What's the difference between wax and polish?

[BMWhat?]

Hello all,

I am pleased to see that a Detailing section was added to this forum as detailing is a major hobby of mine and the object of my obsession happens to be my Midnight Blue 300C. I figured I could pass along what I've learned to my fellow 300C enthusiasts by explaining the difference between a wax and polish as these terms are often used interchangably (and often incorrectly).

Pure Polish
A pure polish is designed for removing swirl marks, scratches, cleaning the paint surface, leveling paint (i.e., blending repairs & removing orange peel), and finally for improving surface gloss. There are two different types of pure polishes, abrasive and chemical. The abrasive type contains very small abrasives that break down as the polish is worked into the paint. There are many different grades of polish. The same polish (more coarse) used to fix a scratch is not the same as that used to improve surface gloss (very fine).

The chemical type is relys on chemical cleaning of the paint surface and as a result has very limited in it's ability to correct surface imperfections.

There is one key point about a pure polish and that is that it does not add any protection to the surface. A pure polish always needs to be followed up with a layer of wax in order complete the job.

Pure Wax
A pure wax has NO cleaning ability and is basically a "top coat" that helps protect the paint and adds depth and shine to the surface. There are actually two types of wax, Carnauba (derived from nature) and Synthetic (born in a labe). Each one of these has it's own set of pro's and con's. The Carnauba offers more depth while it's less durable. The Synthetic offers more durability while providing possibly more shine (albiet at the expense of depth).Good examples of a pure polish are: P21S, Meguiars #16, Pinnacle Souveran

One step wax products (a.k.a. cleaner/wax)
This is the most commonly used type as it combines a wax and polish in one product. The advantage is one application and you're done. However, you won't get the same level of depth and shine or durability as compared to using two discreet products.

Most "over the counter" stuff you get at Pep Boys is labeled "Wax" but has some cleaning capabilities as it's design for the non-enthusiast. The following are some good examples of cleaner/wax products:Mothers Carnauba Cleaner Wax, Meguiars Cleaner Wax, Klasse All-in-one (while not available in retail stores, Klasse All-in-one is a chemical based cleaner with a synthetic-acrylic wax that has the best durability combined with great ease of use, a favorite among detailers).

[tekhen]

Thanks to this site I've learned alot.

There are many products out there where it can overwhelming.

My question is what is the best product concerning soaps and and applicators(towels)

I have a BB C, are there products that are better for black?

My last question... what is the best for the snow and ice?


Thanks

[jrgreen]

I am a big fan of Zaino Brothers, with the ZFX it is very easy to use and looks fantastic. It is not cheap and may seem like there are alot of steps, but you will be impressed.

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

[99gt]

Agreed. Zaino is wonderful stuff! If it's a bit out of your price range also try the Maguires NXT.


Here's a pic of my stang after i used NXT for the first time this past summer.

[vineuh]

Originally Posted by jrgreen

I am a big fan of Zaino Brothers, with the ZFX it is very easy to use and looks fantastic. It is not cheap and may seem like there are alot of steps, but you will be impressed.

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

I have done tons of research on Zaino as its not very common up here. I want to buy it but my expectations might be high. If its as good as it sounds im into spending the 100ish.
Question is ...how good is it? I have black and I want my car to look incredible in the sun ...is it possible?

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by vineuh

I have done tons of research on Zaino as its not very common up here. I want to buy it but my expectations might be high. If its as good as it sounds im into spending the 100ish.
Question is ...how good is it? I have black and I want my car to look incredible in the sun ...is it possible?

Works for me - and a little goes a long way.

[jrgreen]

One of my vehicles is a 2003 Expy EB that was a theft recovery. It sat out in a salvage yard for 9 months that was next to a coal mine in KY. I buffed it and applied a couple coats of Zaino in Aug, it still looks like glass today. It may be me, but even with the dirt seems to come off easier once you apply it. You will see a difference.

[JonW]

Originally Posted by jrgreen

One of my vehicles is a 2003 Expy EB that was a theft recovery. It sat out in a salvage yard for 9 months that was next to a coal mine in KY. I buffed it and applied a couple coats of Zaino in Aug, it still looks like glass today. It may be me, but even with the dirt seems to come off easier once you apply it. You will see a difference.

It's not just you - that's what Zaino does. When I wash my car, I start by hosing it down and often I'm so tempted to just stop right there. All the dirt floats right off with a simple hose down.

[BMWhat?]

While I haven't used Zaino, it is unversally accepted as "the holy grail" of synthetic waxes. Durability on Zaino is tops. Meg's NXT has also received very good reviews in terms of appearance. However, I haven't heard many great things it's durability. It's my guess if you use the NXT wax and follow up with thier wash and quick detailer, you'll exend the protection much further. I firmly believe this to be the case with any system. I like to apply a quick detailer containing carnauba wax after I wash. This has given me pretty good results.

Regarding black cars or very dark colored cars and how to make them look thier best, I have a bit of experience in that area. My previous car was a very dark green Q45 and my 300C is Midnight blue. Such dark colors present a major challenge (they're a pain in the butt!). The problem is every swirl mark, ever water spot stands out like crazy. My first and formost recommendation is (IF POSSIBLE) wash the car yourself. Those car wash places use the same towel to dry the lower (dirtier) parts of the care and with the same motion move to the upper parts of the doors, hood, etc... It makes me cringe when I'm forced to go these places.

I recomend a car shampoo that has lots of lubrication so the wash mit (lamb's wool) glides over the surface. I use a two buck, two wash mit method. I have one bucked for soapy water and the other plain water for rinsing the wash mit after you've washed a panel. That way, I'm always dipping a clean mit into the soapy bucket.

I use second (usually older) wash mit to clean the really dirty areas on the lower extremeties of the car and around the lip of the wheel wheel. Keep in mind folks this process is used because of a dark colored car. My wife's silver Odyssey get a one bucket, one mit job.

For the price and performance, I recommend you go to Target and buy a 1/2 gallon of Meguiars Gold Class Car Shampoo. It's very cheap and it's REALLY slick.

For drying I used a microfiber cloth (called Big Blue, it's about 24 x 36). It's incredible but I don't have to ring out the towel even once while drying my car.

I actually use microfiber for everything. It's a very good technology product it actually helps prevent scratching due to it's design.

Some waxes actually help the metallic particles in metalic pain "pop" more. I use Blackfire wax. Pinnacle Signature Wax is another good wax for metallic colors and it's actually designed metalic colors. I recall the Brilliant Black being a metalic paint.

[developerx]

Originally Posted by vineuh

I have done tons of research on Zaino as its not very common up here. I want to buy it but my expectations might be high. If its as good as it sounds im into spending the 100ish.
Question is ...how good is it? I have black and I want my car to look incredible in the sun ...is it possible?

Yes.

I've used Zaino since 1995 on my Impala SS (replaced by the hemi) and my vette. The prep for the initial coating is the most time-consuming, however, it's well worth it. Make no mistake... this is show-quality stuff. It will make crap shine like a diamond, so imagine how it will make your new paint shine.

One thing not mentioned is this... you want your car to look AMAZING... here's what I recommend you do your first time out...

Now everyone has their favorite recipies... this is mine. No flames please!

1. Wash your car with a good dishwashing detergent soap. That's right, detergent to clean off any old wax, etc. Dry your car. If you need to clean road tar off, use mineral spirits diluted 50/50 with water (a dealer prep trick) on a soft towel. Do not use an abrasive bug & tar remover. This will remove all the road tar. If you use this method, wash these areas again with the soap and water just to be sure you've got virgin clearcoat exposed.

Run your hand over your paint now. Feel all the grit embedded in the clear coat? It's like sandpaper!

(This is the good part)

2. Go buy a Mother's Clay Bar kit. Expensive yes. Worth it? Yes. Sure you can buy clay bars elsewhere, but the Mother's kit is available everywhere and it's idiot-proof for first-timers (as I was once an idiot a long time ago).

3. Using Mother's Showtime spray wax, and working in 2' square areas, GENEROUSLY spray the paint and gently work the clay bar along the surface of the paint. If the bar sticks; STOP immediately and spray more wax. As you work the clay bar on the paint, make sure you flip it and knead it as dirt builds up in it. You will be picking up sand and other grit. If you drag that back across the paint, you will scratch the clear coat and it will be polishing compound time. Wipe the paint with a clean cotton T-shirt.

Now, if you've never driven a clay bar across your paint, then you are in for a BIG surprise. Get used to having the best looking, shiniest car in your neighborhood.

Now run your hand over your paint again... Amazing isn't it? As Mr. Pelton once said in shop class; "Smooth as a newborn baby's behind."

If you're not using Zaino, wax your car now and you're done... OR go for it!

4. Apply the tan Zaino prep stuff as instructed.
5. Apply the cherry Zaino polish as instructed.

You're done.

Do the full treatment once per year and your paint will still look showroom-new 10 years from now.

Oh, and one more PS: Zaino doesn't "dust" like other waxes when you take it off, and you can use it and buff it immediately for touch-ups. Personally, I use the Mother's Showtime spray on top of the Zaino when I want to shine it up after sitting in the garage. No need to use Zaino over Zaino if the base is intact.

Happy shining!