Hey guys, I'm sure you've heard this question asked a million times but I really want to know what the best car wax or polish is on the market. I have very many different waxes and polishes that I've bought over the years. From Prolong to Meguires and NuFinish to Turtle Wax Ice. I even bought this stuff at a car show called Rod and Custom! My car is a collecter now and I want to throw away all those other waxes I collected over the years and just stick with 1 brand or type. I heard that carnuba is a good wax but if the car is outside too long on a warm day that it actually melts just like( I would think)any other wax. My car mainly is in my garage and doesn't really see any of the elements but if I take it to work it would be out in direct sun for at least 12 hours if not more. I'm just looking for an excellent shine and durable protection. Any advise is greatly appreciated,THANXS!
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The Screaming Bluedemon--EATING HONDAS AND ****TING RICE in my town!!!!!
Posts: 2006
Joined: 9/24/2006 From: Wake Forest, NC Status: offline
First, polish and wax are completely different. Polish is what gets out the swirls marks and light scratches and brings back the shine. Wax sits on top and protects and gives a wet look.
Second, it entirely depends on what you're looking for. Are you looking for something cheap and easy to use? Or something expensive that will look better and require more work? If you want cheap, easy to find, and easy to use, I've had fairly good success with Meguiars' 3 step system. I suggest a good wash, then a clay, then the 3 step system (paint cleaner, polish, carnauba). It's very easy to use and the finish comes out pretty well.
If you want a quality job, right now I'm using Menzerna PO83 "Super Intensive Polish" as my medium polish, and Menzerna PO106ff "Nano Polish" as my final polish. It's more expensive but it is far better as well. There are so many different waxes that it's really hard to say. The real work is in the polishing. The wax can make it look wet, but the really shine depends on how well you polished If you polished well, even a cheap carnauba will look pretty good. Plus, there is also a different product called a protectant which can be used in place of, or with a wax. The protectant doesn't have the depth of a wax, but it is a harder protection that lasts longer. I personally use a protectant underneath and wax on top of it. An example of a protectant is the NXT Tech Wax. I'd say if you do a good job, the carnauba that comes with the 3 step works well enough. If you want to step up a little more, I like Chemical Guys' 5050 wax as a fairly cheap and very nice wax. Past that you can get better, but you better get out your checkbook.
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^ Not my car, but what mine will look like 2008 BMW E92 335i - On a boat! - Ordered 4/17/08 2003 Mustang Cobra - SOLD! 1997 Mustang GT
When you say "clay" what exactly is it? I just recently had my car painted and I've noticed alot of "dimples" in the paint--kind of like there was dust that settled on my car before they painted it. Will the clay bar take care of alot of that? Thankyou for your very informative reply! I guess I'm looking for something a little bit between Mequires and Menzerna po83. Is there such a thing and how good is Turtle Wax Ice in YOUR opinion?
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The Screaming Bluedemon--EATING HONDAS AND ****TING RICE in my town!!!!!
Posts: 122
Joined: 4/25/2008 From: KS, USA Status: offline
Claying will pick up dirt and contaminants on the surface of your paint that normal washing can't pick up. It won't take care of anything under the surface though I don't think. I think it works just by being sticky and picking up what washing left behind.
ya that sounds liek dust in your paint. u'll see dust and crap in there and its coverd by the clear coat so the clay bar won't take it out. Zaino is a good product its expensive but it works very very well.
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best car polish or wax? - 
