Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

[the_invisible]

I find that the M26 Yellow Tech Wax extremely hard to spread smoothly. The Yellow Wax tends make the pad stick to the paint surface, making spreading the product a chore.

What I want to know is this. Should I "dampen" the microfiber pad before using it spread the Yellow Wax? The instruction on the bottle calls for a DRY applicator, but when I find the product hard to work on, I simply spray a couple shots of Quick Detailer onto the pad to help smoothen the pad, to reduce the amount of effort and energy required to spread the Yellow Tech Wax.

Any input on how to reduce wasted energy on applying Yellow Tech Wax greatly appreciated.

By the way, I am using microfiber applicator pads to apply Yellow Wax to reduce creating scratches or swirls.

PS. What is an effective way to clean the pads. I simply soak them in strong degreaser, but even so the Yellow Wax is extremely tough to remove completely from the appliactor pads. I like to have a 99% clean pad when I start a project.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

Hi there,

I moved this over to Detailing 101 since the "How-To" section is for official posts by Meguiar's collectively only.

In the future, when in doubt, post your questions in Detailing 101.

[the_invisible]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

Yup I realized I posted in the wrong section. Thanks for the prompt action.

Anyway, any input?

[akimel]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

You are using the paste wax version, yes?

[the_invisible]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

I am using the Liquid version actually. I heard that it is easier to apply than the Paste version, but even the liquid one is a chore to apply using a microfiber applicator. The foam applicator makes the product MUCH easier to apply, but Mr. Joseph Thomas recommends me to use Microfiber applicator when applying wax. I personally prefer the ultra smooth property of microfiber.

[RGP]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

I used 26 paste for many, many years until switching to NXT 2.0. I found the paste, and hence your liquid, applied very easily and uniformly with any moist applicator. Even with the much easier to use NXT 2.0, I moisten and thoroughly squeeze out the foam applicator. It makes life much easier!

[InfiniteDetail]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

A couple of thoughts here:

1) Has the surface been prepped properly? If there are bonded contaminants on the paint, the pad will tend to drag in some areas and not others. If you run your hand over the paint does it feel perfectly smooth, or does it drag and make noise? If it isn't smooth you should clay, then apply cleaner wax, then apply the M26.

2) I have always had better results with the foam applicator than micro fiber applicator. I might use a microfiber applicator with a cleaner wax for the extra little "bite", but for a final wax I would definitely recommend the foam applicators.

Good luck

[the_invisible]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

RGP, do you simply moisten it with water? I tried using Quick Detailer, but I was concerned that using Quick Detailer to moisten the pads may change the chemistry of the Yellow Wax, making it bond not so well to the paint.

Kerrinjeff, i usually clay my car and then follow up with a medium-duty polish before applying any wax. So you suggest using microfiber appliacator for polisher/cleaner and foam for wax??

Thanks.

[RGP]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

You're way over thinking things! Just like I always do also! Add plain ol' tap water to a Meg applicator, MF, terry cloth, or natural sponge. It'll glide right on. If you're using too much moisture, you'll see the coverage being sporadic, i.e. hit n miss.

I first tried applying NXT 2.0 with a dry MF and darned near killed myself. I just did my MX-5 this afternoon in a 97* Orlando garage, and it only took me 45 minutes from first on to last off.

If you've got a new car, or a new car finish, save yourself a lot of aggravation. Pony up for a bottle of NXT 2.0. It's way easier to use than 26 and the finish is crystal clear. My car is 3 months old and I've gotten, including today's coat, 13 applications and I've still got c. 40% left. It ain't cheap, but it is the best I've ever used. I started with the old Blue Coral in the early 60's. Ask your history teacher about Blue Coral!

[CieraSL]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

Interesting why you're having trouble with #26. I've used it a couple of times and never had a problem. I just used a dry foam applicator. Anyway, follow the advice that the others have given you and you should be good to go.

[RGP]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

T.I.

Lemme know if the water helps. If not, my only guess is that your finish isn't quite ready for either 26 or NXT 2.0...

[the_invisible]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

RGP, thanks for the advice. I will try to moisten it up. I was a little worried at first because the instruction calls for dry applicator. I will keep you posted. I just bought a bottle of NXT 2.0 as well. I will compare the two. Maybe even topping the NXT 2.0 with a light coat of M26.

CieraSL, I agree that spone applicator makes application MUCH easier. But it just feels that MF is much smoother and may minimize scratches or swirls. Thanks for the insight.

[RGP]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

Moisten the blue applicator you've gotten in the NXT 2.0 box. I'll be really surprised if you still bother even using the 26.

If it ain't broke; don't fix it!

[akimel]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

A couple dodo newb thoughts:

First, there is probably a good reason why NXT and other waxes come packaged with a foam applicator and not a microfiber applicator. I think I recollect Mike Phillips stating that the foam applicator is "gentler" than the microfiber applicator; but I have searched the archives and cannot Mike explicitly addressing this question. I did, however, find this thread:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=320549#post320549

I always, with one exception, use a foam applicator to apply waxes and sealants, whether liquid or paste. The one exception is Ultima Paint Guard Plus, which comes packaged with a microfiber applicator.

Second, while I have never used liquid M26, I question whether it needs a pre-moistened applicator in order to be spread effectively. Either something is wrong with the product itself and therefore the bottle needs to be replaced, or insufficient liquid is being applied to the applicator, or a foam applicator is simply the best tool to use to apply M26. Invisible, you have already noted that M26 is easily applied with a foam applicator. Why not allow your experience here to guide you?

Third, do we know how water or quick detailer will affect the performance of M26? Perhaps the consequence will be negligible, but why chance it when it is easily applied with a foam applicator? I know that some paste waxes are more easily applied when the pad is primed with quick detailer (Collinite 476 immediately comes to mind), but I haven't heard this being said about liquid waxes. If the pad needs to be primed, shouldn't it be primed with the product itself?

Cheers,
Al

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Yellow Tech Wax M26 hard to apply?!

I find that the M26 Yellow Tech Wax extremely hard to spread smoothly. The Yellow Wax tends make the pad stick to the paint surface, making spreading the product a chore.

What I want to know is this. Should I "dampen" the microfiber pad before using it spread the Yellow Wax? The instruction on the bottle calls for a DRY applicator, but when I find the product hard to work on, I simply spray a couple shots of Quick Detailer onto the pad to help smoothen the pad, to reduce the amount of effort and energy required to spread the Yellow Tech Wax.

Any input on how to reduce wasted energy on applying Yellow Tech Wax greatly appreciated.

By the way, I am using microfiber applicator pads to apply Yellow Wax to reduce creating scratches or swirls.

PS. What is an effective way to clean the pads. I simply soak them in strong degreaser, but even so the Yellow Wax is extremely tough to remove completely from the appliactor pads. I like to have a 99% clean pad when I start a project.

Firstly, welcome to MOL!!!

Secondly, the difference between foam and MF applicator boils down to mostly personal preference, unless there is a specific product that appears to work better with one or the other. As such, neither will scratch the surface or should make applying the product difficult.

Now with that said, it is not recommended to apply water to an applicator before applying the product as the water may interfere with the set up and subsequent performance of the product. It would be much better to apply a few drops of M26 to the applicator first and then work it into the applicator with your fingers and then apply a couple of dime size drops of M26 to spread over a given areas. Remember apply a VERY thin coat.

Several things can cause the application to become "sticky" so-to-speak:

1. Not pre-cleaning the paint first. There is often a lot of grime on the paint that we simply can not feel. Try this, take a sandwich baggie and place your hand inside of it. Now on the clean paint, gently rub your hand that is in the baggie over the paint. Do you feel any grit etc? If you do the paint needs to be clayed. If you do not do this, and have not used a paint cleaner either, then the paint will start to grab to these spots leaving a very tacky mess.

2. If the paint has been cleaned with a pre-cleaner polish like M80 etc, then if the paint is too hot, wax can again become sticky. Always apply to cleaned surface in the shade out of direct sunlight.

3. If the paint is oxidized and you are trying to wax the surface, then it too can become sticky. You must again clean the oxidation first with the appropriate cleaner.

4. If you have clayed and followed with a paint cleaner, there may be product residue remaining on the paint that has dried. Take some M34 Final Inspection and spray and wipe down the entire car and then once dried, try applying the M26.

5. Is your applicator saturated with product? If it has quite a bit of product on it, switch to a clean applicator.

6. Finally, what does the consistency of the product look like? Is it a uniform yellow color with the thickness of a light cream or is it watery? If it is watery or separated slightly the product made be very old or has been frozen and is no longer any good. If you just bought it, I would return it to the place of purchase or you can give Meguiar's Canada a call.

Here is something to try and I have a feeling that it will work for you, buy some Meguiar's ColorX. Apply this product with a separate and clean applicator over a 18"x18" area. Really work the product in until it is a light residue. Then remove with a MF towel. NOW apply the M26. How does it apply now? If good, then your paint is not clean enough and needs to be cleaned before applying M26.

Give the above a try and let us know...

Tim