Newbie: Gold Class Liquid Wax or Cleaner/Wax?

[moops22]

Hi. Hopefully an easy question for my first post!

I want to use the same product on both my brand new VW 2010 Tiguan and 1999 Honda CRV. I know, I know, but I want to keep things simple...

Both are silver daily drivers which are garaged at night. Hot summer sun and winter road salt is the norm. The paint condition of the 1999 is still pretty well-maintained. In fact, I just waxed it using another company's cleaner wax.

Q: I am trying to decide between the Gold Class Liquid Wax and the Meguiars Cleaner/Wax. My fear is using anything too hard on the new car's paint job (the liquid wax contains a polish, right? Is it too harsh to use all the time?). Am I on the right track with these two products? Which is less abrasive/safer for the new car? Can they each be used 4x a year without harming paint for the life of the vehicle? Other suggestions?

Please keep in mind I want to keep things simple and use the same product on both. I have already ourchased the quick detailer to help keep the existing wax job intact while I sort out how to proceed from here.

Thanks in advance for your input!

[RPPM]

Re: Newbie: Gold Class Liquid Wax or Cleaner/Wax?

The cleaner wax is fine to use even monthly. The Gold Class doesn't have enough cleaner in it to properly clean and refine your paint after a typical mid western winter. Gold Class is geared more towards paint that is clean, and prepped, same as NXT 2.0

[Shawn T.]

Re: Newbie: Gold Class Liquid Wax or Cleaner/Wax?

Gold Class Liquid Wax containes polishing oils and these are non-abrasive. In fact, they do nothing more than add gloss and fill the paint with nutrients. Yes, paint needs to be fed to a certain extent.

A12 Cleaner/Wax (the maroon bottle) is the least aggressive cleaner/wax that Meguiars offers. It is a fantastic product and also contains these trade secret polishing oils. It has a very light amount of abrasives which are great for removing very light hazing and old layers of wax. In fact, a popular combo for cars is to put down a layer of A12 Cleaner/Wax topped with Gold Class Liquid Wax.

Using either of these waxes regularly will not harm the finish. In fact, I would pick up some ColorX as this is more aggressive than A12 Cleaner/Wax. It does a great job of deep cleaning the paint while removing oxidation and light swirls: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums//sh...hp?t=88&page=2. Give that write-up a read through. ColorX can be used as often as you like but for daily drivers, I would apply it once a month to keep the clear coat clean, shiny and as low swirl as possible. If possible, buy a DA and apply the ColorX with the DA at speed 4 or speed 5 for more intense cleaning. When you are finished, you could top the ColorX wth either NXT 2.0 or Gold Class Liquid Wax.

[moops22]

Re: Newbie: Gold Class Liquid Wax or Cleaner/Wax?

So, a decent low maintainance option might be to use the gold class liquid wax 4 or 5 times a year but also use the cleaner/wax a couple times a year to remove buildup and then use the gold class on top of that as well.

Does this sound reasonable for protection without lots of work?

How long can I expect to go between waxing?

[Shawn T.]

Re: Newbie: Gold Class Liquid Wax or Cleaner/Wax?

Like I said, for a daily driver, I would do ColorX once a month and top it with nothing.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Newbie: Gold Class Liquid Wax or Cleaner/Wax?

Well, I know you want to keep it simple. However since 2 thin coats are recommended on this forum. How about this. First coat cleaner wax. Then top with the Gold Class. It imho a very awesome combo.

[moops22]

Re: Newbie: Gold Class Liquid Wax or Cleaner/Wax?

How long do I have to wait for the cleaner wax to cure before applying the GC?

Also, can I get 2 or 3 months of protection from the GC or should I be looking at NXT?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Newbie: Gold Class Liquid Wax or Cleaner/Wax?

As per usual, the longer the better. However, after 20-30 minutes you can apply your next coat of wax.

You should be able to get 2-3 months out of it. It is hard to make a statement like that. To many variables come into play.

[akimel]

Re: Newbie: Gold Class Liquid Wax or Cleaner/Wax?

Moops, you can use Cleaner Wax regularly without fear of damaging your paint. You can also use it in combination with Gold Class, applying CW first and then topping it with GC. You do not have to use Cleaner Wax each time you wax your car, but periodic use would be helpful for the maintenance of your paint: it will remove contaminants and wax residue and leave behind a layer of protection.

You may find this article helpful: Your Daily Driver: A Simple Wash & Wax Regimen.