Combo wash/wax

[psaulm119]

I was shopping for a new carton of car wax today when I saw a bottle of combined soap and wax (liquid). The directions said to apply to a small area of the car at a time, then wash/rinse, before going to next part of the car.

Seeing as how I hate to wax, this seems like a perfect solution for me. At least some brands didn't seem to cost much more than a pure-soap/wash container, so I was thinking of giving it a shot. Is this really just as good washing with soap first, then applying the wax separately? I would not be using any special equipment, just elbow grease and the pads/sponges.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Combo wash/wax

Is this really just as good washing with soap first, then applying the wax separately?

No, but like you said it's quick and convenient. It's better than letting your wax diminish all together. It's a good solution if you typically fall behind on your waxing regime. There are alternatives however, you could wash with a quality car wash soap like Meguiar's Gold Class followed by a mist of Quik Wax between full waxings.

[Murr1525]

Re: Combo wash/wax

What products are we talking about?

Mguiars makes a Wash and Wax now, which seems like a great products when I used it.

[psaulm119]

Re: Combo wash/wax

I wasn't referring to any wash/wax in particular.

So you are saying that the Meguiar's Wash/wax is pretty good... how would it compare to their conventional wax product that you would apply by hand after a wash?

[Murr1525]

Re: Combo wash/wax

Obviously wash and wax will be quickest.

Your best protection will be from a proper liquid or paste wax.

Then a spray wax would be kind of in-between.

You can do something like wash/ColorX/Wax now for instance, and then use a spray wax or Wash n'Wax in the future to prolong the life of the main coat of wax.

[psaulm119]

Re: Combo wash/wax

OK thanks. That seems to be the consensus--I did a bit of searching online and nobody said anything other than what you two have said--that its a temp fix in between a proper wax.

[Murr1525]

Re: Combo wash/wax

Well, dont have to do anything you dont want to. Some people will only use Wash n'Wax period.

However, the spray and liquid/paste waxes wont go on/off as easily on a poor surface, which is why I mentioned ColorX. The WnW will work ok on anything.

But we also tend to advise for best results around here.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Combo wash/wax

I use the Meguair's wash and wax as the others have said. A great in between booster if you will. It does a very good job used this way. Can not vouch for any durability as your main source as a wax.

[psaulm119]

Re: Combo wash/wax

Well, dont have to do anything you dont want to. Some people will only use Wash n'Wax period.

However, the spray and liquid/paste waxes wont go on/off as easily on a poor surface, which is why I mentioned ColorX. The WnW will work ok on anything.

But we also tend to advise for best results around here.

Now that's interesting. One of my vehicles is definitely a poor surface---the clear coat is peeling off and there is already some discoloration of the paint.

Do I understand you correctly--the wash/wax would be better for this car?

[Murr1525]

Re: Combo wash/wax

Umm... yes and no... I really over simplified that....

By poor surface, I meant unprepared, like with clay or a paint cleaner, or cleaner/wax.

However, if clear coat is peeling, you wont be able to rub a cleaner or wax over the surface without peeling more. You could still clean/wax the other areas of course. So, yes, Wash and Wax could be a good option to get some wax on the most gentle way.

However, a 'poor' surface can be made a 'great' surface in most other situations, esp when the paint isnt peeling.

[psaulm119]

Re: Combo wash/wax

OK gonna ask a stupid question now...

As far as using the wash/wax in between wax jobs--when I do want to apply a paste wax, should I have a separate wash-only solution to wash with? Or is it ok to use a wash/wax, and then, immediately afterwards, apply a paste wax?

[Murr1525]

Re: Combo wash/wax

Any paint cleaner or wax should cut through the wax the WnW leaves behind.

However, since WnW costs a bit extra, it is kind of a waste to use it, then cover/remove it.