Happy Spring-it's waxing season!

Just trying to start a general discussion about waxing and such...

What's your favorite/least favorite wax?
Any other products you love?

I started out with old carnuba wax on my jeep back in the day, for the past few years I've been using spray waxes. I can't tell for sure but I think the carnuba still brings out the color best. But here in New Mexico, I am in it for the clear coat protection more than looks..

For spray waxes, I've used:
Turtle Wax Hybrid ceramic - I liked it, seemed to last a good while, "insane" beading as advertised. Smelled toxic...

303 Spray Wax - I got it for the supposed UV protection, application was easy as any other spray wax, seemed okay, I'd buy it again for the UV protection ingredients...

Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax - application is easy as any spray wax, the "look" after was pretty unimpressive, not sure I would buy it again, I didnt see anything special about this product

I'm thinking about trying Meguiars NXT wax next....open to suggestions.

What do you guys think?

 

I’m a big fan of Griots Garage. The polish and wax are amazing. The clay bar I use is from Meguiars. For the clay bar lubricant I just use warm, soapy water.

 

I’m actually going to detail my bike this afternoon.

 

I had that exact bike. Not my first BMW but my 1st K bike. ‘88 K75S in Marrakesh red. Had hard cases on mine. Fantastic bike.

 

I’ve had this one since new 92. Awesome bike.

 

Thanks for the info! Although I want to ruin this with a meme, I will hold back as I think you have a good topic to discuss and something many probably over look!

 

Im working my way thru a bottle of Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax. It went on pretty well manually without a orbital polisher this summer and was slick as shit. But im having to really decon my paint after this winter season. So probably needing to clay bar then wax. But i am looking to get a cordless polisher in either a Dewalt or Milwaukee battery platform.

 

Yeah, im wondering if i needed a buffer to bring out the shine on this Meguiars liquid wax. End result was so “meh”.

I tried clay barring the rock chips in my hood and it didnt seem to pull much gunk out. Found a spot where the paint is peeling down by where the front tires throw gavel so I’ve gotta touch that up eventually…

 

Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze is better than every product mentioned so far, not that meguiars and griots are bad options, just my experience. Wipe on Wipe off application, 2 coats (1st application, wait at least 8 hours, apply again) will get 1 year of durability easily. Doesn't ruin rags like a ceramic coating, doesn't require the same level of prep as a ceramic coating, much more user friendly than ceramic, and easier/cheaper to maintain as a DIYer than ceramic.

Meguiars ultimate spray wax is a great and readily available option for spray wax, my favorite is Finish Kare 425 boosted with 1 ounce of Klasse sealant in a 32 ounce spray bottle.

 

I'm not a fan of spray waxes generally. They don't seem to last long enough and require you apply often. It's hard to beat a nice thick coat (or two) of hand applied carnuba. Usually lasts at least 6-9 months in my area whereas the spray on stuff is often only 4-8wks before you notice the beading start to subside. And if the beading is subsiding then so is your UV protection.

I recently switched to ceramic as I wanted too see what the hype was about. My goals were longer protection between applications and more efficient washing. Adams graphene is what I have now applied to 3 of our 4 vehicles. It's been less than a year, so the jury is still out. But, so far it's made washing the cars easier and seems to be lasting VERY well. It was quite a bit more effort to apply (well, the prep, not actual application of the ceramic itself).

 

Gyeon Cancoat Evo once every 12 to 15 months
Gyeon Ceramic Detailer after every wash

 

This is my Taco after the last application of Butter Wet Wax. Oct 2023.


I used these for hand buffing:
Chemical Guys MIC34603 Happy Ending Ultra Edgeless Microfiber Towel

Since then I've used Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax All when truck was slightly dirty.

Next time instead of hand buffing I might try my old corded 9 in Craftsman orbital buffer/polisher.

 

Griots fan here. Their polish system is extremely user friendly. Their line of ceramic waxes are excellent. I’ve used Griots products for years and have never been disappointed and their customer service is great too.

 

I’m a somewhat serious hobbyist detailer. I’ve tried many waxes and coatings. I keep coming back to

$21 Collinite 845 Insulator Wax-Easy to Use Carnauba+Polymer Wax Sealant-High Gloss Shine+Durable Hydrophobic Beading & Long Lasting Paint Protection for Cars/Boats/Trucks/RVs & Motorcycles (16 fl oz)

Collinite 845. Looks great and wears well. I apply it yearly, one panel at a time. Almost as a “wipe on, wipe off” product, because it can be a little tough to remove if allowed to completely dry.

 

I am an old man, and I thought I was last person to get the Ceramic coating memo a two years ago. I started noticing walmart had more ceramic coatings than traditional wax. They almost have no wax now.
WOW was I impressed. It blows away any wax in every way. Ease of application/buffing off. Water/grime repellent and longevity. It color correct everything, removed the swirls . It was amazing. I just got the mothers CMX. I know there are way more expensive options and applications....but I got 2 bottles about $20 each. One is the prep if you previously have wax , they other was just the liquid ceramic coating. Come to the dark side

 

Just be careful with the cheaper products. As you've noticed, every product out there now has "ceramic" qualities. It's become a buzz word and has lost a lot of meaning in terms of seeing it displayed brightly across the front of a product. They are not all created equal and often the really nice, expensive stuff is not easy to use for a novice. Some products aren't even allowed to be sold to consumers due to the training needed to install/remove properly.

Different levels of product are good for different uses and different people, but just beware of the cheap stuff. And, if you opt for the cheaper products be aware you aren't going to get the same results as the pro level stuff that costs $100 for just a couple ounces.

 

I'm a fan of griots garage products because they are made in the USA and their stuff ships from an Indiana distribution center. I am new to serious hobbyist detailing and just decided to start with a company that has helpful videos and is made in the USA. I like Chemical Brothers as well because of their helpful videos. I have been working on a couple of older vehicles in my stable with enamel paint and this week will be working on the Power Wagon so I'm interested to see how the product works on newer paint w/ clearcoat.

• Budget Armor All Foam Cannon that attaches to my pressure washer + Armor All pink foam... my first foam cannon and it does the job fine so I'm sticking with it
• Meguire's Instant Detailer + Clay Bars that come in a kit
• Meguire's Ultimate Compound w/ Griot's Boss Foam Correcting Pad & DeWalt Orbital
• Griot's Garage 3 in 1 Ceramic Spray Wax
• Griot's Garage Ceramic Shine between monthly reapplication of the 3 in 1 or All in One wax
• Griot's Pad Conditioning Brush & Microfiber + Foam Pad Cleaner to maintain my foamies and microfiber towels

Edit: I know, I know... DeWalt orbital in Milwaukee pack outs. What is wrong with me? All my other tools are Milwaukee but I got a killer deal on the DeWalt so there. I clash. I wear Adidas shoes with Under Armor warmups. Quite the mad lad I am.

 

I've been using it for several years...for cheap stuff you can find anywhere it looks great and is long lasting. My truck is outside 24/7. Was only inside here to use the Turtle Wax hybrid and let it cure. And you can use it on all the black plastic.

 

That's a great color. Would like to see photos of that baby out in the sun

 

So would I, it's pouring rain here. How about my buddy's '48 instead?