Awsome polish.

[RED R8]

Just a quik post to let you guys know (you may already) on the w/end I tried about my 8th different polish some of then top shelf products and have finally found it the best high gloss finish by far It was mequires tech wax it is a yellow carnuba wax .I also have a new Kj jeep Ltd cherokee in dark garnet a deep burgandy colour and the tech wax gave it the most brilliant shine I have ever seen and my VYSS in quiksilver ) has an awsome shine now as well so I thought I would share my love of this wax. ;)

[Marco]

Completely agree - I used to use Meguiars Gold Class Wax and recently switched to Tech Wax and it's a whole new world of shine. Gave brilliant results on a blue-grey Astra and a silver Vectra. I'd love to see it on a black car, would be just phenomenal.

[BLACK 346]

Has anyone seen Meguiars professional series? Saw them
yesterday for the first time. They are Tan/cream coloured
containers and each one is about $38.

Edit: Damn you guys, I already have a shed full of
used once discarded waxes and polishes and now
I want to try this one :lol:

[RED R8]

Trust me BLACK346 you wont be sorry I seriuosly cant believe the shine espesually the dark coloured jeep best $24 I ever spent and the more you polish the more it shines it will build up which alot of polishes dont.

[BLACK 346]

Trust me BLACK346 you wont be sorry I seriuosly cant believe the shine espesually the dark coloured jeep best $24 I ever spent and the more you polish the more it shines it will build up which alot of polishes dont.

I am almost certain that most waxes that I have used
are gone after the first wash. So is this a polish or
a wax?

[VZSS250]

Stop polishing new cars people, in three or four years your paintwork is going to be rooted. Also, I cant imagine why a new car needs a polish.

[RED R8]

What tha!!! I have always polished all my cars we are not cut and polishing just a good polish after 8 years in the car industry and seeing many 10-20 year old cars being traded the ones that had a regular coat of polish were by far in better cond than cars without a good polish it builds a barrier between your paint and contaminents such as bird crap air bourne pollution deisel fumes(everytime you are behind a bus or truck) I often go 4w4ing and because of the regular polish my jeep gets I have less scratches and mud and sand etc washes off without staining alot of car wash detergents remove natural oils in paints serface so you need to replace them with a good polish.Ask anyone with a show car thats 10 or so years old with factory paint if its ever been polished and I can garantee your answer.

[OzMystic]

Going to try some after that kind of build up. I've always used the Meguairs Deep Crystal product. Should look good on the black clubby if it's as good as you say...........

[daza]

Tech wax gives a good look but I have found it to be a little less durable than stated. I wash the car once a week and found the polish to only last 6 weeks before it needs reapplication. I have found that if used in conjunction with Autoglym extra gloss protection it gives a much better shine that seems to last much longer (9 weeks so far and I reckon it will be good for another 2 by the looks of it). Just my experence with Tech wax.
Cheers

By the way the car is Impulse Blue.

[VooDoo]

Try Swissol polished (if you can find em). Used on Porsche's, Rolls royce etc.

At $300+ a kit its not cheap but its damn good. Ill get some photo's of before and after on my car soon.

(btw, the top end polish from Swissol is $3000+)


www.swissol.com

Its in a league above meguires.

[vh-holden]

Edit: Damn you guys, I already have a shed full of
used once discarded waxes and polishes and now
I want to try this one :lol:

if you don't want them, i'll take them, mix them together and market the secret mix as "blend 43 racing polish"

[PepeLePew]

Just a quik post to let you guys know (you may already) on the w/end I tried about my 8th different polish some of then top shelf products and have finally found it the best high gloss finish by far It was mequires tech wax it is a yellow carnuba wax .I also have a new Kj jeep Ltd cherokee in dark garnet a deep burgandy colour and the tech wax gave it the most brilliant shine I have ever seen and my VYSS in quiksilver ) has an awsome shine now as well so I thought I would share my love of this wax. ;)

Ang on, is it Tech Wax (as in the new acrylic product) or yellow wax (the older carnauba product)?

Me confused.

[Calais Clint]

i work for Super Cheap Auto in Cranbourne and id have to say out of the hundreds of polishes we sell the new Meguirs Tech wax is by far the best ive seen and used, i get free samples of all the new products hehehe

[RED R8]

Ang on, is it Tech Wax (as in the new acrylic product) or yellow wax (the older carnauba product)?

Me confused.



Sorry it is tech wax.

[Clutchboy]

Has anyone seen Meguiars professional series? Saw them
yesterday for the first time. They are Tan/cream coloured
containers and each one is about $38.

Yep.....Use that polish myself. Maybe I should say USED TO. Looks like I will be trying Tech Wax now!

[Clutchboy]

Try Swissol polished (if you can find em). Used on Porsche's, Rolls royce etc.

At $300+ a kit its not cheap but its damn good. Ill get some photo's of before and after on my car soon.

(btw, the top end polish from Swissol is $3000+)


www.swissol.com

Its in a league above meguires.

Where do you get it?

[downbylaw]

Yeah the tech wax is good shite. In my oppinion anyway

[markone2]

Try Swissol polished (if you can find em). Used on Porsche's, Rolls royce etc.

At $300+ a kit its not cheap but its damn good. Ill get some photo's of before and after on my car soon.

(btw, the top end polish from Swissol is $3000+)


www.swissol.com

Its in a league above meguires.


While it is true there are some exceptional polishes on the market..at the end of the day the amount of lustre is depentant on one thing..the preperation of the paint under that polish.....as was noted on one Calais parked at a Carindale car wash last Friday while the owner refreshed :beer: after a hard day out playing with Gen111's

[xshore]

Stop polishing new cars people, in three or four years your paintwork is going to be rooted. Also, I cant imagine why a new car needs a polish.

Can you explain what you mean by rooted ? By paint work I assume you mean the clear topcoat ? I would have thought the majority of people use a polish, and only diehards like us use waxes.

[RED R8]

I had to first prepare my paint with mequires particle remover clay as my car had rail dust on the paint from the journey from sydney to perth and the clay took my paint from rough to absolutely smooth then the tech wax was applied and whoa baby shinny as.

[jed55]

Got a bottle of it a couple of weeks ago. Was going to get some scratch X to see if I could get rid of the swirl marks that were developing but saw this one so thought I would try it out.

Easy to apply and get off and the swirl marks gone. I'm rapt with it. Cost was $38 at the local Big W.

Cheers, John D

[kryten2001]

From a longtime waxer (and rare polisher), I personally think it's utter bollocks that you'll root your paint up by polshing/waxing.

I've only ever really looked after my new cars (and therefore have never polished), but most of these new products are virtually non-abrasive. (Hell, even air running over your car when parked is technically abrasive).

I'd rather polish once a year and wax 4 times a year than let my car sit out in the elements, being exposed to UV, bird shit and road grime. I cannot beleive for a moment that taking care of paint is worse than not taking care of it.

Tech wax is a great product (I hear), but it also comes down to personal preference. Some people like Mothers, some Meguairs (I like Meguairs).. Some like Carnauba and some like synthetics... Personally I _love_ Meguair's gold class wax (esp the new formula), but whatever floats your boat.... It's more imporatant to use a quality product that YOU prefer OFTEN than to use one that everybody else reckons is the dogs bollocks once in a blue moon.

Just keep clear of the kitten rubbish. I've probably waxed my car half a dozen times over the course of the last year (which some would say is excessive) and it's only cost me a bottle and a half of wax. Less then $40 I'd say... Cheap as chips to keep it looking brand new... (Better than brand new actually)....

Lots of elbow grease though!!!

[RED R8]

I have mostly in the last 6 months used Meguires gold class and found the tech wax better (by far) so I can give you a direct comparison I also polish about 4-5 times a year kriton2001 you wont know until you tried it but hey each to there own.

[kryten2001]

I have mostly in the last 6 months used Meguires gold class and found the tech wax better (by far) so I can give you a direct comparison I also polish about 4-5 times a year kriton2001 you wont know until you tried it but hey each to there own.

Yeah I might have to give it a stab. One thing tech wax is known for is removing swirls.

Gold glass though, is a semi-polish as well as a wax.....

You're right, each to his own. I guess it's like coffee or smokes, when you stick to a brand, you usually do for life!

It's like I said before though, it's more important you use something YOU like often.. The often part is the key...

[cap302]

I have tried several different polishes and waxes,including mothers and meguires,but have found that P21s carnubra wax is the best for the show glass look,its hard to get in Australia and reasonable expensive.

[BLACK 346]

I notice 2 people have said it removes swirls? If it is removing swirls
then it aint a wax, it must have some sort of abrasive quality. It
may be masking the swirls, but a wax is only a protectant so would
not remove them.

[Woodman]

Can I ask, what is the best type of rag to use for waxing? Do you wax on with one and wipe with another?

cheers

[kryten2001]

I notice 2 people have said it removes swirls? If it is removing swirls
then it aint a wax, it must have some sort of abrasive quality. It
may be masking the swirls, but a wax is only a protectant so would
not remove them.

Yeah possibly, I dunno - I've only gone by what many have read/said, including the manufacturers.

I don't use it though - I'm a bit of a gold class nut, and thankfully - so far no swirls to worry about, even in full sun.

[BLACK 346]

Yeah possibly, I dunno - I\'ve only gone by what many have read/said, including the manufacturers.

I don\'t use it though - I\'m a bit of a gold class nut, and thankfully - so far no swirls to worry about, even in full sun.

Keep looking after her and hopefully you shouldn\'t get any :)

[VYSHSV8]

Completely agree - I used to use Meguiars Gold Class Wax and recently switched to Tech Wax and it's a whole new world of shine. Gave brilliant results on a blue-grey Astra and a silver Vectra. I'd love to see it on a black car, would be just phenomenal.

WE have been using it for ages in conjunction with tech wash works a treat
here is a pic of my car and this is a fter the third wash after wax gets waxed every month hope you enjoy

[LSX-438]

Can I ask, what is the best type of rag to use for waxing? Do you wax on with one and wipe with another?

cheers

the mequires foam applicator pad is pretty good, and use a quality microfibre polishing towel to take off

[BLACK 346]

Can I ask, what is the best type of rag to use for waxing? Do you wax on with one and wipe with another?

cheers

Personally I use either Meguiars applicator pads or cheese cloth to
put the stuff on, and a Meguiars Polishing mit to remove it.

[VYSHSV8]

try again here a photo

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/VYSHSV8/low1.jpg

[Woodman]

Thanks. ;)

[chillicatqld]

Switched to Tech Wax after using many other waxes. Got rid of most swirl marks on the black duco - as for having poish to remove swirls - it doesnt - the wax fills the swirl marks! They will return when the wax wears off. So if you wax regularly they wont come back. It has given the deepest lustre to the paint on my car yet - only problem is dust now sticks to it like s**t to tissue.
Have a squizz at my ride here after first application...
http://www.plushcreative.com.au/ftp/ls1stuff/plushute.jpg

[VooDoo]

I run a car detailing business. i can tell who polishes and who doesnt. Those that dont have the worst paint and it takes a LOT longer to wash and generally is far dirtier to begin with. Most quality polishes are not abrasive and will not damage the clear coat. The problem is most ppl dont have a clue how to look after thier cars. If paint is already oxidising and is in poor condition then a cut and polish can remove the top layer and oxidied crap, then waxing to protect whats left. On modern (new) cars doing this will destroy the clear coat and cause problems. The better the carnauba wax the better the end result. Another mistake many ppl make is not cleaning correctly prior to polishing/waxing. A wash is not enough. You need to ensure all grease, wax, dirt is completely removed as it will form a layer betten the surface of the car and the polish. Cars with a lot of watermarks and swirl marks are a sign of the lack of propper preperation. As Markone2 said, the better the underlying paint surface, the better the end result.


Divine
The world’s most exclusive car wax - specially blended for a particular car and paint.
Each year, we blend for a very limited number of collectors and enthusiasts a glaze of most exceptional quality containing over 60% by volume of ultra pure Brazilian white carnauba. It is made to order and is specially formulated to meet the paint system of one particular automobile.


https://www.swissol.com/WebBilder/WachsMistery.jpghttps://www.swissol.com/WebBilder/DivineBox.jpg

Note: this stuff is AU$3'250

[Finkazoid]

Like most of you, I too have tried Techwax but have any of you experienced the Auto Glym Extra Gloss Protection?

I tried it, and I must say the end result is very impressive. Have any of you compared the two waxes? What do you think?

[fatas]

Like most of you, I too have tried Techwax but have any of you experienced the Auto Glym Extra Gloss Protection?

I tried it, and I must say the end result is very impressive. Have any of you compared the two waxes? What do you think?
I am going to die with a sore arm ! first (step 1) wash car with a truck type wash then dry ( step 2 ) CLEAN WITH WAX AND GREASE REMOVER WHOLE CAR. (step 3 ) wash again ! and dry ( step 3) apply auto glym swirl type remover forgot the name and buff off. (step 4 )wash car or you get product build up I.E to much product on the surface.( step 5 )auto glym final top wax this is the best we have tried and we have tried many, THE MORE YOU WAX THE BETTER IT LOOKS just start it of clean and if you wax every third time you wash it you will just stand back and say LOOK AT YOU BABY.
as you can see i am a freek when it comes to a wax or polish. :)

[jsttry]

Might have to try this Tech Wax. I have been using the Megiuars Professional series (bone coloured bottles) for approx 3-4yrs and comes up a treat when taking the time and effort to apply correctly.

[cashie]

Best thing about the tech wax is how easy it is to apply and remove unlike some polishes....
I swear by the stuff.

[wasssup]

Thought I would throw my 2 cents worth in, I tried tech wax on my car for the first time the other day, with previous cars I have used meguires products. After using the tech wax.. I think I will continue using tech wax for a while. I still use the meguires paint cleaner to clean the paint prior to polish (but after wash obviously), then apply tech wax with meguires applicator pads and remove with meguires terry towel.

One suggestion, if you buy new terry toweling, put it through the wash first with some fabric softener (ask your wife/ girlfriend for this stuff) if will soften up the toweling a bit. for a while i bought a new pack of toweling with every time i polished the car - eventually you get a whole stash and makes everything easy :-)

Final thought - definate improvement in colour with use of Tech wax, brings out the metallic in the Black paint.

[RED R8]

Best part as well doesnt leave white powder on black bits like gold glass does.

[chilly]

i use Bowdens with Microfibre applicators and polishers
apply and remove straight away
leaves no white residue on rubbers
leaves no sweat...on me
last polish was Feb
being Phantom Black and daily driven....is washed 2-3 times a week
Boodoo actually commented on how shiney it looked last week ..
made my heart swell with pride, coming from a proffesional car detailer
i went straight out and polished the tyres...with One Go of course
cant wait to show him..[boodoo] :lol: :lol:

PS.. will be having a polish sale [have about 50 varieties] going cheap
00ps...could be 51 after i try Tech Wax today:cool:

[chillicatqld]

Hey Chilly - you wash your car 2-3 times a week!
Talk about anal - sheeesh thought I was bad once a week.
Now I know why we have a drought in QLD.... lol
(oh yeah - you need to go to bed earlier too!)

[Ricko]

Ive tried every product mentioned so far, (including Swissol Onyx) and the best results IMO are with that Tech Wax (which isn't a wax but an acrylic) with P21S wax over the top of it. Brilliant.

If you like you can replace the tech wax with Klasse All in One as it cleans and polishes as well.

If you just want shine, go Klasse All in One, with Klasse High Gloss sealant over the top two or three times, amazing.!!

As Voodoo said, most polishes these days use a chemical cutting action rather than abrasive. Only when you have scratches or BAD swirls should you start using an abrasive polish.

[kryten2001]

I run a car detailing business. i can tell who polishes and who doesnt. Those that dont have the worst paint and it takes a LOT longer to wash and generally is far dirtier to begin with. Most quality polishes are not abrasive and will not damage the clear coat. The problem is most ppl dont have a clue how to look after thier cars.

:teach: Word.

I think a wax costing 3 grand a bottle is probably somewhat overkill, but if you get to your car from new - wash it religiously (and that doesn't mean once in easter and another in christmas), and apply GOOD waxes like NXT, Gold Class, Mothers Carnauba or whatever - you're 95% there. The other 5% is personal preference.

I generally wash my car after every few drives (but I'm car clean psycho), or whenever there's enough visible dirt on it to notice. Anything less than that, and I use Meguairs QD (quick detailer).. Spray on, wipe off. Keeps the car looking "just waxed". Then once every 2-3 months, do a full wax.. My personal preference is Gold Class (Yes, just keep it off the trim), but NXT has just as many followers, as does a bazillion other types of good waxes and polishes.

You guys should head over to the Meguairs online forums. You can spend days in there learning the tricks and tips for car detailing, and some of those guys in there are absolute nut jobs..... Some remove wheels to polish the insides of their rims etc......

[NickS]

:teach: Word.

some of those guys in there are absolute nut jobs..... Some remove wheels to polish the insides of their rims etc......

That's why you get 19 inch, you can stick your head inside and look for anything you have missed without taking the wheel off !! :lol:

[IH8WRX]

I think most of you know by now what I do for a living :) . If you don't well I'm a refinisher with Q.L.D. TAFE qualifications, so basically I'm a glorified detailer. I can tell you all the following and I try products from all over the world and can back up my comments with my own car, and others cars off this forum that I have worked on

Turtle Wax Platinum series wax is the best "off the shelf" wax available at present, followed closely by Meguairs NXT.

Zaino is the worlds No.1 show car polish without a doubt, and has this award to it's name for the last 4yrs in the U.S.A. Turtle wax and Meguairs NXT simply don't even come close to Zaino! Zaino is a fully sythetic polish and is the only polish in the world that can be layered. Carnauba waxes can not be layered or they will streak. Also carnauba waxes are made up of a vast majority of water, which is why carnauba waxes do not last long on cars due to them drying out with the sheer heat from the sun. Synthetic polishes do not suffer from this problem. Only down side is that synthetic polishes can not obtain the same "wet look" that carnauba waxes bring out.

If you are really into the look of your cars paintwork, then you will want a deep crystal clear look. Anyone can make a car look "wet", it's the easiest thing to do on cars, however it's bloody hard to make a cars paintwork look as if you are looking into a mirror or still pond and every reflection is crystal clear. This is what judges judge on paintworks at car shows. They want to stand back 5-10mtrs and see the reflection of their watch clearly in your paint. I've tried products from all over the world and Zaino is the only one that can acheive this WHEN the cars panels are properly corrected to give maximum results.

To get maximum results from any polish/wax you must get rid of all those fine scratches and swirls, buffmarks etc. PANEL PREPERATION IS CRITICAL TO A FLAWLESS FINISH! What happens is the waxes/polishes get trapped into those marks and can not be rubbed off by hand so they stay there and dull the finish. People like me come along and can spend many hours (like 10-12 on a Commodore) taking all those marks out so you get the maximum result. ROARZ for example. Brett's car took 16hrs to bring back to life, 13hrs of that was with the buff! Some cars I have to sit there for days with 1500-2000 grit paper blocking parts back and buffing them to perfection. It's very time consumng and tedious and takes a lot of dedication to do work like that! Menzerna paint cleaner was then applied to Brett's car with 3 coats of Zaino Z2 Pro following. Long day but I'm sure he will make comment on the results, as a number of people off here have already contacted me over his cars finish. Bigafoot is another member I have performed corrective work to, whilst Maverick didn't get the extreme like his brother-in-law or Bigafoot.

Swissol is the worlds No.2 wax. It's an excellent product and the best carnauba wax in the world. It can be expensive yes but the results are good. It gives a brilliant wet look and some clarity, but it doesn't give the depth and clarity of Zaino. P21S is a cheap alternative to Swissol and gives just about the same result as the Swissol Onyx.

I will have a stand at the Q.L.D. AME show with cars on display so feel free to come and say hi and ask questions etc. In the mean time if you need help etc just ask. I haven't been on for quite some time as I lost one parent recently and still have another seriously ill in hospital due to a car accident they were in. Please forgive me if I don't answer questions straight away.

I also am the owner of IH8WRX, so if some of you have seen it around you may well know why it has the paintwork it has :) I like to back up my own skills wth my own car :)

[RED R8]

I think the secret is to have a good synthetic polish maybe every year or so and put on tech wax every month or so I also ran a car detailing company for a few years and yes some cars do need a whole lot of preperation but I would say most of the forum users cars would be a good paint to start with and yes there are better polishes available for hundreds or thousands of dollars but my goal was just to share my experience with tech wax as I also have a shed full of half used polishes and wax's and finally found one with a deep gloss,easy to use,no white residue and $22 if I have to re apply every 4-6 weeks thats fine as I quite enjoy polishing my pide and joy .
PS:best wishes to you and your family in this tough time IH8WRX all our thougts are with you.

[BLACK 346]

Sorry to hear IH8WRX, as Daz said, our thoughts are
with you.

[VXSS346]

I've been using the Meguaires Yellow Wax since I bought my VX 4 years ago, every 3-6 months.
That plus washing it every 2-3 weeks only with water (no car wash), and it still looks like brand new. People always comment on it.
No complaints from here!

[markone2]

13hrs of that was with the buff! Some cars I have to sit there for days with 1500-2000 grit paper blocking parts back and buffing them to perfection. :)


Thanx for going into the detail Rick…..I was not game to mention the word *Buff* in my previous post….content to hide behind the obscure wording of paint preperation ;) but in answer to those who have quizzed me over LRC’s paintjob it receives a 6 monthly hit with the buff and *PERFECT-IT 111 Extra Cut* followed by G.F.D polish as made and manufactured by one long lost forum member…..that’s it for six months ,bar the obligatory wash down after a track visit…..while this 2 Hour method of paint care has served me well it is lightyears away from the full Ziano treatment as detailed by IH8WRX.......a noted perfectionist and award gatherer in the art of auto presentation....

[Marco]

Anything less than that, and I use Meguairs QD (quick detailer).. Spray on, wipe off. Keeps the car looking "just waxed".

I bought a bottle of QD when Final Inspection wasn't available for a while, and for some reason, I just couldn't get the same results with it. Just wasn't satisfied with the job it did. I was very happy when Final Inspection came back onto the market :)

(Funny thing is, a Meguiars' rep once told me that QD and FI are pretty much the same product...whatever the difference is made *all* the difference to me...)

To the guys who reckon they have a dozen bottles of polish/wax sitting around unused, I'm the same. I've given away most of it to friends though, who just can't understand why I would offload a three-quarters full bottle of $10-15 car polish...

[Marco]

Should this thread be pinned as THE car polish thread?

[WHLS1]

Thanks VooDoo and IH8WRX for your input.

I moved from Meguiars Gold to NXT and I am very happy with the result.

The thing that I am really pleased with is my el cheapo GMC $39.00 random orbital buffer. I have used it for both application and removal - no risk of high speed buffer marking - so easy to use - definitely a better finish compared to the amount of elbow grease I am prepared to expend hand polishing. Do our forum detailing experts have any views re mechanical aids?

[kryten2001]

Thanks VooDoo and IH8WRX for your input.

The thing that I am really pleased with is my el cheapo GMC $39.00 random orbital buffer. I have used it for both application and removal - no risk of high speed buffer marking - so easy to use - definitely a better finish compared to the amount of elbow grease I am prepared to expend hand polishing. Do our forum detailing experts have any views re mechanical aids?

Mmmm that's interesting, that's the one thing I've not used.. So far all my work's been done by hand (and my arms are quite often ready to drop off after a 8 hour session).. Mr. Miagi style, I tell ya.... Ferkin wax on, wax off... :lol:

These orbital jobbies are supposed to be the go though, particularly with application as it allows a nice uniform application and you use far less product as well.

I should pull my finger out and get one.. What's the dope on these? Who's bought one?.. I don't mind spending the extra dough to get a good one (if there is such a thing), rather than those nasty plastic break-the-handle-off-with-pressure numbers that supercheap seem to flog.

Random speed of the pads is the most important thing, apparently.. That's what prevents buff marks which in the past, has always pushed people away from buying these things...

[VooDoo]

I'd love to be in the same league as Rick but ive seen his work and im a poor amature. I'm in the process of doing the refinisher course but his years of experiance are miles ahead of my best efforts. My car will also be at the AME Show (i have a trade stand) so come say hi if your there.

WHLS1: There is a HUGE differance between a pro with a buffer and a $39 orbital buffer. It all comes down to surface prep as mentioned. The cheap buffers help your arm but its still basicly a hand polish. Hopefully i'll get some before and after shots to show the differance (or Rick might like to)

Rick: all the best with the family mate

[IH8WRX]

Thanks VooDoo and IH8WRX for your input.

I moved from Meguiars Gold to NXT and I am very happy with the result.

The thing that I am really pleased with is my el cheapo GMC $39.00 random orbital buffer. I have used it for both application and removal - no risk of high speed buffer marking - so easy to use - definitely a better finish compared to the amount of elbow grease I am prepared to expend hand polishing. Do our forum detailing experts have any views re mechanical aids?


No worries glad to help out anytime :)

Mechanical tools i.e. rotary or orbital polishers in the right hands, with the right pads and products will give sensational results. HOWEVER in the wrong hands with the wrong pads and wrong products can be disasterous! Radom orbital buffers won't do any damage unless you leave it on one spot for 5mins and don't move it. I strongly recommend the Hitachi 5" radom orbital sander Model No. FSV13Y. It is available from Bunnings stores for about $150. It has 5 speed settings and is a great little tool! I also recommend purchasing the 3M 5&1/4" polish pad model No. 9418NA to use with the Hitachi. It's a dark gray colour and looks like the inside of an egg carton. The pad is a pure polishing pad and has no cutting ability so there for unless it's left in one spot for 5mins and not moved it won't damage the paint.

You can apply any polish you like with this method. A little secret is to spray a very very little mist of water over the polish you are applying. Always apply the polish on the car, lightly mist the water over t and then use the orbital over it BUT just lift the edge of the orbital up as you go over the polish otherwise it will go everywhere! The key is to only put down small bits of polish, about the size of a 5c coin 10-15cm apart. Trust me you will be suprised at how little polish you will go through using an orbital!

Always remove polishes by hand, using a good clean terry toweling cloth or even better good quality microfibre NOT ENYO type microfibre tho, as that will scratch!

The radom orbital buffers used with the right products and pads will get rid of those minor little scratches that look like spider web marks etc BUT remember they only fill them up, they don't remove them!

Ok now for the rotary style buff. UNLESS YOU ARE AN EXPERIENCED REFINISHER OR HAVE DONE SOME SORT OF COURSE DON'T EVEN CONTEMPLATE USING IT ON YOUR CAR AS THE RESULTS IN UNQUALIFIED HANDS CAN BE CATASTROPHIC! I have been called to many car owners locations to be told they attempted to use a rotary buff themselves and they have burnt through the paint. Nothing I can do in those cases except give them the business card of a spray painter.
A rotary buff in the right hands, once again with the right pads and products will work magic on a car, far better than an orbital! You can take the marks out of paintwork with a rotary buff, instead of just filling them up as you do with an orbital. There are special paint rejuvenation products specifically made to be used with a rotary buffer. The hotter you get some of these products the more shine and better they work but only to a certain extent and that's where training and education come into it!

Unfortunately there are to many self confessed experts in using rotary buffs and you pay your hard earned money to them only to get your car back and find it has heriffic buff marks all over it. This is what 9/10 jobs of mine are doing is removing so called other professionals "buff marks". It's caused by a number of situations, most of the time the wrong pad and product selection with to much product being used and simply the wrong pad. It's frustrating to say the least as to rectify them somethimes you have to go right back to the drawing board and start all over again to rectify the problem on a car. Buff marks are the killer of most car paint finishes when the owner is trying to acheive that flawless finish.

There is a mirid of different products out there on the market to acheive finishes. I have found once again "you pay for what you get"! If you want a concourse show class finish then you have to step up to the more expensive products, but if you're not into that and simply want to keep your car looking good with minimum care then the local car care shop is your best friend.

Hope that mumbo jumbo helps :)

JUST STEER BLOODY CLEAR OF ROTARY BUFFS UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING! :D

[WHLS1]

Thanks Guys - you can't beat expert advice.

I second Marco - make this the Car Polishing sticky.

[Marco]

So what's the difference between a rotary buffer and an orbital buffer?

[RED R8]

I bort a supa cheap orbital buff and it is very good makes job easy and fool proof good for me.

[IH8WRX]

So what's the difference between a rotary buffer and an orbital buffer?

A rotary buff spins in one direction only, clockwise. An orbital buff orbits back and forward in different directions so there is no where near the heat build up as the rotary suffers from as it's basically just sitting there spinning, where as the orbital is simply "orbiting" in different directions.

The reasons professional refinishers use the rotary over the orbital is because it allows you to get a better finish as it has more power as most professioanl finishing compounds need heat to work in conjunction with the heating up of the paint to remove defects.

It's not as easy as most people think, and is really quite involved and every car is different as no two paint manafacturers are the same and that goes for car manafacturers too.

[DCJ81]

IH8WRX & VooDoo

can i get some contact details from you guys please, think and expert polish might give mine a new lease of life. :)

[spaceman347]

There's some good info available over at http://www.waxwizard.com.au/ they also stock the swissol products for those with deep pockets

[mosanator]

IH8WRX, i wish i lived in Tweed !!! Although you would get sick of the sight of me coming around for advice. :D
But, maybe you can give me some internet help??? Please, Please. :bow:
I am sick of reading all these sites on the net and each one tells you a different thing. My head hurts. :bash: I need some unbiased advice.

My problem is WATER MARKS on Vespers Blue . I have only just got the car and whoever owned it before lived in Sydney and has obviously let water dry on the car and now i have to try and fix their neglect. :mad:

I have used a clay bar, then used paint cleaner (both meguiars) and then finished with Mothers cleaner wax (that i got for free, so i thought i would try it, as i don't believe in 2 in 1 products normally) Paint looked pretty good. But i could still see the water marks, my missus reckons i am too picky but i can see them, never the less.

I have now got a bottle of Swirl Remover 2.0, as i read somewhere to start with a light cut first and see how it goes, then go higher if needed (i bloody hope not). I haven't used it yet, do you think i am on the right track? Or am i looking at trouble? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry for the long post guys.

[fatas]

clean it all off with wax and grease remover then one small section at a time with the swirl remover by hand then the wax or other finishing products. :)

[IH8WRX]

I need some unbiased advice.

My problem is WATER MARKS on Vespers Blue . I have only just got the car and whoever owned it before lived in Sydney and has obviously let water dry on the car and now i have to try and fix their neglect. :mad:

I have used a clay bar, then used paint cleaner (both meguiars) and then finished with Mothers cleaner wax (that i got for free, so i thought i would try it, as i don't believe in 2 in 1 products normally) Paint looked pretty good. But i could still see the water marks, my missus reckons i am too picky but i can see them, never the less.

I have now got a bottle of Swirl Remover 2.0, as i read somewhere to start with a light cut first and see how it goes, then go higher if needed (i bloody hope not). I haven't used it yet, do you think i am on the right track? Or am i looking at trouble? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.



Ok this is commonly refered to as "water etching". What happens is the calcium and contaminats in the air settle on the cars paint, and in the water spots. The sun dries the water and at the same time heating up the paintwork, there for softening it allowing the contaminates to sink into the paint, hence leaving the white etching mark. This is a serious problem, far more serious than what people think. Some times it is that serious the car needs to be blocked back with 1500-2000 grit paper. I can not stress the upmost importance of chamosing dry your car, washing it at least once a week and keeping up the polish and waxing to the paintwork.

My advice to you is to seek a professional to remove the marks properly. You can do it yourself by hand, spend lots of money on products and still it won't be done right.

Some of you might scoff at what I'm about to say but in all honesty look at it this way. You spend between $40-$150 on car polish/wax products. It takes you a day to do your car properly all by hand. so by the tme you guys have spent a good 6-10hrs on it, with your labour and product costs you're up around the $250-$300 mark. In all honesty guys, save your money and let the professionals do it. They will get you a far better result than you ever can by hand, and it will be easier for you to maintain in the future. Don't beleive me? Ask guys like Brett (ROARZ) Maverick (Geoff) and Bigafoot (Richard). Just becareful as to who you trust and what products they use.

[Woodman]

Thanks IH8WRX for your advice (talk about knowing your job!!) :eek: You've talked me into getting mine done professionally. Does anyone know someone in Adelaide they'd trust with their car?

cheers

[RED R8]

Make sure if someones going to blockback your car they have a paint thicknesser gauge.

[chillicatqld]

Hey IH8WRX (luv that plate!)
I live on the Goldy and interested in getting a price on getting the "swirls" out of my Phantom VYII SS ute. To the regular eye the paintwork is is awesome condition - but I wanna get that mirror finish once so as I can keep up the maintenance easily to it. I wash once a week, and have been regular waxer - but find the swirls just dont stay away - send me pm if you like and I can come and show you my ride...

[MRSS]

IH8WRX,

For a rough idea, what should a professional job cost? Can you give examples etc.

[lucas]

Just becareful as to who you trust and what products they use.
That's the trouble though isn't it. Wish we had a "LS1 forum official list of decent detailers" for different regions of the country :)

[GTS215i]

Here's Zaino response to my email asking about which product is best for my condition/type of car..........

Great looking car....

Thank You for your interest in Zaino Bros' Show Car Polish Products....

Your paint is clear coat....

For the Ultimate in paint protection and an incredible Show Car finish on your above scenario.
I recommend purchasing the Zaino Bros' Total Protection Show Car Kit.. Code# ZKIT-1

Unfortunately, at this time you can only purchase from my Singapore,
Germany or UK
distributors... I do not ship overseas direct... Sorry...


But I have a distributor in Singapore...

CAZ Comp
Chandra Kumar
Singapore, 34913
65-285-1778
Email: zymga@singnet.com.sg

I have a distributor in Germany... who speaks fluent English...

Alex Terzic
Bad Kissinger, Germany
+49 4746 938960
www.viper-lifestyle.de
Email: alexander.terzic@t-online.de


I have a distributor in the UK

Rob Mugglestone
Advanced Car Products Ltd
www.advancedcarproducts.com
email: info@advancedcarproducts.com

Address:
59 West End, Wirksworth, Derbyshire. DE4 4EG
Tel: 07976 697 327

You can order directly from them.


Enclosed is a more detailed version of my Application Tips & Tricks.
Please read thoroughly. It contains some really great info.....


ZAINO APPLICATION TIPS


1. Because Zaino Show Car Polish is optically perfect (99.9%) The
optimum results are achieved by using over wax free paint.

2. If you are looking for the ultimate paint surface preparation. Use
Zaino Z-18 ClayBar first or skip to Step 3.

Zaino Z-18 ClayBay was designed to remove airborne contaminants,
paint overspray, water spots, rail dust, industrial fallout, diesel fuel
& catalytic converter residue and any other bonded surface contaminants
from paint. All cars even brand new factory paint has airborne
contaminants... Here's the deal. The non-abrasive Z-18 ClayBar will remove
any surface contaminants from the paint finish and not hurt the
clear-coat. The ClayBar will get that paint finish smooth as glass. Now
remember waterspots, bird droppings and bug guts if left on the
paint finish for any length of time. Will etch into the paint finish.
The ClayBar will also remove any store bought waxes....

I recommend you use my car wash (Z-7) as a lubricant for the ClayBar.
Just make sure to keep the surface area lubricated while using the ClayBar.
Use 1/2 capful of Z-7 Car Wash to 12 ounces of water. I use a spray bottle
for the mix. Shake it up and spray the area to be Clayed. Just make sure
to keep the surface area lubricated while using the ClayBar.

3. I would definitely recommend you remove the wax buildup on your
paint. Just use Liquid Dawn(hand dishwashing liquid) as a car wash. It
has a high alkaline content which cuts right thru carnauba wax,
paraffin, silicone oils, etc. This will get your paint finish squeeky
clean and wax free.

I don't advise making a habit of washing your car with Dawn. But for
this scenario it's fine. High alkaline products like Dawn are tough on
polishes. It will never harm the paint finish though. A car wash is made
specifically to clean without removing durable polishes. ALSO, Make sure
you remove any water spots, before you apply my products. Because Zaino
has no abrasives or harsh solvents it will not remove water spots or
stains. Z-18 ClayBar is great for removing any paint surface contaminants.
Re-wash the entire vehicle with Z-7 Car Wash immediately after the ClayBar
Cleaning Process.

4. The basic products you will need are Z-1 or the new ZFX, Z-2, Z-5(optional,
but highly
recommended for swirls and especially on darker colors), Z-6 and Z-7.
If you are going to use the NEW ZFX flash cure system, then skip step 5 and read
the ZFX
instructions below..

5. Start with Z-1 Polish Lok as per directions. Z-1 does not need to
dry. Remember do not wipe off the Z-1 Polish Lok. Apply Z-5 or Z-2
directly over the Z-1. Z-5 is the Hot ticket for a swirl free, flawless
paint finish. Usually one to three coats will accomplish that.

6. Let Z-5 or Z-2 polish dry at least one hour. Please NOTE: Zaino Show
Car Polish works best at 60 degrees or higher. However, it can be
applied down to temperatures of 45 degrees. It just will take much, much
longer to dry. As much as two to three hours drying time is required if
the temperature is 50 degrees or below. Also, If the humidity is high.
Longer drying time is necessary. Humidity is a killer on the drying time
of Z-2 or Z-5. The moisture in the air hinders drying
time up to four times longer than normal. Sorry, but I can't help this.
When you try to remove Z-2 or Z-5 when it is still wet. All you're
accomplishing is moving it around. Kinda like reapplying it. Also you
need to use a LARGE White 100% Bath size towel (please refer to my Tips
& Tricks sheet on my web site for the proper towels to use) to remove
Z-2 or Z-5. Smaller towels will not work efficiently.

To test if Z-2 or Z-5 is dry and ready to be removed. Wipe your finger
on a hazed section. It should immediately come off and leave a crytal
clear finish. If it smears, it is still wet. You can leave Z-2 or Z-5 on
for hours or overnight if you desire. When it is not humid Z-2 will take
anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to dry. Depending on how heavy you
applied it. I have applied Z-2 in the Arizona sun and it dried in
approx. 3 to 5 minutes. I have also applied it in 38 degree temperature
and it took about 2 to 3 hours to dry. Be patient. It's worth it.
Different situations affect drying times. Also, remember you have Z-1
and Z-5 both on the car. That is two products that have to dry at one
time. Takes longer. Z-2 or Z-5 does not contain any oils and once it's
dry will never ever look smeary or feel greasy. If you remove Z-2 or Z-5
before it is thoroughly dry and get any smears. Just wipe down the car
with a damp cotton towel. This will remove any smears. Don't use Z-6
until you wipe the car down. If you'd like call me and I'll help you out
with more info!

7. After removal of Zaino Z-2 or Z-5. You should wait 24 hours if the
outside temperature is under 70 degrees and 6 hours if over 70 degrees,
before applying the next coat of Z-5 or Z-2.

8. Use Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray as per directions, between each and
every coat of Z-5 or Z-2. It really helps give a three dimensional look.
It's antistatic properties will reduce dust and dirt pickup by 60%. Z-6
can be used immediately after removing Z-2 or Z-5 or right before
applying the next coat of Z-2 or Z-5. Most of my customers prefer to use
Z-6 both, before and after Z-2 or Z-5 for that extra gloss boost.

9. You can switch to Z-2 as soon as you are happy with the way the paint
finish looks. Example, no more swirls, scratches etc. It's up to you.
Z-2 has higher optical properties than Z-5. You can go from Z-2 to Z-5
and then back to Z-2 as often as you want. Z-2 and Z-5 are 100%
compatible and interchangeable. You should always end with Z-2 as the
last coat because of its higher optics.

10. The number of coats of Z-2 or Z-5 is up to you. When you reach the
level of enhancement you like, normal maintenence with Z-7 Car Wash and
Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray is all that's necessary. Naturally apply a
coat of Z-2 or Z-5 whenever you feel it is required.

NOTE: One application of Zaino Z-2 or Z-5 will outlast anything in the
industry and is all you'll ever need for an average vehicle. However,
Multiple coats will achieve an even deeper, wetter-looking, ultra high
gloss. Plus higher paint protection. It's up to you....You be the
judge...

ALWAYS use only 100% Cotton towels. They must be Made in USA. Brand name
(Cannon or Fieldcrest) large white bath size towels. See my web site,
for the real truth on cotton towels and which ones to use.


ZFX™ Instructions

When used as directed, Zaino Bros' ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator
enables Zaino Show Car Polish to cure instantly and increases
durability. This exclusive product allows you to create a “Show Car
Finish” in a day and gives your car months of lasting protection.

This kit contains a 2ml vial of ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator mix and
four mixing bottles. The vial contains enough ZFX™ to prepare 16 ounces
of polish.

Pour one to two ounces of Show Car Polish (Z-2, Z-3 or Z-5) into a 2
ounce ZFX mixing bottle. For each ounce of polish, add 4 to 5 drops of
ZFX™ (no more than 10 drops for two full ounces), screw the cap back on,
and shake vigorously for 60 to 90 seconds.

ZFX™ enabled polish must be applied to a clean car. Follow these easy
steps:

1. Apply Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ with a 100% terry cloth
applicator. Use the polish sparingly. A small amount goes a long way,
and you will be applying multiple coats.
2. Squirt a dime size dab of polish on your applicator and rub it into
your paint using back and forth hand motions.
3. Allow the polish the haze (dry) for 30 minutes.
4. Buff off the Show Car Polish residue with a high quality, 100% cotton
detailing towel.


You're now ready to apply your next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish
enabled with ZFX™. There's no need to wait. Simply follow steps 1
through 4 again. Use a fresh buffing towel with each coat. Apply no
more than three coats of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ in a 24
hour period. For optimum results use enable ZFX withing 6 hours of
mixing

When you are finished polishing, wash mixing bottle inside and out with
a heavy concentration of liquid dishwashing detergen and rinse
thoroughlyt. The ZFX™ mixing bottles cannot be reused if the polish
remains in the bottle for more than 12 hours. After 12 hours, it is not
possible to remove the ZFX™ accelerator from the mixing bottles. Throw
the mixing bottle and any unused polish contents away after 12 hours.

Call me and I'll give you some more tips on your specific situation.



Thank You,
Sal Zaino
(732)833-8800
http://www.zainobros.com

[Mongy]

Zaino can be purchased locally HERE (http://www.eclipsedetailing.com.au) I get most of my supplies through these guys and have no delivery problems at all.

[IH8WRX]

IH8WRX,

For a rough idea, what should a professional job cost? Can you give examples etc.


Ok, this is a rough guide only. Due to site rules I can't post up what I charge otherwise that would be advertising and I'd have my backside kicked (will become a site sponsor just waiting to get things sorted out properly tho)

Ok for a simple detail of filling up minor scratches and swirls etc, putting a coat of wax on, vacuuming the interior and treating the leather/vinyl, cleaning the glass and blackening the tyes for a Commodore would be around the $120-$150 mark. That is by no means a show class job but adequate for everyday use, where the owner simply wants it to have some protection, keep it looking good and isn't worried about winning the next Summernats. This takes about 2-3hrs on a Commodore

For a show class job which involves meticulos panel preperation and for that it requires hours of hours of buffing panles to remove swirls, scratches, halo's, blemishes etc, cleaner wax, sealant waxing, interior treatment, glass cleaning, wheels cleaned is around the $300-$350 mark. This will give you incredible results if done correctly. This takes about 10-16hrs on a Commodore

Now the the daddy of detailing is the Concourse job. This is the same as the show class work with the exception that panles are blocked back to remove peel and the engine bay is detailed, so to the undercarriage, under dash wirring etc. It can take a week, maybe even two depending on the condition of the paint and the car itself. This is for the extreme show cars or collector cars. Prices start from $500 for this type of work. Basically with this the golden rule is if you can get a finger to it it's cleaned, if not where possible it's taken apart and cleaned and reassembled. The results of this is simply out of this world. Whilst it may seem expensive, you think about what it would cost you to do it yourself and take a week or two off work and if you could achive the same results?

Just remember you pay for what you get! I can't stress this enough so don't be fooled by thinking if you pay $120 you will have a show car finish. You can't expect to pay $5000 for an engine and walk away with Horsepower heros at Summernats and it's the same with detailing!

[Ricko]

You can also get Zaino here http://www.waxit.com.au/default.asp

About the only top shelf product i have not tried yet.

[Redline]

IH8WRX,

Do you know of anybody in SA that does the same thing you do up there.....people like yourself are very difficult to find and often you can spend a lot of time and money finding them.

[IH8WRX]

IH8WRX,

Do you know of anybody in SA that does the same thing you do up there.....people like yourself are very difficult to find and often you can spend a lot of time and money finding them.


I will post up a list today of people with similar skills nationwide. Some I will be able to highly recommend, others I will only be able to recommend over their qualifications. I'm very strict when I recommend other peoples services as it looks bad for me if they let the person down. Basically they must be like me and the job must be 101% perfection before being handed back to the customer. I demand perfection from other tradesmen, so I give clients the same courtesy.

[Redline]

I will post up a list today of people with similar skills nationwide. Some I will be able to highly recommend, others I will only be able to recommend over their qualifications. I'm very strict when I recommend other peoples services as it looks bad for me if they let the person down. Basically they must be like me and the job must be 101% perfection before being handed back to the customer. I demand perfection from other tradesmen, so I give clients the same courtesy. Yeah thats why I asked :D

[PepeLePew]

Best value wax/polish thread yet...vote now ppl!

Zaino...here we come.

[RED R8]

Such a good thread I think the person who started it who is also a honest non trouble making ls1 enthusiest should be validated 1 vote from me.

[BLACK 346]

Such a good thread I think the person who started it who is also a honest non trouble making ls1 enthusiest should be validated 1 vote from me.

I will give you my vote Daz, but I don't think it is
that easy.
btw: where did you get the NXT for $24? I looked in
Kmart and Big W this morning and it is $39.95.
Thinking of giving the Turtle Platinum a go, it is
only $19.95.

[Cainer]

I will have to buy some Tech wax when i get a chance.

Should come up good on a black vy :)

[PepeLePew]

Im babbling so much I forgot to add my 2c.

I've tried the Meguiars lot on my phantom SS.....havent really gotten off to any of the finishes. Ive always used Meguiars for the last 20 yrs. Anyway....along comes NXT. And its actually pretty good. I never really enjoyed the Showcar glaze / Yellow Wax finish and the Gold Class was disappointing IMHO.

NXT I applied for the first time a few weeks ago and I have to say its a pretty damn good result for very little effort. Easy on, easy off. Only thing I did find was apply it in the shade no matter wot the bottle says...

Did a pre-treat with Scratch-X. Looked very very nice even prior to applying the NXT.

[RED R8]

Is the NXT the same as the TECH wax my tech was on special at supacheap $22.

[PepeLePew]

Yeah same stuff. And Im DISGUSTED at you buying it for $22. :)

[RED R8]

Im sorry ill take it back or even better post you some.(could of been $24) supacheap had 20% off over weekend.

[RED R8]

Black 346 do you really want another 1 time used polish (turtle wax) sitting in the shed.

[IH8WRX]

Anywho guys, I have to give this laptop back now so I won't have a clue when I'm on next. One of the hospital staff kindly lent it to me for two days since I'm a long way from home.

If you have any specific questions or need advice etc you can ring me on 0405505934. Please forgive me if the phone is switched off or I don't answer it. I just can't have it turned on in the hospital that's all.

Take care and safe LS1'ing :)

[BLACK 346]

Black 346 do you really want another 1 time used polish (turtle wax) sitting in the shed.

Not just Turtle wax Daz, the Platinum series. IH8WRX
said in an earlier post it is the best off the shelf on the
market.

[PepeLePew]

Hmm that Turtle Wax platinum is plenty cheap. Used to use the Turtle Excalibur and that was nice too while it was around....shone nicely and lasted the distance too...

[BLACK 346]

Just gave mine a hit with the Mothers California Gold.
Came up bloody beautiful as usual. Might just stick
with that for now.

[kryten2001]

Just gave mine a hit with the Mothers California Gold.
Came up bloody beautiful as usual. Might just stick
with that for now.

yeah that's not bad that stuff. The pure carnauba waxes (non synth) give a good finish, but generally don't last as long or protect quite as well (at least in my experience anyway)..

Really nice smell to that stuff though!.. Smells like bubblegum.... :p

[mbpr]

Just polishing monroe with meguirs wet look and there were a few scratches so i used scratchx product but this has dried a different colour what should i do is there more polish in it? :eek:

[IH8WRX]

Just polishing monroe with meguirs wet look and there were a few scratches so i used scratchx product but this has dried a different colour what should i do is there more polish in it? :eek:


A problem with Scratch X, and always has been. Scatch X is a filler only, and only fills the mark/scratch it doesn't remove it. The ingrediants in it cause it to go dull as it has no polish ingrediants.

You have two options to fix it:-

1.) Wash the spot with dish washing liquid. This will remove the scratch X and any other polish/wax in the area. This way you can start again without using Scratch X
2.) Leave it the way it is and wait a week or so for it to settle down and fade.

[Kingyvl]

Yep, just did the sunday car clean and polish...

And used the tech wax, and I know it takes afew times to get to know how to use diff polishes etc, but this stuff is the best thing since sliced bread.

And untill I hear of something better on the market for a similar or less price then nxt generation tech wax will be my choice.

[BLACK 346]

Yep, just did the sunday car clean and polish...

And used the tech wax, and I know it takes afew times to get to know how to use diff polishes etc, but this stuff is the best thing since sliced bread.

And untill I hear of something better on the market for a similar or less price then nxt generation tech wax will be my choice.

As previously said in this thread, the Turtle Platinum
wax is slightly better and only half the price :)

[mosanator]

I will post up a list today of people with similar skills nationwide. Some I will be able to highly recommend, others I will only be able to recommend over their qualifications. I'm very strict when I recommend other peoples services as it looks bad for me if they let the person down. Basically they must be like me and the job must be 101% perfection before being handed back to the customer. I demand perfection from other tradesmen, so I give clients the same courtesy.

IH8WRX

Did you get round to this list or is it sort of against the forum rules ???

If you know anyone around Canberra/Queanbeyan could you leave me a private message ?

Or for that matter if anyone else knows of someone in the area, let me know.

If Tweed wasn't so bloody far away i know exactly who i would be seeing.... :yup:

[bassplayer]

i'll have to give this new tech wax a go. does it actually cut the paint or just polish?

[BLACK 346]

i'll have to give this new tech wax a go. does it actually cut the paint or just polish?

If it is a wax, all it should do is protect.

[IH8WRX]

IH8WRX

Did you get round to this list or is it sort of against the forum rules ???

If you know anyone around Canberra/Queanbeyan could you leave me a private message ?

Or for that matter if anyone else knows of someone in the area, let me know.

If Tweed wasn't so bloody far away i know exactly who i would be seeing.... :yup:


Mate in all honesty I had a look and I wouldn't recommend anyone. Ive seen some so called "gun detailers" around the country and their work is shocking to say the least. I won't recommend anyone that I wouldn't use myself.

I posted up 11 topics the other night to help everyone out. These were topics free to download from Autopia. I spent considerable time going through them and correcting methods and information as most was outdated, sme very wrong i.e. polishing in circles when you always should be polishing in straight lines. Some of the products are not available over here and/or been superceded so I went through and corrected all them too. I then went down to the local Autobarn and even took pictures of the products for people to buy. Someone whinged that I had copied it from Autopia and claimed I had broken copyright laws, which I had not as the site is free, so is it to download the info and I wasn't charging anyone to read or nor was the site.

The topics were removed and I have not seen them added back to the forum. I even rang my solicitor on Saturday morning and double checked with him over it and confirmed what I said above that it was perfectly legal.

All I guess you can do is hope someone in admin/mods post them back up. I went to considerable trouble to do what I did. I could be a stingy bastard and make people pay for my services and not offer any advice but I'm not like that. You try to help and there is always someone out to ruin it for everyone else.

[NickS]

I spent considerable time going through them and correcting methods and information as most was outdated ... All I guess you can do is hope someone in admin/mods post them back up. I went to considerable trouble to do what I did. I could be a stingy bastard and make people pay for my services and not offer any advice but I'm not like that. You try to help and there is always someone out to ruin it for everyone else.

IH8WRX ... thanks for the effort mate, I don't know why anyone would have spat the dummy when you were clearly putting yourself out to help everyone else. I didn't get to see those posts before they were removed but your info in the general posts has been super helpful anyway.

Just thought you might like to know that your efforts are appreciated, top work mate !! :thumbsup: :cheers:

[IH8WRX]

IH8WRX ... thanks for the effort mate, I don't know why anyone would have spat the dummy when you were clearly putting yourself out to help everyone else. I didn't get to see those posts before they were removed but your info in the general posts has been super helpful anyway.

Just thought you might like to know that your efforts are appreciated, top work mate !! :thumbsup: :cheers:


Thanks much appreciated :). Don't mind helping out anyone where I can.

[ExVic]

hi all, just layed a coat of Meguiar's Tech Wax all over the clubby. Easy to apply and easy to buff off. The car looks a treat. Then just for the hell of it and 'cause i still had a little enery left, i applied Qick Wax. The car has never looked so good. I was sitting on the front porch, havin' a beer and admiring what a difference all my hard work had made and my misses comes up and says "what ya doing, hun?" I told her it was a guy thing. I'm just hoping it dont rain for a couple of days.
Cheers

[kryten2001]

hi all, just layed a coat of Meguiar's Tech Wax all over the clubby. Easy to apply and easy to buff off. The car looks a treat. Then just for the hell of it and 'cause i still had a little enery left, i applied Qick Wax. The car has never looked so good. I was sitting on the front porch, havin' a beer and admiring what a difference all my hard work had made and my misses comes up and says "what ya doing, hun?" I told her it was a guy thing. I'm just hoping it dont rain for a couple of days.
Cheers

They don't understand, trust me mate.

Just tell her the wax is like body lotion and the window cleaner is like facial scrub.

[mosanator]

IH8WRX

Thanks for your efforts. I didn't mean to cause you any problems.

So just how far is it from the Mountains to the Tweed ???

According to "Whereis.com" 1449.47 Kms - time 20 hrs 48 min. :eek:

20 + hours.......must be Ford timings. :lol:

Cheers

[IH8WRX]

IH8WRX

Thanks for your efforts. I didn't mean to cause you any problems.

So just how far is it from the Mountains to the Tweed ???

According to "Whereis.com" 1449.47 Kms - time 20 hrs 48 min. :eek:

20 + hours.......must be Ford timings. :lol:

Cheers


:lol: and a BA XR8 at that :D

I went to Sydney from Tweed in November and did it in 12hrs with 2 20min stops (females and their weak bladders). That was to Parramatta. I'm guessing you would be about 45mins south of Ingleburn as I went down to Greg at Sureflo?

Anywho, those links are up albeit on a different site. I just got rather angry as it took me at a good 5hrs to go through those with a fine tooth comb, correct them and then take the pictures to make sure you guys could see the actual products. All good now tho, and hope someone high up might even make a "car care" section and add them to it

[VooDoo]

Mirrored here with permission of the author

http://voodoo.theddrzone.com/carstuff/Detailing.rar

All Word Doc's 1.4mb in size

For those that dont have Winrar its here http://www.rarlab.com/

(winrar is a compression tool that makes files smaller, it wont help increase the compression on your car though :) )

[mosanator]

:lol: and a BA XR8 at that :D

I went to Sydney from Tweed in November and did it in 12hrs with 2 20min stops (females and their weak bladders). That was to Parramatta. I'm guessing you would be about 45mins south of Ingleburn as I went down to Greg at Sureflo?

Anywho, those links are up albeit on a different site. I just got rather angry as it took me at a good 5hrs to go through those with a fine tooth comb, correct them and then take the pictures to make sure you guys could see the actual products. All good now tho, and hope someone high up might even make a "car care" section and add them to it

I absolutely second that motion, All those in favour of a car care section ?

I am about 3.5 hours south of Ingleburn. So 15+ hr drive. :idea: Might be time to go visit the brother in law, in Queensland !!!! With a stop at Tweed.

I had a look on that other site, great stuff !
And the pics of your beast, absolutely bloody awesome, and getting better all the time.

[IH8WRX]

I absolutely second that motion, All those in favour of a car care section ?

I am about 3.5 hours south of Ingleburn. So 15+ hr drive. :idea: Might be time to go visit the brother in law, in Queensland !!!! With a stop at Tweed.

I had a look on that other site, great stuff !
And the pics of your beast, absolutely bloody awesome, and getting better all the time.

I've also e-mailed Greg from Eclipse asking him to consider becoming a site sponsor too.

[motomk]

The cleaning guide will all be back soon...just taking me ages to edit the posts and threads and put it all back together. So much content!

[motomk]

Here is the cleaning thread.

STEP BY STEP GUIDES TO CLEANING YOUR PRIDE AND JOY (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=40605)

There is also a Questions and Feedback thread.

Feedback thread - STEP BY STEP GUIDES TO CLEANING YOUR PRIDE AND JOY (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=40614)

motomk

[ROARZ]

Some of you might scoff at what I'm about to say but in all honesty look at it this way. You spend between $40-$150 on car polish/wax products. It takes you a day to do your car properly all by hand. so by the tme you guys have spent a good 6-10hrs on it, with your labour and product costs you're up around the $250-$300 mark. In all honesty guys, save your money and let the professionals do it. They will get you a far better result than you ever can by hand, and it will be easier for you to maintain in the future. Don't beleive me? Ask guys like Brett (ROARZ) Maverick (Geoff) and Bigafoot (Richard). Just becareful as to who you trust and what products they use.

Sorry I'm late to arrive on this one. Been busy.

I watched Rick and a companion spend 8am to the following 2am on my car to bring the paint back from "the dead" in preparation for the HvF National Finals last year. The results were truly amazing. I honestly thought I'd be respraying the car to get the swirl marks and damage out of the paint. After their "day" working on it, it looked absolutely incredible. Use of appropriate products and techniques were critical to recovering my paint.

Here's a shot of it on the transporter in the Melbourne sun (looks even shinier up here :lol: ):

http://www.roarz.com/images/shinyroarz.jpg

Enough said... Better than factory...

Like everything else we do to our cars, this is an investment. Now that it's been done, it's MUCH easier to keep up to show and shine condition.

Come take a look at the Brisbane HvF show if you like.

[dulvari]

Hi my name is Jayde and i own and operate a detailing bussiness on the Gold Coast.I have just become a member of ls1 after IH8WRX asked me if i would like to become a sponser. Today when i was looking through the forums i noticed some interesting comments from IH8WRX. He stated that the reason his and roars cars look the way they do is because of him, he didn't seem to mention that i was the person that had spent the time to bring roars back to life, and also buff his VX twice, once before the respray and once after.

[IH8WRX]

Yes Dulvari is correct in what he said. I was with Jayde (Dulvari) when the work happend to Brett's car. I can not and do not take credit for doing this on my own.

As I said recently in another topic on this site Jayde is simply a top guy and is in a class of his own. I often refer to Jayde as the "Wax God" as he simply is probably the No.1 detailer in this country. His skills and attitude as a gentleman and a genuine nice guy just leaves others in the detailing field by the roadside.

[ROARZ]

Jayde is the "companion" I refer to in my post above. I could not remember Jayde's name as I had dealt with Rick as the "lead" on this work and all subsequent detailing work on my car. Sorry about that Jayde - no harm intended.

I was under the understanding then, as I am now, that Rick and Jayde are partners, not in the "legal entity" sense, but in the sense that they help each other out with big jobs. As the "prime contractor", Rick needed help due to the amount of work that was required to be done, and the amount of time that was available to do it in. As such, he invited Jayde to come and help with my car. They worked fabulously as a team, and based on Rick's post above, you would assume that he would call upon Jayde's assistance again when the need arises. Based on the cheque that I wrote out to Jayde that day, I would think that their collaboration is one that is quite beneficial to both of them.

Would I recommend either of them to work on YOUR car? You bet I would.

Hopefully they can have a beer and sort this one out between themselves...

On to the AME show... :)

[xshore]

To IH8WRX
Just got a quick question. I've started using platinum turtle wax ultra gloss, can you layer it ?

I usually use a professional 2K non-abrasive polish our company supplies, its a top notch synthetic acrylic polymer, and from what I read on label of techwax they are probably real similar. It gives a crystal like appearance image with nice gloss but I reckon the turtle wax I put on top of that gives it a nice wet look. I tested side by side (I should have pulled out the gloss meter) and could see the image of reflection increase with the turtle wax on top of the acrylic. So yeah, should I layer the wax now or would I waste my time ?

[BLACK 346]

Good question xshore, I was going to ask exactly
the same thing after buying a tub of the paste
yesterday on IH8's recommendation as the best
off the shelf polish. So far I am very impressed
with it.

[IH8WRX]

To IH8WRX
Just got a quick question. I've started using platinum turtle wax ultra gloss, can you layer it ?

I usually use a professional 2K non-abrasive polish our company supplies, its a top notch synthetic acrylic polymer, and from what I read on label of techwax they are probably real similar. It gives a crystal like appearance image with nice gloss but I reckon the turtle wax I put on top of that gives it a nice wet look. I tested side by side (I should have pulled out the gloss meter) and could see the image of reflection increase with the turtle wax on top of the acrylic. So yeah, should I layer the wax now or would I waste my time ?


No definitely don't layer it! If you layer it, it will streak. By saying that I mean don't put one coat of Turtle Wax on then put another coat straight over. If you want to add a gloss to the car wait a week before putting the Turtle Wax over any other product. Also one trick is to put the wax in the sun and let it heat up and then apply it over the car. DON'T PUT THE CAR IN THE SUN THEN APPLY THE WAX THO. Panels should always be nice and cool to touch.

The only product that I know that can be successfully layered straight over each other is Zaino Show Car Polish. Even then you can only layer 3 coats in a 24hr period. The more layers you have with Zaino the deeper, clearer and silkier the paint becomes.

The reason being carnauba wax gives a wetter look than synthetic polishes/waxes is due to the water content from the fruits they are derived from. Carnauba waxes always give a wetter look, but synthetic polishes/waxes always give a deeper, clearer look.

[Upon_1]

hey guys, wat do you's recommend to get swirls out of a black paint job?

[Hammer]

this tech wax shit is the SHIT am doing my car now my cars paint isn't too good in shiny wise (vespers blue) but after applying this stuff to a few panels... the result is amazing. although my bonnet is a BITCH to get clean.... i think its badly oxidised. but will post my results of my car before and after tonight/tommorow.

is good. but a bit pricy i think... $48 is a bit steep

[HSVREDSLED]

Just bought some of the stuff myself. (Tech wax) Very impressed.

Out of interest, I waxed my whole car then I went to clean my windows. I rested the local newspaper on my bonnet before I started. The paper slid straight off the bonnet due to the wax!!!

Bit pricey, but you dont use much of the stuff, just a fine film. I reckon it will be good for at least six to ten applications. Maybe more.

[Hammer]

here are some pics....

http://haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/hammer/tech-wax/before2.jpg
and this one is after
http://haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/hammer/tech-wax/after2.jpg

personally i swear by this stuff now....

[CeeVee8]

Ummm......Maybe, just maybe it would have looked better after WASHING IT as well. :bash: :lol:

[Hammer]

it would but never has it come out to that extent... it would look clean...but not FARKING CLEAN + shiny ;)

[miss_wh_stato]

i used tech wax on my VS statesman, was in botanica mica, and i always used to use gold class, its a completley different finish, tech wax makes it more glossy and gold class makes the paint look slightly deeper (in my eyes anyway).

Pick up my new car in a couple days -Wh stato, tis silver, will try tech wax on that and see how we go. although, the guy im buying it from is a detailer, so im pretty sure i wont need to polish it for a long time :)

[RRossi]

Try Swissol polished (if you can find em). Used on Porsche's, Rolls royce etc.

At $300+ a kit its not cheap but its damn good. Ill get some photo's of before and after on my car soon.

(btw, the top end polish from Swissol is $3000+)


www.swissol.com

Its in a league above meguires.

When I bought my SS the guy had just had the interior done in that gear, and the yellow leather looked so YELLOW it was crazy, I have since tryed leather cleaners for the drivers seat, and it doesnt look the same

apparently there is some guy here in Perth that uses that Swissol and his jobs are top shelf, will have to get incontact with the old owner and get his number, he also has this dash cleaner that is like armorall but satin and doesnt pick up any dust,

I need this guy to work his magic again, if anyone here in perth knows him let me know please...

I have never wanted a Man so bad!

LMFAO


RR

PS im not gay..I think?

[cbwolf]

Holy thread revival batman!

[Wonky]

Holy thread revival batman!
:shock: Yep, if miss_wh_stato had dug any deeper we'd be in China! :eek:

There have been quite a few advances in polishes since the thread was started years ago!

[blackbettyhsv]

hey guys, wat do you's recommend to get swirls out of a black paint job?

maguires tech wax will fix your problem, I used to use mothers or turtle wax on my VX clubby & would get powder on it when finished, I would also have to wash the car after to get rid of swirls, bloke at autobarn put me onto tech wax,I have never had a swirl or powder since using it.
now with the black VE R8 I have used tech wax twice in 12 months, it is so easy to use & there is no paint loss on the cloth. there probably is better but it works a treat for me

[VooDoo]

This thread proves marketing works over facts and real quality every time. Megs is mid to low end yet ppl love it. Then again, ppl like cask wine too.

Paint loss onto a cloth isnt a sign of a good or bad product. In some cases you NEED some paint loss to level and smooth the paintwork . I'd put money on it that every car regularly polished with megs has swirls and dry paint. Ive seen cars that the owners sware the paint is perfect on and then i show them the damage under fluro lights and they are amazed (and never use Megs again)

[Davo-ss]

I have been using autogleem on my black vt that is really good but ill have to try this polish ey thanx

[VNV8]

talk about an old thread! im a bit of a meg's nut (although very careful with which products i use), but aside from that im wondering why you think youre losing paint? the powder you refer to is just dust from the wax/polish, a by-product of wiping it off. as you said though NXT (and most liquid waxes) has much less dusting than most. to actually remove paint (we're talking .x of a micron) you usually need an abrasive polish/cutting compound and a machine polisher (rotary or orbital). as voodoo said this is the only real way to remove swirl marks. for those who think their chosen wax/sealant is removing swirls it is only hiding them, and the light cannot reflect off the scratches/swirls due to the wax layer on top.

as for meguiars stuff im happy with the products i use (although i cant wait for the new range to hit our shores-NXT 2.0 and #21 2.0 look promising), and i would gladly shoot myself in the balls before spending $3000 on a tub of wax. i havent tried swissol/swissvax myself but an acquaintance of mine uses either onyx or sapphir (cant remember which)through a professional detailer (regular wash, polish and wax)on a red F6, and side by side it had nothing (as far as swirls, reflectiions-clarity and 'depth' of shine. it looked a little darker but with different paint colours thats hard to judge)on my tiger mica with (all meg's)wash, clay, paint cleaner by hand, #80 speed glaze with R/O, #7 show car glaze with R/O, a coat of NXT by hand, and a coat of #26 paste by hand. yes it took all day with engine bay, glass, vinyl/plastic, wheels and interior. looked absolutely beautiful though, i find it therapeutic with some decent music and nice weather.

[Caprice270]

LOL its about time we returned to this all important topic.

Tech wax does a decent job but it leaves behind white powder which will be left behind in the panel gaps and look awful unless you make the effort to get rid of it all. There are mid to high-end products that give a better end result.

I am using the P21s100 at $90 a tub, which gives probably 50 applications or more, making it great value. Layered 3 times with 48 hours between layers, it gives a great result and is far easier to use then tech wax - just wipe on and wipe off and no white powder to worry about. There are even better waxes but from $90 on you have diminishing returns. However I will eventually get a tub of $300 Swissol Concorso for special occassions.

[Steve-LS2]

I just used Tech wax (bottle not tub) on my 3 day old Phantom black SSV, no powder, no streaks, no scratches. Fantastic product.

I used Meguiars microfibre polishing cloth and the more i buffed the deeper the shine got and no paint came off on the cloth.

I will be putting another layer on soon and then posting some pics as it looks so deep.

[CSP]

I think the people that discredit Meguires don't see the point behind why so many people praise it.

It's cheap, readily available at any car shop (Supercheap etc) and easy to use. It does a bloody decent job and as for residue, power, etc, I have used the clay bar + quick detailer, paint cleaner, swirl remover and tech wax in that order with hand application and buffing with microfibre cloths and had what I consider brilliant results for a daily driver. I do it all under fluro lights in my garage and end up with a deep gloss wet look.

Love it!

[rigpig188]

my cars black and always cleaning it armourall wash n wax followed by chamois dry finnished with mothers detail car shine. Is that combo good or bad for the paint as i clean it once a week. Any other good combos

Cheers

[Tyre biter]

I have always suspected that Meguiars and Mother's are in fact the same company and offer the same products albeit by a different brand and name.

I say this because most often their bottles are identical although diffierent in colour, and the speil associated with each product is pretty much 'word for word'. Even their advertising brochures mimic each other.

Anyone know one way or the other for sure?

I also hate the way a number manufacturer's couldn't be arsed to rebrand their products for our country, ie: spelling tire as opposed to tyre. Yes, yes, I know it's about cost, but its also about your customer, forging an alliance with him/her and little things like this show the (US) company really doesn't give a toss about 'us', nor does the distributor or the Australian arm of the parent company.

Cheers

[Holden Man]

I work for an Importer / Wholesaler and we use to bring in the CARPLAN range (h t t p://www.carplan.co.uk) and I'd rate it as good (or close to) Meguiars at a cheaper price (esp the polish). They let us set up contacts with major outlets then screwed us and dealt direct with them!! (it happens)

Worth a try if you see it.

[Caprice270]

my cars black and always cleaning it armourall wash n wax followed by chamois dry finnished with mothers detail car shine. Is that combo good or bad for the paint as i clean it once a week. Any other good combos

Cheers

Hi rigpig,

the wash and wax shampoos will not cause damage but over time you will dull your finish because these two-in-one products are not ideal. This can easily be corrected by rubbing back the built up wax with something like Meguires paint cleaner or any other paint cleaner. Then use a PH neutral shampoo like Meguires NXT Shampoo and wax using a dedicated product. Once you have washed three times and applied a layer of wax each time, take a break from waxing for 4-6 weeks and apply a quick detailer like Zaino Z8 during this time after washes to keep up the shine.

And if you are real keen always remember to do a clay and light polish every 12 months to get rid of stains, swirls and light scratches. Waxing over swirls is a bit pointless.

[rigpig188]

Hi rigpig,

the wash and wax shampoos will not cause damage but over time you will dull your finish because these two-in-one products are not ideal. This can easily be corrected by rubbing back the built up wax with something like Meguires paint cleaner or any other paint cleaner. Then use a PH neutral shampoo like Meguires NXT Shampoo and wax using a dedicated product. Once you have washed three times and applied a layer of wax each time, take a break from waxing for 4-6 weeks and apply a quick detailer like Zaino Z8 during this time after washes to keep up the shine.

And if you are real keen always remember to do a clay and light polish every 12 months to get rid of stains, swirls and light scratches. Waxing over swirls is a bit pointless.

thanks,
So carry on as if but say once evry three months do what u suggested then carry on. At the moment the car comes up good shine, but have noticed some swirls and light scrtatchs poopping up.Also wat a good product for getting the bugs tar ect of front bumper grill. What do u use to wash your car?

Cheers
Rod

[Caprice270]

With bugs, the best trick is to give the front of your car a fresh coat of wax before a long trip and the bugs will wash straight off without a problem whatsoever. Otherwise the dedicated products available would be ok every once in a while.

[RED R8]

This is a thread revival...BUT I still use the trusty Tech wax on the VE and still are very happy with the results.


This is a thread revival...BUT I still use the trusty Tech wax on the VE and still are very happy with the results.

Saying that I would look at a product that would give an even better shine :)

[THE VY]

'Glare' was used on both of these cars (thank you to Des at Auto FX WA for the preparation). We have used most off the shelf products like Meguiars (Tech Wax, Professional Series, Gold Class etc), Turtle Products, Auto Glym etc on the road to finding what works and would never go back to using anything you buy off the shelf any more:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/COLDASICE_VX/IMG_5907a.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/COLDASICE_VX/IMG_5905a.jpg

Have been using 'Glare' for about a year now and very happy with it.

[ado_civon]

I use a polish thats mixed for me by a friend that owns a Car Wash.

Its a pink substance and very little is needed, you can rub it in any way (circular/up donw), goes on anything, plastic/paint/glass.

I've used off the shelf stuff and either too tedious to use or doesn't work as well.

[Big_Valven]

What tha!!! I have always polished all my cars we are not cut and polishing just a good polish after 8 years in the car industry and seeing many 10-20 year old cars being traded the ones that had a regular coat of polish were by far in better cond than cars without a good polish it builds a barrier between your paint and contaminents such as bird crap air bourne pollution deisel fumes(everytime you are behind a bus or truck) I often go 4w4ing and because of the regular polish my jeep gets I have less scratches and mud and sand etc washes off without staining alot of car wash detergents remove natural oils in paints serface

I can't beleive people still get this confused! Polish doesn't add anything to your paint, it is an abrasive and is used to remove a small amount of paint, along with swirls, and crap that's stuck on. Polish will not build a protective layer. That's what wax is for. It is applied and smoothed over the top of the paint to make a thin protective layer of wax. The reason you polish first is to get all the crap off before you seal it with wax.

Also, I've asked this question on another thread, and no one was game enough to answer, paint is a synthetic thing, how the hell does it have natural oils? Also, in case people didn't notice... paint isn't oily. It doesn't dry out. When you see chalky paint, the gel coat has worn off, and the paint itself has been abraded so badly it appears a matt finish instead of gloss. Gee even I can figure that out.

Some of the hype and superstition surrounding car care products is unbelievable. Unless someone wants to correct me in which case I shall take it in good grace and move on.

[Steve-LS2]

I can't beleive people still get this confused! Polish doesn't add anything to your paint, it is an abrasive and is used to remove a small amount of paint, along with swirls, and crap that's stuck on.

People get confused because they listen to the wrong people and polish is not an abrasive, sandpaper is an abrasive, the polish is a chemical that lifts oxidised paint particles, the buffing of the polish is what removes the small layer of paint, a 'cut and polish' removes more paint as the chemical is more concentrated


Polish will not build a protective layer. That's what wax is for. It is applied and smoothed over the top of the paint to make a thin protective layer of wax. The reason you polish first is to get all the crap off before you seal it with wax.

I would clay bar a car first, polishing a car is done to remove oxidized paint, clay bar to remove anything else then wax.



Also, I've asked this question on another thread, and no one was game enough to answer, paint is a synthetic thing, how the hell does it have natural oils? Also, in case people didn't notice...

It does, everything at a base level has some oils in it, acryllic paint has oils in it as most paints are also closely linked to solvents and most paints and solvents are derivatives of the oil refining process therefore most paints have oils in them.


paint isn't oily.

this is from the polyglaze website "The sun is the number one enemy in attacking your car's paint finish. The sun can dry out the paint top layers where natural oils are lost. Unlike household detergents, car washes gently lift dirt and grime without harming your car's paint or strip away its protective wax coating. "


It doesn't dry out. When you see chalky paint, the gel coat has worn off, and the paint itself has been abraded so badly it appears a matt finish instead of gloss. Gee even I can figure that out.

Wrong, it does dry out, oxygen dries out paint and causes oxidisation which creates the chalky residue on paint surfaces, in conjunction with the sun and other outdoor factors.


Some of the hype and superstition surrounding car care products is unbelievable. Unless someone wants to correct me in which case I shall take it in good grace and move on.

No worries :D

[VooDoo]

People get confused because they listen to the wrong people and polish is not an abrasive, sandpaper is an abrasive, the polish is a chemical that lifts oxidised paint particles, the buffing of the polish is what removes the small layer of paint, a 'cut and polish' removes more paint as the chemical is more concentrated

This is completely incorrect. Polish is DEFINATELY abrasive hence there are multiple grades of polish for different uses. Go rub some polish between your fingers and you will feel the abrasives in it.

Polishes CAN also contain waxes, chemical to clean as well but not all. When you wet sand a car to remove imperfections you then use a polish to remove the sanding marks. This would be impossible with a chemical cleaner.

You need to do some research and actually USE some of the products before quoting incorrect info.

[Steve-LS2]

This is completely incorrect. Polish is DEFINATELY abrasive hence there are multiple grades of polish for different uses. Go rub some polish between your fingers and you will feel the abrasives in it.

Polishes CAN also contain waxes, chemical to clean as well but not all. When you wet sand a car to remove imperfections you then use a polish to remove the sanding marks. This would be impossible with a chemical cleaner.

You need to do some research and actually USE some of the products before quoting incorrect info.

my apologies

[Belzey]

wow thread mining at it's best :lol:

Anyway, what is the general consensus on Autoglym? I have been using it for a while now and am pretty happy with the results.

[hsvLS1255]

Quick question and i cannot really be bothered reading the whole thread.

It is time for me to put some wax on the car again... do i need to polish it back or can u just wash the car and then put the wax ontop. from what i gather reading the last few posts the polish it to cut back the fine swirl marks...then you cover with wax.

would i possible need to run it over with a clay bar before i put the wax on to get all the junk that has accumulated on the car?

[Caprice270]

Depends on what sort of finish you're after. Waxing over swirls will give your paint protection and some added gloss, but the end result will not be so crash hot.

This is what I do to keep my car in top shape:

Every six months I do a major detail:

- Wash

- Clay the whole car, using half a bottle of clay lube to prevent the clay marring your paint. This cleans the clear coat of contaminants and stains but does not take off any clear coat;

- I do a couple of passes of a light polish such as top shelf Menzerna Final Finish (available from detailers or waxit.com.au) or Mequires swirl remover to get rid of light scratches. If the paint needs heavier correction I do a couple of passes of Menzerna Intensive Polish with a light cutting pad before moving to Menzerna final finish with a soft finishing pad. I use a buffer where possible and apply by hand otherwise. After this stage, the car should have a better finish than the day it was delivered to you.

- Wash!

- Apply your favourite wax. At this point you may want to use a sealant (synthetic wax) though this is optional. 3 coats of Zaino Z2 gives a nice glass like finish that will protect perhaps up to 6 months. Using ZFX with the Z2, you can apply 3 layers within 24 hours. You can top it off with a couple of layers of carnuba wax to add some more wetness to the look. Carnuba waxes should be layered at least 48 hours apart.

Maintenance:

- Once you have done your six monthly detail, you only need to wax every 4-6 weeks. Use Zaino Z8 or some other cheaper quick detailer after each wash though, so you can keep the gloss up - though the waxing every 4-6 weeks is enough for 99.9% of people who won't notice the effect of the quick detailer in between.

[VNV8]

id at least go over it with clay after washing, otherwise youre sealing in the contaminants. as for the what is a polish argument, any polish/cutting compound must have abrasives or it would not remove anything, but there are polishes/glazes which contain no abrasives, just oils and the odd chemical, these are designed to restore depth, clarity and gloss to the clear coat/paint.

[throttlehappy]

i use mcguirers wet look polish/wax which seems to last about six months. ive used it twice since owning my ss. i was given a kit with it and the soft wash plus mit so its even better

[rigpig188]

Apart form the wax on wax off debate ect for the perfect shine. For a normal weekly wash of your car what is best car wash and method. I just use two buckets one water one armourall wash/wax wash the car with a sponge hose it down and chamois dry. drive the car down the road and its dusty.....cant wait to next weeks wash. What do other forum members use as a car wash?
Can you overwash your car?

[VNV8]

you can overwash if you are not doing it properly/with the wrong products, as your paint will be full of swirl marks, and it is possible that (again, using the wrong products) you will dry out the paint and get premature clear coat failure, or oxidisation with a single-stage paintjob.

personally i rinse with a hose/at the local coin-op, wash with NXT wash gel and lambswool wash mitt (rinsed regularly), and dry with a synthetic chamois. as for the dust, that really cant be cured but using a PH neutral product (which the armorall isnt)may help a little, or use a spray detailer in between washes if youre a fanatic. also with any wash & wax product it is a compromise and really cannot be protecting your paint well, if at all. youre better off using a stand-alone wash gel and waxing every 1-2 months with a good quality wax or sealant.

[iloveholden]

Hey everybody,

Today i spent $50 on some round hand polish appliers, some micro buffer towel things and i finally bought a bottle of this Meguires NXT TECH Wax.

Im not sure how to go about the wax part, should i use a small amount for each pannel (for example the bonnet), apply it with the little round foam appliers and then buff off after doing one section with the buff towels?

After waxing and buffing the whole car should i refbuff it again with a different towel?

[throttlehappy]

Hey everybody,

Today i spent $50 on some round hand polish appliers, some micro buffer towel things and i finally bought a bottle of this Meguires NXT TECH Wax.

Im not sure how to go about the wax part, should i use a small amount for each pannel (for example the bonnet), apply it with the little round foam appliers and then buff off after doing one section with the buff towels?

After waxing and buffing the whole car should i refbuff it again with a different towel?

directions should be on the bottle but i try and do as much as possible each time. that way it doesnt take as long. takes me more than a few hours

[El Narros]

Hey everybody,

Today i spent $50 on some round hand polish appliers, some micro buffer towel things and i finally bought a bottle of this Meguires NXT TECH Wax.

Im not sure how to go about the wax part, should i use a small amount for each pannel (for example the bonnet), apply it with the little round foam appliers and then buff off after doing one section with the buff towels?

After waxing and buffing the whole car should i refbuff it again with a different towel?

Do yourself a favour, read and print this up.
Australian LS1 and Holden Forums (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=40605)

[The_Plague]

Its all about trial and error I think, or maybe I'm just a ****wit, anyway.

After much trial and slight error at times, I can't go past the hi-tech yellow shit from meguiars, plenty of shine, and no paint on the rag.
Deep crystal was great, but ****ing paint o the rag everytime.

[throttlehappy]

Its all about trial and error I think, or maybe I'm just a ****wit, anyway.

After much trial and slight error at times, I can't go past the hi-tech yellow shit from meguiars, plenty of shine, and no paint on the rag.
Deep crystal was great, but ****ing paint o the rag everytime.

doh, thats what i use
deep cystal wet look, dont get paint on the rag though
personally i think i spend enough time cleaning mine as it is. i dont want to use baby shampoo to wash the bloody thing or shamy it dry. i just take it on a few high speed blasts

[iloveholden]

Thanks guys for your quick responses. I read the bottle and it says small applicants at a time and buff twice so i'll see how i go when i do it probably next week.

[CSP]

Hey everybody,

Today i spent $50 on some round hand polish appliers, some micro buffer towel things and i finally bought a bottle of this Meguires NXT TECH Wax.

Im not sure how to go about the wax part, should i use a small amount for each pannel (for example the bonnet), apply it with the little round foam appliers and then buff off after doing one section with the buff towels?

After waxing and buffing the whole car should i refbuff it again with a different towel?

Sent you a PM mate :D

[Wonky]

i dont want to use baby shampoo to wash the bloody thing or shamy it dry.

At the Melbourne detailing clinic 30+ of us went to a few months ago Damian said never let a chamois near your car!! Leads to scratches....

[L-iam]

Can you explain what you mean by rooted ? By paint work I assume you mean the clear topcoat ? I would have thought the majority of people use a polish, and only diehards like us use waxes.


got to the secone page in the thread. . . and nope. sorry i might wash my (black ) car once every few weeks. when i cant see out of the windscreen it gets a wash usually.

[throttlehappy]

At the Melbourne detailing clinic 30+ of us went to a few months ago Damian said never let a chamois near your car!! Leads to scratches....

i reckon the more you touch it the more you scratch it

[CSP]

i reckon the more you touch it the more you scratch it

Waffle Weave Microfibre for drying :D

[Wonky]

Good quality microfibres for everything now! :yup:

[Caprice270]

LOL thats right wonky, after the detailing clinic I have a nice pile of microfibres. Damian at FI got me started with a stage 2 detail which made my car look like a black metallic mirror and I've been applying a coat of wax every now and then to maintain the finish. The Caprice will keep getting looked after by Damian and my 350Z gets full details by me so that I don't get bored.

BTW have you seen the thread at detail addiction with Nicole Kidman's Maybach?

[Wonky]

BTW have you seen the thread at detail addiction with Nicole Kidman's Maybach?
Very noice although I don't like the exterior all that much on them.

[wayne6ss]

Anyone ever use AUTOGLYM SUPER RESIN POLISH?? I used it today on my white vz ute . I am very impressed as how the surface feels and how easy it went on and buffed off easily with a microfibre towl.ANY ONE ELSE HERE USE AUTOGLYM PRODUCTS??

[WLDLS1]

years ago i use to use FIREGLAZE on my vk gpr3. i still to this day say it was the best polish i have ever used. tody i use mothers polishes and waxes in line with claying the car first and im very happy with the end result.
tried the tech wax when it first came out on my vs ss ute and my vt ss and was not all that happy with the result. just my expirence.

[vyc4b]

Auto Glym is an average product compared to what you can buy from some forum sponsors..........the only AG I use is the Rubber and plastics Cleaner.

Zaino is in a very different league to AG's polishes...........it's even better with a nice Natural Carnuba over the top.

[TheTintMan]

i'm not saying meguires is no good i love it for buffing and cleaning up scratches and oxidisation but try www.infinityauto.com.au or paintprotectiondirect.com.au and look for a product called glassplexin i've used this and i personally think it is the best sealant that i have found much better than all the paint treatments on the market and you can buy direct. have a look see what you think you'll have enough to do your car ten times over per bottle

[CSP]

Anyone tried the new TechWax 2.0 yet?

[BLQWN]

Anyone tried the new TechWax 2.0 yet?

Yep, got some sent to me just before the Meguairs Motorex show, did 2 coats on the HQ and there was a marked difference from the autoglym I was using.
cheers

[kave1]

I use Bowdens paint cleaner & wax, it is made here in oz for our weather conditions,so it last a lot longer than a lot of products on the shelves. It puts a great shine on white & silver finishes. Cheers.

[VY19]

Ok people, i have never waxed my car before, i read this whole thread, ive decided to get the meguire's tech wax, but im still not to sure on the cloths/rags/sponges or whatever that is needed for doing a wax job, do i need a certain type to wax then a certain type to remove the wax?

[Wonky]

Only way to go now is decent quality microfibre cloths. As with anything, there are some not so good quality and some very good quality stuff. If you are anywhere near Brunswick I'd recommend going to see Damian at Final Inspection to get them. His prices are quite reasonable and his microfibres are top quality.

In fact (puts salesman's hat on :D) it sounds like you would get a heap out of the Detail Clinic Damian is running there specifically for LS1 forum members on Sat Oct 18 evening at 7pm for 2 - 3 hours. See Australian LS1 and Holden Forums (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=103290)

...... And no, I don't get a cut of the takings! :lol: I just believe Damian is acknowledged Australia wide by those in the know as an expert in his field and it's a great opportunity he is giving us to learn from him.

[bonners]

Completely agree - I used to use Meguiars Gold Class Wax and recently switched to Tech Wax and it's a whole new world of shine. Gave brilliant results on a blue-grey Astra and a silver Vectra. I'd love to see it on a black car, would be just phenomenal.

has been tried on my SS and it is outstanding. I'm loving it.

[Lukesvyss]

Anyone tried the new TechWax 2.0 yet?

Yup just tryed it yesterday on my Black VYSS i didnt clay bar the car first though. i used the Meg's deep crystal fine cut polish first then whent over the car with the Tech 2...

What can i say bloddy brilliant! Although i was getting little spot's left over after buffin the wax off (My fault for using clay didnt know about it till today)

The paint job is very clear and got rid of some swirls yet there are still some left (Might need a deeper cutting polish next time) unfortunetly i dont have a mirror finish i think i have orange peel paint well i think i do lol. Will post pics when i get my dig camera back.