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Best Wax for Outside Car/Daily Driver

Grizzly

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 23, 2002
Messages
430
Location
Centerville, PA, USA
Corvette
1967 Marlboro Maroon Coupe, 1992 White Convertible
A friend asked me to recomend a wax for her. Her car is out most of the time and she really doesn't have the time to keep it as clean as she should and then many times it is some sort of car wash. I thought maybe one of the "miracle" protectants would be the best like Astro Shield or Liquid Glass. We could get it all cleaned up in my shop to make sure anything we put on would have a chance of staying.

Anyone have any suggestions?
 
I detailed cars professionally for 15 years. The best lasting wax that I have used is called "insulator wax" which is made by the Collinte Company. I would check the internet to see who has it. I know Ardex (Philadelphia area) carries it.


Good luck!!

CP ;)
 
MARLTON LT-4 said:
I detailed cars professionally for 15 years. The best lasting wax that I have used is called "insulator wax" which is made by the Collinte Company. I would check the internet to see who has it. I know Ardex (Philadelphia area) carries it.


Good luck!!

CP ;)

We have used Collinite's Insulator Wax on both Corvettes. My husband swears by it!!!

Elaine
 
Collinite's Insulator Wax is it easy to apply and take off? Or is it all day affair like Zanio !
 
"Insulator" is not a paste or a liquid. I guess you would say it is the consistency of applesauce. It has no cleaners in it so if you are looking to get off some oxidized paint, road tar, etc it will not do it (use a good prep). Also, I put it on and take it off as soon as it dries. It is a pretty quick deal. I do not recommend it for dark cars. It does leave a little silicon residue that shows on some darker colors. One other tip, I keep it the fridge in warmer weather because it keeps the consistency thick. I know this sound crazy but it works!!

CP :crazy
 
SHHH. Don't tell anyone! This is a "Secret" formula.:cool

50% Collinite Insulator Wax
http://www.collinite.com/
Great long lasting protection.

50% Formula 113
http://www.formula113.com/
Easy application, removal and shine. Eliminates Swirl marks.

Mix it together and get the great features of BOTH waxes.

After over 10 years of experimentation, This is THE stuff!

I noticed Advance Auto Parts has a whole shelf full of Collinite. Formula 113 is a little harder to find.
 
The key to applying any protectant product is proper preparation. If you plan it correctly, you can complete the entire initial preparation and application in 3 to 4 hours. Maintenance coats should take 60 to 90 minutes when you feel it necessary.

If the objective is limit the amount of times you need to apply a protectant, you should look at a synthetic and NOT a wax. You'll get 3 times the durability with a synthetic especially during the summer.
 
Like JJU said, the synthetic "polish" type brands will last MUCH longer than "wax/carnuba" based brands. I use nothing but Zaino now. Yes, the first application will take a few hours depending on the condition of the vehicle. But, as with ANY wax/polish, initial preperation is VERY important. If you don't take the time to thoroughly wash, claybar, buff if needed, etc in the beginning, your results will not be optimum.

The synthetic based products last much longer. In my experience with carnuba based waxes, mainly Meguire's and Cherry Wet Wax, the carnuba waxes will only last a couple of washes. Where as Zaino will last dozens of washes. When I add a new coat of Zaino, I just add a quick coat of Z2 and wipe it off. It takes about 10 minutes to apply, 15-30 to cure, then 10-15 to remove.

If you compare overall time for both, you will find in the end, it will be about te same. Zaino may take a bit more time in the beginning, but requires less reapplications. Waxes may be a bit easier, but don't last nearly as long and require frequent reapplications.

My 91 is parked, and usually covered, in the garage. I bought it new in November and I did lots of buffing to remove waterspots. I lost track of how many coats of Zaino Z5 and Z2 it has on it. Anyway, I have washed it 2 times since then and reapplied 1 coat of Z2 since then.

My wifes Avalanche is parked outside and has Zaino on it. I reapply Z2 every 2-3 months to keep it shiny and smooth.

Wax/polish is just like anything else, everyone has brands they prefer. You just have to find one that works for you. I have used nothing but Zaino on all of my vehicles for the past 4 years and have no plans of changing. I would recommend zaino to anyone, but you have to find something that meets your expectations for end result and durability.
 
I just wanted to toss in my two cents. If you are looking for store-bought products, Liquid Glass and Meguiar's #20 are good sealants that should last pretty well, Meguiar's NXT lasts well for some people, not so well for others. Most any Collinite wax will last pretty well, Meguiar's #16 will last pretty well. If you order it, then Zaino and Klasse are pretty durable sealants (there are certainly others as well), Einzett Glanz Wax and One Grand Blitz Wax are pretty durable carnaubas.

I would say that the difference between sealants and carnaubas is not so cut and dry as many carnaubas contain polymers as well. And every car and every person is different. One of my cars hates sealants. Klasse, Zaino, you name it, they last a few weeks and that's it. While Meguiar's #16 and Blitz wax have lasted months of continuous outdoors exposure.

There are a lot of good products to choose from, and I'm sure most all of them will do pretty well. Which will be the ultimate for your car in your enivronment applied by you will depend. If you want to know that definitively, you'll need to just give 'em a whirl.
 

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