Wax review(s)

[lowmileage]

I've been a bit neglectful since getting the Alfa and really haven't attended to my (our) daily drivers. I normally go the 2 step Mothers route using their Glaze and the Carbarna. I though this time, I'd try something different. I clay bar'd both cars and on mine used the Mothers Glaze (their step 2) followed by Black Magic. BM was rated #1 by Consumer reports and since being on sale for $5, decided it was worth a try. Well, on my DD (which is black) it left streaks like a SOaB and had to be followed up with Mcquires NXT to get the streaks out. The BM also seemed to take forever to haze up. It might have been because it was very humid out. That was Saturday. On Sunday, I did the wife's Cherokee. Clay Bar, Mothers Cleaner/Carbana combo wax, followed (I figured I'll try it again) by the BM. Much better results maybe because it was less humid. Still, the BM doesn't seem to haze up too good and it's kinda b*tchy to buff off. Don't smeer it on too much. It's got a watery viscosity. I also used it on the scoot and was satisfied with the clearty of the gloss.

The Alfa is a different story. I used the Mothers Glaze/Sealer followed by their Carbana liquid when I got it. It still looks good (actually great) so I just use either Showtime or Instant Detailer when needed.

[lgbalfa]

have pics of your detailed alfa?

[lowmileage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgbalfa have pics of your detailed alfa?

[Favali]

I spent Saturday using Griot's Machine Polish #3 and Best of Show Wax together with a random orbital machine for each step. Also used Mother's aluminum cleaner and wax on all the aluminum trim and Mother's chrome polish on the chrome. Final step was a pass with Griot's speed shine to clean off any missed spots or fuz.

I have used Griot's and Mother's stuff for about 4 years and have always been fairly pleased. The interior is next.

Prepping for Limerock......
-Rob

[Craig LNU]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Favali I spent Saturday using Griot's Machine Polish #3 and Best of Show Wax together with a random orbital machine for each step. Also used Mother's aluminum cleaner and wax on all the aluminum trim and Mother's chrome polish on the chrome. Final step was a pass with Griot's speed shine to clean off any missed spots or fuz. I have used Griot's and Mother's stuff for about 4 years and have always been fairly pleased. The interior is next. Prepping for Limerock...... -Rob

[Tubolare Zagato]

I believe that it's difficult to find a much better product than Zymol waxes.
I have not used Mothers or Griot but i can assure that Meguiars is quite mediocre given its publicity.

[lgbalfa]

i use a product called z-best wax purchased at the NY auto show.

it is one of those as-seen-on-tv products that works amazingly well.

[velocedoc]

I shop at the store here in town where a majority of the body shops buy their products. The sales guy recommended the clay bar and these two 3M products: Perfect-it Gloss Enhancer and the Performance Finish. The Gloss enhancer and clay bar make a great combination. Then I wax over with the Performance finish to give the car a glass finish. I have had some nice comments from strangers about how nice the cars look. The wife's spider and the Acura have not been waxed since April and the paint still beads up in big drops. I have used the gloss enhancer as a finish to keep the shine up.

Favali, your spider looks brand new.

[Favali]

Quote:

Originally Posted by velocedoc Favali, your spider looks brand new.

[BAMAALFA]

Hi all, what is the best paint "cleaner". I have trouble getting rid of water marks and surface scratches. This is on a 1987 spider with all original red paint. The paint is still very good, just hard to get surface inperfections out. Thanks.

[velocedoc]

Jus to bring this thread up to the forefront, a couple of weekends ago I was given a bottle of Meguires Tech-Wax. I had been using the 3M wax in a previous post. I am a bit of a sceptic when it comes to wax as I have probably tried most everything, finally settling in on the 3M products. So to get a bottle of "another wax" to try, you think...how can this be any better than what I am using?

The wax is thick, creamy, has a great smell and goes on smooth with the applicator sponge that came in the box. The wax goes on easily. After the wax has hazed up, it comes off easy. Using microfiber towels, the paint finish buffs up to a wonderful gloss. I went back over the paint with a second wax coat and picked up a bit more of a glass like finish. The paint is very smooth to the touch and reflects light very well. How well will it hold up over time and bead up water after several washings, I have yet to find out. Autogeekonline.net loves the wax and gave it a great review. Cost $15 (approx)

[lowmileage]

^^^^I used a sample packet of this stuff and of all the waxes I used, this buffed off the easiest after haze up which seem to happen almost immediately. I used it on my DD a couple of months ago which isn't garaged but covered at night most of the time so I cannot verify it's durability. My car is black and it didn't streak which is sometimes a problem. It seems to warrant the purchase of a bottle.

[Tom Swan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowmileage ^^^^I used a sample packet of this stuff and of all the waxes I used, this buffed off the easiest after haze up which seem to happen almost immediately. I used it on my DD a couple of months ago which isn't garaged but covered at night most of the time so I cannot verify it's durability. My car is black and it didn't streak which is sometimes a problem. It seems to warrant the purchase of a bottle.

[TCL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by velocedoc .... I was given a bottle of Meguires Tech-Wax. ..

[lowmileage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Swan Lowmileage...when you say "buffed" are you using a powered buffer or elbow grease? I've been wondering if a buffer is a good idea or not.