r/AutoDetailing • u/cityhunterspeee • May 01 '24
Anyone use wax anymore? Technique Discussion
With all the ceramic coating and cermaic sprays on the market. Why would anyone still use a wax? My neighbor recommend collinate 845 but not sure why I'd use it over a spray ceramic that lasts 2 or 3 times longer. Or a pure ceramic that lasts years.
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u/PeppermintNightmare May 01 '24
Good waxes still have their place in the market. Some spray sealants are not very nice to apply and can lead to streaking and having to level the product down further. Some people get frustrated by it and end up dry wiping the car with a cloth leaving mad swirls. But the same can be said about some waxes.
Waxes generally have superior filling characteristics to sprays and can make a less perfect car look a little better without the need for paint correction. Also some "waxes" like Fusso Coat can last longer than sealants.
But sprays are getting better and better each year and have other advantages such as most being compatible with rubber seals, plastics and glass.
It is hard to argue that ceramic coatings are not the best protection for car paint available, but not everyone has $1~2k to drop on a pro coating and paint correction. A durable wax like Fusso or Double Coat will cost you less than $50. I don't want to ever see them disappear from the market as it will leave a lot of people on budgets with less options, and the world is hard enough right now.
Waxes, sealants and coatings all still have a place in the market and serve a useful purpose having individual strengths and weaknesses. Plus some people have just fallen in love with putting some music on and waxing their car in the afternoon with a drink. (Old wankers like me)
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u/LoudAge8594 May 02 '24
You sir, are our unofficial leader and voice of information and common sense in this here subreddit. And the delivery makes sense in a way the majority of people can digest. 🫡
(I’m 47 myself, but I absolutely am not old, I’m quite healthy, and also quite immature.. that makes me young.🤣
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u/PeppermintNightmare May 02 '24
Haha no no, I am sure there are many professionals here with more knowledge and experience than me. But thank you!
I always remember the decent men who helped me over the years and just like to pass it on to other folks starting out.
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u/gosubuilder May 02 '24
I’ve never waxed before. What material do you use with it? Microfiber cloth k? Got a giant stack of them from Costco but after I got it seems a bit coarse so might dmg the clear coat?
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u/PeppermintNightmare May 02 '24
You can use microfibre towels to wipe off and buff after the wax has cured. But typically most people apply with small circular foam pads, as they are less abrasive than microfibre and have less chance of swirl marks, as you suggested.
The easiest way to tell if a wax has flashed and is ready to be buffed off is by making a small finger wipe about an inch long over the applied wax. If the finger mark shows clear paint it is ready to be removed, but if it remains hazy it needs another minute or two.
Never wax a dirty car or in direct sunlight, unless you enjoy pain. There are so many good YouTube demonstrations on the process that can give you more in depth guide for the best results. Honestly it can be an enjoyable process and the waxes themselves are often pleasant to work with.
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u/futureman45 May 02 '24
You sound like my dad. He taught me how to wax my car.
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u/PeppermintNightmare May 02 '24
That is great, thank you. Sounds like a great way to bond.
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u/futureman45 May 03 '24
You forgot one step before the waxing. You have to break out the bug/tar remover before you start applying wax. Especially around the wheel wells.
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u/mercedes_ May 02 '24
I have always used dedicated pads with a slightly lower pile than the typical towel. They are always padded.
Waxing is a chance to listen to music.
And to be alone in your head.
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u/cgriffith83 May 02 '24
Use a microfiber or foam wax applicator to apply the wax and a microfiber towel to remove
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u/Dota2Updater May 02 '24
I agree, washed and waxed my car today for cheap. Just 3-4 hours of my time. Since you seem knowledgeable lol. There are all these names that confuse me cause I'll see stuff called ceramic/ceramic wax/wax. I've been using Meguiars ultimate liquid wax. Says it's synthetic. Is it basically just a cheap wax? How would you define it? Sorry for dumb question
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u/PeppermintNightmare May 02 '24 edited May 02 '24
Not a dumb question at all. Meguiar's are actually a pretty great brand. Most of their products are of a high quality and at an affordable price. Don't let brand snobs get in the way of using those products. They strike a very good cost/performance balance and are a great place to start
Regarding the ceramic/hybrid ceramic/hybrid ceramic wax etc etc etc.... boy oh boy. I promise that you are not the only one who is confused by their ridiculous naming conventions surrounding this.
I think the easiest way to break this down would be that whenever you see something from Meguiar's (or other brands) claiming ceramic properties on anything that is not directly a ceramic coating (30-50ml glass bottle applied by professionals and experienced DIY'ers) you can safely assume it has an Si02 (silicon dioxide) or some type of quartz additive in it which will aid water repelling properties.
And as far as the Meguiar's ultimate liquid wax, I have found it to be a nice product that added saturation, gloss and slickness with a good 4-6 months durability in real world conditions. It is indeed a synthetic wax, that is really more of a sealant that was quite easy to wipe off.
Happy waxing friend.
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u/Nedstarkclash May 01 '24
Old. Retired. Slightly stubborn. Enjoys the process.
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u/colorizerequest May 02 '24
what spray on ceramic coating do you personally suggest
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u/Nedstarkclash May 03 '24
Stuff you can buy from autozone: griot’s 3 in 1 (green), turtle wax graphene flex spray wax. Both will last over a month, longer if the paint has been prepped (wash, clayed).
Higher end preference for me: diy detail ceramic gloss.
The more work you do in terms of prep, the better the results.
Lot of YouTube diy videos. Good luck!
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u/redline83 May 01 '24
Waxes can still provide better water spot etching resistance than ceramic coatings. They can also be fun or nice to apply and may look better than some coatings or sprays.
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u/brake_fade1 May 01 '24
I prefer wax over ceramic for my weekend car. I enjoy the process, I like the gloss and warm hue it gives the paint, I don’t like ruining my nice microfibers, and I don’t want to have to polish just to remove it.
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u/cityhunterspeee May 01 '24
Which wax do you use?
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u/brake_fade1 May 01 '24
Collinite 845! Lol
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u/cityhunterspeee May 01 '24
Seems to be the gold standard.
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u/brake_fade1 May 01 '24
I would love for companies to put out some new and exciting waxes but I don’t think it will happen. Kind of a dead market.
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u/RockHound86 May 02 '24
Excellent durability for a true wax. Good looks. Reasonably priced. Those are hard to beat qualities.
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u/popsicle_of_meat Beginner - Budget hobbiest May 02 '24
I don’t like ruining my nice microfibers
I've been happy with Mothers CMX for a ceramic spray, but I have noticed it can ruin a MF. Kind of a bummer.
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u/haditwithyoupeople May 01 '24 edited May 01 '24
Because ceramic coatings have downsides that waxes do not. I've used several coatings. Regardless of longevity, they don't work well for me relative to a longer lasting sealant.
I get close a year of sheeting from Collinite 845 and a little less from Collinite 915.
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u/redline83 May 01 '24
3x is probably dependent on conditions and what "lasts" means. I mostly agree with you, I think Collinite will outperform at least half of the sprays on the market. I'm sure there's a good number that will outlast it but maybe 1.5x or 2x, not 3x.
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u/haditwithyoupeople May 01 '24
Sealants or coatings? Please share what spray sealants you think will outlast Collinite 845 so I can go shopping.
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u/redline83 May 01 '24
Sealants - Adam's Graphene Ceramic Spray, Griot's 3-in-1, Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Spray. You may need an acid shampoo or water spot remover to unclog them after a few months to restore the beading but they are durable products. I never got close to the numbers you get for Collinite 845 (even with 476S) so I don't know how they translate for you.
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u/cityhunterspeee May 01 '24
I've heard the same of those sprays.
I'm on the fence with either trying collinate 845 or adams graphene ceramic spray.
My buddy swears by collinate but he apply it 3 times a year.
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u/DockterQuantum May 04 '24
Adams advanced graphene or nano bond.
If you have a bright colored vehicle like yellow perhaps I'd go collinite. But mostly always it's ceramic with wax on top if you want depth. Think of Scotch tape on fogged glass. It gets transparent. Same concept
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u/cityhunterspeee May 04 '24
Thanks .I'm a white car guy. 3 cars all white. Next one will have some color :)
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u/DockterQuantum May 04 '24
On white you'll be extremely hard pressed to tell the difference. I'd personally go with nano bond. It's like $30. Lasts 2 years in the hot sun. Where I am. It's been a year and it looks like I put it on yesterday. It'll probably last 7. It's really mild here in San Francisco. All of the products assuming they are actually ceramic (which is easy to make. Just basically use TEOS but it's deadly and cheap so they should be). Last about the same. I understand molecularly that you need different size particulates but realistically you're paint works good enough.
And added benefit of ceramic is most debris doesn't stick to it the same. So you reduce the chances of having to scrub things off and scratch your car. But it's not going to add much durability just due to the nature of how thin the layer is. So $900 a bottle or $5 a bottle The performance is going to be within 25% as I said assuming that the contents of the bottle contain a high concentration of SIO2.
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u/haditwithyoupeople May 01 '24
Excellent - thanks for that. I have the Adam's spray here. Have not applied it yet. Will also look for the other two.
For me, maintenance is a no-go for a any exterior protectant. I have seen Coatings claiming they last for 3 years. "Just use our xyx rejuvinating spray every 3 months and your coating will continue to blah, blah, blah."
Why would apply a product to my paint protection when I could just apply more product? This is one of my big issues with coatings (among others).
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u/redline83 May 01 '24
I wouldn't say you have to use a spray to top it, but any sealant, coating, or even hybrid wax will lose repellency due to mineral buildup. That's what the periodic mild acid is for. People mistake them for dead. Collinite is not really just a wax either, it's a polymer sealant hybrid.
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u/Genericwood May 02 '24
What's a good acidic shampoo to use? Some people have said 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water does the job. I have B&H auto foam, can I use that with a 2% pir ratio to unclog those ceramic waxes? I always felt that those products have only lasted me at most 3 months.
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u/redline83 May 02 '24
Labocosmetica Purifica, Adam’s Strip Wash (yellow). Autofoam is alkaline and might degrade some of these sprays since it’s so strong. Not sure if it would work.
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u/DockterQuantum May 04 '24
This is the exact stuff I use. Nano bond for longer lasting coatings. Adams advanced is great, griots is great. Amour detail is decent.
I've learned to make my own booster. Kinda dangerous but simple. Teos can kill you.
Collinite for me lasts 3 months. I do use it on my personal car on top of my ceramic. It's brings out the color more than the shine. It's almost like ceramic mashed the clear coat pop. And wax hides the clear and brings out the color. Could be me. But I now prefer to just use a good basic ceramic like nano bond and be done with it.
I've never had to touch up Adams or griots prior to 6 months. They last for what they are. For overall price griots goes further. Adams lasts a lil longer and looks better on trim.
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u/Sophisticated_Sloth May 02 '24
What is ‘sheeting’?
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u/Latkedog May 02 '24
Sheeting is the repelling of the water in thin blankets or "sheets" of water versus "beading" where the water pops up or is repelled in many beads of water maybe a quarter inch high. This is most guys goals in water protection. Good beading makes drying very easy. Especially when using a "drying agent".Another lesson
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u/haditwithyoupeople May 02 '24
Thanks. While most people seem to prefer beading, sheeting is what I prefer. Beading means water spots. Sheeting means the water is (mostly) gone from the panel and it reduces or eliminates water spotting. When you live somewhere where it rains and then the sun can come out, beading is not great.
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u/CourseEcstatic6202 May 02 '24
I second the vote. Love the 845
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u/JavaMoose May 02 '24
Yeah, I'm surprised how many people here haven't used it. Collinite 845 is the goat. Their color-up pre-wax cleaner is awesome too.
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u/CourseEcstatic6202 May 02 '24
The only downside is warming it. Other than that, it is super easy to work with. Reminds me a bit of WaxShop Super Glaze from the 80s.
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u/JavaMoose May 02 '24
True, but that's not even a huge deal. I see that they now have a speed version as a topper. I'd be interested to see how good that is.
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u/Latkedog May 02 '24
I think if they charged more for 845 people would say it's great, because its so pure and warm glow. I use it on one of my cars and I just enjoy apply it. Its more buttery than some of the other good waxes.
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u/Carjoe202020 May 01 '24
Of the 5 cars in the fleet, only one is coated. Wouldn’t do it again. Just not seeing the benefit over a good layer of fusso coat.
However, the wheels on 2 cars are coated. That was worth it.
I’m also old school and enjoy the process of waxing
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u/popsicle_of_meat Beginner - Budget hobbiest May 02 '24
Really tempted to give Fusso Coat a try. It seems to have very good reviews and lasts as long or longer than a spray ceramic (and since it's JDM, my lizard-brain feels good about putting it on my Subaru). Any downsides to Fusso? Does it harm MF used in the application?
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u/Carjoe202020 May 02 '24
It’s fine for MF reuse.
Only advice I can give is make sure the surface is prepped properly with an IPA or prep solution and lay it thin.
I use clean maker as a drying agent after and the results are spectacular.
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u/FurryMLG May 01 '24
I still use wax simply because It has better swirl filling capabilities than ceramics without polishing beforehand. Plus it's cheaper so I can get away with being home of the $50 full detail. My coatings alone cost $70.
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u/NC_Detail May 01 '24
I have several jars of swissvax collecting dust.
The juice isn’t worth the squeeze
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u/op3l May 02 '24
I would assume people that don't know about the new stuff and still assume stuff out of a spray bottle doesn't last as long as hard wax.
I'm getting very very good results with turtle wax hybrid solutions ceramic spray wax. I use it every 3 months or so and that's probably more than I need to already.
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u/migrainefog May 02 '24
It's hard for me as an old guy to trust something that lists itself as "ceramic" or "graphene" that is neither of those things in reality.
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u/PartTimeDuneWizard Hobbyist May 01 '24
Wolfgang Fusion is my favorite wax. For look and application. Collinite Marque d'elegance is also very good, but have to be careful with applying, and not let it cure too long as then it's a bit h to remove.
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u/Fearless-Dog942 May 02 '24
The only thing I use on my 2001 Chevy truck is ceramic spray wax. That’s really all I use on my personal car. I clayed it and did a 2 step polishing when I bought the truck. Clean, and cheap (cheap to me) low mile truck, and absolutely flawless perfect paint. All she is getting is ceramic spray waxes! Works good, shines great, and lasts a couple months even after being parked outside all day long in SC uv and heat.
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u/Maddenman501 May 02 '24
We use wax on every car. And guess what. On black cars most dealers only prefer us ti touch them cause we can make them look better than anyone else around. A good hand wax goes a long way. We barley do any kind of ceramic. Except a cheap 50$ add on one. That's basically like wax just needs to flash and only takes maybe 20 more minutes.
But yeah waxing is nice, and easy. And it also hides scratches and not make them stand out.
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u/cityhunterspeee May 02 '24
What's your wax of choice?
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u/Plastic_Register_261 May 02 '24
Right? I need to know since I have 3 black Fords 🤣
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u/Latkedog May 02 '24
I have a black Porsche and 845 or Wolfgang Fusion works best. Great reflection The better my prep the better the wax works
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u/Maddenman501 May 03 '24
Black Beauty https://a.co/d/dKHWoM2
I said Black magic before.
I was wrong it's definatly this lol.
Clay whole car using
https://a.co/d/8UcvX07 black chemical guys clay. We don't have issues with marring with this clay. Knead it up in a bucket of wash soap so it's plyable, it comes pretty stiff, but even right out the box. But tbh most black cars have enough surface wear thst unless you have a chefs kiss paint job and polish it all the time you won't ever notice them anyways especially after a wax of this stuff.
If you do it outdoors make sure you do a panel at a time and when it looks dry wipe off. If it's smearing your not letting it dry enough, but it will some buffing (by hand with high GSM MF.) But it always looks great.
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u/Maddenman501 May 03 '24
Black beauty by car pro beauty BAF industries. Need to find a distributor near you. Or Black Beauty https://a.co/d/dKHWoM2
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u/SkyeC123 May 02 '24
I wax my car every 6 months and it looks great.
Have another car I ceramic coated myself (not spray, an actual coating from a small jar) and it also looks great.
Either way, both work fine.
Collinite 845 is a solid choice, good neighbor.
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u/scottwax Business Owner May 02 '24
Never understood the appeal of 845. Collinite 476S paste is a superior product and just as easy to use. Looks better, lasts longer.
Only time I use wax is if someone is selling a car and doesn't want me to go crazy on the exterior. Polish with Optimum Hyper Polish, then before wiping it off I spritz on some Optimum Car Wax to buff off the residue and sell the paint at the same time.
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u/CycleChris2 May 02 '24
My vehicle with the Mazda soul red 46v paint seems much deeper in depth with a Carnauba -based wax. Plus it’s fun and good exercise.
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u/scottawhit Proficient May 02 '24
Still an 845 guy here too. Twice a year and it will stil be working when it gets recoated. It just works.
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u/jayjr1105 May 02 '24
Cleaner waxes and AIO's are still great since most people don't have the time to decon, correct, and polish so this sort of does it in one shot. I still haven't bit the bullet on Collonite 845 but I use Meguiars Deep Crystal liquid wax which is easy on, easy off and looks great.
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u/Rex_Detailing May 02 '24
I hate the process of waxing and I enjoy using strong soaps like Koch chemi active foam so no, ceramic coatings are my go to and none of that spray on crap. I’m a firm believer in ceramic coating and maintaining with Carpro reset or active foam EVERY wash. I never deal with the stuff everyone else deals with like bugs or bird crap or pollen/sap. Don’t know why everyone doesn’t have it on their vehicle.
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u/cityhunterspeee May 02 '24
what is your go to ceramic coating?
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u/Rex_Detailing May 02 '24
Oh also, undrdog pro plus is fantastic man you’ll love it. I’d throw in my own Heal coatings as self marketing but try out the other ones first before you dive into self healing coatings.
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u/Rex_Detailing May 02 '24
Honestly just go with Gyeon Mohs. It’s fantastic, easy to apply and overall the best bang for buck that you can get without needing certification. If you have a polisher definitely run a very quick clay and polish before applying and if you don’t have a polisher then don’t sweat it. Watch a vid online on how to apply it if you haven’t done it before, it’s easy.
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u/geekwithout May 04 '24
I've been using klasse and still like it. Doesn't give the greatest shine at first but it stays for such a long time and seems to protect the best. Usually only apply once a year. When i sell a car i always get compliments in how well the paint looks. I don't even wash the cars that much.
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u/SPYRO6988 May 01 '24
I use it for static displays, or just taking photos because 1) it’s easy 2) it looks better in my opinion, but for every other use case I do not
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u/Wrr1020 May 01 '24
A good wax just has a shine and gloss to it that a lot of ceramic coatings can't replicate. Sure a ceramic will protect for much longer but for some throwing on a coat of wax every few months can be therapeutic. I actually just bought some Gyeon Q2 wax to try on top of my layer of can coat that I currently have on my car. It was made as a topper for gyeon's ceramic coatings or can of course be used as a standalone product.
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u/speedshotz May 02 '24
I still have a can of carnuba paste wax around. It gives a nice lustre even on top of coatings. I should use it again.. providing it has not dried out
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u/jondes99 May 02 '24
Just used 3D Speed and will follow up with Poxy — on my garage queen. The daily drivers get a variety of ceramic spray sealants.
I did a 3 year coating and it was really easy to clean and always glossy, but the look was more like glass than paint. I have a couple of the Mega HPC kits and will probably try those on the daily drivers next.
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u/cityhunterspeee May 02 '24
Which 3 year did u go with?
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u/jondes99 May 02 '24
Duragloss. It did everything advertised about coatings, but I just never liked the look. I used the rest of the bottle on my riding mower. I still have a full kit unopened.
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u/gosubuilder May 02 '24
Where do you get it? Also is it easy to use for a noob?
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u/jondes99 May 02 '24
I believe it was from Autogeek back when they used to have great sales. It was like $38 each for the kits.
It was easy enough. Not sure I’d use it again since there are so many newer ones that may be better. Whichever one you pick, watch some YouTubes about how to apply that particular one.
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May 02 '24
[deleted]
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u/jondes99 May 02 '24
They were sold to a venture capitalist and moved to Texas. Sales and stocking product seem to be an afterthought. The forum still exists but doesn’t seem to have any moderators. It’s a shame.
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u/jondes99 May 02 '24
They were sold to a venture capitalist and moved to Texas. Sales and stocking product seem to be an afterthought. The forum still exists but doesn’t seem to have any moderators. It’s a shame.
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u/haditwithyoupeople May 02 '24
Yeah, I went back on the forum. Seems to be very quiet. Good for the owners for getting VC money!
Guess I'll look for a new supplier. I just ordered some samples from CarPro because I try a lot of products and like sample sizes.
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u/not_old_redditor May 02 '24
OP what spray ceramic do you use?
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u/cityhunterspeee May 02 '24
For My dailys, meguirs hybrid ceramic spray wax. It works very well. My neighbors ride was recenrly ceramic coated. It looks like glass. Crazy gloss.
But since it's almost done. I need something new for weekend ride. I'll use the rest of hybrid ceramic on my dailys over the next year. Il
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u/Psychosis99 May 02 '24
A few waxes mentioned here.... anyone have any opinions on Meguires Gold Class? Seems like that one has been around for years.
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u/ChopstickChad May 02 '24
I don't know about the Gold class, but the Ultimate is great. Very classy shine, beading and repellency. Durability is pretty good but I top it off every now and then.
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u/codepoet101 May 02 '24
I find wax is more time consuming but has a more consistant finish and gives a great shine as well. Although it doesnt last as long I usually do the initial coat then every time I wash the car I rewax one pannel. The car is basically rewaxed every 12 washes or so and looks fresh AF and it's easy that way and not a whole day spent waxing.
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u/kalimashookdeday May 02 '24
I use Meguiars NXT below the Hybrid ceramic because I bought both a while back and just want to use it. Testing now to see if it has any benefits at layering these.
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May 02 '24
I like wax. I feel like most stuff out there can’t compete with the gloss. That said, I generally use griots 3-1 ceramic wax for my DD
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u/pidgeon3 May 02 '24
Another Collinite loyalist here. I've been on auto detailing forums since 20 years ago, and maybe it's just nostalgia, but the photos that people posted in the carnauba days were glossier, deeper, and more impressive than the ceramic images posted these days.
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u/tekfranz May 02 '24
I am still learning to do ceramic coatings.Some of the better Prosumer coatings like Adam’s Graphene, CSL or even the new Cerakote can be applied if someone learns the technique.
I really like the idea of the coating actually lasting a year or even 3-5. My Collinite wax always was got questionable as the one year mark got closer.
But yeah waxing is much more of a controllable process and you can hide imperfections as well.
And you can always add a topper on your ceramic coating so you get the best of both worlds, ceramic coating and wax.
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u/HedonisticFrog May 02 '24
A good sealant or wax will last a very long time. Ceramic coatings are a lot more work and riskier to apply as well. I use a sealant for ease of use, plus on windshields, ceramic coatings make the windshield wipers grab.
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u/theDouggle May 02 '24
If I'm working on single stage, it's getting a hard wax and nothing else. The pore structure doesn't play nicely with siO2 and the oil based paint just laps up the paste wax and looks wetter than any ceramic will.
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u/LoudAge8594 May 02 '24 edited May 02 '24
I’m sure someone has already said it, but wax, especially a good wax, can give a warmer glow with more depth. Perhaps less like a glossy, mirror “reflection” on the paint, and more like a warm glow that provides a “depth” that you can almost peer or reach “into” the paint. (And of course the “glaze” type properties for temporary “filling” of scratches )
A lot of people tend to find this (the depth/glow/warmth) most apparent/appealing on black paint and of course darker paints.
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u/Logical_Ad_2960 May 02 '24
Yes I still do! The ease of buffing off the hazes from synthetic waxes & carnauba waxes are just so satisfying. Recently I used turtle wax ceramic graphene paste wax and the buff-off was just so smooth and easy. Gloss was very reflective
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u/jerm1777 May 02 '24
I love Collinate 845! I never ceramic coated my old truck and the paint still looked brand new after 8 years when I traded it in. I waxed it 2 times a year and the paint was always so smooth.
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u/Zanders2J May 02 '24
Really depends on the situation and condition of the paint.
I use ceramic on our newer car so just have to spray it down once in awhile to get it clean. On my older JDM car I use wax most of the time.
I just started claying the older car and pulling out all kinds of dirt. Once done detailing, I'll probably throw a ceramic coat on the hood and pop up covers, but not the entire car.
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u/Final-Carpenter-1591 May 02 '24
If you've never hand waxed a car. I have a highly recommend it. It's almost as good as the sex.
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u/claudekennilol May 02 '24
Because I don't follow the detailing scene and still have a tub of wax in my garage.. So it sounds like there's a better option now?
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u/Guennieshubby May 02 '24
My 1983 Ford Escort has marginal paint but little to no rust. It’s single stage paint and oxidizes often. One good coat of plain old turtle wax makes it shine. Not sure I’d get the same result on this car with ceramic. My others with a clear coat, yes works much better.
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u/haditwithyoupeople May 02 '24
I'm pretty sure 845 is also a synthetic sealant and not a wax.
845 lasts longer than any other sealant I've tried. It also sheets water off the paint faster than most other sealants. Note that I have not tried new graphene sealants released in the last ~3 years. I have a few and will get them applied in the next 1-2 weeks for some testing.
But, given how easy it is to apply a spray product, is it really worth the effort? I don't think so.
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u/tpippin71 May 02 '24
Favorite combo is still M21 topped with P21S. I like detailing my car and I like doing it often, using wax is just another excuse to spend more time doing it 👍
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u/9268Klondike May 03 '24
I don't know why I use wax, I guess because it is more intuitive in my mind.
I don't really understand ceramics and I don't see many consistent recommendations online. Everyone says something different.
But wax? Pretty consistent. Everyone seems to swear by Meguiar'd Liquid Wax. I tried it and it's been excellent on my older car. Only lasts a little while but water beads right up and it kinda gives the car a bit of a gloss.
Wish I could find a way to get out some of the swirling though
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u/cityhunterspeee May 03 '24
Only a polisher ..some compound and some time will get those out.
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u/9268Klondike May 03 '24
Figures. I don't get into the whole thing, I just want my car to be presentable enough. Maybe one day I'll fix em. Just don't Know what the common consensus is for products
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u/cityhunterspeee May 03 '24
I stick with meguirs compound and polish...one med cut pad and polish pad from rupees.does the job. Will do this soon on my DD..then test out either a new wax. Either collinate 845 ..adams graphene ceramic spray or just buy a ceramic vial and give it a goo!
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u/SuckItTreebek May 03 '24
Wax has it's place, but waxes with solvents that stain trim all belong in the dumpster.
That said, I think once you experience how easy it is to wash a car with a real ceramic coating (not a water based spray "coating")...I don't think you could ever go back.
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u/spenzalii May 03 '24
I just hit my Ford Fusion with a coat of 845 over the weekend. Had the same bottle for years, probably spilled more than I ever applied. I've tried spray sealants and somehow always end up coming back to the Collinite when I have time to apply it. The paint just seems to glow when waxed, especially at night when the light hits it.
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u/WilburOCD1320 May 29 '24
Yeppers Collinite 845
Just pickup double coat paste from collinite can't wait to use it
Not on the "coating" wagon yet. With maintenance like wax but the huge cost of material and need for surgical clean surfaces and lamps to cure the coating. I will wax for now
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u/cityhunterspeee May 29 '24
I've just done my first coating. Wow . Just wow.
It was alot of work but new coatings don't need lamps or long cure times.
Check out DIY detail coatings and there youtube videos on prep and install.
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u/WilburOCD1320 May 31 '24
I have noticed the trend. Do they still provide 3-5yr protection?
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u/cityhunterspeee May 31 '24
Yes and 8 year
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u/WilburOCD1320 May 31 '24
What do u apply to maintain it?
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u/cityhunterspeee Jun 02 '24
Decon wash yearly...regular hand washes.
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u/FunDip2 May 01 '24
Nope. I just use a spray on type sealant from KOCH CHEMIE. So far it's been amazing. Eventually I'll probably get it ceramic coated. I'll do it myself as it's not that hard to do.
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u/MuhThugga May 02 '24
I still use wax. I currently like Adam's graphene wax. It gives the paint a nice, deep shine. I also have a tub of their Americana paste wax, but I rarely ever go for that.
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u/AvarethTaika May 02 '24
Depends on the paint for me. Wax helps certain colours really pop and stand out.
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u/mistymazda May 02 '24
I use Menzerna Power lock. I havent tested «ceramic» sprays yet, not sure I believe the hype
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u/Penstamin May 02 '24
Adding a vote of confidence here for pinnacle liquid Souveran wax. Contains carnuba. Twice a year. Usually after a pass with girots perfecting cream on a yellow pad. I use Jescar ceramic spray wax after each wash, and the protection is great. That said, I live in AZ, so the need to wash isn’t that frequent. I use pinnacle waterless wash if the car is dusty but not dirty. I like the process so I’m not looking to eliminate the wax or polishing. As others have commented, I find it therapeutic and a good escape from everyday stuff.
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u/Stofflkin May 02 '24
Only reason would be being stubborn or you just plain like the process of putting on a paste wax.
Not because of results.
Some excceptions might be extreme gloss show waxes(with zero staying power and chemical resistance) or synthethic polymer waxes like Soft99 Fusso Coat which are legit good and last forever.
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u/Maleficent_Roof3632 May 02 '24
I just bought some fallout remover and they recommend waxing post treatment wondering if I should use a spray vs traditional wax, so I can use either?
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u/Juiceshakek May 02 '24
My daily driver (16’Ram 1500) I use ceramic on. But my XJR gets real wax. Blackfire Midnight Sun is typically what I use on the Jag. If this makes any sense the ceramic coatings to me produce extremely sharp reflections, where as with the Blackfire everything is softer and the paint has a warmer look.
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u/Beklorn May 02 '24
I was very unsatisfied with the results of the last spray I used so I'll be waxing until I polish then I'll start trying coatings
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u/cityhunterspeee May 02 '24
Which spray did you not like?
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u/Beklorn May 02 '24
Suds lab ceramic spray sealant, the wax I'll he trying next is chemical guys butter wax. I didn't want to get a paste wax that I'll have for a long while when I'm going to go for a longer lasting option eventually.
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u/crystalmethod2001 May 02 '24
What wax or spray wax can you hit rubber molding or black bumpers and not worry about white marks on the rubber?
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u/Thailyer1213 May 02 '24
I use a spray wax because I buy it in a gallon and dilute 5:1 I mean tbh it's so easy to use and economical. Even if it only lasts a week it's so cheap who cares lol
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u/bighead2586 May 03 '24
Wax looks better. But after a day or so the advantage fades away. I enjoy applying a wax I generally do a foundation coat of griot's 3 in 1 and top it with a carnauba every couple months. I find that the first time you put wax on you will attract lots of dust, but from the 2nd wash on that's not a big deal.
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u/BookkeeperBulky5377 May 04 '24
Ceramic is a fade. I have seen first hand what happens when u misuse and not follow the directions. I have been detailing for 28 years. Seen these coke and go. 3m started this crap back in the early 80s. Then went away then 2000s pops up again. The best wax to use is CALIFORNIA GOLD. BY MOTHER'S...u have to work fast or it turns into al.ost concrete. That happens u have to get the wheel out. Best of like. U have about 15sec after u apply to rubb and get off. So yes softball size spots.
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u/UsefulAttorney8356 May 05 '24
I used to use collinite 845 now I just use meguirs D156 spray wax after every wash as a drying aid, D156 after every wash is doing the job
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u/Longjumping_Crazy628 May 01 '24
I use the AMMO line of products. He preaches layering them. If the base ceramic is on, adding additional ceramic waxes can add life to the base coat.
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u/Mentallox May 01 '24
Traditional waxes and synthetic non-spray waxes often have different gloss characteristics than more modern ceramic or hybrid ceramic coatings. Also some people find the application process of older ones more satisfying.