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Interior & ExteriorDiscussions about the interior, and exterior of your vehicle.
This is a discussion thread titled "Best Wax, Polish, Etc....Your Opinion", within the Interior & Exterior forum, part of the Technical & Vehicle Assistance Forums category.
I wash my truck with the 3M car shampoo to wax I use this ivory carnauba paste called “Trade Secret” which is made by a company called Top of the Line. This thing does wonders on my truck and totally brings out the color. It is so easy to wax my truck with this stuff because all you have to do is leave in on for 30-60 seconds and just wipe it off. The only bad thing about it is that it’s very expensive. Try $50 for an 8oz jar. It does go a long way though. You can’t find it in stores and I got it from a car detailer. He said this is the stuff they use to wax Jay Leno’s car collection. Aloha!
For my Tundra and black Camry,
I use Meguiars Gold Class wash, followed by Zymol's cleaner wax when needed, then Zymol's hand wax. I also use Meguiars Quick detailer for touch-ups, Hot Rims cleaner for the alloys, Endurance high gloss for the tires and turtle wax's chrome polish for the bumpers.
I always use soft terry cloth towls and new applicator pads for waxing, a tire and wheel brush and a soft long bristle paint brush & compressed air for dusting tight spaces and vents. When I'm done, my Tundra shines like a mirror.
I also use simple green when I clean the engine and Meguiars interior collection for the inside.
Have a great day everyone!
Shane
Originally posted by TheToyshop For my Tundra and black Camry,
I use Meguiars Gold Class wash, followed by Zymol's cleaner wax when needed, then Zymol's hand wax. I also use Meguiars Quick detailer for touch-ups, Hot Rims cleaner for the alloys, Endurance high gloss for the tires and turtle wax's chrome polish for the bumpers.
I always use soft terry cloth towls and new applicator pads for waxing, a tire and wheel brush and a soft long bristle paint brush & compressed air for dusting tight spaces and vents. When I'm done, my Tundra shines like a mirror.
I also use simple green when I clean the engine and Meguiars interior collection for the inside.
Have a great day everyone!
Shane
One thing you'll find if you use Zaino is that *if* you use the finish spray with every washing you will find that it is somewhat dust resistant and stays much cleaner.
For that reason, I'd almost use Zaino on a dark colored car, but honestly, Klasse is better on dark colors. Better shine.
I have a white Tundra which is the better color for Zaino since it's a light paint and though I wash it every three weeks, it looks "clean" for about that same length of time. Mine looks cleaner, brighter and shinier after two weeks with no washing than it looks with 4 or 5 days of "normal" wax or if I stop using the finish spray when I wash.
If you don't use that finish with every wash though it will still look fresh after it's washed but it won't last nearly as long. There is a definite difference as it's much slicker.
Three weeks of 100% exposure is a long time to look so clean. But that's also the advantage to white. Very low maintenance color.
Whatever you use, I'd recommend that you put a touch up spray with every wash. But make sure it has some "finish", i.e., "wax" in it. Not just a cleaner. That won't add to your finish, only make it shine. Meguiars or "the slick stuff" is an example of a cleaner only. But even using that after a complete wash is better than only washing and drying your truck.
Use microfibers to dry. Use one to dry it the first time wringing it out (it will clean AND dry) and then follow up with another microfiber or two to completely dry it adding a finish spray at the same time.
You'll only need three wash rag sized towels to dry your whole truck this way and it's the cleanest you can possibly get it short of polishing and waxing it again.
If only want to "dry it" and do it fast. Get a california water blade (basically a paint safe squeegee) and a big blue microfiber.
You'll have it dry in no time. But the spots that didn't come off with washing aren't quite as easy to get off this way. (But is is the fastest and easiest way to dry by far). A damp microfiber can get most of the "tougher" spots off without even using soap.
I forgot to mention that I do use a CA water blade to dry, though I use a true terry cloth as well to finish off any water left over. My truck stays clean and shiny for usually 4-5 weeks. I have been using a CA Duster as well everyday on all my cars to keep off the dust. Takes 2 min., works fine and my paint looks perfect for a truck almost three years old, having never seeing the inside of a garage.
Using a wax finishing spray as Alan suggested after every wash is a good idea and sound advice. I don't use one simply because my wax finish is still slick and smooth after I wash my truck. The Quick Detailer I use is only to remove contamination that the duster doesn't pick up (dirt spots, bird cr_p spots, etc.) It is not a wax finishing spray. It's a light cleaning spray for touch-ups between washing and waxing. The Quick Detailer only removes contaminates not the wax base underneath it. Also when the Quik Detailer is slow to wipe off, it signals my wax protection is getting low, so I know when it's time to wax again. The Zymol stays on through several washing which is why I have stuck with it so far.
I have found that the key to keeping my paint in good condition is to never let the mud or dirt bake on it especially after an off-roading excursion. I "always" wash in in-direct sunlight or overcast asap. Everything else I can dust or spray off. Shane
Originally posted by TheToyshop I forgot to mention that I do use a CA water blade to dry, though I use a true terry cloth as well to finish off any water left over. My truck stays clean and shiny for usually 4-5 weeks. I have been using a CA Duster as well everyday on all my cars to keep off the dust. Takes 2 min., works fine and my paint looks perfect for a truck almost three years old, having never seeing the inside of a garage.
Using a wax finishing spray as Alan suggested after every wash is a good idea and sound advice. I don't use one simply because my wax finish is still slick and smooth after I wash my truck. The Quick Detailer I use is only to remove contamination that the duster doesn't pick up (dirt spots, bird cr_p spots, etc.) It is not a wax finishing spray. It's a light cleaning spray for touch-ups between washing and waxing. The Quick Detailer only removes contaminates not the wax base underneath it. Also when the Quik Detailer is slow to wipe off, it signals my wax protection is getting low, so I know when it's time to wax again. The Zymol stays on through several washing which is why I have stuck with it so far.
I have found that the key to keeping my paint in good condition is to never let the mud or dirt bake on it especially after an off-roading excursion. I "always" wash in in-direct sunlight or overcast asap. Everything else I can dust or spray off. Shane
Shane, I used to use Meguiar's quick detailer. In addition to it smelling pretty good, it cleans the film off the surfaces well without cleaning off the wax (just like you mentioned).
I have several boxes of bottles of barely used waxes and cleaners in my garage (should just throw them out, I'll never use them) from a) testing new things I come across to see what works the absolute best or b) what works almost as good with a much smaller amount of effort. I keep looking for "better and better" with less and less work required. Unfortunately, in this regard you get what you pay for, so paying more gets you better results with less work.
If you can find it, I think you'll find that "The Slick Stuff" works better than Meguiar's Quick Detailer. I've used both for several years and have kind of evolved into what I use now. But when I was still using Meguiar's products (their glaze is still the best stuff I've found for helping to hide really dry damaged paint that needs to be repainted) I switched to "The Slick Stuff" because it cleaned as well, was a little slicker, lasted a little longer, and smelled even better.
(Smells so good, it tempting to try to taste it just to see if it tastes as good as it smells!!!). I use to use that on everything, including the plastic trim. The only downside is that it doesn't have any UV protection so Sun will eventually do it's damage. Now I use UV protection in everything. Plastic not only looks good, it looks good much longer.
Even with the regime you use, I'd seriously think about using Zaino's finish spray on top when you wash. It's not cheap, but I think you will absolutely notice a difference if that's the only thing from Zaino you use.
Anyway, fyi from a clean car nut who thinks "good" or even "very good" just isn't good enough....
(ps. I'd be really careful with that duster...... Also, you really should try microfiber over your 100% cotton towels. I think you'll like them - A LOT! I've been there and done that. If you don't use microfiber, use only use 100% cotton towels vs. something with a polyester mix in it.)
Shane, I used to use Meguiar's quick detailer. In addition to it smelling pretty good, it cleans the film off the surfaces well without cleaning off the wax (just like you mentioned).
I have several boxes of bottles of barely used waxes and cleaners in my garage (should just throw them out, I'll never use them) from a) testing new things I come across to see what works the absolute best or b) what works almost as good with a much smaller amount of effort. I keep looking for "better and better" with less and less work required. Unfortunately, in this regard you get what you pay for, so paying more gets you better results with less work.
If you can find it, I think you'll find that "The Slick Stuff" works better than Meguiar's Quick Detailer. I've used both for several years and have kind of evolved into what I use now. But when I was still using Meguiar's products (their glaze is still the best stuff I've found for helping to hide really dry damaged paint that needs to be repainted) I switched to "The Slick Stuff" because it cleaned as well, was a little slicker, lasted a little longer, and smelled even better.
(Smells so good, it tempting to try to taste it just to see if it tastes as good as it smells!!!). I use to use that on everything, including the plastic trim. The only downside is that it doesn't have any UV protection so Sun will eventually do it's damage. Now I use UV protection in everything. Plastic not only looks good, it looks good much longer.
Even with the regime you use, I'd seriously think about using Zaino's finish spray on top when you wash. It's not cheap, but I think you will absolutely notice a difference if that's the only thing from Zaino you use.
Anyway, fyi from a clean car nut who thinks "good" or even "very good" just isn't good enough....
(ps. I'd be really careful with that duster...... Also, you really should try microfiber over your 100% cotton towels. I think you'll like them - A LOT! I've been there and done that. If you don't use microfiber, use only use 100% cotton towels vs. something with a polyester mix in it.)
Alan
I also use the Meguires detail spray but I think the Zaino Z6 is still the best. It just that the cost is so high and the shipping cost to get it to you is high also. I bought a 24 oz spray bottle of the Meguires detail spray the other day for $4.95---Buzzard
Zaino sounds like a good product though it sounds expensive. The method I use works fine for me without costing very much. Like I said before, my truck is about three years old and my black Camry is five years old and they both look as good if not better then the day I got them. Must be doing something right I guess. I'll have to try the "Slick Stuff" though...I'll try not to eat it since Alan says it smells good enough to eat
Originally posted by TheToyshop Zaino sounds like a good product though it sounds expensive. The method I use works fine for me without costing very much. Like I said before, my truck is about three years old and my black Camry is five years old and they both look as good if not better then the day I got them. Must be doing something right I guess. I'll have to try the "Slick Stuff" though...I'll try not to eat it since Alan says it smells good enough to eat
The Z-6 is a little bit more, but after trying it, I don't think you'd go back even if it is $5.00 more vs a lesser product. I order several together so that shipping is split up on the products.
Out of all the products they have, I think the "regular maintenance" products are the best deal and not that much more than "consumer grade" products. Their car wash is noticably silky - that's the best way I can describe it. It's more than just soap, you can get *that* at your local store. The Z-6 is a natural follow up to a fresh wash with the Z-7. It absolutely makes a difference! Their car wash contains traces of their polish.
Even if you don't use their waxes, I'd use their Z6, Z7, and Z10 products. However, I'd also follow up the Z-10 on the leather seats with either Klasse if you like a flat, slick UV protected finish or 303 if you like a slightly shinier, slick, slightly more water resistant UV protected finish. If you like a pure leather feel, then I'd just use the Z-10 only with nothing over it, not only does it protect the leather and make it softer, it makes is smell like brand new leather right off the show room. I like my leather "slide in and slide out slick" though. People love climbing into my car to get that new leather smell! I put the extra protection over the z-10 to make is more slippery so it's easier to slide in and out.
I used to use 303 on my dash in winter, but have gone to Klasse since it's much flatter appearing (original dash looking) and has UV protection. I still use 303 during the peak of summer due to it's UV protection. If I knew Klasse protected from the sun as well as 303, I'd just use that on my interior. It's even more natural appearing and somehow thinner so it's easier to put on than water. Both are best in class products.
I recently bought products from Griot's like the clay, polishes, and wax and I am very happy with them. I've never used Zaino before, so I can't compare, but these products are first class. There products are very easy to use and almost idiot proof. I use there products with the Porter Cable orbital, for polishing and waxing, and the truck never looked better. I will never polish or wax by hand ever again.
__________________ 2001 Limited Tundra 2WD Ivan Stewart Mods: TRD dual exhaust, TRD headers, Donahoe Racing coilovers, Bilstein 5100 rear shocks, Total Chaos Uniball upper A-arms, Hellwig swaybar, BFG A/T 285's, Line-X, TRD air filter, Jet Accu Speed calibrator, PPD billet TB and fuse cover, Sylvania Silverstar head/fog lights, clear corners,
Originally posted by TRDPWRD I may be wishing for that wipe on/spray off car wax they had out a few years ago.......
The stuff you are looking for IS available. It's called Dry Wash 'n Guard, I believe, and some on the Miata.net forum are very pleased with it. Follow this link and type "dwg" into the search field and click the Search button -- you should get around 35 threads to review...
~ Fred
__________________
"Beware he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master."
Originally posted by TRDPWRD I was just joshin' ...
Gotcha. Oh well, maybe someone else can benefit from my previous post. Personally, I've ordered the Griot's Garage products to give them a try. I've never used the Dry Wash 'n Guard stuff, but it seems similar in a lot of ways to the various brands of 'finishing spray' type products.
I'm not sure I could ever bring myself to wash one of my vehicles without water, but if you followed the link I posted you would see that many people are quite pleased with the product. It has to be by far the easiest to use...
~ Fred
__________________
"Beware he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master."
Originally posted by TRDPWRD I was just joshin' about the spray off wax. Just a statement on getting older and not wanting to work as hard to keep my truck looking perfect.
The orbital has really helped in that regard. Much easier to apply a good quality wax and ensure full coverage.
Funny how that is. I used to get up every saturday to wash my truck. Often I'd even do a three step wax and yes, it would look perfect, but it took the better part of the morning\day.
Now, even from time to time I even cheat and drop by the car wash to let them do it. Though, I have found a hand wash place recently so while it is $20, they are mild on the paint.
What an orbital really helps on is cleaning and polishing the paint. Waxing never really was that hard if you use good quality waxes. But the cleaning and polishing!!!!
The only problem is that my standards are such that I still want the perfect vehicle so I'm looking for easier and easier ways to do it short of paying someone else (they never do as good a job as me).
Any Others.........
This works for me...
Linear Mode
