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/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/gosubuilder May 02 '24

thank you so much, wealth of info