The cleaner waxes; what are the differences, when to use each?

[Mosca]

OK, this I think is a good question.

I consider that there are 3 types of Meg's final products:

1) Pure waxes (no cleaners): DC Step 3, #16 and #26.

2) Waxes with cleaning action: NXT, #20, Medallion, and Gold Class.

3) The true "cleaner waxes": DC Cleaner Wax, ColorX, and #6 (with a nod towards #66 Quick Detailer and #80 Speed Glaze, #66 not really applicable for the home user and #80 not generally considered when looking at a "cleaner/wax").


So my question is, why would a user choose A1216 over ColorX, or ColorX over #6, or #6 over either of the other two? Which offers better cleaning, which offers better protection? Which looks best?

And, my experience is that the products from group 2 above vary in their cleaning ability, with Medallion as the strongest, then #20, GC, and NXT. With Medallion being almost as strong a cleaner as the cleaner waxes, where is its place in Meguiar's future? (I bought an extra bottle of it, just in case it's discontinued.)


Tom

[Bri9801]

II've used #6 on my fathers and wife's cars at one point or another. They we're both impressed with the outcome.

It's the only "cleaner" type wax I have used but I think it does a nice job and is pretty good for a one step process

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Tom,

I would divide them even further,

Pure waxes
#16 Professional Paste Wax, Deep Crystal Step 3, and #26 Hi Tech Yellow

Polish Waxes
Gold Class, Medallion Premium Paint Protectant and Flagship Premium Wax

New Technology Waxes
NXT Tech Wax - Contains a sleight cleaning ability, I wouldn’t really call it a cleaner wax because not only is it not formulated to address a wide variety of surface defects and degradation, but it actually doesn’t work very well as a cleaner/wax. Best results come from applying to a pre-cleaned, and pre-polished surface, or a new or like new finish.

Light Cleaner/Waxes
Meguiar's Cleaner/Wax (A-1216) and #20 Polymer Sealant

Medium Cleaner/Waxes
#6 Cleaner Wax and Cleaner Wax in the Detailer Line (D-53)

Aggressive Cleaner/Waxes
ColorX and M-66 Quick Detailer

How does that look?

Mike

[Mosca]

Well, you threw me a little bit with that #6316, but I caught on quickly enough. When they're laid out like that, it makes more sense. Thanks!

I like a cleaner-wax because I don't think it makes sense to break out all the products and machines every time a few wash-swirls show up. For the way I like to work, doing a couple cleaner waxings keeps the car looking good.


Tom

[rusty bumper]

Flagship Premium Wax

?

I don't seem to remember that one.

[Mike Phillips]

Flagship is in the Marine Line

http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguia...&subcatagory=4

Mike

[rusty bumper]

Thanks!

[TCMach]

Mike,

Can you suggest the best combo of products to use for the new car I just bought...it has what's called a Dark Shadow Grey paint and being new, paint is in excellent condition. Would like to keep this car looking showroom new, so ready to go through the steps of wash, clay, wash, polish and wax....then wax and routine upkeep.

The question that started this thread is good...as a novice here, the numbers of products within a brand name is a little intimidating, let alone all the other products outside the brand.

Would like to start with "single-source shopping"...for at least the first year...what are the appropriate Mequiar products for a fairly dark grey car that has paint in great shape?

Thanks -- TC

[mopar]

gold class and nxt would be my choice.
gold class is a good price and you can find it just about anywhere.and nxt is awsome .and both are a snap to use

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by TCMach
Mike,

Can you suggest the best combo of products to use for the new car I just bought...it has what's called a Dark Shadow Grey paint and being new, paint is in excellent condition. Would like to keep this car looking showroom new, so ready to go through the steps of wash, clay, wash, polish and wax....then wax and routine upkeep.

The question that started this thread is good...as a novice here, the numbers of products within a brand name is a little intimidating, let alone all the other products outside the brand.

Would like to start with "single-source shopping"...for at least the first year...what are the appropriate Mequiar products for a fairly dark grey car that has paint in great shape?

Thanks -- TC

Hi TCMach,

Welcome to Meguiar’s Online Discussion Forum!

Your question is a good one. To be honest, when your starting out with a new car, just about any product if used often should give you good results, the trick is to find a product you like and use it often.

That said, Meguiar’s is happy you would trust your car’s finish with our premium quality products. If I had your car right now, and wanted to create a one-stop shopping list to maintain it, here is what would be on my list.

Quik Clay System – Even though your car is brand new, you might as well insure that there are not microscopic bonded contaminants. Just recently, I detailed a 1999 Corvette that was recently detailed by another detailer. (Inside of a two week time period). I clayed the car anyway for the reason I stated above, to insure no bonded contaminants, and even though I only removed a few, I did remove some. Anytime you finish has bonded contaminants it is going to diminish the gloss. So, you might as well start out with claying the car.

Either NXT Car Wash, or Gold Class Car Wash - Either of these two washes will clean your car, (remove loose surface dirt), without dulling, or drying out your cars finish and other exterior components. Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo and Conditioner is still Meguiar’s highest lubricating wash. This car was provides the maximum lubricity to improve slickness while washing. NXT Car Wash is unique in that it contains a special ingredient that sequesters and encapsulates minerals helping to prevent them from leaving behind mineral deposits on the finish.

NXT Tech Wax – This was an easy one for me. This is without a doubt my favorite paint protection product of all Meguiar’s products and everything else I have ever tested, or used. Because your car’s finish is new, and also a medium dark color, you will love the way your car looks after applying and then removing this wax. Is it also a metallic? If so, you will find the metallic will *Pop* with this wax. The reason it does this because the Tech Wax leaves a perfectly clear finish. It restores the clarity to clear coats enabling your eyes to see the beautiful color and metallic flakes under the clear.

For interior vinyl, you really should try the Tech Protectant. It conditions and protects without leaving any greasy, oil residue.

For tire care, I like the ease of use of the Hot Shine Aerosol Tire Spray, it’s just like using a can of spray paint and it easily gets into all of the nooks and crannies of the lettering and design of your tires. Besides that one, I like how long Gold Class Endurance looks. Another favorite is #40 Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner. #40 leaves a nice, dark black matte finish and is versatile in that you can use it on so many other components and between any other car you may have. THen there's #38 Tire and Trim Dressing, in the Professional Line. Any of the above works really well and lasts a long time.

Quik Detailer is a no-brainer for maintaining that just detailed look in-between regular washings, plus handy to keep in the trunk in case a bird targets your finish for attack. There is a bottle of Quick Detailer in the Quik Clay System, but quick detailers are high use products and you can never have too much Quik Detailer around. Keep some in the car and some in the garage.

The above is a good start, you should also add a half dozen or so premium microfiber polishing cloths as well as some extra foam applicators pads for applying waxes, polishes, dressings, etc.

If you really want to insure your reducing the potential to instill scratches, I’m a big fan of the Grit Guard. I’m always amazed at how much dirt and abrasive particles are sitting on the bottom of the bucket when I use this plastic screen while washing.

That should get your started, I’m sure others will chime in with their opinions and suggestions…

Mike

[ftboomer]

Great write up Mike, Thanks. To go one step further, where can I find a list of what all the #'s are. I see people throw around things like "I use #6 followed by # 20 and #1623." What does all this mean and where can I find a list of the products and thier real names.

[TCMach]

Thanks Mike,

Appreciate the easy to follow info! And my paint is a metallic. Do I need to prep with polish prior to wax...and I'm a "by hand" type for now.

I don't really have any flaws in the paint, yet,...however, once I start getting to work on it I'm sure I'll find something. I want to make sure I start on the right foot from the get-go.

Thanks again -- TC

[Mr. T]

ftboomer

The numbers thrown around refer to products in the meguiars pro line.

Pro line web page

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips

NXT Tech Wax – This was an easy one for me. This is without a doubt my favorite paint protection product of all Meguiar’s products and everything else I have ever tested, or used. Because your car’s finish is new, and also a medium dark color, you will love the way your car looks after applying and then removing this wax. Is it also a metallic? If so, you will find the metallic will *Pop* with this wax. The reason it does this because the Tech Wax leaves a perfectly clear finish. It restores the clarity to clear coats enabling your eyes to see the beautiful color and metallic flakes under the clear.

That should get your started, I’m sure others will chime in with their opinions and suggestions…

Mike

I can attest to the metallic look...I applied it by hand to an unprepped hood with metallic paint and after it cured a few hours, you could see the flakes shining...Imagine what it would look like on a prepped finnish.

[Slats]

TCmach,

Polish works best on darker surfaces like yours. It is designed to deepen the color and give that "wet look" to the paint. However, since your car is new I doubt you'd see any difference so it is probably unnessesary to polish.

Also, I highly recommend using Endurance to protect your tires. The sprays are good, but they tend to sling off whereas gels applied with an applicator work best. Also, on darker colors the spray shines really show up if you get some on the paint. I guess that's my theory anyway...

Slats