I read through some of the stickys but couldn't find an answer. I'm a car body noob.

I want to know the difference between all of the damn waxes put there. It's confusing as hell.

Looking at Meguiars line of products, I see a Quick Wax, Cleaner Wax, Regular Gold Class Wax, Detailer, polish, paint cleaner. What is the difference between all these and how do I know which one I should be using? It goes wash/dry, clay, cleaner wax, regular wax, polish? No clue.

 

subscribed i need to know too since im buying a buffer

 

All of those are just different names meguiars uses. Wax is wax. A cleaner wax is meant to use for people who dont want to polish as it cleans the surface a bit. I NEVER use cleaner waxes.

Polish is an abrasive. The best way to describe it would be liquid sandpaper. When you polish using an orbital or rotary buffer you break down the polish. This will remove a microscopic layer of clear coat where swirls occur. Using the polish will level the clear coat and make it flat again. Swirls are just hundreds of tiny scratches going in all directions to unexperienced car washing techniques. Polish has absolutely nothing to do with wax.

Also many people overlook how important a synthetic sealant is. Some people only get a month or two out of their wax and wonder why. Most of the time they use shitty meguiars products from walmart or autozone, and its also due to people not using a sealant.

A sealant will last about 6 months when applied to a clean, clay bar'd, and smooth surface. The slickness and protection you get from a sealant is a way better surface for wax to bond too. And will give you extra protection in case your wax runs out.

Wash the car, clay bar, wash it again, dry, apply sealant. Leave the sealant on the paint for as long as possible up to 8 hours. Remove it and wait another half hour before applying the wax. Leave the wax to haze and then remove. Do another coat to ensure coverage. And remember more wax does not equal more protection. Wax removes wax. 2 coats is just to ensure coverage. This process should be done every 6 months assuming you use high quality products.

PLEASE take the time to read these articles as they will help you greatly in the future.

Car Wash Guide, Car Wash how to - easy steps to shampoo and dry your vehicle using paint-safe mitts and towels, plus sponges, the Grit Guard and

Carnauba Car Wax vs. Paint Sealants, carnauba wax reviews, paint sealant reviews

Auto detailing clay, detail clay bar, clay lubricant, Pinnacle Poly Clay, Wolfgang, auto detail clay, meguiar's detailing clay, auto clay bar

Products I recommend from the site:

This is a sealant that can just be sprayed on and wiped off making it easier for those who dont have the time to sit and wait for sealant to cure. This product works very well and comes with applicator pads.
Optimum Opti-Seal Free Bonus!


Best car wax on the market, PERIOD.
P21S 100% Carnauba Wax is P21S's first car wax made with pure carnauba wax, no other waxes. P21S pure carnauba car wax, P21s car wax, P21S carnuba


If you guys want to learn tons more info about detailing and reviews on more products I recommend you guys check out www.autopia.org Warning: its very addicting and you may end up spending lots of money.

 

Thanks. I'll have to read through those. So the sealant pretty much keeps shit from getting into/underneath your clear coat? The wax protects the sealant coat?

 

sealants are polymer based
waxes are carnauba based

different technologies. typically sealants will outlast carnauba and easier to maintain.

carnauba has a warmer glow so a lot of concourse folks use it for the warmer appearance... some like the super artificial shine and they use polymers. its a matter of preference. Personally i like using carnauba on my G (hobby car) and use sealants on my Fit's (dd's).

to start out, try the NXT Techwax. those are easy to apply and remove. NXT is polymer.

 

gb: epic post. i would have repped you, but i have to spread some around. lol.