wax vs cleaner wax

[dwinch53]

So can a person do the entire truck with cleaner wax and buff then go right back over with a good hard shell wax?

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[h1k3rb]

Ok, I give up. Google it, Safari it, whatever. Good luck.

 

[brlr2000]

I concur. I als use the Meguiars Cleaner Wax.

 

[Escapologist]

About every three to five years is the maximum frequency with which I want to apply sanding grit to my paintwork... i.e. when you can actually see it's oxidising on top. Otherwise, I'm using regular types of wax, not cleaning, cutting, color restore or whatever new code word they come up with for the sanding grit.

 

[SaHa]

Former auto detailer here. What I recommended for those that wanted to do a bit of DIY is to wash it once a week (a gas station wash is fine), wax it once a month, and claybar it twice a year. That'll keep the car looking better than 90% of the cars on the road.

I suggest a cleaner wax as a one-and-done deal. Cleaner wax has a mild polishing component in it, and it can also be used to rub off small scuff marks and other minor imperfections. Unless you're entering a show car competition, doing the whole strip wash-compound-polish-synthetic wax-carnauba wax-topper process is overkill. If you don't believe me, I suggest you peruse your local CarMax and see the condition of typical late-model used cars.

Meguiar's Cleaner Wax in the maroon bottle is inexpensive and a great carnauba-based cleaner wax. If you're looking for a synthetic/ceramic alternative, Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Polish and Wax is a good option and lets you wax maybe once every other month.

As for equipment, a DA polisher will allow you to put on a thinner and more even coat of wax than you ever could by hand, but it is absolutely not necessary. I simply use one because I still have them from when I detailed cars. For those that really wanted to try their hand at DA polishing, I used to recommend the Meguiar's DA Power System that attaches to a cordless drill.

However, the Bauer 5.7 Amp, 6 in., 8 mm Short-Throw Random Orbit DA Polisher/Sander frequently goes on sale for $50 and it's a real DA polisher with proper ergonomics. Yes it's corded, but to be honest the only time I found a cordless polisher helpful was when I was doing the roofs of vans or trailers. Other than that, a cordless DA polisher with a 4Ah battery is heavier and bulkier than just throwing a power cord over your shoulder.

What I would suggest you start out with is a 6" foam "finishing" pad and a manual handle, such as this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ3NY15Z

Those $1 microfiber applicator pads suck because they get caked with wax way too quickly and lower the efficacy of the polishing effect of cleaner wax. They are also too thin, so your finger pressure is uneven. Using a handle on a regular foam polishing pad allows for more even pressure across the pad. It's sort of like sanding a piece of wood by just holding the sand paper directly versus attaching the sandpaper to a sanding block. Microfiber applicator pads are good for the edges or tight spots but not for the flat panels.

Good info... What is claybar. Also as a former detailer what is your opinion of the ceramic coating, I am getting in my FB feed after buying a new truck?

 

[notfast]

Good info... What is claybar.

Clay bar is a material that is used to remove particles stuck on the clearcoat that washing cannot, such as iron fallout or brake dust.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QY9FLLT/?th=1

Be careful when using it because without enough lubricant (such as the included quick detailer), the clay bar can scratch the clear coat.

what is your opinion of the ceramic coating, I am getting in my FB feed after buying a new truck?

If you want a set-it-and-forget-it protection system where you can get it done once and not have to worry about it for a year or more, I think it's worth the cost. I suggest you get it professionally done because if you mess up, it's a real pain in the rear to redo.

Ceramic coating done well is pretty incredible. You could throw muddy water on the car and it will just slide right off. It will also survive gas station car washes well and the car doesn't really get that dirty to begin with.

It is a bit of an upfront cost though. Personally, if you're the type that finds throwing a coat of wax on the car as a way to spend a Saturday morning rather than a chore, I'd just stick with waxing the car with Meguiar's cleaner wax once a month and maybe topping it with Turtle Wax hybrid ceramic spray coating.

If you're looking for a synthetic/ceramic alternative, Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Polish and Wax is a good option and lets you wax maybe once every other month.

As an update, I wouldn't recommend the hybrid solutions ceramic polish and wax if you don't have a DA polisher. It's a bit difficult to spread a thin coat by hand and then buff it off without leaving streaks.

The Meguiars cleaner wax works great by hand or with a DA polisher, but you'll get the best results with a DA polisher since polishing by hand is laborious

 

[SaHa]

Clay bar is a material that is used to remove particles stuck on the clearcoat that washing cannot, such as iron fallout or brake dust.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QY9FLLT/?th=1

Be careful when using it because without enough lubricant (such as the included quick detailer), the clay bar can scratch the clear coat.



If you want a set-it-and-forget-it protection system where you can get it done once and not have to worry about it for a year or more, I think it's worth the cost. I suggest you get it professionally done because if you mess up, it's a real pain in the rear to redo.

Ceramic coating done well is pretty incredible. You could throw muddy water on the car and it will just slide right off. It will also survive gas station car washes well and the car doesn't really get that dirty to begin with.

It is a bit of an upfront cost though. Personally, if you're the type that finds throwing a coat of wax on the car as a way to spend a Saturday morning rather than a chore, I'd just stick with waxing the car with Meguiar's cleaner wax once a month and maybe topping it with Turtle Wax hybrid ceramic spray coating.



As an update, I wouldn't recommend the hybrid solutions ceramic polish and wax if you don't have a DA polisher. It's a bit difficult to spread a thin coat by hand and then buff it off without leaving streaks.

The Meguiars cleaner wax works great by hand or with a DA polisher, but you'll get the best results with a DA polisher since polishing by hand is laborious

Thank you!

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