[Pedaltothefloor]

You have two basic choices when it comes to paint protection: carnauba wax or synthetic paint sealant. There is another category called "hybrids" which is in essence a combination of both in varying proportions. Then, there are Nano Coatings but we will talk about those later, in a separate thread probably. Stating it simply, a complete regimen for protecting a car’s paint has three main components: washing, decontaminating, and protecting. We will talk about the "Protecting" stage here.

Waxes - Carnauba, also called Brazil wax and palm wax, is a wax of the leaves of the palm Copernicia prunifera, a plant native to and grown only in the northeastern Brazilian states of Piauí, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte. It is known as "queen of waxes" and in its pure state, usually comes in the form of hard yellow-brown flakes. It is obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm by collecting and drying them, beating them to loosen the wax, then refining and bleaching the wax. Typically, Waxes tend to produce a warm and rich look on the paint that also offers depth. The most frequent drawback of waxes is that they do not tend to last as long as synthetic sealants. Of course, there are exceptions to this as some Hybrid waxes may outlast a typical sealant. A wax may be sold on paste, liquid or spray format.

Examples of Waxes:

• Optimum Car Wax
• Autoglym HD Wax
• Bilt Hamber Finis Wax
• Collinite 915

Sealants - A Sealant is usually made up of synthetic components as opposed to a wax. Made from modern polymers or acrylic resins, paint sealants offer excellent durability and ease of application. Traditional Sealants are typically classified as Organic and Non-Organic. Non-Organic Sealants are made up of entirely synthetic composition and generally tend to produce a very reflective finish on the paint. Organic Sealants have some natural ingredients added to them to mimic the warmer, deeper look of a wax while retaining the durability of a sealant. Sealants are mostly sold in liquid form but some are also sold as a paste. From a usage perspective, they are classified into three categories:

• WOWWO (Wipe On-Wait-Wipe Off) Most traditional sealants fall in this category where you apply it, wait for 15 minutes to allow it to haze & then wipe it off. In most cases, by the time you are done applying panel by panel to the whole car; the first panel would be ready to be wiped off.
• WOWO (Wipe On-Wipe Off) These sealants do not need to haze and you can spread it on the paint and immediately wipe off and you are done.
• WOWA (Wipe On-Walk Away) These sealants only need to be applied to the paint either by spraying on the paint and spreading it or spraying on an applicator and then spreading it on the paint. There is no need to wipe off or even buff.

There are many other variations including Polymer VS Acrlylic sealants, Touchless Sealants like Carpro HydrO2, Nano Sealants etc and we will talk about those details gradually.


Examples of WOWWO Sealants:

• Duragloss 105, Duragloss 111
• Blackfire Wet Diamond
• Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection
• Meguiar's M21
• Finishkare 1000P
• Zaino Z2 , Z5

Examples of WOWO Sealants:

• Gtechniq C2V3
• Carpro Reload

Examples of WOWA Sealants:

• UPGP (Ultima Paint Guard Plus)
• BFCS (Blackfire Crystal Seal)
• Z-CS (Zaino Crystal Seal)

Examples of Hybrids:

• Collinite 845
• Naviwax Ultimate
• Dodo Juice Supernatural Hybrid

[Pedaltothefloor]

I would encourage all detailing enthusiasts to post reviews of several waxes or sealants they would have tried. I will start with a review of Bilt Hamber Finis Wax that I tried in July 2013. My only request is that if you have any vested interest in any the brands or if you are a seller, please disclose that. I am not associated with any detailing brand or manufacturer and I do not sell anything. I did try my hand at trying to be a seller during early 2013 but decided I am happier driving and detailing then selling, so I called it off permanently.

Introduction:

I has experimented with sealants, super sealants and waxes for a while. Most of the products I had used worked well but I kept longing for that Nuba look. My earlier usage of waxes left a lot to be desired, durability or looks had to be compromised. I decided to try BH Finis Wax as it falls under the "wax" category unlike the "hybrids" and still claims durability as good as, if not better than the popular hybrids.

Quick product facts from Bilt Hamber website:

Detergent proof
Easy-to-use
Optically perfect clear deep wet-look shine
250ml aircraft grade aluminium container
Contains no adulterating colours or perfumes
Non-grainy paste wax


Product Claims:

finis-wax is a superior paste wax for the last stage treatment of highly finished automobile paint systems.

The high grade T1 carnauba wax is used as the backbone to provide a deep rich gloss, whilst unlike other automotive waxes excellent gloss, ease of application and buffabilty are provided by other gloss enhancing molecules.

Outperforms other far more expensive carnauba based waxes.

We'll stand by finis-wax to the extent that if you do not find in your own side-by-side testing that the product lasts longer we'll refund the purchase price! This guarantee applies only when finis-wax is used after cleanser-fluid. Inferior waxes rely on heavy use of oils to plasticise the wax film thereby irreversibly reducing the properties of the waxes in the formulation, we avoid the use of any materials that reduce the effect of carnauba wax. However we do enhance its ability to provide protection by the reaction of it with unique in-house materials.

Easy to use, produces a wet-look shine.

We're often asked if finis-wax is a hard or soft wax. Rather than look at the firmness of the contents in the aluminium container we prefer to describe the condition of the wax film produced by the product. finis-wax imparts a hard film to paint surfaces, these are more durable and protective. The optically perfect, deep wet-look shine imparts tremendous beading that not only looks great but can help prevent osmotic blistering of highly finished automotive surfaces. finis-wax is free from abrasives and should be applied to good condition paint, this is easy to achieve using korrosol and auto-clay



Details:

1.- Packaging: Aluminium Tub
2.- Directions: Simple
3.- Viscosity: Paste
4.- Color: Pearl White
5.- Scent: Pleasant
6.- Regular Price: 50ml = GBP 9.95
7.- Regular Price: 500ml = GBP 29.95
8.- Manufacturer: Bilt Hamber
9.- Made in: England

Preparation:

A quick wash with Car Shampoo.

Application:

The Wax is supplied with a white foam applicator and a large MF towel. The general rule with waxes is "less is more" and that holds good here as well. I applied to two panels at a time and then waited for 5 minutes before buffing off the first panel. It came off without any struggle.

[Pedaltothefloor]

I had tried this sealant in March 2013.

Reload is a water-based product mainly composed from special modified Silica (Sio2) 5 %, glass based coating. Reload will leave a temporary layer and shield of protection on the applied surface. It has hydrophobic water repellent,Anti dirt effect with high gloss appearance.
Versatile coating that can be used on either wet or dry surface.

Details:

1.- Packaging: Plastic bottle / Spray head included
2.- Directions: Simple
3.- Viscosity: Thin
4.- Color: White
5.- Scent: A little strong if you put your nose in the bottle but not noticeable otherwise
6.- Price: INR 400 for 50 ML
8.- Manufacturer: CarPro
9.- Made in: Korea


Preparation:

Washed the Car. The paint work was prepped exactly a week ago using Auto Glym Super Resin Polish. I will post a separate review of that. Carpro recommends a panel wipe down using Carpro Eraser or IPA prior to the application of Reload to ensure proper bonding to the paint surface. This will ensure product durability for more than 3 months. I decided to try Reload on top of SRP instead as SRP masked most of the paint imperfections well. While I agree the durability of Reload maybe reduced to 2 or maybe 1 month, I don't mind using the product every month due to it's ease of use and good pricing.

Application:

I applied Reload under shade in my covered parking using Optimum Multipurpose Microfiber Towels. These are plush towels and ideal for use with any spray wax or sealant.
For a hatchback, 20 to 25 ML should be enough. Since this was my first time using a spray sealant, I managed to do the entire Car in about 30 ML.
Just sprayed 2-3 times on each panel, spread with the towel and immediately flipped to wipe off with the other side of the towel. The product is as easy to apply as any other spray sealant or spray wax like OCW. Just spray/spread/wipe.

By the time I was done, I was very impressed with the ease of use and the instant deep gloss that the product managed to create.

[sourav9385]

Your threads are fast becoming a treasure chest of excellent information! Keep up the good work!

I've tried my hand at detailing and maintaining my car on my own. But I soon realized that I was too lazy to do it all by myself

Besides, absence of plenty of time, availability of a clean & dust free environment, easy access to requisite tools and products, weird and confused glares from neighbors and drivers have contributed heavily in reducing my drive to detail my car on my own. Perhaps the time when I'm able to relocate to a first world nation where all these factors won't hamper me in any way, I'll come back to these threads and learn to be a master detailer!

Meanwhile, please take my like, good sir!
Also, if possible, please provide more info on the source of these products.
Prices of the respective products, if possible, would be great too! Cheers!

[thoma]

Originally Posted by Pedaltothefloor

I managed to do the entire Car in about 30 ML.

This kind of review is really helpful when the market is flooded with products, good, bad, original and duplicate for a variety of applications.

I was wondering how much would a 50 ml of the Reload last; thanks for the same. How about Cquartz? What is the difference between them?

[sameerg001]

Any reviews of turtle wax or abro super gold carnauba wax??

[Pedaltothefloor]

Originally Posted by sameerg001

Any reviews of turtle wax or abro super gold carnauba wax??

Sorry, I haven't tried anything from those brands. If you have, please share the reviews. Those brands are not very reputed in the international detailing scene and if you haven't already spent money on those, please discuss your requirement here and all the detailing enthusiasts here would help you choose good, value for money brands that will give you better results.

[sameerg001]

Originally Posted by Pedaltothefloor

Sorry, I haven't tried anything from those brands. If you have, please share the reviews. Those brands are not very reputed in the international detailing scene and if you haven't already spent money on those, please discuss your requirement here and all the detailing enthusiasts here would help you choose good, value for money brands that will give you better results.

No, I haven't spent so far. Actually, I don't have such serious budgets for those car care products, my dad thinks them as waste and being a student, all I have is my pocket money to spend on

Coming, to my requirement, I just need a wax to maintain my car shine, as my car is just 4 months old. I need a product, which keeps swirl marks to minimum and am able to maintain the shine as that of new car

[Pedaltothefloor]

Originally Posted by sameerg001

Coming, to my requirement, I just need a wax to maintain my car shine, as my car is just 4 months old. I need a product, which keeps swirl marks to minimum and am able to maintain the shine as that of new car

Swirls are unavoidable but with careful maintenance, can be minimized. A good wax will add gloss and depth to the look while protecting it from the elements. However, a wax alone can not minimize swirls.

I would suggest that you get yourself a bottle of Collinite 845 from bringingbest. It looks good, is very durable and the one bottle will last you a very long time. Even if you use it every 3 months, you could easily get 2 years out of it. This will cost around Rs. 1,250.

For something cheaper and easier to use, you could try the small 100ml bottle of Optimum Car Wax from Eco Car Care Asia. They have a Facebook store as well. This is a spray wax and is very easy to use. Just spray, spread and wipe off. It looks good and is durable. It will cost you around Rs. 350

[sameerg001]

Originally Posted by Pedaltothefloor

For something cheaper and easier to use, you could try the small 100ml bottle of Optimum Car Wax from Eco Car Care Asia. They have a Facebook store as well. This is a spray wax and is very easy to use. Just spray, spread and wipe off. It looks good and is durable. It will cost you around Rs. 350

Thanks alot for the detailed reply. Let me check out this and collinite, before finalizing on one. Any idea, how much would a bottle of Optimum car wax will last?

[Pedaltothefloor]

On a hatchback, you could easily do 3-4 coats. Even if you use it every two months, it will last you six months. It needs to be used sparingly, a little goes a long way.

[StrangeWizard]

Originally Posted by sameerg001

Coming, to my requirement, I just need a wax to maintain my car shine, as my car is just 4 months old. I need a product, which keeps swirl marks to minimum and am able to maintain the shine as that of new car

Formula 1 car wax and polish is pretty good, I use it for my car. Its pretty cheap around 350-400 bucks and the results are good for the price. Do keep in mind that you need to apply the wax slowly using the provided sponge and then once you've applied it all over the car, one panel at a time wipe it off slowly and slightly firmly using a soft cloth beginning from the starting point where you applied. It leaves a dust-like layer after wiping it off but I read somewhere that we should just let it be like that.

For a car like Figo it should take around an hour to wax it and your muscles will get a good workout
I waxed my car thrice with this and still around half of the content is remaining.

I also use Formula 1 rubbing compound to get rid of minor scratches caused randomly by people, vandals etc.

[sinhead]

Originally Posted by sameerg001

Any idea, how much would a bottle of Optimum car wax will last?

My Optimum 100 ml bottle gave 2 coats on my Accent plus one coat on a Fabia and only half the bottle was consumed. I believe this application, on my car should easily last 3 months. So even this small bottle should last a long time. Convenience - being a spray wax, it took only 15 mins to wax the entire car.

I have used these as well - formula 1, turtle, motomax. In my case they don't last more than 3 /4 weeks. I'd stay away from them. In this range I found Sonax to be much better.

As pedaltothefloor suggested, go for Collinite 845 or Optimum car wax.

[Biraj]

Thank you for posting this useful thread. I have also been bitten by the detailing bug and now end up spending considerable effort as well as rupees on detailing products.

Here's my current collection:



I will compile a review of Muc-Off miracle shine later in the week and post.

Originally Posted by sameerg001

Thanks alot for the detailed reply. Let me check out this and collinite, before finalizing on one. Any idea, how much would a bottle of Optimum car wax will last?

Sameer, I have used Formula 1 paste wax and wasn't too impressed with the results. I used it only once and due to the dusty residue didn't use it again. I might be wrong but it felt as if that wax had abrasive content. Moreover, I found the surface more oily rather than being slick. I would prefer Eagle one gel wax over the Formula 1 wax. I have used the Eagle One wax 2-3 times but never bought the bottle again as I found Meg's 26 yellow wax for INR 520 in Khan Market. I would recommend the Meg's 26 yellow wax over the Formula Ones and Eagles of the world. The difference in cost is also not too significant.

[Pedaltothefloor]

The thing to bear in mind is that using unknown brands or brands with limited information and testing could do more harm to your paint than good. Some cheap waxes have abrasives added to them while others have oils that will wash off in one rain. Yet others may attract dust to the paint. It is like eating healthy. While all of us may not be able to eat at a 5 star hotel very day, it does not mean that we should lower our standard all the way down to the cheapest roadside Dhaba that sells dinner for Rs. 20. There are many options in between. Same concept applies to car detailing supplies. You don't want to buy the cheapest wax out there and do damage to your paint.

My personal threshold in car detailing supplies in India starts with Meguiar's. Their products are not ground breaking but they simply do the job. They are inexpensive (compared to other imported brands) but more expensive than the pseudo brands like Moto Max, formula one, Armour All etc. Meguiar's products are also easily available in India but I insist on buying from authorized resellers only. You can go to their website and check where to buy. Some of the professional detailers on this forum also sell Meg's products and I personally had a good buying experience with them.

M26 is a fairly decent wax to start with on a low budget if one wants good quantity for the price. They also have a sealant called NXT 2.0 that gives a very glossy look. So, if you can't afford a Collinite or an OCW; it is absolutely fine to start with Meg's. But please avoid the local or pseudo imported brands.