Waxes 101: Types of Waxes & Their Uses

IDZRVIT · 04-10-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexus

Haven't chimed in in a long time, but I'll post my opinion on Zaino products tonight.

Still waiting.

Alexus · 04-06-2010, 03:53 PM

Meguiars' NXT Tech Wax is more of a paint sealant than it is a wax, and as with all synthetic "waxes," the point is to spread it as thinly and evenly as possible. Using too much will not only waste the wax, but it won't allow the wax to haze properly. This will not necessarily harm your paint, but it will make removing the wax a hassle, which can cause streaking.

Any type of wax should be applied by hand. Even pros shy away from applying it by machine, so elbow-grease is definitely the way to go. That being said, those are definitely good entry-level consumer products (the type you buy off the shelf). When you get more accustomed to the process, you can look into professional products, but the pricetag comes along with it.

I'm personally not a fan of microfiber wash mitts, I prefer good old-fashioned real sheepskin wash mitts, even though they are a hassle to clean.

Azathoth · 04-12-2010, 11:51 AM

Thanks for the info and advice. I see what ya'll mean about the microfiber wash mitts holding dirt... I have white microfiber mitts, so i see the dirt immediately and then spray it off with a hose. Next Investment: new wash mitts!

After washing my vehicle this weekend, I got rid of the last of the wax/sealant. Water beads up very nice, though i still get water spots when it rains. I can deal with that. Thanks again!

Hi-Step'n370Z · 04-10-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexus

Telfon and silicone are non-stick, which means that they keep dust and dirt off your car and keep it looking at its greatest. Both of these products, though, do not remain on the surface of your paint like other types of waxes. They penetrate deep into the paint, down to the primer, and can make repainting the car practically impossible without sanding down to the sheet metal. A Teflon-coated car is a car painter's worst nightmare. It can also make even minor touch-ups difficult, especially if you plan on using a blob eliminator product afterwards.

WOW! I did not know that!! Great and useable info. Thanks Alexus.

Two-Socks · 05-01-2010, 07:43 PM

Wow! What a phenominal thread...You guys have no idea what I've been doing to my cars. Thanks for the info. Any product for getting magnesium chloride stains/residue off of polished aluminum rims (ProCOMP)? Mag chloride is what they use on the roads in CO during the winter (instead of salt)

m4a1mustang · 05-03-2010, 01:58 PM

Wax melting shouldn't be an issue.

Sandra Dee · 05-03-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Wax melting shouldn't be an issue.

I heard people saying to wax and not to wax in the summer here. Common sense tells me to wax. Thanks to those who know more than I....lol

Daishi · 06-07-2010, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandra Dee

I heard people saying to wax and not to wax in the summer here. Common sense tells me to wax. Thanks to those who know more than I....lol

I highly recommend the wolfgang product line they are excellent products. I use the paint sealant 3.0 and it works great. Just be sure to prep the car well and use their polish that comes with the kit. Wolfgangs polish is actualy a menzerna product thats made for wolfgang to their specifications and menzerna polishes are one of the best. Great products. As far as drying the vehicle I usualy use an air blower and I use a microfiber towel to get the little the air blower leaves behind.

CaptainSlow · 06-10-2010, 03:08 AM

I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

NXTAZEE · 06-10-2010, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow

I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

It will be fine.

Alexus · 07-11-2010, 08:54 PM

Hey folks. Sorry for not coming around here in such a long time. I've been preoccupied with school work and getting some cars ready for the summer, as y'all can imagine. I'll answer some of the questions that have been asked since my last visit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandra Dee

hi! I am a firm believer in asking someone a question who has experience in the field. I just bought the Wolfgang kit from autogeek-have a new 370Zroadster in black cherry. I was going to work on it soon-dealer told me to wax it when ever I wanted-

Any tips? I am going to do the two bucket/sheepskin mitt like you said-microfiber to dry? I am pretty much a novice since someone else usually washed /waxed my 350. Thanks!

I'm sure you've waxed your car already since this question has been asked, but what you'll want to do is wash the car using a two-bucket system and grit guards, sheepskin for the mitts preferably, or microfiber wash pads (not mitts) from Adam's. Since your color is hella-dark, you'll probably want to use a no-touch method to dry the car in order to avoid any kind of fine scratches. Get yourself a $30 leaf-blower from Sears or any retail store, really, and get as much water as you can off of the finish. Afterwards, come around with a quality microfiber and gently blot away any remaining water (don't wipe). Make sure to wipe off the door jams, or you'll get some streaking!

Even if it's brand new, your car may need some paint correction. Search for Junkman2000's videos on YouTube in order to see how you can do it. Has everything from clay-barring, to polishing, to applying a wax.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Two-Socks

Wow! What a phenominal thread...You guys have no idea what I've been doing to my cars. Thanks for the info. Any product for getting magnesium chloride stains/residue off of polished aluminum rims (ProCOMP)? Mag chloride is what they use on the roads in CO during the winter (instead of salt)

As far as getting stains out of aluminum wheels go, it really depends. If yours is a clear-coated type, any kind of fine polish used on the car's paint will work on the wheels, as long as it has a clear coat. If the finish of your wheel is either polished or machined, you'll need to get products specific to either type of wheel (some do both, but are not as effective). I'm not going to recommend any specific products, as I feel it's up to you to experience new products and determine what YOU like, but I'm currently using a lot of Adam's products and have had awesome results on polished aluminum. Just visit their website and browse around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Wax melting shouldn't be an issue.

Melting wax is not an issue. But when carnauba wax is exposed to direct sunlight during its curing period, it will tend to yellow, which will causea hazy, yellowish film to appear on your finish.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow

I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

NXT is great for any kind of paint. I personally find that it gives a whole new dimension to vibrant colors, such as red, yellow, or even a blue. Black cars find more depth from carnauba-based waxes such as Meguiars' Gold Class. Seeing as your car is white, just make sure that you apply it under an intense halogen lightsource, or you'll miss some spots.

nismo09 · 08-05-2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow

I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

I use it on my Red Nismo and it is wonderful. I can't see needing to use anything else. After 1 year of ownership is still looks like it just came off the show room floor.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Mw65 · 08-14-2010, 10:06 AM

Any one use Dry Wash N guard or have an opinion of it? I have in the past on older cars and liked the results.

NXTAZEE · 08-14-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mw65

Any one use Dry Wash N guard or have an opinion of it? I have in the past on older cars and liked the results.

I would be very careful with that. If the vehicle is a little too dirty you are going to scratch the paint. Everyone should buy a foam gun to wash their Z's, it's the best method of washing.

Alexus · 11-21-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mw65

Any one use Dry Wash N guard or have an opinion of it? I have in the past on older cars and liked the results.

I personally wouldn't touch any kind of dry wash with a 10 ft. pole, especially on darker colors. You will get swirl marks - I garantee it.

04-06-2010, 03:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
Alexus Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 178 Drives: The Beast Rep Power: 17	Meguiars' NXT Tech Wax is more of a paint sealant than it is a wax, and as with all synthetic "waxes," the point is to spread it as thinly and evenly as possible. Using too much will not only waste the wax, but it won't allow the wax to haze properly. This will not necessarily harm your paint, but it will make removing the wax a hassle, which can cause streaking. Any type of wax should be applied by hand. Even pros shy away from applying it by machine, so elbow-grease is definitely the way to go. That being said, those are definitely good entry-level consumer products (the type you buy off the shelf). When you get more accustomed to the process, you can look into professional products, but the pricetag comes along with it. I'm personally not a fan of microfiber wash mitts, I prefer good old-fashioned real sheepskin wash mitts, even though they are a hassle to clean. __________________ "The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his." -General George S. Patton Jr., 1885-1945

05-03-2010, 01:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Wax melting shouldn't be an issue. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

04-12-2010, 11:51 AM	#3 (permalink)
Azathoth Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nowhere Posts: 58 Drives: nothing Rep Power: 16	Thanks for the info and advice. I see what ya'll mean about the microfiber wash mitts holding dirt... I have white microfiber mitts, so i see the dirt immediately and then spray it off with a hose. Next Investment: new wash mitts! After washing my vehicle this weekend, I got rid of the last of the wax/sealant. Water beads up very nice, though i still get water spots when it rains. I can deal with that. Thanks again!

05-01-2010, 07:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Two-Socks Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Aurora, Colorado Posts: 39 Drives: 08 FJ Cruiser, MT Rep Power: 16	Wow! What a phenominal thread...You guys have no idea what I've been doing to my cars. Thanks for the info. Any product for getting magnesium chloride stains/residue off of polished aluminum rims (ProCOMP)? Mag chloride is what they use on the roads in CO during the winter (instead of salt)

06-10-2010, 03:08 AM	#9 (permalink)
CaptainSlow Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 47 Drives: 02 VW Jetta Rep Power: 16	I'm thinking of going with the Meguiar's NXT wax for my white 370Z. I've seen posts saying it's great for black cars. Is it just as good for the white paint or should I be looking for something else?

08-14-2010, 10:06 AM	#13 (permalink)
Mw65 Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lumberton Tx. Posts: 22 Drives: 40th Rep Power: 15	Any one use Dry Wash N guard or have an opinion of it? I have in the past on older cars and liked the results.