Wax
5th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,031
From: Babylon, NY
RE: Wax
This is from CR's website:
The difference between wax and polish[/align]
At one time, wax and polish described two different products. Polish was a slightly abrasive product, used to buff out small scratches and brighten faded paint. Wax was more of a sealant, used to improve shine and provide a layer of protection. These days, the words wax and polish are used interchangeably by makers of the products. Both describe a product that provides a glossy and protective coating, and may or may not remove oxidation and embedded contaminants. Products labeled cleaner wax may be somewhat abrasive and can actually remove some paint from the surface of the vehicle. Care should be used with these products, especially on newer dark-colored cars. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for advice on cleaning your car. [/align][/align][/align]I guess some professional products still make a distinction like frostbyte said but I was referring to most of the stuff "off the shelf".[/align][/align][/align]
The difference between wax and polish[/align]
At one time, wax and polish described two different products. Polish was a slightly abrasive product, used to buff out small scratches and brighten faded paint. Wax was more of a sealant, used to improve shine and provide a layer of protection. These days, the words wax and polish are used interchangeably by makers of the products. Both describe a product that provides a glossy and protective coating, and may or may not remove oxidation and embedded contaminants. Products labeled cleaner wax may be somewhat abrasive and can actually remove some paint from the surface of the vehicle. Care should be used with these products, especially on newer dark-colored cars. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for advice on cleaning your car. [/align][/align][/align]I guess some professional products still make a distinction like frostbyte said but I was referring to most of the stuff "off the shelf".[/align][/align][/align]
5th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,031
From: Babylon, NY
RE: Wax
Ratings car wax
1 Black Magic
2 Turtle Wax
22 Eagle One
23 Turtle Wax
CR Best buy
CR Best buy
Availability: Most products at stores through December 2006.Within types, in performance order. Blue key numbers indicate Quick Picks.Products with equal scores are listed alphabetically. [align=center]
[/align][align=center]
[/align][align=center]
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[/align]
[align=center]Excellent[/align]
[align=center]Very good[/align]
[align=center]Good[/align]
[align=center]Fair[/align]
Poor
Product
Price
Overall score
Size (oz.)
Cost per oz.
Test results
Features
LIQUIDS
1
Black Magic Wet Shine Liquid Wax BM48016 CR Best Buy
$7
84.[/align]
16
$0.44
2
Turtle Wax Carnauba Car Wax T-6 CR Best Buy
7
84.[/align]
16
0.44
3
Eagle One Nanowax
12
75.[/align]
16
0.75
•
4
3M Perfect-it Show Car Liquid Wax 39026
11
73.[/align]
16
0.69
5
DuPont Teflon Ultra Wax CWX1030
8
71.[/align]
16
0.50
•
•
6
Meguiar's Gold Class Clear Coat Wax
10
68.[/align]
16
0.63
•
7
Nu Finish NF-76
8
68.[/align]
16
0.50
8
Zymol Cleaner Wax Z503
20
68.[/align]
16
1.25
[IMG]h
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 366
From:
RE: Wax
Yes, but that's no longer what polish is. Now in order to remove scratches and swirl marks, you have compounds. Polish actually FILLS the scratches and such, same as wax. This is why occasional removal of these products is necessary. Just like the same reason you shower every day. If you leave the same deodorant, hair products, and cologne/perfume on every day, over time it will build up, lost it's effectiveness, and will be detrimental to you and your health. Same as your car's paint.
I have no problem with OTC products, like I said. They're more than adequate for most people. However, when I have people PAYING to be able to see their face on the surface of the car, I need to use something more than that. I'm not going to give away all my "secrets," but I have lot more steps to my full process than I've disclosed. For a full, restorative detail job on a car in decent shape, it will take me 5+ hours to get it where I will let the owner see it. I take a lot of pride in what I do, and the 3 NOPI trophies along with other car show trophies (from my last car) sitting on a shelf in my house is proof positive that I know what I'm doing.
Dawn will not hurt your car if you use it before waxing, and then wax your car. If you use it regularly to wash your car with, then yes, it will strip the natural oils and moisture out of your paint and destroy it. That's why I said only use it before you wax. Be smart, use common sense, and you'll be fine.
I have no problem with OTC products, like I said. They're more than adequate for most people. However, when I have people PAYING to be able to see their face on the surface of the car, I need to use something more than that. I'm not going to give away all my "secrets," but I have lot more steps to my full process than I've disclosed. For a full, restorative detail job on a car in decent shape, it will take me 5+ hours to get it where I will let the owner see it. I take a lot of pride in what I do, and the 3 NOPI trophies along with other car show trophies (from my last car) sitting on a shelf in my house is proof positive that I know what I'm doing.
Dawn will not hurt your car if you use it before waxing, and then wax your car. If you use it regularly to wash your car with, then yes, it will strip the natural oils and moisture out of your paint and destroy it. That's why I said only use it before you wax. Be smart, use common sense, and you'll be fine.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 366
From:
RE: Wax
And drbob, no offense, but those numbers are extremely biased and misleading. What I would consider easy to use, and what Jo Schmo would consider easy to use are 2 completely different things. And one thing I've learned from Consumer Reports, is that I have YET to agree with them on absolutely anything. I stopped reading their publications years ago, sorry. No disrespect meant to you at all.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,031
From: Babylon, NY
RE: Wax
I'm not saying I agree with everything they say, in factI like the NXT the best as opposed to them. I'm just sharing their yearly results based on their methods detailed at the bottom. If one finds their recommendations helpful in choosing a product then great. If not, then that's fine as well.
This thread was started by someone looking for direction in choosing a wax for a very special element in his life, his Mustang. I'm just trying to be as helpful as possible, as I'm sure we all are.
This thread was started by someone looking for direction in choosing a wax for a very special element in his life, his Mustang. I'm just trying to be as helpful as possible, as I'm sure we all are.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,179
From: Nor Cal
RE: Wax
ORIGINAL: SlappyGT
And drbob, no offense, but those numbers are extremely biased and misleading. What I would consider easy to use, and what Jo Schmo would consider easy to use are 2 completely different things. And one thing I've learned from Consumer Reports, is that I have YET to agree with them on absolutely anything. I stopped reading their publications years ago, sorry. No disrespect meant to you at all.
And drbob, no offense, but those numbers are extremely biased and misleading. What I would consider easy to use, and what Jo Schmo would consider easy to use are 2 completely different things. And one thing I've learned from Consumer Reports, is that I have YET to agree with them on absolutely anything. I stopped reading their publications years ago, sorry. No disrespect meant to you at all.
I agree with you 100% Slappy
Slappy as for you not being willing to share your Detail Secrets that's cool but to be honest it isn't going to effect your detailing business one bit by sharing that info with the people here. Most of the folks on here are happy with a simple wash and applying a coat of wax right over all the contaminants andthen there are others whosimply do not know any better. However there are those of us however that take pride and enjoy the detailing process and can always share and benefit from sharing info.
Richard
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 366
From:
RE: Wax
I don't really have a problems sharing all my "techniques" and the products I use, but I also don't want Jon Doe walking out to his car tomorrow thinking he can take a high speed buffer to it. Then when he destroys his paint, I get to hear it.
On top of that, the time it would take me to describe a full 5+ hour detail job would take me probably an hour, and 3 pages on here just to type it all up. I'd to happy to answer some specific questions though.
On top of that, the time it would take me to describe a full 5+ hour detail job would take me probably an hour, and 3 pages on here just to type it all up. I'd to happy to answer some specific questions though.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 157
From:
RE: Wax
People with Pitchblack (paintcode "UA"), like mine, should know that there is a tiny amount of green in the paint. I found this out by the shop that did all the bodywork to my Focus. He was the head of the bodyshop at a local Ford dealer, and said that the black paint has a slight amount of green in it. Not sure if it's added to the clearcoat, or if its in the basecoat, can't remember. He did say that it helps add more "depth" to the car. I have never used a claybar, but now I want to learn...I hate the chalky residue I get from car washes with hard water or strong detergent...makes the car look like hell.
I have tried the Turtlewax ICE, and it does do a great touchup for you between conventional waxes. For waxing the car, I've put about 5-6 coats of Turtlewax Platinum paste into it...it is soooo easy to work with, but I end up with hairline scratches or sometimes a bit of haziness when done...
I have tried the Turtlewax ICE, and it does do a great touchup for you between conventional waxes. For waxing the car, I've put about 5-6 coats of Turtlewax Platinum paste into it...it is soooo easy to work with, but I end up with hairline scratches or sometimes a bit of haziness when done...
