Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)

joebob6 · November 2000

Keeping it separated is stupid because if an inexperienced person comes to get advice about waxes and types in "waxes" they wil see "Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts Please). The first thing that is going to come to their mind is "What is Zaino, and why can't it be discussed here?"

It is kind of annoying when someone asks which is Better (Liquid Glass or Meguiars for example) and someone else posts "Zaino rules" or something like that. Just respond to the question they are asking.

silvercoupe · November 2000

go again. Rehashing the same old thing over one more time.... This is supposed to be a forum to help other people. At least that is what I thought????

pat455 · November 2000

You need to post a link to the discussion you are referencing, rather than copying and pasting it here, otherwise there are copyright issues addressed in the Participant Agreement.

What occurs to me is that if you do not want "Zaino" posts in this topic, as you have previously stated, you should drop this discussion.

Or are you in favor of a combined topic as I asked a little while ago?

Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference

graphicguy · November 2000

Count me as one of the ones that agree with you about the silliness of having multiple posting areas for different "wax" products, be they Zaino, Meguiars, PS, or whatever. There seems to be an awful lot of information that all of us could share with each other, regardless of the products we use.

As an expample, in posting #551, someone quoted another who was having problems with swirling. The writer attributed swirling to the wax. The likely culprit was probably the towels or sponges they were using, however. Just clearing up misinformation without mentioning products would go a long way in helping.

We are all trying to achieve the same thing IMHO...a good looking, durable shine, regardless of brand.

joebob6 · November 2000

The original poster (hotrod20)stated that the car looked great after it was initially waxed. He started seeing "hazing" after 1 to 2 days or after it was just washed. With "Z" stuff you would notice any smearing right away and certainly not after just a plain washing. It also wouldn't show up 1 to 2 days later. You might see areas you missed wiping it off 1 to 2 days later if you don't pay attention to what you are doing in the first place.

In response to bretfraz:
You say I am causing the problem? I haven't attacked anyone but have been attacked by comments like:
"Looks like 'ol JOEBOB6 has taken the point
position as "Defender of Sal". He'll get sliced
and diced like all the others. Someday they'll
learn, I hope."
Oh yeah, that was written by bretfraz.

Find where I insulted or attacked you. The only thing I pointed out was that your all-natural analogy made no sense.

jster · November 2000

First off I think either way is fine--if Edmunds Town Hall doesn't mind the inevitable arguments that are going to ensue--then I say put it all together--I welcome the opportunity to state my point of view in an open forum.

I do suspect, however, that most of the, non-"Zaino Uber Alles" crowd will eventually get tired of arguing and forget about the whole thing, or migrate to other boards.

Not what I would call "The End of the World".

One other thing--I will say I get a kick of these types of posts that I saw in the "other forum", today:

"Having two topics one called 'Store Bought Waxes', and the other called 'Zaino Car Care' is unfair."

"It gives the Zaino products short shrift--so the only reason we post in the 'non-Zaino forum' everytime a new person is in there, is because we just want them to know that the Zaino products exist, that's all"

My take:
Back when the "Zaino forum" had the very generic title of "Waxes and Polishes"--there were still posts extolling Zaino in this, the so-called "non-Zaino forum"

To recap: until fairly recently there were two "wax forums", but neither one mentioned Zaino in the title.

One was called "Waxes and Polishes"; the other forum was this one--"Store Bought Waxes"

Actually, "Waxes and Polishes" was the original topic. Eventually it became almost totally monopolised by posts extolling the unparalleled virtues of the Zaino products.

Okay...so then somebody started the "Store Bought Waxes" forum as a kind of "refuge", shall we say, so that there were two forums.

So, until fairly recently, the "Zaino Forum" obviously had the more generic and commonly used title, and (I would bet), was generally visited first by individuals looking for "wax advice".

Despite this fact, many individuals from the Zaino-monopolised "Waxes and Polishes" forum were still unable to resist the impulse to post in the "Store Bought Waxes" forum, back in those days, either.

In fact, I suspect if there were two topics, one entitled...oh...say... "Waxes-The Only Reasonable Choice is Zaino"; and the other entitled something akin to....maybe... "Non Zaino-using Ignoramuses"?...There would probably still be some "crossing over"......

jster · November 2000

I will scratch the post with the copyright problem.

I too would have preferred a link, but when I have tried linking to archived posts in the AudiWorld forum before it doesn't work.

As far as separate or "unified" (Hee, hee) forums go--I just addressed that with my other post--okay with me if it's okay with everybody else! It's your show--not mine.

To answer your first question--personally--I have, for a long time now, avoided mentioning the Zaino products. I do occasionally mention them as an option for people looking for a product to use. RE: post 517.

Anymore, I also generally ignore the "Zaino posts", unless someone posts what I feel is inaccurate information in here.

Also I personally NEVER actually requested there should be "no Zaino posts in here"--what I did do "way back when" was ask that people "respect the topic", and gave the reasons why I thought it was a good idea---that is a little different; voluntary versus mandatory, a Gentleman's Agreement if you will. It was an appeal for "peace in our time"...and it worked about as well as Neville Chamberlain's did.

jster · November 2000

Unfortunately I had to scratch the post you mentioned because of copyright problems.

However, I can assure you that the guy's experience was not caused by "towels or applicators". He often writes about detailing on the AudiWorld forum and is as careful as you can get.

Also--he has obviously used multiple products--others he mentioned in that same Audiworld post included Finish First, Pinnacle, Zymol, Griot's--and experienced no swirling problems with those products--so it's obviously not the "towels or applicators"

jster · November 2000

Again--post 759 in the Zaino-topic mentioned the appearance of "very fine water-spots under the Z2". Sorry, but that is not just "smearing".

vernlew · November 2000

IMHO, we should just rename the 2 topics....for example: "Carnauba based auto wax products" and "Polymer based auto wax products"....doesn't this pretty much describe the two different camps of auto wax products? My $0.02
Vern

hotrod20 · November 2000

I hesitated to bring up my problem for fear of a "Z" raid. I would respect Zaino products more if it were not constantly shoved in our faces. I use what I use and I could care less whether anyone else buys the same product. I appreciate the experiences of others with the various products. Most contributers may advise someone to try a product in response to a problem or request for help. The Z people however seem to know only 1 product line and sound like company spokesmen. It's like a religion. The only true faith.

Anyway, I cleaned my car again today. I parked it in the sun with intermittent shade and light misting rain. After a few hours I garaged the car again and had to wipe off the tiny water spots from the rain. It seems the car has a sufficient coating of wax to keep the water spots from getting into the clearcoat. I used "Final Inspection" spray to heighten the shine. I'll check on the car in the morning and park it in the sun again if it doesn't rain. Next Saturday I hopefully won't have to wipe off any haze before going for a drive.

By the way I used Pinnacle spray mist previously. It was very good but cost $14.95 to $19.95 plus S&H for 16 oz. The Final Inspection works just as good and only cost me $5.62 for 16 oz at an auto parts store.

pblevine · November 2000

Given what I've been seeing here and in 'my' Z topic, we are best kept apart for the time being. Sorry, but if you just look at the flurry of post regarding this old argument, you'll clearly see that new members are not getting the advice they need for 'waxes - (no z...). I've got nothing against those who prefer wax, and they should have their own place. There is so much information to be had regarding both subjects, that simply having one topic will not do. At least two topics are required even if we learned to get along.

kate5000 · November 2000

I've used AutoFom from Blue Coral for many years, and I liked it a lot: easy on, easy off, incredible silkiness and smoothness of surface, and it did keep the paint on my old Subaru wagon looking good for years. My paint is still (8+ years) very shiny, though the car has never ever been garaged.

I also liked that AutoFom did not leave that whitish residue on black vinyl and rubber pieces of exterior trim. I found that residue is hard to remove, after using Meguire's or other carnauba waxes.

Now I cannot find AutoFom in stores anymore. I guess it's been discontinued.

Questions:
a) anyone knows where to get AutoFom or whether there was a replacement product for it?
b) if I have to switch to another wax, what would you recommend?

My requirements:
a) non-abrasive, clear-coat safe;
b) easy on/off (min elbow grease), 1-step application;
c) good lasting shine (prefer moderate but lasting shine over incredible but short-lived shine)
d) reasonable price

I tried to read through thousands of topics on this and other wax-related forums, but there are so many pro- and anti-zaino arguments that clutter the topic...

baveux · November 2000

....Which product to use, Too many peoples are defending brand name instead of result.
If we really want to know what is the best product lets try this:
1-Have the wax,polymer or silicone,bought by somebody else,don`t ask for the price, have it transfered into an unidentified container and use it,and then make your own opinion. You can't be under the influance of publicity or marketing concept that way.

I'm sure that some people will never use Nu-Finish on their car because that product was advertized on TV,not expensive and sold at Wal-Mart.

Now change the color of the product,pour this product into a glass bottle,with a new sticker, jack the price to $15.00 , and start an advertizing campaign directed by a smart marketing specialist,stating that this product is bla bla bla....
The result ? your are going to get post and post of peoples stating that never tried something good or bad like that before....

The image,the look of a product,the right price, is everything,the rest is just opinion.

And since I am entitled to my opinion ;-)

I used in the past the Mothers 3 step system,nice job.But overrated.
I also use Turtle wax hard shell,ok stuff,not a lot to say about it.
I'm using now Nu-Finish, not worse than the other 2,seems to last longer.

Since I am getting a new car every 4 to 5 years,I couldn't careless about the microscopic,atomic,or noncomic thing that can happen by using one product or the other on my car.The result you get are coming more from the how to use (apply)the product than the product itself.

DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHICH PRODUCT YOU ARE USING ?

It's funny how we all are,trying to find the best product for our car,wax ,engine oil,etc etc.

How many of us are reading Edmund's today,while having a bag of chips,a coffee,or a cigarette,and lying to themselves about the date that they will start their exercise program ? What are you doing to last longer than your car paint ????

And sorry for my poor Frenglish !!

Richard

P.S. I am not promoting Nu-Finish here,put what you want on your car,peanut butter if you feel for it!!!,but please avoid the crunchy one !

pjyoung · November 2000

concerning peanut butter. Apparently peanut butter will get the wax residue out of the textured plastic surfaces. I never had occasion to try it, but several said it really worked. I assume they meant smooth, not crunchy :>)

baveux · November 2000

Thanks for your nice comment regarding my Frenglish I'm trying hard ;-)

For the others readers,do not beleive that I said that you are all wrong .

You are all right, if,> YOU < believe that what you are using is the best product. And only if YOU know that from your own experience.

But we have to stay objective, there is not a lot of chemist here specialized in car care product.

And even if we would have hundreds of specialist,we would probably have 100 opinions.

If you deal with Financial advisor , you will find the same kind of reaction, they all have the receipe to make you rich, but they are working 60 hrs a weeks for a living.

Car wax company are not working for you.Nobody,and I repeat nobody works for somebody else,we all work for us,for our family. Do you really believe that the peoples, let say at Mothers are working for you ? They are working for a pay check. And it's just normal.

So when I read that XXX just created an incredible wax, or whatever else for me......!!!

The paint job is much more important than what you put on to protect it .Ask Gm owners is a wax stopped the peeling on their Corsica.

Consumers report review now.Ok we can disagree with them on many things, but can we compete with their result solely on our experience ? Don't think so. The shine ,how long the last wax job last,the product use, are all subjective.Too many car,city, environment factor,etc etc to be sure at 100%.

Facts,that's what I need.If somebody can prove me that a given car product reflect the light 10 times more then another one, resist to scratch salt and UV better than xxx etc etc.I 'll be more enclined to listen.But I will not go on the Net and notified to whole world before trying it.
For the good reason that I will not have enough time on this planet available to evaluate all the others products.
An opinion is always just an opinion if not based on facts.So keep waxing guys all your car looks great. However from here,just by looking at them I can't say for sure who is using Zaino or Pledge !!! Can you ?

Richard

hotrod20 · November 2000

I went out to move my car into the sun again. Surprise, surprise no haze even though there was some rain overnight. Perhaps 1 day of baking in the sun was enough. I'll keep checking every morning till Saturday.

Bretfraz - The dealer did shine the car before I took it home. However I had no difficulty applying and buffing off the carnuba wax. 3 months later I applied "Show Car Glaze" and then another coat of wax. Perhaps I'm a bit heavy handed with the wax. The problem with the haze is when you try to wipe it off, the wax streaks. The only solution is to do as you said and spray water on the car and then wipe it off.

Baveux - I used to use Nu Finish on my '82 Buick. It was OK and long lasting compared to other products I've used. On the shine side, it didn't have a deep glossy shine.

In the May issue of Consumer Reports it seems that durable waxes don't have a great shine and waxes with a great shine don't last too long. They also reported hazing with some of the waxes.

baveux · November 2000

....You know why, because I do not know what's in the bottle. Like I do not know what's in the other bottle.I rely on the manufacturer of the product...to prepare a stuff that won,t take my paint off the car.Above and beyond that I dont care, as long the product is affordable.
Carnauba,polymer,silicone,name it,I have no clue how really good they are compare to each other,scientifically I mean.
The difference between a product costing $35.00 and one at $7.00 doesn't make the first 5 times better,maybe yes if I have to justify the expense to my wife and friends !! ;-)

HOTROD 20
The most important question is what do we really want. protection,or shine ?
Why have you stop using NU-Finish ?

In my opinion going for the shine on new car instead of choosing protection is a short term decision,since the car less protected when new will look worse later !! Ok I also understand that if you wax twice a months the result might be better,shine and protection.
All that discussion or philosophy can be brought to the Engine oil board...Some prefer valvoline,others castrol,but very few can
say why.Try to put in front of them the technical data sheet for their prefered oil,ask them to point out the most important information on it,you know ,what can make one oil better then the others.They can't.Very few peoples can.

Richard

P.S; I've heard that ear wax gives you the best result as long as you wax and buff 1 square inch at the time. ;-)

Richard

hawiianavowner · November 2000

Pardon my French, but yes...aren't we all here to get information,hopefully objective, sometimes subjective,and sometimes opinionated-then make our own decisions:
Do we want appearance, or protection, or both. How much do we want to pay for the above. How much time do we want to spend on getting the above (including shopping/mailorder). And all this for a layer much thinner than the paint. But thank you Everyone for posting. And thank you Pat for hosting.
If the two forums are combined, will edmunds.com supply a search engine with "exclusions" (Please search for "wax & paint" but exclude posts with__?
Or Please search for __ but exclude "silicone".
This would help those with special interests avoid having to read what they don't like. Or how about forum(s) as vernlew said, but split like Polymer only and Caranuba only; or Less than $20/More than $20/mailorder. Or keep the two we have, allow the Z word as well as brief posts when used as info, but save the pics and testimonials for the other forum (so they won't have to weed thru this one)
Just my 2$ (here in Hawaii, we are suffering from inflation and isolation). BTW, because I read Consumer Reports before finding these boards, I still need to use up my Nufinish AND Prestone Bullet wax BEFORE trying Z_, or Blitz or Pinnacle. Environmentally, I just don't want to toss them before using them up. So thats my interest in these boards-gimme info, and I'll decide later, just lurking for now and satisfied with the way my car looks now.

silvercoupe · November 2000

Where'd you fine the Prestone Bullet? I have been wanting to give it a try, but can't find it in any of the local stores. Am currently using NuFinish and am pretty happy with it. My cars are all light colored, so the shine is not a big issue. I apply about every 4 months.

bnormann · November 2000

Here's my suggestion:

Wax,Polish,Paint,Body Care: ZAINO, Experiences and Tips

Wax,Polish,Paint,Body Care: STORE BOUGHT, Experiences and Tips

Wax,Polish,Paint,Body Care: What's the best?

The rules are: anyone trying to play "mine's better than yours" in the first two topics gets summarily deleted.

Can you live with that?

Your host, Bruce

joebob6 · November 2000

jster wrote, "Again--post 759 in the Zaino-topic mentioned the appearance of "very fine water-spots under the Z2".
Sorry, but that is not just "smearing"."

It is also not hazing that appeared 1 to 2 days after the product was applied which is what the original poster stated had occurred.

What happened in 759 is that they applied the Z1 too thick (it contains water and goes quite a long way) and it left a spotty appearance. They then applied the Z2 on top of the Z1 with spots and when the coating was removed they had a spotty appearance. It can be tricky to apply but once you learn how...

jster · November 2000

Look....the point was--with any product Zaino or otherwise you have to be a little careful how you apply it or you sometimes get streaking... smearing... clouding.... hazing...swirling, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc. The specific characteristics may be a little different from product-to-product, and the specific reasons why it happens vary from product to product (the most common of reason for ANY product is using too much-as I stated in my post of a few days ago) but I think you get the idea, right?

This was the question you asked in post 540:

"Where are some posts regarding clouding with the
"unmentionable" product? I have never seen any.
Closest I could come were posts about streak marks
because of applying the product too thick and/or
not waiting enough time to let it dry"

Once again--post 759 in the Zaino-topic mentioned the appearance of "very fine water-spots under the Z2".

Sorry, but that is not just "smearing".

jster · November 2000

Your idea is excellent, IMHO.

mazda1mike2 · November 2000

I purchased Bullet Wax at Pep Boys last week. I have not tried it yet.

hotrod20 · November 2000

Baveux - I stopped using Nu Finish on my old Buick because I used it all up. Like you I was not concerned at the time about the contents or price etc. I then bought whatever was on sale. I've tried Formula 2001, and many others whose names I can't remember. I did not take very good care of my '82 Buick. In fact I did not know how to take care of my Buick. Since I bought a new car in June and have discovered this forum, I've learned a lot. I even went to the Zaino internet site to learn what they have to offer. I have no doubt that Zaino products are very good. Are they far superior to all others? Probably not.
When I run out of Pinnacle Wax will I purchase more? Perhaps and then perhaps not. I may try the P21s or Meguires Medallion Premium Paint Protection. If Zaino were available in a store here I might give it a try. I like a bright shiny car and I intend to keep mine shiny for as long as possible.

P.S. I've found a lot of car care products in auto parts stores that aren't available in other stores. For instance Meguires has a whole line of professional products that you won't find in K-Mart etc.

joebob6 · November 2000

"the appearance of "very fine water-spots under the Z2"."

How is that the same as "clouding" or "hazing"?

759 refers to a water spot problem--not hazing or clouding which showed up "1 to 2 days later".

From original post 537 which is what I was referring my question to:
"I use Pinnacle Souveran carnuba wax on my new
black Eldorado. The shine is the greatest.
However a day or two after waxing or just washing,
the car surface hazes over."

Maybe my interpretation of what he is stating is wrong. "He put the Pinnacle on. Took it off. It looked fantastic when it was done. Best he has ever seen. A day or two later he has hazing." That seems like quite an odd problem.
This is clearly not a complaint about water spots.

graphicguy · November 2000

I suppose you can start topics with whatever designation pleases you. It doesn't sound like any designation for wax topics you choose will please EVERYONE.

Personally, I like having an entire topic dedicated to my preferred product. Is it a little silly? Probably! I have no desire to make a convert out of anyone who is pleased with whatever they use as long as they are happy with it.

I just don't see why "fights" develop. It confuses me as to why anyone would get so upset if someone else posts "...this is what I use... here are my results...this is what I did to achieve these results."

Many have said before, there are certain techniques that we know that are the best for taking care of your car, regardless of brand that is used. I would think that we could save some posters from potential grief and solve some problems if we would be able to share those techniques/experiences.

If someone doesn't like the products I use, I don't really care one way or the other.

pblevine · November 2000

I'm in agreement with graphicguy (previous post). Three separate topics as you have listed them will give everyone a shot at what they want. That's help and advice regards their own favorite products. And a place to [non-permissible content removed] and moan too. Unfortunately, your solution is necessary given some of the emotions around here. Let's give it a try.

hawiianavowner · November 2000

No Pep Boys in Hawaii(yet). And in the excitement of rushing out to buy the latest and greatest for one's new toy, I can't seem to remember which of the local stores had the Bullet wax. I do remember that it is probably one of these in order from most likely to least likely: Checkers, Wal Mart, Long's Drug, or Kmart. I also remember it was the last one on the shelf-prob. bec. of the CU report. BTW, i visited the Prestone web site and the description of the bullet wax makes it sound like it is a combo of polymers. I haven't opened it yet. Oh yeah and it was @ $12, or $3 more than the CU price. Finally, unlike hotrod20, the local autoparts stores that I have visited seem to have LESS of a selection than the abovementioned chainstores-really in Hawaii, we're stuck with mailorder/web for the premium stuff, as well the the two z- products . Factor in shipping, with a majority of the e-tailers NOT using USPS, so the "price of paradise" makes it easier to choose nu finish and the rest found in the chainstores. Although one day I would like to try Blitz,Pinnacle, Klasse, Zymol(the real one), Zaino. But thats 1/2 half can of nu finish and one full bullet wax away.
AND BRUCE, I lke the 3 topic/forums you mentioned because it will keep the info flowing. And I'll keep on reading...

hotrod20 · November 2000

Try Redline automotive for the car care products not found in the other stores. The don't carry much of the regular stuff found in other stores.
Also no Klasse, Pinnacle etc. Some day I'm going to check out all the other auto parts stores.

kate5000 · November 2000

Many people swear by LG... any good/bad experience with it?

joebob6 · November 2000

Liquid Glass works very well but it does contain abrasives and does remove paint. It also lasts a long time.
The only reason I stopped using it was because of its abrasive properties and with a clear coat finish you won't know it has abrasives until your clearcoat layer is gone.

kate5000 · November 2000

I would have never guessed it has abrasives! Does it say it anywhere on the label? That of course would kill it for me (love clearcoat).

joebob6 · November 2000

http://www.autochic.com/lgpolish.html

In the instruction section it states:"(If any paint color appears on the cloth, it is oxidized paint that must be removed to reveal the good paint layer beneath.)"

In order to remove an oxidized layer of paint the product must contain some kind of abrasives.

Correct me if I am wrong.

jster · November 2000

I would check with the manufacturer as to whether or not Liquid Glass contains any abrasives. I would wonder whether it does, since Liquid Glass sells a separate "pre-cleaner", "Liquid Glass Pre-Cleaner" to clean "dull, stained, oxidized, or previously surfaces"

http://www.autochic.com/lgpolish.html#inst

On the subject of abrasive and non-abrasive pre-wax cleaners and their uses, here are some informative links:

http://www.carcareonline.com./clean_paint.html
http://www.properautocare.com/unbeautinyou.html

joebob6 · November 2000

FWIW, the can of Liquid Glass sitting in my garage states low-micron abrasives as one of the ingredients.

kate5000 · November 2000

can says "no abrasives" -- ???

hotrod20 · November 2000

If you already have the can of Liquid Glass use it. Let us know how you like it. I could be wrong but I was under the impression that Liquid Glass was an acrylic type wax. I believe your car is new with clearcoat. Then if it is an acrylic wax you'll be adding another thin clearcoat to your car.

The last product I used on my older '82 Buick was Klasse an acrylic product. I used the cleaner wax first since my car was in bad shape. After the acrylic cleaner wax went on, I no longer had a problem with my polishing cloth turning blue from the paint. The paint is now coated and sealed. 3 months later I gave the car another coat and still my cloth remained clean.

You can also use acrylic wax in the home. I used it to wax my high gloss formica kitchen cabinets.
My wife was thrilled.

joebob6 · November 2000

The can of Liquid Glass that I have is quite old. I bought it around 1988. When I originally purchased it, it was not available in any stores. They may have changed the formulation since then. If I had a scanner I would scan the part of the label that shows it.
But that aside, there is no way any product can remove oxidation if it does not have some kind of abrasives.

List of ingredients on my LG can:
Dimethylsiloxane Polymers, Polyethylene Polymers, Petroleum Solvents, Low-Micron Abrasives.

Contains no wax. Keep from freezing.

The directions also state to apply and remove using coarse cloths. That seems quite odd.

cole01 · November 2000

What seems to be the best product for bringing a great shine to polished alloy wheels?? I just tried the mothers and though it worked pretty good, shine wasn't great. Any thoughts?

jster · November 2000

Basically--the best way I found to take care of alloy wheels is to treat them the same as the rest of the paint on my car. Most alloy wheels, especially OEM wheels are clearcoated.

Just wash them with whatever car wash you normally use (with maybe slightly more soap). Use a separate bucket of water from what you use to wash the rest of the car. I use a small sponge to get in the little spaces.

Then use whatever wax/protectant on your wheels, that you like to use on the rest of your car.

It is a royal pain to clean wheels--it takes me as long to clean my wheels as it takes me to wash the rest of my car (and I am pretty thorough).

But most of the wheel cleaners sold in retail stores are mild acid solutions--not the greatest thing to use on wheels over the long run IMHO.

peterskm · November 2000

I just wash my wheels with soap and water. They are not difficult to clean provided you clean them regularly. If you don't, the brake dust can be pretty tough to get off. I don't wax my wheels, and, when i clean them, the brake dust wipes right off. I stay away from the spray cleaners cause some of 'em can be bad for the clearcoat and paint on the wheels.

hotrod20 · November 2000

I agree with JSTER also. I wash the car and wheels frequently. My wheels are chrome plated. When I wax the car, I also apply a coat of wax to the wheels.

sierrabudd · November 2000

What's the difference between these two?

Does anyone have any first hand experience with
these waxes?

I decided that, with my new 2001 Sierra, I am
going to go with Meguiars, instead of other
exotic,
off-brand, or way expensive products. (maybe
Turtle Wax Zip Wash for my car wash).

I am more concerned with protection than that
"ultra deep shine".

Anyone have any 1st hand experience?

Thanks

dhanley · November 2000

For protection it seems like the polymer stuff works really well---nu finish, turtle wax 2001, meguiar's medallion.. I see the first two for $5 all the time.

As for the cleaning of the rims, well, I have a BMW and a SAAB. Both MASSIVE brake dust producers. I just thouroughaly wash the cars every weekend and scrub the rims well. No big deal. A little soap and water gets that stuff right off.

dave

rs_petty · November 2000

Was rereading some of the posts and just wanted to add in my 2 cents.
Malco Products: A company that offers an extensive line of waxes, polishes, protectants and other chemicals. For commercial purposes these may be fair products, but when I look at the MSDS sheets I see a lot of silica (sand), petroleum, water, and silicone. Haven't tried any and probably won't cause I don't think they would be any better than what you can get at Walmart. (www.malcopro.com)

Malm's Polish and Wax: My current selection and am real satisfied with the wax. Excellent shine, easy to use, and a little goes a long way. (www.malms.com)

OneGrand Products (Blitz wax): Interesting website. Probably will try some after my Malms is gone. However, I would prefer a liquid wax over a paste.(www.onegrand.com)

Still looking for that easier wax applicator. Check out the griotsgarage.com for the hand applicator you can attach a sponge applicator too. Has a loop that fits over your hand.

peterskm · November 2000

I thought the paste was better than the liquid. Is this true or is it more a matter of preference?

rs_petty · November 2000

Paste vs. Liquid could be a long running discussion ala synthetic vs. conventional oils. I just prefer liquid because paste usually comes in a tin, which with my butter fingers, will invariably cause scratches and I find it easier to use with my applicator. I wax enough that durability isn't a big deal to me as long as it goes a couple of months.

daniellee828 · November 2000

Hello,
I have been silently following this post. I purchased an Infiniti G20 a month ago and plan on cleaning it during the Thanksgiving weekend. This will be the first post-dealer cleaning and I want to make sure I do the steps right. I decided to go with Meguiars pro. If I read correctly I should do:

Shampoo (#00)
Clay (had to go with Erazer, all they had)
Polish (with Meg. swirl remover)
Wax (#22, yellow).

Is this correct? For this first time should I use Dawn rather than the Meg. wash to remove the wax put on by the dealer?

Thanks!

Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)

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