Waxes 101: Types of Waxes & Their Uses

NXTAZEE · 03-10-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

Not even trying to claim i know more than you do. I just looked at your picture and thought thats it?

Thats the problem you are looking at pictures to form your opinion. I can tell you this from experience, my 370 which has had a fine polish to remove all micro marring then topped with 3 coats of Optimum car wax has far more depth, clarity and gloss than a vehicle which has not been prepped properly. As earlier stated you need to spend some time at autopia.org or the likes, but something tells me that you are not that interested.

Forrest · 03-10-2010, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

Thats the problem you are looking at pictures to form your opinion. I can tell you this from experience, my 370 which has had a fine polish to remove all micro marring then topped with 3 coats of Optimum car wax has far more depth, clarity and gloss than a vehicle which has not been prepped properly. As earlier stated you need to spend some time at autopia.org or the likes, but something tells me that you are not that interested.

Was reading there last night. Going to sign up on it and absorb as much information as i can.

NXTAZEE · 03-10-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

Was reading there last night. Going to sign up on it and absorb as much information as i can.

Excellent.

FricFrac · 03-11-2010, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

What ever, it's obvious you know more than I do then

.

Yea that's right - you have no idea what you're doing.....

....so since you're such a poor detailer do you think you could give me a discount on one of your weak sauce detail jobs? Sounds like the All Japanese Show and Shine in Victoria is going to be on Sunday, May 30th and Canby in Oregon on June 12th and 13th. If we could squeeze the 240Z in before the two shows would be great ( and the 370Z sometime too.....). You should bring the 370Z down for the show if you can get the time off!

NXTAZEE · 03-11-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B1nks

I'm more the type of person that is looking for the lasting finish/protection out of the wax and the look is a bonus, type of deal. I have been using the turtle wax ice that comes in a bottle and looks like water haha. It's been working pretty well but I am sure there is a ton of better solutions. It's easy on and off also and from what I read the synthetics last longer especially in harsh conditions like south Texas heat. NXTAZEE, care you comment on any of this ?

Sorry to respond so late. Yes you are correct. A polymer, silicon or resin base sealant is the way to go for a daily driver. Has a more durable and longer lasting protection. The TW Ice is a good choice for an over the counter sealant. You can apply it to everything except the windows, so it's very user friendly as well. I would apply it once a month for the best protection against the heat and the elements.

NXTAZEE · 03-11-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FricFrac

Yea that's right - you have no idea what you're doing.....

....so since you're such a poor detailer do you think you could give me a discount on one of your weak sauce detail jobs? Sounds like the All Japanese Show and Shine in Victoria is going to be on Sunday, May 30th and Canby in Oregon on June 12th and 13th. If we could squeeze the 240Z in before the two shows would be great ( and the 370Z sometime too.....). You should bring the 370Z down for the show if you can get the time off!

You bet, I'll look after the ladies for you. I'll try to get the 30th off and come down for that one. Never participated in a car show, should be fun. Your on the list, I'll give you a call when I'm ready.

FricFrac · 03-12-2010, 01:34 AM

...and book me in for a cruise sometime as well.... you've got to spend some time on the road so you have something to clean and polish

azn370z · 03-14-2010, 07:01 PM

I usually Wash, clay, wash, and zaino polish. However I'm willing to try Optimum Car Wax. Do I have to add any other product after I wax it? I looked at autotopia and it has way too much info. Thanks

NXTAZEE · 03-14-2010, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn370z

I usually Wash, clay, wash, and zaino polish. However I'm willing to try Optimum Car Wax. Do I have to add any other product after I wax it? I looked at autotopia and it has way too much info. Thanks

No. Try 2-3 coats, makes it much slicker and adds more gloss.

medford · 03-15-2010, 01:43 AM

Just picked up the new Z today. Having the tinting done and an Xpel clear bra installed tomorrow. Will wash and wax the day after. Wondering what type of cleaning and waxing is safe to use over the clear bra?

NXTAZEE · 03-15-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medford

Just picked up the new Z today. Having the tinting done and an Xpel clear bra installed tomorrow. Will wash and wax the day after. Wondering what type of cleaning and waxing is safe to use over the clear bra?

Wait a few days before washing. After washing use a polymer base sealant. The installer will probably have a sealant you can purchase from him. Stay away from waxes as they will build up on the edges and look bad.

dalparadise · 03-16-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

I don't want to get into a Zaino battle, if you like it then thats good enough. I've tried countless products over the years from over the counter to the boutique products, and Zaino is not the best choice imho. There are many products out there that are way easier to use than Zaino and look as good or better, and protect as well or better, thats why I'm not a fan. If you like paste waxes there is no better than Victoria Red Wax. If you like a spray then I would use Optimum Car Wax, just spray and wipe, it's truly one of the best and easiest to use.

I won't dispute your suggestions, but will weigh in for Zaino. It is truly excellent and long lasting. Probably the best professional-quality results I've ever gotten doing it myself.

Most pros don't like it because of the "cure time" required. Most non-BMW people don't like it because so many BMW people swear by it. I'll admit it's a little expensive (especially the "accelerator" drops) but holy crap -- a couple of coats and my finish is so reflective, it looks like my car has some kind of cloaking device on it.

Forrest · 03-16-2010, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalparadise

I won't dispute your suggestions, but will weigh in for Zaino. It is truly excellent and long lasting. Probably the best professional-quality results I've ever gotten doing it myself.

Most pros don't like it because of the "cure time" required. Most non-BMW people don't like it because so many BMW people swear by it. I'll admit it's a little expensive (especially the "accelerator" drops) but holy crap -- a couple of coats and my finish is so reflective, it looks like my car has some kind of cloaking device on it.

Im starting to notice the "cure-times" are way longer than zaino information leads on. In 70 degree weather its defintly not 30 minutes.

azn370z · 03-16-2010, 10:45 PM

How are my steps for cleaning.

Wash and dry
clay
wash and dry
optimum wax and repeat
zaino detail cleaner spray

I usually zaino but spray on wax sounds like less labor.

NXTAZEE · 03-16-2010, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn370z

How are my steps for cleaning.

Wash and dry
clay
wash and dry
optimum wax and repeat
zaino detail cleaner spray

I usually zaino but spray on wax sounds like less labor.

Thats fine. Just make sure there is no residual clay left behind before you use the sealant. Optimum spray wax is the easiest LSP I've ever used. Just spray and wipe. No cure time and can be sprayed on trim and glass. I usually put a coat on the glass. It takes only a few minutes to do the entire car. I recommend 2-3 coats for lasting protection, but 1 is fine.

03-12-2010, 01:34 AM	#127 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 228	...and book me in for a cruise sometime as well.... you've got to spend some time on the road so you have something to clean and polish __________________ '09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

03-14-2010, 07:01 PM	#128 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 489	I usually Wash, clay, wash, and zaino polish. However I'm willing to try Optimum Car Wax. Do I have to add any other product after I wax it? I looked at autotopia and it has way too much info. Thanks __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

03-15-2010, 01:43 AM	#130 (permalink)
medford Base Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Medford, OR Posts: 3 Drives: 2009 370Z touring/sp Rep Power: 15	Wax safe for a clear bra? Just picked up the new Z today. Having the tinting done and an Xpel clear bra installed tomorrow. Will wash and wax the day after. Wondering what type of cleaning and waxing is safe to use over the clear bra?

03-16-2010, 10:45 PM	#134 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 489	How are my steps for cleaning. Wash and dry clay wash and dry optimum wax and repeat zaino detail cleaner spray I usually zaino but spray on wax sounds like less labor. __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts