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I've always been of the idea that it was better to put an inexpensive
wax/polish/sealant on a number of times a year, rather then the "greatest"
wax one or twice. The idea being that nothing lasts, especially in snow
country winter, more then a
few months, or even weeks.
But I've always wondered about the
benefits of putting on multiple surfaces at the same time.
I've usually put a coat of wax on in the fall, wiped it off, and followed it with another
coat, or a coat of polish.
So, do you think that's a good idea; the more the better, or am I
wasting energy doing it?
My latest and greatest product is a German sealant called Klasse.
Easy to wipe on and off. So I thought I'd go over it with some polish I've got.
Makes sense to me, but does it to you?
Polish will removed light scratches and dirt from the paint. I will also remove WAX! If you want a 2 step process, polish first then wax. I clean my paint every spring with paint cleaning clay, then go over the car with with a cleanser like Zymol HD Cleanse. Now I have a good clean surface to apply my wax. In the fall I clean the dirty spots & put on a quick coat of wax. In between times I use a spray on wipe off wax. Cleaner waxes combine the paint cleaning & waxing into one step. I used to always use Zymol, now I started using Griot's products. Their Carnauba wax is easier to apply. I also like the wax you spray on while the car is wet, then just dry off with a towel.
I get a little crazy with it myself, I strip, clay, paint cleaner P21S, I then use a glaze. After all of that I use Zainos Z5 (2 coats) and Z2 (atleast 3 coats). But you can use a quality carnuba wax, if you want, I prefer the Zainos just for the shine & protection it affords me. On top of everything I usually apply a coat of Collinite 845 Insulator wax. The described process is only once a year, I just maintain to finish with the collinite in between.
For winter applications, there is a product called Klasse Sealant Glaze, it doesn't have the best "shine" but it is acrylic based and is supposed to last a year, I haven't actually used it myself, being down south "winterizing" isn't really a concern, you can always top it with whatever wax you want, Reading your post, I see you already use it, they do recommend topping it with a wax whether carnuba or polymer based.
I would love to have the time to do a nice multi step detail a few times per year, but in reality if I can find the time to do a good wash, some clay bar and 2 coats of wax that's impressive. I usually make time to do a couple basic waxes per year, though.
That said, I tend to look for the easiest to apply/remove and longest lasting wax I can find- of course with the best water beading and looks! I figure if you only use it a couple times a year paying a little more for the bottle won't matter, especially if it lasts longer.
Right now I gravitate towards Meguiar's Ultimate waxes (I like the paste for hand application), but LOVE the Blackfire WetDiamond sample I've used for the past two waxes. Want to get some Collinite 845? to try, as I've heard it looks great is easy to use and lasts a LONG time.
I would love to have the time to do a nice multi step detail a few times per year, but in reality if I can find the time to do a good wash, some clay bar and 2 coats of wax that's impressive. I usually make time to do a couple basic waxes per year, though.
That said, I tend to look for the easiest to apply/remove and longest lasting wax I can find- of course with the best water beading and looks! I figure if you only use it a couple times a year paying a little more for the bottle won't matter, especially if it lasts longer.
Right now I gravitate towards Meguiar's Ultimate waxes (I like the paste for hand application), but LOVE the Blackfire WetDiamond sample I've used for the past two waxes. Want to get some Collinite 845? to try, as I've heard it looks great is easy to use and lasts a LONG time.
As I had said earlier, I apply Collinite on top of everything else, that's my last step. It is very easy to apply and it lasts fairly well. If you like simple and easy with great results, try Zainos, some of the best protection out there IMHO, I have nearly every wax detail product imaginable (really annoys my wife!) and that to me works better than anything I've triied. It is time consuming the first time you use it, but after the initial application, it's very easy to maintain. If you get it, make sure you get the "accelerator", it cuts the curing time dramatically, you especially need it in a cold climate.
Turtle Wax ICE works very well for outside trucks. Used two times a year on my last truck- lasted 12 years looking pretty good, never inside, tree sap with Pittsburgh salt and snow winters. Good bead, easy to use. If it gets on plastic it doesn't turn white and actually brings dull plastic back darker and richer. It holds a bead about the longest for the average Joe type waxes.
Not an expert on other stuff, but for average person, this stuff is very easy. Carnuba I keep for the inside Mustang that doesn't see rain.