Paint protection advice (wax and sealer)

I put some 845 on last fall but I heard recently on AG that the DG105 was really good stuff. I was ready for a refresher. So a couple weeks ago I tried it, along with the bonding agent. The salt just crushed it in about two weeks. I have no doubt 845 would have lasted longer.

 

Picked up my new '16 Barcelona Red Trd Sport DC about 2 weeks ago. Washed, polished and waxed for the first time last weekend. I used Maguires #7 and #26. The shine is amazing! Will look into the seal...thx for the info.

What sux is that I already had a little nick/chip on the lower passenger door when I first got it and also noticed a chip on the tailgate. When I washed it also noticed the swirls already (I hate swirls!!!)

 

What is your wash process?

 

I just did a wash, polish, wax. We got snow today so I wanted to get a coat of wax on there.

 

What I meant was what do you use to wash. Do you wash by hand? What do you use to wash? You are probably introducing the swirls to the paint.

 

the swirls were there before I even got a chance to wash it...most likely from the dealer when they prep it. any good tips for getting the swirls out?

 

Machine. I tried by hand on my 2014 and didn't put a dent in that swirls. So I picked up a Griots Garage 6" DA. Haven't used it yet.

 

I've heard that Meguiars White Wax is good for light defect removal with a DA.

 

Any opinions on the Eagle One "ultimate prep mitt" instead of clay?

 

I haven't used Eagle One's version but I use the Speedy Surface Prep towel. I love it! "Clayed" my truck in half the time!

$43 Speedy Surface Prep - Fine Grade

http://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Surfac...UTF8&qid=1457484143&sr=1-9&keywords=clay+mitt

 

Can anyone elaborate on the differences between a sealer and a wax?

 

"Wax" in the true sense of the word is a natural substance (ex. Carnauba, derived from a plant). A paint sealer (sometimes referred to as "synthetic wax") is a synthetic substance meant to mimic the effects of a wax. But in most (all?) cases today, synthetic waxes (sealers) are easier to apply and remove, and have better longevity. So, for most people (and most daily drivers), paint sealers are a better choice.

Where natural waxes win is in looks. Waxes have a nice warm glow, whereas sealers look bright, glassy, candy-like. For some people it's a preference of appearance.

It gets tricky with something like "Meguires Ultimate Wax". It's actually not a wax. It's a sealer (100% synthetic polymer sealer). Meguires knows that 9/10 people will actually prefer a sealer due to ease of use and longevity. But they also know that most people don't know what a sealer is. People just know they want to "wax" their vehicle. So, Meguires gives them a sealer and calls it a wax. Make sense?

Also- most of the products on the shelf now days are primarily synthetic in nature. Many have a very small natural wax component, but for the most part they are sealers (NXT, for example).

In summary- sealers are easier to apply and remove- and they typically last longer. Waxes "look better", although that is arguable. On my pyrite mica Tacoma, I actually like the glassy bright look of Duragloss 111 or Ultimate Liquid over the look of a wax (ex Megs gold glass or collinite).

In the true sense of the words, "wax" is a natural product, "sealer" is a synthetic product. Many on the shelf products contain both natural and synthetic components.

Any more questions I'm happy to help.

 

If sealers and waxes are technically the same in terms of overall function, why, in your first post, do you prefer to use both?
Do they last longer this way or is it a means to get the benefits of both?

I'm getting ready to do my first real detail on my Tacoma. So trying to get a game plan together as well as an understanding for what I'm doing. In the past I have always paid people gobs of money to do this for me rather than do it myself (I just purchased my very first microfiber towels ever, and up until like now I didn't realize that you shouldn't use Dial to wash a car lol).
I want this truck to last as long as possible and look as good as possible.

Also want to throw out, I have a white 2013 TRD Sport, when the sun hits it just right I can see a bagillion swirl marks from the prior owner. Should I make the effort to remove these before my first detail?
Is there a cheap way to do this myself or is it best just to pay someone to do it. I do not own a buffer nor do I likely trust myself to use one lol.

 

The reason people use both is to get the protection/longevity of a sealer with the appearance of their favorite wax. I've changed my tune on my procedure. I think the solvents in a top coat of some waxes may compromise the sealer that was laid down first. So, I quit topping my sealers with wax. And instead, I do two coats of sealer. Not because "More is better", but rather to ensure an even application of the sealer (avoids the appearance of streaks).

As far as swirls go, you're barely gonna put a dent in them by hand. Meguires "White Wax" does have a substantial amount of cut for an all in one, but you really need a machine to make it produce. I guess you could try it. But if anything, it's probably just going to mask the swirls with a hand application.

Assuming machine isn't an option, if I were you, I'd clay it, followed by an (optional) pre-wax cleaner (or polish), and then apply two coats of a good sealer. I think Duragloss 111 (+601 bonding agent) would look really good on white. It's inexpensive stuff on Amazon.

Megs Ultimate Liquid is nice too. The Collinite waxes are also good options (hybrid synthetic/natural).

 

You can totally do it yourself. Worth a shot, anyway. For $50 you can get a Meguires or Mothers clay kit, a bottle of polish, and a bottle of sealer. May as well attempt it before throwing down $300 minimum for a pro job. Today's synthetic waxes/sealers have a lot of gloss.

 

A wax should not have a solvent in it. Glazes typically have solvents.

 

Well, whatever carrier is in the wax- it's gotta be compromising a sealer. Just a hunch. I think naphtha is a common carrier (or cleaner?) used in waxes. Waxes are full of petroleum distillates.

Long story short- some people like to put wax over their sealer. I used to do it. I don't anymore because I think it may decrease overall longevity. I am more comfortable with two coats of sealer vs a coat of each.

 

here is how Carpro Hydro2 beads. I stopped using waxes years ago. Sonax Polymer net shield, coatings and things like Hydro2 are far superior in the hydrophobics and durability

 

Awesome. Yeah, I'm a convert too. I just did Duragloss 111 plus the 601 bonding agent and the gloss/shine is insane! I've been curious about the Sonax PNS. Heard its good stuff.

 

Is the hydro the stuff you spray on and just rinse off with water? Hard for me to believe that's enough to to make it stick! But clearly, it works.