In your opinion what is the best wax?
06-10-2012, 08:19 AM
#21
IMHO there are three (fairly inexpensive) products that work and look good.
1) Zaino Z-2 with ZFX $35 for both.
Three "thin" coats in one afternoon.
IMO Very shiny & lasts a LONG time.
My fav for a bright shine a durability.
2) BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection $38
Easy on & Easy off. 12 hours between coats. Very "slick".
3) Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax No. 845 - Cost $16
High gloss & lasting protection. Do one section at a time.
This can be found locally in "most" auto parts stores.
1) Zaino Z-2 with ZFX $35 for both.
Three "thin" coats in one afternoon.
IMO Very shiny & lasts a LONG time.
My fav for a bright shine a durability.
2) BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection $38
Easy on & Easy off. 12 hours between coats. Very "slick".
3) Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax No. 845 - Cost $16
High gloss & lasting protection. Do one section at a time.
This can be found locally in "most" auto parts stores.
06-23-2012, 02:41 PM
#23
Again, IMHO For a long lasting, bright shine nothing outlasts Zaino Z-2 but it's not a "wax".
As far as longevity...where I am in "sunny" south Florida. If it ain't HOT it's rainin'
...A wax will last 2-4 weeks and a good sealant (Z-2 is one) can last 3-4 months.
06-24-2012, 08:32 AM
#25
Short version: Yes
How to use Z-2 by itself:
Apply...wait for "swipe test", remove
DEF: Swipe Test
After applying an LSP (Last Step Product) wait for it to haze.
NOTE: Check manufacturers directions for specific instructions
Lightly swipe the LSP with your finger and check the results.
If it comes off and the paint is clear it's ready for removal.
If it smears underneath it has not cured...wait 15min try again.
Z-2 alone requires 12-24 hours to cure before applying another coat.
How to use Z-2 with ZFX: (My recommendation)
ZFX is a hardening agent and allows layering up to 3 coats of Z-2 in a day.
A single 1oz Z-2/ZFX mixture is usually enough product to apply three coats.
It's not rocket science to use ZFX and you don't need to be a chemist.
IT IS VERY SIMPLE TO MIX AND APPLY:
Mix
Fill bottle 1/4 with Z-2, add ZFX drops, fill to 1/2, shake, wait 5min.
Apply
ZFX comes with 4) 2oz bottles and a small blue bottle containing ZFX
Take a 2oz bottle and fill it 1/4 with Z-2 then add 4-5 drops of ZFX
Then fill the bottle to the 1/2 way mark, close and shake for 2 mins
Set the bottle down. Wait 5 mins for it to settle. (time to get a beer)
Now it's ready to apply.
Application:
Z-2/ZFX is simple: Apply 10-15 min, wait 45min+ (haze/swipe test), remove.
Then repeat. You can apply up to 3 coats of Z-2/ZFX within 12-24 hours.
My preference is to apply three coats in a single afternoon and be finished.
Z-2 is different that your auto-parts store waxes. You use VERY little.
A dime sized amount is enough to a panel (door, half the hood etc.)
NOTE: Once the pad is "primed" with Z-2/ZFX you WILL use less product.
What I do...Z-2 comes with a applicator that I prime with a light H2O mist.
Then apply a dime sized amount of the Z-2/ZFZ mix to the applicator pad.
Z-2/ZFX is not applied like your typical WOWO (Wax On Wax OFF)
Rather than applying in circles, it is applied in overlapping straight lines.
One the side panels apply vertically and the hood apply back to front.
I'm always amazed that after applying 3 coats I still have some in the bottle.
Clean Up:
This is my input on cleaning the remaining Z-2/ZFX out of the mixing bottle.
I made the mistake once of leaving the Z-2/ZFX mix in the bottle overnight.
The next day it was hard as a rock and I wound up having the throw it away.
I said to myself "If it's like that in that bottle, it's hard as a rock on my paint!"
I take Dawn dish washing liquid (Original Blue) and put some in the bottle.
Add just a little water and shake until the contents completely break down.
I open the top of the mixing bottle and shake the contents out the nozzle.
Afterwards I wipe out the inside of the bottle just to make sure it's clean.
EPILOGUE:
Short version - Mix Z-2/ZFX, wait 5 min., apply, swipe, remove, repeat (3 coats)
Again, you don't need to be a chemist or a rocket scientist to use Z-2 with ZFX!
It's simple to mix, easy to use, VERY shiny, looks GREAT and lasts a LONG time!
ENJOY THE SHINE!
How to use Z-2 by itself:
Apply...wait for "swipe test", remove
DEF: Swipe Test
After applying an LSP (Last Step Product) wait for it to haze.
NOTE: Check manufacturers directions for specific instructions
Lightly swipe the LSP with your finger and check the results.
If it comes off and the paint is clear it's ready for removal.
If it smears underneath it has not cured...wait 15min try again.
Z-2 alone requires 12-24 hours to cure before applying another coat.
How to use Z-2 with ZFX: (My recommendation)
ZFX is a hardening agent and allows layering up to 3 coats of Z-2 in a day.
A single 1oz Z-2/ZFX mixture is usually enough product to apply three coats.
It's not rocket science to use ZFX and you don't need to be a chemist.
IT IS VERY SIMPLE TO MIX AND APPLY:
Mix
Fill bottle 1/4 with Z-2, add ZFX drops, fill to 1/2, shake, wait 5min.
Apply
ZFX comes with 4) 2oz bottles and a small blue bottle containing ZFX
Take a 2oz bottle and fill it 1/4 with Z-2 then add 4-5 drops of ZFX
Then fill the bottle to the 1/2 way mark, close and shake for 2 mins
Set the bottle down. Wait 5 mins for it to settle. (time to get a beer)
Now it's ready to apply.
Application:
Z-2/ZFX is simple: Apply 10-15 min, wait 45min+ (haze/swipe test), remove.
Then repeat. You can apply up to 3 coats of Z-2/ZFX within 12-24 hours.
My preference is to apply three coats in a single afternoon and be finished.
Z-2 is different that your auto-parts store waxes. You use VERY little.
A dime sized amount is enough to a panel (door, half the hood etc.)
NOTE: Once the pad is "primed" with Z-2/ZFX you WILL use less product.
What I do...Z-2 comes with a applicator that I prime with a light H2O mist.
Then apply a dime sized amount of the Z-2/ZFZ mix to the applicator pad.
Z-2/ZFX is not applied like your typical WOWO (Wax On Wax OFF)
Rather than applying in circles, it is applied in overlapping straight lines.
One the side panels apply vertically and the hood apply back to front.
I'm always amazed that after applying 3 coats I still have some in the bottle.
Clean Up:
This is my input on cleaning the remaining Z-2/ZFX out of the mixing bottle.
I made the mistake once of leaving the Z-2/ZFX mix in the bottle overnight.
The next day it was hard as a rock and I wound up having the throw it away.
I said to myself "If it's like that in that bottle, it's hard as a rock on my paint!"
I take Dawn dish washing liquid (Original Blue) and put some in the bottle.
Add just a little water and shake until the contents completely break down.
I open the top of the mixing bottle and shake the contents out the nozzle.
Afterwards I wipe out the inside of the bottle just to make sure it's clean.
EPILOGUE:
Short version - Mix Z-2/ZFX, wait 5 min., apply, swipe, remove, repeat (3 coats)
Again, you don't need to be a chemist or a rocket scientist to use Z-2 with ZFX!
It's simple to mix, easy to use, VERY shiny, looks GREAT and lasts a LONG time!
ENJOY THE SHINE!
Last edited by Merlin; 06-24-2012 at 09:20 AM.
06-24-2012, 09:35 AM
#27
Additional Notes:
Polish your paint before applying Z-2 with ZFX. Do any needed paint corrections first.
If you have fine scratches and swirls you will have very shiny scratches and swirls.
If this is your first application of Z-2 with ZFX, wash your paint with Dawn dish washing soap (Original blue)
Dawn is very alkaline and will remove any prior LSP products to allow Z-2 to adhere directly to your paint.
I like using Z-6 as a quick detailer on a vehicle that I have applied Z-2/ZFX to the paint.
Z-2 Application Video
Lamborghini LP 560 4 vs Zaino
Polish your paint before applying Z-2 with ZFX. Do any needed paint corrections first.
If you have fine scratches and swirls you will have very shiny scratches and swirls.
If this is your first application of Z-2 with ZFX, wash your paint with Dawn dish washing soap (Original blue)
Dawn is very alkaline and will remove any prior LSP products to allow Z-2 to adhere directly to your paint.
I like using Z-6 as a quick detailer on a vehicle that I have applied Z-2/ZFX to the paint.
Z-2 Application Video
Lamborghini LP 560 4 vs Zaino
06-24-2012, 09:45 AM
#28
Senior Member
After a good wash I do this:
1) Clay Bar/Speed Shine
2) One Step Sealant w/6" Random Orbital .
3) Sometimes I'll also use Griots Best In Show Carnuba Wax with the orbital rather than the Spray On Wax (which is more of a touch up thing between good waxings).
1) Clay Bar/Speed Shine
2) One Step Sealant w/6" Random Orbital .
3) Sometimes I'll also use Griots Best In Show Carnuba Wax with the orbital rather than the Spray On Wax (which is more of a touch up thing between good waxings).
Last edited by BillK; 06-24-2012 at 09:48 AM.
06-28-2012, 04:48 PM
#29
Senior Member
My favorites are probably going to be:
1) Dodo Juice Supernatural
Easy on and off with a short cure time. They say it can be layered from 1-24 hours later. It gives a great shine, quite a bit of depth, and very "wet" looking. So far I've only used it on white, black, grey, and a beige. It's great wax and really pops.
2) Chemical Guys - Pete's 53'
Very easy on and off - I prefer it with a foam applicator, goes on thin, and no hazing time. Leaves no residue, gives depth, and is "wet" looking. Looks great on dark vehicles.
3) Lusso Oro Premium
Again very easy on and off - I use foam with it as well. No residue, gives great depth and shine, also "wet" looking. Looks great on dark vehicles as well.
4) Chemical Guys - XXX Hardcore Pure White Carnauba
Easy on and off, but if you lay it on thick it's pretty dusty. Gives a good shine and beads water well with no residue.
5) Poorboys World - Natty's Paste Wax(Red, Blue, or White)
Easy on and off, but is a little dusty. Can be applied in direct sunlight, and leaves a nice shine.
Dodo Juice Supernatural is around $130 or around $200 for a refillable pot
Pete's 53' and Lusso Oro are in the $40 range
XXX and Natty's Paste Wax are in the $20 range
I tried the Collinite No. 845, but just can't jump on the bandwagon for it. It might be durable as anything, but it doesn't quite give the shine or depth I like. It seems like a great wax, but it'll probably be more of a winter wax since it's very durable.
1) Dodo Juice Supernatural
Easy on and off with a short cure time. They say it can be layered from 1-24 hours later. It gives a great shine, quite a bit of depth, and very "wet" looking. So far I've only used it on white, black, grey, and a beige. It's great wax and really pops.
2) Chemical Guys - Pete's 53'
Very easy on and off - I prefer it with a foam applicator, goes on thin, and no hazing time. Leaves no residue, gives depth, and is "wet" looking. Looks great on dark vehicles.
3) Lusso Oro Premium
Again very easy on and off - I use foam with it as well. No residue, gives great depth and shine, also "wet" looking. Looks great on dark vehicles as well.
4) Chemical Guys - XXX Hardcore Pure White Carnauba
Easy on and off, but if you lay it on thick it's pretty dusty. Gives a good shine and beads water well with no residue.
5) Poorboys World - Natty's Paste Wax(Red, Blue, or White)
Easy on and off, but is a little dusty. Can be applied in direct sunlight, and leaves a nice shine.
Dodo Juice Supernatural is around $130 or around $200 for a refillable pot
Pete's 53' and Lusso Oro are in the $40 range
XXX and Natty's Paste Wax are in the $20 range
I tried the Collinite No. 845, but just can't jump on the bandwagon for it. It might be durable as anything, but it doesn't quite give the shine or depth I like. It seems like a great wax, but it'll probably be more of a winter wax since it's very durable.
