Waxing your vehicles

D

Desertguy

What is everyone using to wax their cars? I know that carnauba is what's recommended, but I live on a dirt road, in the desert, so carnauba hasn't been my favorite. Looking for something to keep the dust from sticking as well, and protection from the harsh UV. I've got a couple cars with custom paint, and some with factory paint to keep looking good and help prevent clear coat failure.
 
The last test of waxes i saw carnuba
Was rated within two weeks of every other wax out there and driven daily with proper washing. They all were in the 90-day mark, give or take two weeks.
Please don't take my word as I was the wacko posting 30 years ago don't wax a restoration or high in paint job.

Then finally, maybe 10 to 15 years ago
The head of R&D of a major at a group
Of car collectors was asked, how's the best way to make the paint on your car last? All he said was don't wax.

Fact is automotive paint must breath
The only epoxy is the exception.
Spray and shine type products used before taking your collector out is all you need and takes 5 mins to apply.
 
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Barry, would that be the same recommendation regardless of single stage or BC/cc? I was thinking with black single stage that I might need wax for UV protection.
 
Barry, would that be the same recommendation regardless of a single-stage or BC/cc? I was thinking with black single stage that I might need wax for UV protection.
Dan, let's make a single-stage color, and this will explain everything; I've heard factory reps give explanations, and they are wrong, but the more complicated or more confused
You make the better in their mind.

Some companies will have a different formula, and we do with some slight changes from what im about to post, but if a good company, the polyol and UV absorbers will be constant.

in simple terms make the clear formula and add a dispersant agent or two and add pigment load.

Not complicated at all.
 
I never wax my paint jobs, but occasionally I will clean the paint by using a clay bar
on it after a good washing.
It always amazes me how a clay bar can take the dirt/grit
out of it when even a buffing won't do it.
I can literally feel the difference by hand.
 
I never wax my paint jobs, but occasionally I will clean the paint by using a clay bar
on it after a good washing.
It always amazes me how a clay bar can take the dirt/grit
out of it when even a buffing won't do it.
I can literally feel the difference by hand.
Next time, put your hand into a sandwich bag and feel the paint after claying. You might be surprised at what you feel.
 
What do you feel?
It enhances your touch. The surface may feel clean with your bare hand. Use the bag and you might feel more grit. Hit that area with clay again and you'll feel a difference. I like the clay impregnated towels. If you drop it, just rinse off. Unlike traditional clay.
 
It enhances your touch. The surface may feel clean with your bare hand. Use the bag and you might feel more grit. Hit that area with clay again and you'll feel a difference. I like the clay impregnated towels. If you drop it, just rinse off. Unlike traditional clay.

Never heard that one before. Have to try it sometime.
 
I really need to build another garage so I can keep my cars clean. Lol.
Any favorites on quick detailer sprays?
Any preference on which carnauba wax that seems to last? Or just pick a good brand with good reviews?
 
This is cheap and at most part stores.
 

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I thought I was the only nut telling people not to wax their paint. I like a good detail spray and years ago used Meguiars Hand glaze a lot and stuff I had looked great. Seen a lot of people kill their paint jobs by waxing them constantly. No one would ever believe me when I said it was the wax. ;)
Cars that get waxed a lot have a certain look to them. Similar to dieback.
 
I really need to build another garage so I can keep my cars clean. Lol.
Any favorites on quick detailer sprays?
Any preference on which carnauba wax that seems to last? Or just pick a good brand with good reviews?
Adam’s detail spray is good. Presta Spray N Shine works well too.

Don
 
Chris, i can blame my dieback on the wax then :)
I hate to be the one but i do wax. And it's garaged. I clean it by parking in driveway during downpour, pull it in & carefully towel off. It never gets muddy dirty though. Carnauba paste. Can lasts long time.
I totally get what Desertguy wants.
Happy New Year.
 
Chris, i can blame my dieback on the wax then :)
I hate to be the one but i do wax. And it's garaged. I clean it by parking in driveway during downpour, pull it in & carefully towel off. It never gets muddy dirty though. Carnauba paste. Can lasts long time.
I totally get what Desertguy wants.
Happy New Year.
I should have been more specific, good carnauba wax is breathable, polymer wax doesn't breathe. Not all cars but lots that use polymer based wax will exhibit that dieback look. Just my observations over the years. "Liquid glass" was one of the products I remember causing issues.
 
I never wax my paint jobs, but occasionally I will clean the paint by using a clay bar
on it after a good washing.
It always amazes me how a clay bar can take the dirt/grit
out of it when even a buffing won't do it.
I can literally feel the difference by hand.
Clay bar works good. Just don't drop it. Drop it and it goes in the trash.
 
Thanks for the tips everyone. I always drop my microfiber towels. Can never get the leaves and plant material out of them after that. I'll have to look into those clay towels.
 
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