What kind of wax?

nursecrickett · 01-21-2005, 10:29 PM

Hi there,
I can't find the thread that talks about which wax to use....I just remember most recommending NXT....can anyone elaborate on what to use and the process?

Thanks,
Crickett

talkslow · 01-22-2005, 09:06 AM

This one is pretty subjective and we all have our favorites. For wax, I use P21S, but only after I start off with Klasse ALL-IN-ONE, and a few layers of Klasse Sealant Glaze. Of course, I am an anal detailing geek and actually enjoy polishing and waxing my truck. That's my therapy -- call me crazy.

If you are just looking for a simple once in a while wax job, a one step cleaner wax from McGuires or Mothers will do a very nice job. They combine a polish with the wax to clean and protect. The key purpose of a wax is to protect your paint and a seasonal wax job with any of these products will do the job nicely. The stuff I use takes the protection to the extreme of depth and shine.

-edit- I see you were also asking about the process. Here is a good link for you: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=29

TitanNV · 01-22-2005, 09:07 AM

The Meguires NXT is good stuff, and it doesnt leave that white stain on your handles, etc, like older waxes did.

got_titan · 01-22-2005, 10:20 AM

i use zaino with great results

37L1 · 01-22-2005, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nursecrickett

Hi there,
I can't find the thread that talks about which wax to use....I just remember most recommending NXT....can anyone elaborate on what to use and the process?

Thanks,
Crickett

It all depends on how complicated you want to get over this. Everyone will agree that surface preparation is probably the most important step for the ultimate shine so they use a clay bar to clean and prep the paint. It is work intensive. Most everyone will recommend a selant like Zaino or Klasse after doing this type of preparation.

If you are like most of the rest of us, we wash and dry the truck thoroughly and then use a good product like NXT (easy on and off, real good shine) or a carnuba wax made by several popular brands, take your pick.

I have used Meguire's Gold and it worked well but you have to be careful not to get it on the black plastic trim and rubber seals. I then switched to NXT and it works well plus you don't have to be paranoid about getting it on the trim. For ease of application, plus shine and durability it's pretty good.

I might go all out someday and clay bar/Zaino but this is a big truck and it's a TRUCK for crying out loud. It goes in the mud, stays outside, hauls trash, lumber, dirt, etc. I'd be nuts to go overboard with the surface and then turn around and do that sort of stuff, know what I mean?

More power to those who go the whole 9 yards, maybe I'm just too lazy?

Yesterday the Titan was in the mud. Washed it today and here are the results after NXT was applied a month ago. Still a pretty good shine I think.

raskm · 01-22-2005, 03:42 PM

Micro-fiber towels at Costco......16 pack...16x16 for only $9.99..

dman · 01-23-2005, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nursecrickett

Hi there,
I can't find the thread that talks about which wax to use....I just remember most recommending NXT....can anyone elaborate on what to use and the process?

Thanks,
Crickett

Zaino or Griots Garage products. The best and well worth the effort if you REALLY want your Titan to look its VERY BEST.

rjspitz · 01-23-2005, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raskm

Micro-fiber towels at Costco......16 pack...16x16 for only $9.99..

I'd shy away from the Costco or Wal-mart micro-fiber. They'll actually scratch the paint. Big difference between those and high-end micro-fiber sold at specialty stores and on the internet.
Try www.microfibertech.com
If you don't want to dish out the $100 on micro-fiber, stick with terry cotton.
Of course, this is just my opinion from past experiences, plus I'm a detailing freak.

TOTitan · 01-23-2005, 12:00 PM

A small co in socal called One Grand makes "Blitz Wax", considered by some to be the worlds finest handcrafted carnuba wax. For what its worth, the co. claims that it has been used on the Queen Elizabeths fleet for many years. It is by far the best carnuba product that I have ever tried. The only problem is that its hard to find, and expensive.

Steamguy · 01-23-2005, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nursecrickett

Hi there,
I can't find the thread that talks about which wax to use....I just remember most recommending NXT....can anyone elaborate on what to use and the process?

Thanks,
Crickett

I used to do detailing for a dealership (a million years ago) and I was paid a bonus based on my output/effect on sales for them. So I had to come up with some stuff that worked fast and looked great when I was done.

The stuff I used to use was Meguiar's with a power buffer to get the paint clean; I might try a clay bar now to see if it's as quick/good. The trouble with an air buffer is that you have to have a light touch, and you can't see where you're going, but it does work fast.

I used to follow up with Zymol; you can do the application on big slabs of the car in the bay and then come back and knock it off with a terry towel. What is so different is that it requires so very little work in removal. Some carnuba-based formulas require a LOT of handwork to get off.

However, you do have to be careful to stay away from logos and things that will collect wax unless you have a toothbrush or a pipe cleaner with a little alcohol on it. To 'set' the wax, just flood the finish with clean, cold water.

What I always liked about Zymol is that it protected for a long time, it left a really nice shine that wouldn't show fingerprints, it will fill in small surface defects like brush scratches, and it seems to last for a good long time. Plus, if a car is sitting in the showroom, you can take a soft towel and dust it before the store opens. If somebody happened to make a minor mark in the finish, you could usually touch it up in five minutes and then get back to your regular work.

The other thing I liked about Zymol is that it worked equally great on clear (lacquer, then) finishes as well as on standard lacquer and enamel finishes.

You can go to Zymol.com and go crazy with spending your money on their stuff, or just get a good applicator at your local good auto parts store and get a bottle of it for about twelve bucks.

raskm · 01-23-2005, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjspitz

I'd shy away from the Costco or Wal-mart micro-fiber. They'll actually scratch the paint. Big difference between those and high-end micro-fiber sold at specialty stores and on the internet.
Try www.microfibertech.com
If you don't want to dish out the $100 on micro-fiber, stick with terry cotton.
Of course, this is just my opinion from past experiences, plus I'm a detailing freak.

Thanks for the advice....I will use them on wheels and stuff.....I will order some high-end to see the diff...thanks

rjspitz · 01-23-2005, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raskm

Thanks for the advice....I will use them on wheels and stuff.....I will order some high-end to see the diff...thanks

That's what I use the Wally-World towels for. Wheels, jambs, under hood, etc.

nursecrickett · 01-23-2005, 09:38 PM

Thank you all for your responses.....

I know one thing....

I have 2 smoke vehicles....one Titan, and one Pathfinder.....they don't stay clean for long in Cali.....pain in the butt!!!

I need to take the time to wash it in the driveway first.....

What are your thoughts on washes? Do I have to strip it with Dawn detergent before I put NXT or any other wax on them??

Thanks!!!
Crickett

smoothTitan · 01-24-2005, 12:34 AM

i have used this stuff for years with great results.

http://www.pinnaclewax.com/

QShip · 01-24-2005, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nursecrickett

Thank you all for your responses.....

I know one thing....

I have 2 smoke vehicles....one Titan, and one Pathfinder.....they don't stay clean for long in Cali.....pain in the butt!!!

I need to take the time to wash it in the driveway first.....

What are your thoughts on washes? Do I have to strip it with Dawn detergent before I put NXT or any other wax on them??

Thanks!!!
Crickett

That depends on what wax/glaze/sealant you presently have on your vehicles.

Check at the Meguiars website and see what they recommend.