#26 Liquid vs Paste

[Orca]

Hi guys - I'm about half way down my bottle of #26 and while I love the results, I find it an absolute pig to work with. I have tried terry, microfibre and foam pads and I get the same spotting upon application and smearing upon removal. It has occurred to me that the smearing might actually be the product badly spread, but I just can't seem to get the application right.

I have found another liquid wax that I can blend it with 50/50 to ease application and smooth the product out better, but I am wondering ... is the paste version significantly easier to use? I'd be very happy to try a tin if this is the case, but don't want to waste my money and have another tin of stuff sitting in the cupboard.

That, and any help with application and removal of the liquid version - I'm working by hand, by the way.

Many thanks in advance.

[akimel]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

So serendipitous that you are asking this question right now. I have been wondering how the paste version compares to the liquid version, particularly when it comes to application and removal. I look forward to hearing the comparative assessments from the brethren.

I just stopped by two auto stores today looking for the paste version of M26. Unfortunately, no one seems to carry the paste version here in Roanoke.

[Orca]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

I get the feeling that the liquid version might well be perfect with a machine. Can anyone who has used both give us a comparison?

[bsibold]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

I have used both, the liquid and the paste, and the paste does spread a little more evenly than the liquid. However, I feel that the paste is little harder to remove. That is my only concern about it. Hope this answers your question.

[mb911]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

I use both too. I use liquid by DA and paste by hand. I find paste slightly harder to remove, but I would put that down to me putting it a bit too thick, unlike with the liquid on DA.

[Tuck91]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

i also have found the paste harder to remove, so i switched back to the liquid

[Nappers]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

I used to hate paste, but now since owning M16 (one of the harder paste's to control maybe), come to love paste. The key is obviously surface prep. Also, the best key is THIN coats and swipe test to make sure the wax has set up. I had no problems at all with M16 with exception to a spot or two where I laid it down heavy.

With M26, I'm sure it's the same, I also have NXT 2.0 paste. I prefer paste and do it by hand. I had troubles with liquid keeping it uniform over the car.

[Andy's Pro Detailing]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

I am using the liquid one. It's easier to work with IMO. Especially as a mobile detailer, I find it easier to use the liquid. I apply it with the DA when I am working on a truck or large vehicle with a lot of surface. If it's a small vehicle I use one of those Meguiar's soft applicators and do it by hand.

This is the best wax I have ever used

[Tuck91]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

although i am a big fan of liquid waxes, i still occasionally use NXT Tech Wax 2.0 or GC Wax in the Paste form if i am taking my time,or if its a nice Sunday morning or afternoon and i have nothing else to do........

[mb911]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

One mental reason I sometimes like pastes is that it seems all the expensive boutique waxes are paste. I thought maybe that meant something.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

Hi guys - I'm about half way down my bottle of #26 and while I love the results,

I find it an absolute pig to work with.

I have tried terry, microfibre and foam pads and I get the same spotting upon application and smearing upon removal. It has occurred to me that the smearing might actually be the product badly spread, but I just can't seem to get the application right.

M26 Liquid is an easy wax to both apply and remove as long as you're,

• Applying it to clean, smooth paint.
• Applying a thin coat.
• Allowing the wax to fully dry before removing.

M26 has been around for close to 30 years and is incredibly popular, if there was a problem with how it applied and removed we would have investigated and fixed the problem 20 to 25 years ago.

Chances are it's technique related.

• Be sure to apply a THIN coating.
• Be sure to let the wax FULLY DRY before removing.

Use this as your guide, don't mix our wax with another company's wax but instead let's work on your technique.

The Swipe Test

[Orca]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

Thanks for the replies, guys - I think that answers my question.

... I'm happy with my technique generally since it works well with all manner of products, some Meguiars too. I'm certainly not being "down" on this product because I do love what it does. I remember having problems a few years ago with Autoglym's Ultra Deep Shine and a refined technique made that a dream to apply and remove - so simple I couldn't believe I was using the same bottle.

Hmmm ... I know the swipe test and yes, it's certainly passing that. I know the trick to a good wax application is the surface prep and I'm doing that right - most often it will be on top of a helping of #7 which by its looks I'm certainly doing that right!

Thin layers? Well I know I have to do that and we might be to the crux of the problem. I get spotting, where the product leaves lots of little pin head sized dots which smear when you go over them - should I be working these out? They don't seem to be a problem when cured and remove as happily as the rest of the wax.

A thin layer is achieved by using a little product and spreading it well which is another problem - it doesn't seem to spread at all well. If I put a small amount onto a foam pad and start to spread it, if I go back over the part I have spread it removes. This happens with terry, microfibre and foam ... and with a circular or straight line application; lightly applied or firmly applied. So, a wipe across, wipe back with a slight overlap removes the product and I think this is where my streakiness is coming from - it's where product has wiped off during the application and so does not have sufficient product to do its magic. This is not me going back over it once I've done the car, the panel or even part of a panel - this happens when I go forward with an 18" stripe and straight back with a slight overlap.

Environmental factors? Temperature and wind? It's often windy where I live and temperatures are between about 5 and 15 degrees C, sometimes lower except for winter where we're about -5 to 5 degrees. I usually apply in late winter/early spring once the light starts to improve or in summer before the panels get too hot. Perhaps the panels are too cold?

The product is kept in a cupboard at room temperature and well shaken for a minute, or so ... often in between, too when I have a sneaky sniff.

I am a little at a loss and as I said, I have blended it to good effect but I'd like to get this sorted out and have another happy experience.

Does the Meguiars return policy stand in the UK, too? If I bought a tin of #26 and found I just did not get along with it either could I send it back for a refund? Does that apply to all products regardless of end seller, or only to products bought direct from Meguiars UK?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

I get spotting, where the product leaves lots of little pin head sized dots which smear when you go over them - should I be working these out? They don't seem to be a problem when cured and remove as happily as the rest of the wax.

This doesn't sound right?

Pin Head Sized Dots of product? As in there are actual particles suspended in the wax?

If so, then somethings wrong with the product, it should have a uniform creaming appearance, not particles suspended in it.

A thin layer is achieved by using a little product and spreading it well which is another problem - it doesn't seem to spread at all well. If I put a small amount onto a foam pad and start to spread it, if I go back over the part I have spread it removes.

Try using more product, especially when first starting out with a dry pad as your dry pad will absorb some of the wax you pour onto it till it becomes dampened with product. At least a teaspoon of liquid wax for the initial pouring of product onto a wax applicator pad.

Does the Meguiar's return policy stand in the UK, too? If I bought a tin of #26 and found I just did not get along with it either could I send it back for a refund? Does that apply to all products regardless of end seller, or only to products bought direct from Meguiar's UK?

The general policy is to return the unused portion to the location from which you made your purchase with your receipt.

[Orca]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

Thanks for the reply - I will try a little more product next time I use it and will attempt to get a photograph of the spotting. It's not that there are particles in suspension - the product does come out as a cream, but when applied it does not spread uniformly.

Leave it with me. Maybe I will try the paste wax.

[Alfisti]

Re: #26 Liquid vs Paste

I find the paste very easy to spread whisper thin...the key to easy removal.