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Anyone have a wax that has worked particularly well or poorly on the cube? I ask because I know my old car was picky about which wax looked good.
Wax
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I love the way Meguiar's #26 looks on black cars. Nice, deep and dark. It gives the flake in the paint a warm glow.
I like Optimum Car Wax as well because of it's patented UV blockers and ease of use.
If you prefer wax that won't stain your trim white, then go with Collinite 875. Unlike a lot of waxes, it is actually great on trim! It's crazy durable and darkens the paint nicely.
I like Optimum Car Wax as well because of it's patented UV blockers and ease of use.
If you prefer wax that won't stain your trim white, then go with Collinite 875. Unlike a lot of waxes, it is actually great on trim! It's crazy durable and darkens the paint nicely.
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I tried the new Ice Turtle Wax, and it worked pretty well. Thanks for the input!
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none said:
But seriously, I only use Zaino Brothers polymer wax... no carnauba wax will ever touch my vehicles again. Carnauba turns yellow as it ages, it doesn't stay on very long and often needs recoats (several times throughout the year) to keep it polished, etc. Need and example? Halloween night, top down in my S2000, minding my own business and stopped at a red light... <smack smack smack> eggs pelt around the car. I get out don't see any have hit, think it's kids with bad aim, and go on my merry way. Park it in the driveway and don't go out until late the next evening. When I get to my destination, I notice egg actually did hit down the lower side of my car, but now it has been baking out in the Florida sun for an entire day. I wet a napkin and it all slid right off. The last time I had waxed it was nearly a year before. The stuff works!
Re: Wax - Xzilon
Speaking of waxes, here is what I do.
I used xzilon for the first time on my Nissan truck and really liked it. But you really have to understand what it is and what it really does. It is a paint sealant, it isn't a wax substitute. It needs to be maintained like paint with a twist. A friend of mine who's a professional detailer taught me a thing or two about this stuff as well as waxes and polishes.
The car needs to be super clean before putting it on. I washed my car with dish soap when I got it home because it removes all traces of wax, polish and oil. If it's not a new car then it's a good idea to clay bar and dry first.
You have to wipe the stuff on and wipe it off in one fluid motion (wax on - wax off...LOL). Wipe it on with one hand and off with the other. Don't put it on too heavy and don't let it dry before wiping it off. A tiny bit goes a loooong way. It leaves a very thin transparant film. I double coated the hood and nose of the car for better bug protection.
Many people think it's a one time no maintainance super polish (mostly because of stealership hype). But this isn't the case. It's a nice hard film that can help protect the paint under it. But like paint, it will need waxing. The key to it's longivity is to give the car an occasional waxing. But you have to be sure the wax has absolutely no abrasives cause the abrasives will remove the film, most waxes do, especially if it say's it's a cleaner wax. That's why I'm using Eagle One spray wax. It's a synthetic polymer wax with no abrasives. This is why my paint has no swirl marks. The soft clear coat is what usually has the swirls, but with the Zxilon coat it's pretty durable and not using a cleaner wax helps. Any good quality non abrasive wax either a polymer or carnuba will protect the Xzilon that's protecting your paint. My personal preference is polymer synthetics.
You can also use a good carnuba wax (with no abrasives), carnuba wax will give you a deeper shine but doesn't last as long an synthitic polymer waxes. I prefer the synthetics for several reasons. Goes on easy, buffs up easy, and doesn't leave a white residue on rubber and plastic. Can be used on just about every surface of the car, glass, plastic, paint, etc. To make your shine even deeper use a good quality polish over the wax.
The ripoff is that stealerships usually charge anywhere from $399.00 to $799.00 to put this stuff on. And on a new car it only takes about a hour or so. One can will do about 4 cars so they're making tons on money on it. It has a 5 year warranty if it's dealer installed, but if you don't know how to maintain it the warranty gets voided quickly. They don't tell you this up front, all they tell you is it's good stuff and lasts for 5 years. People leave the stealership thinking they never have to wax or polish their car.......wrong!!!
You can buy a can of Xzilon on eBay for about $35.00 and do it yourself. - Dan
Pics of my cube with Xzilon and wax.
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Speaking of waxes, here is what I do.
I used xzilon for the first time on my Nissan truck and really liked it. But you really have to understand what it is and what it really does. It is a paint sealant, it isn't a wax substitute. It needs to be maintained like paint with a twist. A friend of mine who's a professional detailer taught me a thing or two about this stuff as well as waxes and polishes.
The car needs to be super clean before putting it on. I washed my car with dish soap when I got it home because it removes all traces of wax, polish and oil. If it's not a new car then it's a good idea to clay bar and dry first.
You have to wipe the stuff on and wipe it off in one fluid motion (wax on - wax off...LOL). Wipe it on with one hand and off with the other. Don't put it on too heavy and don't let it dry before wiping it off. A tiny bit goes a loooong way. It leaves a very thin transparant film. I double coated the hood and nose of the car for better bug protection.
Many people think it's a one time no maintainance super polish (mostly because of stealership hype). But this isn't the case. It's a nice hard film that can help protect the paint under it. But like paint, it will need waxing. The key to it's longivity is to give the car an occasional waxing. But you have to be sure the wax has absolutely no abrasives cause the abrasives will remove the film, most waxes do, especially if it say's it's a cleaner wax. That's why I'm using Eagle One spray wax. It's a synthetic polymer wax with no abrasives. This is why my paint has no swirl marks. The soft clear coat is what usually has the swirls, but with the Zxilon coat it's pretty durable and not using a cleaner wax helps. Any good quality non abrasive wax either a polymer or carnuba will protect the Xzilon that's protecting your paint. My personal preference is polymer synthetics.
You can also use a good carnuba wax (with no abrasives), carnuba wax will give you a deeper shine but doesn't last as long an synthitic polymer waxes. I prefer the synthetics for several reasons. Goes on easy, buffs up easy, and doesn't leave a white residue on rubber and plastic. Can be used on just about every surface of the car, glass, plastic, paint, etc. To make your shine even deeper use a good quality polish over the wax.
The ripoff is that stealerships usually charge anywhere from $399.00 to $799.00 to put this stuff on. And on a new car it only takes about a hour or so. One can will do about 4 cars so they're making tons on money on it. It has a 5 year warranty if it's dealer installed, but if you don't know how to maintain it the warranty gets voided quickly. They don't tell you this up front, all they tell you is it's good stuff and lasts for 5 years. People leave the stealership thinking they never have to wax or polish their car.......wrong!!!
You can buy a can of Xzilon on eBay for about $35.00 and do it yourself. - Dan
Pics of my cube with Xzilon and wax.
That black is about the best I've seen. Black is difficult to photograph to get the true look, but that is outstanding.
I just had my Cube detailed by Quiktouch Automotive Center here in Prescott. This is the third car they have done for me. It's a 6-step process to perfect the condition of the clearcoat and adds the gloss and depth to the finish. Plus it protects it from the Arizona temperatures and UVA and UVB damage. I had them do my MINI Clubman and the Porsche Cayenne (before I sold it) and it is amazing. The MINI was only a year old, but the Porsche had sat outside in the sun for over a year at the dealership. Quiktouch removed all the oxidation, sanded the headlights back to like new condition and did all the necessary touchup during the Diamond Finish. I took it by the dealership afterward and they could not believe the difference, although they regularly use QuikTouch for some of their cars.
I wanted to get the Cube done to protect it from the sun, but also because afterward just using the California duster and then applying the anti-static spray-on cleaner keeps the cars like new. If you have to wash it you are supposed to use a high pressure wash. So far in 8 months the Clubman hasn't had to be washed. Of course I don't take it out in bad weather, but still the detail spray is amazing. The owner of the shop was a chemical engineer before he retired to do this car restoration and protection and he developed this formula for the car. I love going by his shop because he gets some of the nicest cars I've seen to work on. He got all of the swirls out of my MINI's paint. It's chili red and although I was always careful washing it, you still get swirls in there. Not now. The finish is perfect and the color is so much deeper than it was from the factory.
Usually if I wax I use Zymol, but I don't know if the Cube is a water-based paint and the formulation I have on hand was made for the BMW I had.
I'm anxious to see how the viper stripes change the look. I'll post some pics after it is done on Wednesday if anyone is interested.
By the way, Detailers Paradise has some fantastic detailing products. Clarity is the best window cleaner I have ever used. I buy that way ahead so I won't run out. And Griot's sells a spray-on bug guard that eliminates any need to work at getting bugs off the front. I used it on the MINI for a Tucson trip and it made clean up a breeze. It is clear and doesn't show up after it is applied, but it prevents the bug parts from sticking to your paint.
I'm getting a clear bra for the Cube to protect it from chipping, and the bug guard spray works great on that, too.
Sorry to go on so long. I'm a bit OC about the cars.
l
I just had my Cube detailed by Quiktouch Automotive Center here in Prescott. This is the third car they have done for me. It's a 6-step process to perfect the condition of the clearcoat and adds the gloss and depth to the finish. Plus it protects it from the Arizona temperatures and UVA and UVB damage. I had them do my MINI Clubman and the Porsche Cayenne (before I sold it) and it is amazing. The MINI was only a year old, but the Porsche had sat outside in the sun for over a year at the dealership. Quiktouch removed all the oxidation, sanded the headlights back to like new condition and did all the necessary touchup during the Diamond Finish. I took it by the dealership afterward and they could not believe the difference, although they regularly use QuikTouch for some of their cars.
I wanted to get the Cube done to protect it from the sun, but also because afterward just using the California duster and then applying the anti-static spray-on cleaner keeps the cars like new. If you have to wash it you are supposed to use a high pressure wash. So far in 8 months the Clubman hasn't had to be washed. Of course I don't take it out in bad weather, but still the detail spray is amazing. The owner of the shop was a chemical engineer before he retired to do this car restoration and protection and he developed this formula for the car. I love going by his shop because he gets some of the nicest cars I've seen to work on. He got all of the swirls out of my MINI's paint. It's chili red and although I was always careful washing it, you still get swirls in there. Not now. The finish is perfect and the color is so much deeper than it was from the factory.
Usually if I wax I use Zymol, but I don't know if the Cube is a water-based paint and the formulation I have on hand was made for the BMW I had.
I'm anxious to see how the viper stripes change the look. I'll post some pics after it is done on Wednesday if anyone is interested.
By the way, Detailers Paradise has some fantastic detailing products. Clarity is the best window cleaner I have ever used. I buy that way ahead so I won't run out. And Griot's sells a spray-on bug guard that eliminates any need to work at getting bugs off the front. I used it on the MINI for a Tucson trip and it made clean up a breeze. It is clear and doesn't show up after it is applied, but it prevents the bug parts from sticking to your paint.
I'm getting a clear bra for the Cube to protect it from chipping, and the bug guard spray works great on that, too.
Sorry to go on so long. I'm a bit OC about the cars.
l
Great! I think you will really like them. I started researching the items and more when I got the MINI. North American Motoring (a MINI site) has a great section on Detailing. It is worth checking out as answers to so many questions are there.
At a car show I entered the Clubman in I had one lady tell me I "should get a life," after I was explaining some features of the car and the detailing to her husband. It didn't really bother me, but I thought about it later and really thought--"This is my life and it is soooo much better than drugs or booze or other vices." Detailing my car and keeping the garage neat is like a mini vacation for me. I have a very ill husband, we can't travel or do other things people do, my work is intense with tight deadlines, and I have very few spare moments to play. So, the cars are my escape pod for whatever time I can sneak away to enjoy them.
When I first saw the Cube it made me smile and it continues to do that. It is just a fun car without any hassles. It shines in its own niche, it doesn't need to be a "super" car.
At a car show I entered the Clubman in I had one lady tell me I "should get a life," after I was explaining some features of the car and the detailing to her husband. It didn't really bother me, but I thought about it later and really thought--"This is my life and it is soooo much better than drugs or booze or other vices." Detailing my car and keeping the garage neat is like a mini vacation for me. I have a very ill husband, we can't travel or do other things people do, my work is intense with tight deadlines, and I have very few spare moments to play. So, the cars are my escape pod for whatever time I can sneak away to enjoy them.
When I first saw the Cube it made me smile and it continues to do that. It is just a fun car without any hassles. It shines in its own niche, it doesn't need to be a "super" car.
I agree with you. Like I said in my post. Although I haven't color sanded my car it shines like crazy. I'm using elcheapo Eagle One spray at about $4.00 a bottle. Everyone who sees my car is in awe at the shine and no swirl marks. I've tried several of the upper end (cost wise) waxes and polishes over the past several years on some of my cars. I have to admit I was pretty dissappointed in the outcome Vs cost. I'll stick to the cheap stuff. Works for me. - Dannone said:
I assume most of us on this forum have a new Cube, so we are looking for a wax to protect the factory finish; not restore an old finish.
I have read quite a few car wax/polish reviews and discussion forums.
My conclusion:
- They all make a car shine to a point where you really can't tell the difference between the most expensive and a lower-cost wax. Carnauba based wax's have a deeper/wetter looking shine after one coat. Synthetic wax's only acquire a deep shine after multiple coats that take hours (if not days) to apply.
- Some have a smother feel, but that doesn't necessarily make it better (unless you are in the habit of running your fingers over car surfaces)
- The most important differentiators are the ease of applying and removing, and how long it last (determined by water beading).
1 - If you are a "weekend" car care keeper, I recommend a carnauba based wax that should be applied every three months. I just finished waxing my Cube with Zynol Z-503 Auto Polish. I got mine from Amazon.com. Be careful you don't buy the cheaper version at a local auto store or W-Mart. The car has a very deep/wet look. It was easy to apply and remove. The time spent waxing my Cube with Zynol was easy and painless enough that I should have no problem motivating myself to do it four times a year. I also recommend Black Magic Wet Shine Liquid Car Wax. I just bought a bottle and waxed my wife's car. Same shine as the Zynol and just as easy to apply and remove. BTW - This wax was rated #1 by Consumer Magazine.
2 - If you are a serious car detailer, and have lots of free time on your hands, I would recommend Zaino Z2-Pro mixed with the ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator Additive. You need to follow the directions carefully and apply multiple coats to get the deep/wet look of a carnauba wax. On the plus side, it does last about a year. Zaino wax's are the top rated synthetics.
I have read quite a few car wax/polish reviews and discussion forums.
My conclusion:
- They all make a car shine to a point where you really can't tell the difference between the most expensive and a lower-cost wax. Carnauba based wax's have a deeper/wetter looking shine after one coat. Synthetic wax's only acquire a deep shine after multiple coats that take hours (if not days) to apply.
- Some have a smother feel, but that doesn't necessarily make it better (unless you are in the habit of running your fingers over car surfaces)
- The most important differentiators are the ease of applying and removing, and how long it last (determined by water beading).
1 - If you are a "weekend" car care keeper, I recommend a carnauba based wax that should be applied every three months. I just finished waxing my Cube with Zynol Z-503 Auto Polish. I got mine from Amazon.com. Be careful you don't buy the cheaper version at a local auto store or W-Mart. The car has a very deep/wet look. It was easy to apply and remove. The time spent waxing my Cube with Zynol was easy and painless enough that I should have no problem motivating myself to do it four times a year. I also recommend Black Magic Wet Shine Liquid Car Wax. I just bought a bottle and waxed my wife's car. Same shine as the Zynol and just as easy to apply and remove. BTW - This wax was rated #1 by Consumer Magazine.
2 - If you are a serious car detailer, and have lots of free time on your hands, I would recommend Zaino Z2-Pro mixed with the ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator Additive. You need to follow the directions carefully and apply multiple coats to get the deep/wet look of a carnauba wax. On the plus side, it does last about a year. Zaino wax's are the top rated synthetics.
Did you mean zyMol??? That is what I use on the cube (pearl white) as well as the wife's Volvo C70 (also white) and you hit the nail on the head (even with white vehicles) this wax has one of the deepest looks to it on the market. Lasts as you say 3 - 4 months and is a breeze to apply.
Even put this on the headlamps and windshield and all those bugs are just wiped off with the towel. Do these areas once a month or so as well as the mirror backs.
Best thing about this wax - it is a natural formula - no harsh chemicals...
Even put this on the headlamps and windshield and all those bugs are just wiped off with the towel. Do these areas once a month or so as well as the mirror backs.
Best thing about this wax - it is a natural formula - no harsh chemicals...
You are correct it is spelled Zymol.
Here is the link to it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Zymol-Z-503-A..._3?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1252087924&sr=1-3
Here is the link to it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Zymol-Z-503-A..._3?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1252087924&sr=1-3
I love Zymol. My BMW looked like brand new after 7 years. It is fantastic. The other products they make are great too. The cleaner smells like chocolate. Totally safe stuff.
Everyone has their favorites and that's great. I think we all just have to use what we are comfortable with.
Everyone has their favorites and that's great. I think we all just have to use what we are comfortable with.
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