I am not a big fan of waxing, but I thought I would try to take care of the E.
So far compared to other vehicles I have owned, it is 100% improvement in the way I take of it. I mean, I actually wash my E :D.
Seriously though, ever since I bought the E in March, it gets washed every weekend.
Followed by a good drying and semi waxing with Eagle1 WAYD spray.
When the wife bought her Mini Cooper a month ago she wanted to use a "real" wax. Since I had had good results with the Eagle1 I went and bought some Eagle1 Nanowax for her. Looks good and she is happy.

I just recently decided to move up a notch on the E waxing and went and bought some Meguiars NXT liquid wax. I have not used it yet, maybe next weekend.
However, while there I came across some Zymol Wax Cleaner which is supposed to be a combination wax and cleaner (ha-ha). I did a little research and found that there is 2 different types of Zymol. Commercial grade and professional.

Anyone try this stuff?
I read a link from spdrcr about Zainos, but to be honest, that just appears to be way more work than I am ready to spend on just waxing a car. Maybe it just reads that way, but it appears you need a degree in chemistry to be able to use some of the better waxes as it takes multiple coats of several different formulas.

Anyway, I plan to still try and wash/wax the E along with the Cooper every weekend. Just wanted some input from some "weekend waxers" for daily drivers on either the NST or Zymols. I also notice Mequiars has a 3-4 step process using 3-4 types of wax as well.

I've used the NXT and it lives up to the hype on the bottle.

Goes on easily and comes off with minimal effort.

That being said, I do not know how long it lasts, once it is applied as I used on a car I was selling.

The car was black and looked amazing when I was finished. It sold the first day I parked it at curb - a true testiment to the shine I think.

The problem with the NXT and waxes like it, are the polymers. I've read that they are not compatible with natural carnuba wax, which may be marketing bunk I'm not sure, so I used the NXT only because I was looking fopr quick/easy results on the car I was to sell.

For the two cars I own now, they will only ever see Carnuba Wax. I guess I'm old school and still think natural is best. I use Griots Best of Show and it is great. Not really a durable finish, by the 3rd month the water isn't beading well.

Griots is expensive, but I have had really good results and feel the money I save by detailing the cars myself, justifies the added expense.

BOS is a liquid, and is easy to apply and moderate to remove.

My input anyway.

So the E got you detailing. That is pretty cool.
Good catch on the Zymol brand as well.
NXT fills swirls but is not a very durable product.

Washing your vehicle every weekend is the foundation of detailing. Even with the less durable carnauba waxes out there, you are going to get a few weeks of protection. Waxing once a month unless in severe conditions is probably fine.

I have used many different waxes, synthetic waxes and polymer sealants (just ask my wife :roll: ).

Here is what I think about Zaino:
It works and last at least six months in my experience.
It can take more time that some are willing to spend.
If your paint is not pristine and prepped properly, Z will only amplify (not hide) your defects.
Zaino as a kit is expensive to start out.

I have used Zaino before and for someone that wants to detail twice a year, it has some advantages. The newer Z2 Pro does a better job of mimicking the deep look of wax better than the old Z2/Z5.

I would suggest trying a new spray wax/sealant such as OCW (http://www.optimumcarcare.com/optimumwax.html). I have been using it lately and can't believe how easy and effective it is. I can do a car in fifteen minutes and the stuff lasts. I will still get out the Souveran paste for black and shows and still mix Zaino from time to time, but if I am in a hurry, I grab the OCW. Cool thing is you can also buy a gallon for around $30. I tested some OCW on my plastic cladding (Xterra) and it looks promising and certainly more durable than 303. Don't get me wrong, I use 303 on the interior of my cars almost exclusively.

Didn't mean to ramble, but I love to detail and discuss products.

My .02

I 've heard from detailers that they often put wax on top of polymers as it gives a deeper shine. After using the NXT (with Meguiars Gold Class on top) I would agree. No compatibility problems that I can see.

I find the NXT holds up pretty well but I haven't used Zaino. Too many waxes, too little time! :grin:

My .02

I 've heard from detailers that they often put wax on top of polymers as it gives a deeper shine. After using the NXT (with Meguiars Gold Class on top) I would agree. No compatibility problems that I can see.

I find the NXT holds up pretty well but I haven't used Zaino. Too many waxes, too little time! :grin:

I have "topped" sealants with wax to give it that combo of protection and depth of wax. I don't do it as much anymore.

In general you can top a sealant with a carnauba wax, but can't top a carnauba wax with a sealant. There can be adhesion issues.

There are some hybrids like Poorboys EX and OCW that contain both sealant and wax. OCW needs to be shaken before spraying. You can see the ingredients separate.

I use Meguires NXT on my GMC crewcab and Zaino on my wife's E. My observations are that the Zaino is slighly brighter and deeper, but is much more durable. The Zaino package is more expensive, but in my estimation well worth the cost and you'll only have to apply 1/2 as much as the NXT.
By the way, PVR, GOLD CLASS is also a polymer. I used it extensively before Nxt came out.

I... GOLD CLASS is also a polymer...

Gold Class is advertised as a wax - waxes are listed in the ingredients. - but does contain some polymers. But don't all automotive waxes- even the so-called "100 percent pure carnauba" waxes -- contain a blending of silicones and polymers?

Gold Class is advertised as a wax - waxes are listed in the ingredients. - but does contain some polymers. But don't all automotive waxes- even the so-called "100 percent pure carnauba" waxes -- contain a blending of silicones and polymers?
You'r probably right, I just don't know and too lazy to investigate. Maguires offer fine products, I have been using their stuff for over 30 yrs. Ok, I just went out to the garage and checked. NXT is a polymer wax, Gold Class is a polymer wax--neither one mention Carnuba. On the other hand I have an old can of Meguires DEEP CRYSTAL CARNUBA wax and the label states it contains petroleum distillates, but does not mention poymer. In summation, your guess is as good as mine. :roll: :)

Yeah this stuff is all very confusing. WAAAY too many products out there now for me to understand.

FYI according to the Meguiars web site Gold Class is a blended wax, which contains Carnauba wax. NXT Tech Wax is made with all synthetic ingredients.

[edit]
http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=4042&highlight

Thanks for the info. :)

So you guys like I should try the NXT and then apply some real wax??
How about the Zymols cleaner wax. That is like 33% carnuba I believe. Can I apply that over the NXT??

I am just pure newbie to waxing. With both of our new cars being small (my E and her Cooper) it is fun and easy to wash and wax them. Especially compared to our Expedition which almost nevers gets washed.
I wanted to try Zainos with all the I have read, but it really seems a little intimidating with all the mixing of products to wash and wax.

IMHO Zaino is the BEST!!!! but it takes a lot of work the first treatment and then a little more work than most every couple months.. If you are anal retentive or are polishing for shows, I say Zaino!!!

But there are others that work well and protect well with a lot less work, they are just a 1/2 step less deep looking. a couple that have not been mentioned are Mother's FX spray polish.. and Final Detail www.finaldetail.com

I don't show so I stopped using Zaino and now I use Mother's FX spray polish. it doesn't look quite as good (I should say doesn't look quite as great) and doesn't last as long. Needs to be done every couple weeks,
Zaino I could just do a quick wash and dry and let polishing go if I was busy for 2 or 3 months and it would still look great.

And remember real wax yellows in the sun, has no UV protection and if applied to bare paint is not good for the paint if not cleaned off and re-applied regularly. Also if you use a polish then wax, you cannot put more polish on untl the wax is cleaned off and many car wash liquids do not remove wax.

Whew too much work for me. If like me you dont have the time, pick up a bottle of Nu Finish. I dry my car with The Absorber apply a very thin coat of Nu Finish and buff when hazy takes about 30 min. and I only do it every 4 months.

So you guys like I should try the NXT and then apply some real wax??
How about the Zymols cleaner wax. That is like 33% carnuba I believe. Can I apply that over the NXT??

I am just pure newbie to waxing. With both of our new cars being small (my E and her Cooper) it is fun and easy to wash and wax them. Especially compared to our Expedition which almost nevers gets washed.
I wanted to try Zainos with all the I have read, but it really seems a little intimidating with all the mixing of products to wash and wax.
Do not use a cleaner wax over the NXT, as you will be removing some of the protecting polymers. If you use a second coat use a straight Carnuba wax like Meguires Deep Crystal. If it was me I would use another coat of NXT.

I looked at the deep crystal but it appears to be a several step process.
There are 4 bottles and each is labeled for which step it is.

I read several people apply a few coats of the Zymols and then top it off with Klasse, Zainos, or Meguiars Gold Class.

The best wax or sealant is subjective (what you like best). It depends if you want durability, depth, wetness, reflective finish, ease of application/removal, curing time, cost, etc.

If you like durability and a reflective (mirror shine) finish you may love Zaino. It is the best in some instances for some people. It works well. Anything more than 3 coats is overkill IMO.

A cleaner wax will remove your previous finish to some degree. Waxes have a fair amount of solvents and don't really layer (2 coats are used to make sure you covered everything). Waxes don't last very long except for garage queens. If you like depth (especially dark colors) and don't mind applying every 4 to 6 weeks, a wax may be the best for you.

IMO the critical part is paint preparation (wash, clay, compound, polish) not just your last step. If you are applying at $100 sealant system or $1500 wax (Zymol) on top of a dirty, swirled hood, you aren't going to have great results.

The best wax or sealant is subjective (what you like best). It depends if you want durability, depth, wetness, reflective finish, ease of application/removal, curing time, cost, etc.

If you like durability and a reflective (mirror shine) finish you may love Zaino. It is the best in some instances for some people. It works well. Anything more than 3 coats is overkill IMO.

A cleaner wax will remove your previous finish to some degree. Waxes have a fair amount of solvents and don't really layer (2 coats are used to make sure you covered everything). Waxes don't last very long except for garage queens. If you like depth (especially dark colors) and don't mind applying every 4 to 6 weeks, a wax may be the best for you.

IMO the critical part is paint preparation (wash, clay, compound, polish) not just your last step. If you are applying at $100 sealant system or $1500 wax (Zymol) on top of a dirty, swirled hood, you aren't going to have great results.
PT91 is right, Preparation is the key. If all you've been using is Eagle One Wax as you dry, your paint isn't properly prepared . I would go to www.zaino.com and check out their step by step reccomendations. If you don't want to spend the money or the time to do it the Zaino way , then at least get a clay bar from Meguires, follow the directions (you'll need Quick Detailer) and then follow with NXT. Just my 2cents :)

For what it's worth, the best products that I found for ease of use(wipe on, wipe off), shine almost miror like and durability are the products made by Klasse...AIO polish and Sealant Glaze on top of the AIO. Of course, like others have stated you need to prep the paint first, good wash and paint clay.

:D

I've been using Mother's good old regular wax initial 2 coats and then once every 6 mths with a buffer. one can lasted for 4 cars or five years. coworkers always say my cars looks new and shiney, and always wonder where do I get it detailed. damn it i just wash it, most weeks I just wipe it down. very lazy man.

raymond

For what it's worth, the best products that I found for ease of use(wipe on, wipe off), shine almost miror like and durability are the products made by Klasse...AIO polish and Sealant Glaze on top of the AIO. Of course, like others have stated you need to prep the paint first, good wash and paint clay.

:D

I agree. The Klasse twins work very well. I use AIO quite a bit. The SG application/removal could be easier but it is VERY durable. The trick seems to be applying an extremely thin coat.

The problem with the NXT and waxes like it, are the polymers. I've read that they are not compatible with natural carnuba wax, which may be marketing bunk I'm not sure, so I used the NXT only because I was looking fopr quick/easy results on the car I was to sell.

It is 100% true. If you are going to apply a polymer wax, you have to first make sure that any carnauba based wax has been removed from the paint. All you need to do is wash the car with some dishwashing soap or use a paint 'cleaner' that is not also a wax.

But once you have the polymer on the paint, you can overlay a coat of carnauba if you want some extra depth and shine added to the surface.

So you guys like I should try the NXT and then apply some real wax??
How about the Zymols cleaner wax. That is like 33% carnuba I believe. Can I apply that over the NXT??



I would recommend that if you are going to top a polymer sealant with a carnauba wax, that you use a wax that is not also a cleaner. If you use a cleaner/wax combo product, the cleaners will remove the polymer wax (nxt in this case) before depositing a layer of carnauba. So in essence, you will be removing the NXT that you just worked so hard to apply.

R

A 50/50 mixture of iso. alcohol/water in a spray bottle removed with a nice soft microfiber towel will remove carnauba. I usually use AIO or a paint cleaner like 4* UPC by machine if I want to start with a clean slate for a sealant.
I leave the dawn (and the sponge) next to the sink/dishes! I tried dawn once to remove wax years ago and it didn't do a very thorough job. Water still beaded like crazy after two washes. Maybe the PH isn't as extreme as it used to be.

I just did a three stage on a 1998 Civic SI with minimal swirls and now it looks like a show car. First time I have tried Poorboys and it works very well. Easy to use and the shine is very deep, we will see how long it will last.

I used the SSR1, EX-P and Nattys Paste Wax as a topper.

If your E is clean and with very little blemishes I would use the Poorboys EX-P sealant then top it with a nice coat of the Nattys Past Wax for a nice shine. Two products, two steps, 2 hours max and 30 bucks well worth it!!

I agree.
I have yet to be disappointed in the PoorBoys product line (and I have just about the whole offering). I reach for SSR 2.5 as often as my Menzerna polishes. SSR 1 is a good final polish if your paint is in good shape.

If you like Natty's paste you should try the new Natty's blue version. I have also used EX and EX-P with good results.

I like to wait at least 12 hours to allow the sealants to cure before reapplying or topping with paste wax.

Post some pics of your MM and the Civic if you get a chance. I posted pics of our Si on Autopia.....link in my signature.

The Wax Shop's Super Glaze (http://www.thewaxshop.com/superglaze.asp) is my all time favorite for a fast shine. So fast and easy I use it far more often than conventional type once-a-month waxes.

Apply, dry, wipe off, all in less than 30 mins, no kidding. Smells good too. :grin:

BTW, leaves very little residue, ideal for black cars and safe around the E's plastic panels.

The best i've ever used....

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1005&SKU=11305


Best of show wax. Wash first, Paint cleaning clay next.
2 coats of wax.

Stand back and Smile..... :grin:

The best i've ever used....

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1005&SKU=11305


Best of show wax. Wash first, Paint cleaning clay next.
2 coats of wax.

Stand back and Smile..... :grin:

Yeah, I'm a big fan of Griots too.

well it has been raining its butt off in my area for several days now.
I plan to wash it, possibly clay it, use som Zymol's cleaner wax and finish it off with NXT.
Of course Mothers will go on the plastic panels.

Looking forward to see how this looks and how it looks after a follow on wash and "spray wax" touch up.

Sounds good!

Don't skip claying after the wash! It doesn't take all that much time and I think you will be happier with the result since you are going to the effort of using a cleaner wax and a polymer.

Sounds good!

Don't skip claying after the wash! It doesn't take all that much time and I think you will be happier with the result since you are going to the effort of using a cleaner wax and a polymer.
I agree I think the step of claying is actually the shortest step time wise. Take me longer to wash, and longer to apply a coat of wax, than it is too clay it...it goes very quick.