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Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)

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Comments

  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Actually, I believe JSTER has them backwards (sorry John). It is my understanding that New Car Glaze (#5) has more "bite" than Show Car Glaze (#7). Where #5 works well is with, uh... new cars that sit on a dealers lot and pick up contaminents. A detailer can quickly buff out the car and remove any crud before delivery to a customer.

    #7 has lots of oils and nutrients to feed paint and fill scratches. By itself it doesn't last long (sometimes only hours) so you have to follow up with a product like #26 right away. For a consumer I do not feel there is any point in buying #5. Use the #7-#26 Two-step process and enjoy the terrific shine.
  • jukeboxcarl2jukeboxcarl2 Member Posts: 35
    If I remember correctly #7 does not contain any abrasives. These are all good products but as you know my pick for a new car would be 3M Imperial Hand Glaze followed by Collinite Insulater Wax.
  • triple_deke1triple_deke1 Member Posts: 60
    Its so confusing trying to pick the best combo..Im sure all the products mentioned work
    well I guess its going to really boil down to personal preference. Since I am familiar
    with the Meguiars line I think Im going to go with the Show Car Glaze/Hi-tech Yellow
    combo first and see how that looks.

    Does the color of the paint make a difference as to what type of polish and wax to use?
    My truck is Flame Red if it really matters.

    TD
  • triple_deke1triple_deke1 Member Posts: 60
    Now you got me thinking about that Blitz wax!!!! Can you buy it at a chain
    store like Pep Boys or can you only get it online??

    TD
  • jsterjster Member Posts: 112
    Bretfraz: No apology necessary--I'm not familiar with New Car Glaze--and looking at the condition of some new cars sitting on lots it makes sense that New Car Glaze would be a stronger product.


    Jukeboxcarl2:I think Show Car Glaze is slightly abrasive(quartz dust)--however I get this information from an third-party MSDS that has no date on it--so it is possible that the formula may have changed in recent years--it's been more than five years since I used it--I'm pretty sure it was slightly abrasive back then.


    Triple_deke1:

    Blitz is good stuff--but hard to find in retail stores--but you can try:


    http://www.onegrand.com


    They have a listing of retail shops (mostly in California) and online dealers who sell Blitz Wax and other One Grand products. There are also quite a few online dealers not listed at the One Grand website who do sell their products--just do a web search for Blitz Wax and I'm sure a few more will turn up, if you are interested.

  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Try, "The Auto Lounge" for an online purchase of One Grand products. They carry One Grand Blitz Wax, one Grand Omega Glaze and other really neat detail stuff.


    http://www.theautolounge.com/cgi-bin/catalog.cgi


    Hope this helps.


    Respectfully;

    Protegextwo

  • mike_542mike_542 Member Posts: 128
    Blitz is a great product. I got mine (15 z.) from Autosupermart for $18.25. The retail price is $24.15
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    I've tried several glaze/wax two-step combos over the years and I can't say definitively which is better. All will provide great results so I don't feel you could go wrong.

    If you expand the number of waxes used to include Collinite, Zymol, Pinnacle, etc. you could really have yourself a big ol' time - - if that's your thing.

    I think the world of One Grand products but their retail distribution is poor (likely by design). I've bought the stuff in So Cal stores like Fedco years ago. The best way to get One Grand is online.

    3M and Meguiars are readily available at retail.

    TRIPLEDEKE - Your color has no affect on the products or vice versa. The paint on your Durango has a clear-coat so you can't improve the depth of the shine, only the gloss. But the #7-#26 combo will make that red pop.
  • jcnew4whlrjcnew4whlr Member Posts: 18
    I haven't bought waxes and polishes for a long time, so I'm learning a lot from you folks, but here's something pulled out of memory.

    Most products used to say not to apply on non-metal bumpers--and I'm probably going back to when chrome bumpers were first being replaced. (OK, I said it was a beginner question, not that I was young.) My new Sequoia SR5 has those fender flares that are clearly not the same material as the fenders. They feel like plastic to me. Can they be waxed or polished while doing the rest of the truck?
  • triple_deke1triple_deke1 Member Posts: 60
    I ordered some Blitz wax and 3m hand glaze online from carecar.com..Actually the store
    is in NJ which is where I live..Anyway the sales guy told me not to use the glaze until after
    90 days from the truck build date so Im gonna try the Blitz on one side of the hood and the
    #26 on the other..Then Im gonna try the #7 and 3m glaze and see what looks better...
    You guys have been a great help!!

    TD
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    The weather in the Northeast is starting to change for the better. I saw my first robin and the first day of spring is just 11 days away. It is time to begin my spring detail planning. Look out AutoZone, I'm in a buying mood. Has anyone seen or heard of some new products for my wax/detail projects? I am ready to rock. I want my Mica Green PRO-ES's to pop!!!

    -Protegextwo
  • finalfleetwoodfinalfleetwood Member Posts: 2
    ...... reading ALL the Forums' posts. After lurking for a few days, however, I can only offer this: have never been a genuinely 'pro' detailer, but was given the job of maintaining the family's cars' appearance at age 14, and have continued with my own cars for many (TOO many!) years since, becoming a near-fanatic in the process. It's been quite a learning experience, much by trial and error, with some good advice received along the way. And to use the worn phrase, "I've tried 'em all." From the original Blue Coral (when it bore the Cadillac name & logo!) to liquid Turtle Wax to Zaino's system, from Zymol to Griot's to Meguiar's to Pinnacle. Right now about 7 separate brands have a place on my basement workbench (with Zymol Carbon paste glaze in the fridge behind the bar).

    IMHO: it's not so much the specific brand or kind used (given leeway for finish type and condition, abrasiveness of product, paint color, etc.) but the TIME and EFFORT and CONSISTENCY brought to the job. Wax (or polish or glaze or whatever you choose to name it) your car twice a year, and it will look like it gets waxed twice a year. Detail it religiously once a month, and your car will be in a completely different visual class (not exactly Pebble Beach, but not too far removed, either). So the $20-a-can product used occasionally will seem poor in comparison to the real-world $8 product used regularly. Spend an hour on it every 6 months, versus 8-10 hours (preferably over two days or even three) monthly,
    and the products used become almost irrelevant. Call it the "TLC Factor." If any of you have military experience spit-shining boots & shoes (using polish and water - no cheating), you'll know what I'm talking about. Like the mirror-finish on the leather, a car's finish will eventually respond to all the effort and time.

    So - the personal experiences with individual products is very interesting to read about, and for those who have developed a favorite or two, that's great. But there's just No Free Lunch when it comes to maintaining a truly exceptional-looking car. You'll get out of it what you're willing & able to put into it in time, effort and consistency.

    End of speech.
  • adc100adc100 Member Posts: 1,521
    You are probably right and I have a lot of those same thoughts. I'm 55 years old and retired. Your example on the shoes is right on. I was not in the military, however when my daughter was in the reserves and worked full time I use to polish her boots. A one hour KIWI shine is much better than a 5 minute KIWI shine. Excellent example.

    Al
  • rs_pettyrs_petty Member Posts: 423
    I should start out on a new car with a can of Johnson paste wax and a mess kit spoon? Just kidding. :)
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Don't forget the spit, hehe.
  • kcwolfpack59kcwolfpack59 Member Posts: 122
    Does anyone remember Tuff wax about 1990? I was so and still am impressed by it's durability and beading. I had to get it mail order and got a 11 year supply. I tried to hoarde more in 1992 and was told the parent company was no longer doing business in the US. It beats anything I have ever seen in a side by side durability test, and yes, I've spent a fortune in waxes "trying them all". I need to get my hands on some more or find a suitable substitute. Any suggestions?
  • spyder_manspyder_man Member Posts: 1
    Thus far the best performing product that I have used is manufactured by Envirotech. This product can either be manually applied or machine buffed.

    One thorough application beads water for about 17 months on average. Application of this product is beyond easy. It will also leave a brilliant shine and a illusion of depth on your vehicles paint surface.

    The finish that Envirotech leaves on your paint surface is beyond that of retail and professional level Cleaners, Polishes and Waxes. I have been using this product for the last four years and have been extremely content with its performance.

    For the record, I am not claiming that this is the most superior product on the market, but that it may be worth your consideration especially if you are the type of individual who likes to detailing cars to maximize thier appearance levels.

    The contents of this product is proprietary and patented; and is specially formulated to actually hydrate automotive paint surfaces, in addition to protecting and cleaning it. While the majority of other retail and professional products simply protect and clean the outer layers of a vehicles paint surface.

    If anyone decides to give this product a chance, let me know what you thought of it! Hey, I am even open towards the use of other products as well. Maybe you know of some "secret" product as well! Let me know!

    Regards,
  • armtdmarmtdm Member Posts: 2,057
  • rchinnrchinn Member Posts: 23
    I have a 2000 Camry and am thinking of getting the #26 Meguiar's Hi-Tech Yellow Wax or the Blitz Wax. Do I need anything else? Is glaze necessary on a new car?
  • armtdmarmtdm Member Posts: 2,057
    I recently have tried this, really really impressed. I also like the Collinite paste carnuba wax, both give great results.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Glazes bring out the very high gloss by polishing out and filling in minor scratches, swirl marks, etc. But glaze has no wax or protectant in them so you need to follow up with a high quality wax like Meguiars 26 or One Grand Blitz.

    These waxes have no cleaners, polishes, or anything to improve or clean the paint. If they're used on their own they'll cover in any paint imperfections and deposits which you don't want.

    For your Camry you'll need at least some cleaning of the paint before wax. After washing, feel the paint with your hand and see if there are deposits. If so, they need to be removed. Paint cleaning clays work well and remove crud quickly. From there your paint should be totally smooth. You can follow up with glaze, then the wax. Your car will look awesome.

    Let us know how we can help.
  • 330ismynewcar330ismynewcar Member Posts: 6
    I have had best results with Klasse Sealant Glaze. It has no cleaning properties, lasts for about six months, and out performs any other polymer I have tried. However, it lacks depth compared to carnaubas.

    Has anyone here tried it and agrees it is a very good product? I first wash my 330i with Armor-All Car wash, clay it, use Meguiar's Proffessional Machine Polish with the Porter Cable Polisher, and Dawn before Klasse.
  • rchinnrchinn Member Posts: 23
    Thanks for the info on the glaze and wax. I think I will try it with the glaze/polish. Which one would you recommend? Also regarding the #26 wax -- paste or liquid? Don't think I'll need to do the claying. Surface still feels very smooth. Also do you know if Pep Boys carries the Meguiar's?
  • mike_542mike_542 Member Posts: 128
    rchinn-

    The Show Car Glaze and Hi-Tech Yellow Paste Wax are okay and Meguiar's best combo. However, you should try One Grand Blitz Wax which is much better. Most Meguiar products are in Pep Boys except for their proffessional polishes (Machine Polish and Hand Polish.)

    330ismynewcar-

    I have used Klasse Sealant Glaze and I agree with you, it is the best sealant tied with Z. However, it doesn't have the unrealistic wet look of the overrated Z product which I looks great of silver cars.
  • rchinnrchinn Member Posts: 23
    Sounds like the Blitz wax is one of the best. Will seriously consider it. As far as a glaze or polish before that, are you recommending Klasse Sealant Glaze?
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Well,

    I wouldn't agree with Mike in saying Blitz is "much better" than Meguiars #26, and Blitz is on my car right now. But both are good choices and I can't imagine going wrong with either. Meguiars can be easily found in stores which makes it a better "Store Bought Wax" while One Grand stuff usually has to be bought online or via mail order. If you go One Grand, also buy their Omega Glaze which I personally feel is better than Meguiars #7 . When doing multiple-step job I like to keep the products in the same family unless I'm working on a specific problem.

    I think the very first post I made in here was about Klasse. I think it's great. Use the All-In-One product instead of the Sealant unless your paint is virtually new. Klasse is one of those hidden gems of this biz. They don't offer a huge product line and don't hype their stuff, but it's good stuff.
  • jukeboxcarl2jukeboxcarl2 Member Posts: 35
    After cleaning and polishing try the Collinite. It outshines and lasts longer than the major brands out there. I do not work for Collinite but have sent them much business over several years. You can order at collinite.com or go to body and paint suppliers as well as some NAPA stores. My 2 cents.
  • atokadatokad Member Posts: 30
    What I can use to get wax residue off my black bumpers and trim?? I was thinking about using Mothers Back to Black..

    atokaD
  • pjyoungpjyoung Member Posts: 885
    Sounds crazy - but try peanut butter. Seriously.
  • atokadatokad Member Posts: 30
  • atokadatokad Member Posts: 30
    OK...How do I use it?? Spread it on then wipe off??
  • daverosedaverose Member Posts: 233
    I understand you heat it in a microwave, then spread it on, let it set for a little while, then wipe it off.
  • rchinnrchinn Member Posts: 23
    jukeboxcart2--You recommend the Insulator Wax. What about the Marque D'Elegance? Quite a price difference between the two. I would rather go with the Insulator Wax if it does such a great job. I was headed toward the Blitz wax but now maybe the Collinite. Any opinions from anyone?
  • jukeboxcarl2jukeboxcarl2 Member Posts: 35
    Any Collinite product performs well.Once you have the shine you desire from polishing, the top coat of protection should enhance the shine with a clear thin coat. Many waxes actually will dull the beautiful polished finish. I like the Insulator Wax because it gives a bright, clear, thin coat that lasts a long time. Also it is non abrasive and leaves no white dust.The other waxes collinite makes are also very good too. I used the Doublecoat it leaves a slightly thicker coat.
  • jukeboxcarl2jukeboxcarl2 Member Posts: 35
    This one is supposed to be the best. I have,nt tried this one yet. I have been very satisfied with the Insulater Wax. I have tried hundreds of products in the past. There are several good ones but most are garbage waste of time and money.Some other good products are Liquid Glass and Envirotech Dri-Wash and Guard.
  • namfflownamfflow Member Posts: 202
    When for the last few years whenever Consumers Reports does a test on car waxes/polishes the Nu Finish Liquid gets top marks for paint protection and water beading over time?

    I can't see spending a whole bunch of money for little return. If I had a custom paint job maybe but for a stock factory finish?

    Some of these products that you all are raving about got very low scores from CR when it comes to water beading. I don't know about you but I don't want to wax my truck more than once or twice a year. Some of these expensive products you got to do it every month.
  • mike_542mike_542 Member Posts: 128
    However, Nu Finish Liquid has poor shine, depth, and reflection. It is an abrasive and is terrible in my opinion. That's probably why they rated the Mazda Tribute below the Subaru Forester.

    For the best value, I think it's hands down, One Grand Blitz. For best performance, it is Pinnacle Souverian.

    You may also want to consider a synthetic wax. Made from modern polymers and acrylic resins, synthetic waxes offer excellent durability and ease of application. Synthetic waxes can last six to nine months or longer and typically wipe on and off easily. These waxes create a very bright shine and are resistant to clouding and streaking.

    On the down side, many enthusiasts feel synthetic waxes lack depth and richness. Black cars can look a little sterile or silvery white in the direct sunlight. And, the mirror-like polymers can collect minor swirls and actually highlight flaws.

    I often layer a Carnauba wax on top of a synthetic wax. The synthetic wax acts as a gloss layer while the Carnauba wax adds depth and luquidity. One combination that works well is an initial coating of Klasse Sealant Glaze followed by one or more coats of Pinnacle Souveran or Blitz wax. The latter two waxes are super-pure Carnauba waxes that can be layered without any yellowing effects. Of course, make sure you prepare the surface first.
  • vernlewvernlew Member Posts: 87
    I have been a long-time subscriber to CR, and appreciate their premise of unbiased objective testing of consumer products. I don't know how they determine which products get tested, but I don't always agree with the contenders. This is the case with their testing of "auto polishes" (May 2K). Eventhough there are many excellent products easily available online or mail-order ie Zymol, Collinite, One Grand Blitz, Pinnacle, Malm's, P21S, etc., they only tested commonly available store bought products. I myself use to use Nu Finish because of their ratings. So, my point is, we don't really know how this "expensive stuff" rates, because they were not tested. I suspect they would have stacked up well against any of the products they tested. Currently I am using P21S Paintwork Cleanser + One Grand Blitz with excellent results. I am waiting to use Malm's Polish & Glaze + Carnauba Wax.

    Agree with points in Mike's post above. Will try the layering method down the road.

    Vern
  • jsterjster Member Posts: 112
    Well what can I say...it's different strokes for different folks, I guess. No wrong or right here--most of my friends and family feel the same way you do, actually--even some of the "car nut" ones.

    Part of it is just a perfectionist thing--they call it "detailing" right? I actually enjoy spending a day cleaning, polishing, and waxing the car--for me it's a hell of a lot more relaxing than my golf game (I've yet to throw a foam applicator across the driveway.)

    But I certainly wouldn't recommend it for everybody--most people are in your boat--not mine--and I think that is pretty understandable. I call myself a "fanatic" about the way my car looks--not everybody wants to be a "fanatic".

    I do feel that some of the more expensive products give better results in terms of how the car looks--but it certainly is a case of diminishing returns for the amount of money spent---and it can be very time consumming.

    And even if you are a fanatic like me-- the gentleman in post 713 made a good point--the specific products you use really aren't as important as spending a lot of time, being meticulous, and using proper techniques.
  • 330ismynewcar330ismynewcar Member Posts: 6
    I was would like to know from these products ranked from least-abrasive to most-abrasive: Kit Scratch Out, Meguiar's Gold Class Prep and Swirl Remover, or Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Swirl Remover. Thank you all very much!
  • rchinnrchinn Member Posts: 23
    Decided on going with the One Grand Blitz Wax and the 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. Found a local dealer for the wax who has an auto paint supply store. He said that all his auto body people use Blitz wax so it comes highly recommended. Bought the glaze at the Pep Boys for $9. Went into a Kragen's and they have the Meguiar's #26 for about $10. Washed, polished, and waxed my car this afternoon and it looks great! (although it was already pretty shiny before, since it's still a fairly new car) The best price on the internet for the Blitz wax with shipping is motorhead.net. I'm very happy with these 2 products and they were easy to use.
  • atokadatokad Member Posts: 30
    I also use the Blitz/3m glaze combo and its great..So far after about a week and a half of steady rain my truck is still beading up..

    atokaD
  • vernlewvernlew Member Posts: 87
    John,
    Those were some good points in your post...certainly there is a point-of-diminishing returns in almost everything in life...guess I'll cancel that order for Pinnacle Paste Glaz ($69/8oz)!
    Vern
  • vernlewvernlew Member Posts: 87
    Oops,
    that should be Pinnacle Souveran for them big bucks.
    Vern
  • jsterjster Member Posts: 112
    Hi Vern.

    Yeah--it's definitely diminishing returns--Heck, just hand washing a car is probably more than 50% of the population does--waxing it is probably more than 90% (or more) does. Once you get past the basics the return goes down, or so I figure. To me those incremental "returns" are worth it--but to most people--probably not.

    Plus I admit--I just like trying the different products to see what they do--I guess it's sort of like "wine tasting" or something.
  • rs_pettyrs_petty Member Posts: 423
    Both give great shine & pretty long lasting protection. I like the Malm's because the plastic bottle won't scratch a finish like the Blitz can when I enevitably drop it. :) Liquid is easier for the type of applicator I use too.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    stop by my place. My Souveran is in the fridge (really!). Feel free to slap on a coat.

    Nice to see this board warming up. Guess the weather's getting better.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Also try 3M Wax and Grease Remover and a stiff nylon brush (like a toothbrush). Rub in all directions in a small area. This might take several applications. Wash the car afterwards.

    Sometimes I've been lucky with a cut-down paint brush. Buy a 1" brush, use sharp scissors and cut down the bristles as short as possible, then use your new tool to remove wax residue. It depends on the texture of the plastic molding: Sometimes its easy, sometimes not.

    To avoid a repeat, use masking tape on the trim before waxing.
  • jsterjster Member Posts: 112
    I'd take you up on that--but Aruba is a pretty long drive from Slovenia.

    Took me a little while to figure out how all those tiny flags were getting posted! I gotta remember to switch back to USA before Memorial Day.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    yes, but it's such a nice drive. And the weather here is spectacular.

    I hope that on Memorial Day they offer flags for the service branches. Gotta give my props to family in the Air Force. Here on the island of Atlanta......oops! ARUBA I fly both the stars and stripes and the USAF flag on Mem Day.
This discussion has been closed.