Waxes 101: Types of Waxes & Their Uses

NXTAZEE · 06-30-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlmartin81

I just got the BlackFire Wet Diamond Clay, Polish & Shine Kit.

Now I'm just waiting for the dealer's carnauba wax fade out. Anyone have a clue how long that will take. I know some had suggested using dish detergent to remove it but I don't think I want to go that route.

If when it rains and the water just sits on top of the paint, instead of beading off, is that a sign that the carnauba is gone or close it??

If you are using all of the products in you kit, then the dealer wax will be gone. You can also do a dawn dish liquid wash and that will strip off the wax as well. I hope you didn't get rooked into the dealer sealant package.

KillerBee370 · 06-30-2009, 09:51 AM

I would have put Meguiar's Professional Yellow Wax (liquid) #26 at the top of that top 5 carnuba list. It really is heads and shoulders above any carnuba I have EVER used. And I've used a LOT.

When I use a carnuba, this is the only one that ever touches my car.

NXTAZEE · 06-30-2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerBee370

I would have put Meguiar's Professional Yellow Wax (liquid) #26 at the top of that top 5 carnuba list. It really is heads and shoulders above any carnuba I have EVER used. And I've used a LOT.

When I use a carnuba, this is the only one that ever touches my car.

#26 is a very nice wax with good durability and looks. The Victoria Wax is a completely different wax. Because of the mild and low amount of solvents, which is the carrier that makes wax soft and spreadable, Victoria wax was able to use a higher content of Carnauba wax. they also do not put abrasives in this wax. Just about every wax on the market contains abrasives. This is because people want a one step product that will clean some oxidation and seal the paint in one easy step. If your paint is prepped properly and you want the best wax to finish the job, then use a wax with out the abrasives. This has a two major benefits; one, more Carnauba better depth, gloss and shimmer to the paint. Two, this wax has the ability of multiple coats, this is achievable because of the mild and low amount of solvent, as well as the absents of abrasives, which adds greatly to depth and gloss and gives an exotic look as well. These kinds of waxes are recommended for darker paints because of the depth and reflectiveness of them. I hope this helps.

Timmer1978 · 10-14-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

... Victoria wax was able to use a higher content of Carnauba wax. they also do not put abrasives in this wax. Just about every wax on the market contains abrasives. This is because people want a one step product that will clean some oxidation and seal the paint in one easy step. .

Could this be why I already have swirl marks on my one month old Z? I've done everything I could think of to keep swirl marks away. I rinse off the non-scratch sponge every time before it goes in the bucket for more soap but I am still noticing new swirl marks in the paint. I've noticed when I apply the wax with an applicator pad it feels abrasive but I really didn't know any way around that. I've used the maguiar's gold class in both paste/liquid.
I used a clay bar and then cleaned the car with the detailing spray before I waxed it, yet it still felt like it was scratching the paint when I applied the wax. I didnt realize you had to seal the paint though. So after I wash the car and get rid of the old wax I have to polish the car, then wax it?

I don't mind the extra work it takes to put on a carnuba wax or whatever works best. I just want to stop putting swirl marks in my paint and keep the finish looking as perfect as I can for as long as possible. I would like to wax the car again and try getting getting rid of the swirl marks this time without adding new ones.

dad · 10-14-2009, 06:19 PM

^So after I wash the car and get rid of the old wax I have to polish the car, then wax it?
Yes!

___________________
But now you've created a question for me, that I don't have the answer for!
Do you polish "every time", before you wax?

NXTAZEE · 10-15-2009, 01:09 AM

Timmer, sponges are not good for washing. They are a flat surface that can trap dirt and scratch the paint, especially soft paint. Sheep skin wash mitts are what you need. A two bucket wash system is best. One bucket is for the wash soap the other is a rinse bucket. Wash a 2ft square area at a time then rinse in the rinse bucket then back in the soap bucket to wash another area. The wax you are using is not marring your paint. It is coming from washing your car. I see this all the time. Once I get people on the two bucket wash system the problem is usually rectified. Make sure the buckets are new and keep them clean. Do not use them for anything else. Do not use your sheep skin wash mitt for anything else either. Hang up the mitt, don't leave it laying around. Wash from the top of the car down. Use separate mitts for the very bottom of the car as well as the wheels. I use separate buckets as well for the wheels. Give this a try and let me know how you make out.

bigaudiofanat · 06-30-2009, 01:42 PM

I have been detailing for many years now first car at 16 that didn't go threw a weekend without seeing fresh wax. Today I have used almost any way you can get from the store and my 2 favorite waxes are mothers pure carnuba wax, and FX Synwax. But I never apply any wax to a new car without claying it first with mothers clay bar.

Before

After

KillerBee370 · 07-01-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

I have been detailing for many years now first car at 16 that didn't go threw a weekend without seeing fresh wax. Today I have used almost any way you can get from the store and my 2 favorite waxes are mothers pure carnuba wax, and FX Synwax. But I never apply any wax to a new car without claying it first with mothers clay bar.

Before

After

If you're going to block out a liscence plate, you have to do it in ALL the pictures.. haha

bigaudiofanat · 07-01-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerBee370

If you're going to block out a liscence plate, you have to do it in ALL the pictures.. haha

LOL ya it is no big deal

BillyGoatGag · 07-13-2009, 04:24 AM

How informative, educational and downright fabulous! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. I know for one I'll be studying this and taking notes so I can make an informed decision about the wax I'll apply on my car.

-Clay

dlmartin81 · 07-13-2009, 09:57 PM

I applied the BlackFire Wet Diamond Clay, Polish & Shine Kit yesterday (07/12/09).

Here's the link to my review.

hide187 · 07-20-2009, 03:11 PM

I gave my Z some love today, NXT ftw !! Thanks for this thread as it made my decisions easier...
Side view

Roof shot

From my porch

Alexus · 07-21-2009, 10:17 AM

NXT, for the synthetic wax, works very well on black paints. Good job.

datsunguy · 08-30-2009, 05:53 PM

I tried a couple of different waxes on my black 350z but ended up using NXT for most of the 6 years I owned it. I've waxed my PG 370z twice since I bought it in January with NXT but it just doesn't seem to have much affect on the shine after I'm done. At least nothing like it does to black.

So what is a good choice for Platinum Graphite? My car never gets driven in the rain or bad weather so staying power is not as much of an issue as the quality of the shine.

NXTAZEE · 08-30-2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datsunguy

I tried a couple of different waxes on my black 350z but ended up using NXT for most of the 6 years I owned it. I've waxed my PG 370z twice since I bought it in January with NXT but it just doesn't seem to have much affect on the shine after I'm done. At least nothing like it does to black.

So what is a good choice for Platinum Graphite? My car never gets driven in the rain or bad weather so staying power is not as much of an issue as the quality of the shine.

To make a car shine, the paint must be free of any marring which will give it depth and clarity and be very reflective. If it is new, and the dealer hasn't marred it, it will have shine as you say and you can use any good wax or sealant and it will look good. In the case of the Z the paint is soft and mars easily, so if you have had it since January, more than likely it will need to be polished to bring back the shine. Perfectly polished paint looks amazing with out anything on it. Waxes and sealants just give it a sacrificial barrier from the elements. Now if you choose not to have it polished then you will need to buy a wax with fillers in it so it hides the marring, for a short time I might add, by filling it in so your paint looks shinny. I don't recommend this choice unless your paint is old and very thin, which makes it impossible to polish out the swirls.

99% of my customers have black cars, and if they want them to look their best I lightly polish them twice a year and they keep a perfect shine. I like to use polymer based sealants instead of wax. Sealants will usually last longer and give better protection as well. Sealants have a little different look than waxes. Sealants have more of a shinny candy look as opposed to the warm glow of a wax. These differences are very subtle and some people can not see any difference at all.

10-14-2009, 06:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
dad Grand Prix of Endurance Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,476 Drives: Mulsanne Straight Rep Power: 26	^So after I wash the car and get rid of the old wax I have to polish the car, then wax it? Yes! ___________________ But now you've created a question for me, that I don't have the answer for! Do you polish "every time", before you wax? __________________ We can do without any article of luxury we have never had; but once obtained, it is not in human nature to surrender it voluntary.

10-15-2009, 01:09 AM	#6 (permalink)
NXTAZEE Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 530 Drives: 2010 370Z 7AT Rep Power: 18	Timmer, sponges are not good for washing. They are a flat surface that can trap dirt and scratch the paint, especially soft paint. Sheep skin wash mitts are what you need. A two bucket wash system is best. One bucket is for the wash soap the other is a rinse bucket. Wash a 2ft square area at a time then rinse in the rinse bucket then back in the soap bucket to wash another area. The wax you are using is not marring your paint. It is coming from washing your car. I see this all the time. Once I get people on the two bucket wash system the problem is usually rectified. Make sure the buckets are new and keep them clean. Do not use them for anything else. Do not use your sheep skin wash mitt for anything else either. Hang up the mitt, don't leave it laying around. Wash from the top of the car down. Use separate mitts for the very bottom of the car as well as the wheels. I use separate buckets as well for the wheels. Give this a try and let me know how you make out. __________________ 2010 Carbon Silver 370Z 7AT charcoal int. sports package \| Clear Bra \| Invidia Gemini CBE \| CF B-Pillars \| CF Fangs \| CF Z emblems \| Swift Springs \| 20mm & 25mm Spacers \| SPC Camber Arms \| Brushed Aluminum shift knob

06-30-2009, 01:42 PM	#7 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	I have been detailing for many years now first car at 16 that didn't go threw a weekend without seeing fresh wax. Today I have used almost any way you can get from the store and my 2 favorite waxes are mothers pure carnuba wax, and FX Synwax. But I never apply any wax to a new car without claying it first with mothers clay bar. Before After __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 06-30-2009 at 01:45 PM.

07-13-2009, 04:24 AM	#10 (permalink)
BillyGoatGag Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Trier, Germany Posts: 31 Drives: 90 Z32 TT Rep Power: 17	How informative, educational and downright fabulous! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. I know for one I'll be studying this and taking notes so I can make an informed decision about the wax I'll apply on my car. -Clay __________________ Life lovin', bass thumpin', fist pumpin', frisbee flickin', pool shootin', beer drinkin', chain smokin' S.O.B.

07-20-2009, 03:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
hide187 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 186 Drives: 09 370 MB Sport Rep Power: 48	I gave my Z some love today, NXT ftw !! Thanks for this thread as it made my decisions easier... Side view Roof shot From my porch bcccpals likes this.

06-30-2009, 09:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
KillerBee370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: So Cal baby! Age: 52 Posts: 5,964 Drives: with passion Rep Power: 322	I would have put Meguiar's Professional Yellow Wax (liquid) #26 at the top of that top 5 carnuba list. It really is heads and shoulders above any carnuba I have EVER used. And I've used a LOT. When I use a carnuba, this is the only one that ever touches my car.

07-13-2009, 09:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
dlmartin81 Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chalfont, PA Age: 44 Posts: 923 Drives: 09 370Z Rep Power: 608	I applied the BlackFire Wet Diamond Clay, Polish & Shine Kit yesterday (07/12/09). Here's the link to my review.

07-21-2009, 10:17 AM	#13 (permalink)
Alexus Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 178 Drives: The Beast Rep Power: 17	NXT, for the synthetic wax, works very well on black paints. Good job. __________________ "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

08-30-2009, 05:53 PM	#14 (permalink)
datsunguy Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 27 Drives: 09 370Z PG/B 7AT Rep Power: 17	I tried a couple of different waxes on my black 350z but ended up using NXT for most of the 6 years I owned it. I've waxed my PG 370z twice since I bought it in January with NXT but it just doesn't seem to have much affect on the shine after I'm done. At least nothing like it does to black. So what is a good choice for Platinum Graphite? My car never gets driven in the rain or bad weather so staying power is not as much of an issue as the quality of the shine. __________________ 09 370Z Platinum Graphite/Black Touring Sport 7AT 93 Pathfinder SE V6 4x4 winter driver