easier. My next tries will be the P21S and Collinite 845.

bretfraz · November 2001

Let's review a few recent PJ posts in here:

10/23 - post #1297
10/15 - post #1275
10/12 - post #1250
10/2 - post #1248
9/10 - post #1174
9/5 - post #1164
8/31 - post #1153

Not a word discussing a store bought wax or offering any sort of constructive car care advice. In other words, the typical junk expected from PJ.

Kinda hard to make a deal when you're not in a position to offer anything.

pjyoung · November 2001

But where were my ever famous "personal attacks" in those posts? Oh...I forgot, I usually wait for YOU to attack first, re post 1396. good day.

britton2 · November 2001

has anyone tried this product? I'd like to know what you thought of it - thanks

urchin34 · November 2001

I don't expect to walk into New York City and start bragging about the Diamondbacks without getting a lot of flack and personal attacks. Perceptive people know when and where to open their mouths.

As for the Meguiars #26, do you mean there is something easier to remove? For an old lady who hadn't waxed a car in close to 20 years, I found it a piece of cake. Things certainly have improved.

rayfbaird · November 2001

I found 3M easier to remove than Meguiar's unless it gets really hard. Thken they're both beasts to get off.

dhanley · November 2001

For that reason, i've sort-of gravitated to the ones you take off wet--wipe on and wipe off.

The ones that have to dry seem to need various levels of drying. Even the gold class is a bear IF you let it dry too long. The zymol is too--but you're not supposed to let it dry.

dave

pjyoung · November 2001

didn't mean to brag. Only tried to point out that anyone who holds an opinion on an internet board should be as believable as any other. Bret doesn't agree with that. AS far as the personal attack thing. On many other threads, Mr. Faz has accused me (rather vehemently) of launching personal attacks when the slightest hint of negativity is posted on a certain topic. He then points out about 6 posts of mine and launches into an attack, yet none of those posts of mine "attacked" anybody. Sorry for drifting off topic, but I perceived that you felt I was asking for it. All I was doing was asking Larry that if he's going to ask me to stop "off topic" posts, then I feel he should also ask others to stop their "off topic" posts as well.

Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)

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