Best Wax For Explorer

[bamacommander]

Has any one tried the new Turtle synthetic wax on there EX. I just used it and it seems to do a good job. Just curious as to what people are using and the results they are getting. I started out using Liquid Glass put I kept getting it on the plastic pieces and it would leave a white residue. The Turtle wax can go on the plastic without leaving any residue. That is why I started using it. Any other suggestions.

[Sgt1411]

Guys on this forum suggested the aircraft wax/sealant "ReJex"

It works very well.

[harlenm]

You can ask that question 100 times and get 100 different answers. I use either blitz one grand or klasse all in one.

[spitfisher]

Put me down for rejex, I use it on my boat too.

[jrmexplorer]

Honestly, I'm gonna bet that most name-brand waxes out there are probably pretty comparable. The best thing you can do is properly wash and dry the car to avoid swirl marks and microscratches.

Use two buckets - one with the soap, and another with rinse water to rinse your microfiber mitt in between dipping it in the soap. You wouldn't believe how dirty the rinse bucket gets - that's all dirt not being scraped across your paint.

[Joe Dirt]

...and use a grit guard to keep the granules out of your mitt

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by jrmexplorer

Honestly, I'm gonna bet that most name-brand waxes out there are probably pretty comparable. The best thing you can do is properly wash and dry the car to avoid swirl marks and microscratches.

Use two buckets - one with the soap, and another with rinse water to rinse your microfiber mitt in between dipping it in the soap. You wouldn't believe how dirty the rinse bucket gets - that's all dirt not being scraped across your paint.

After getting a 'whoops' repaired on my former '09 Highlander, the bodyshop guy recommended using a paint glaze instead of wax. He said some waxes will wear down the clear coat over time.
I think the last time I shopped for cleaners, etc., I think I saw waxes labelled as being safe for clear coat, or perhaps I'm conusing that with other products.

Peter

[BobbyMarks]

Meguiar's Professional Series, first use #7 and then #26.

[boltsfan17]

Originally Posted by jrmexplorer

Honestly, I'm gonna bet that most name-brand waxes out there are probably pretty comparable. The best thing you can do is properly wash and dry the car to avoid swirl marks and microscratches.

Use two buckets - one with the soap, and another with rinse water to rinse your microfiber mitt in between dipping it in the soap. You wouldn't believe how dirty the rinse bucket gets - that's all dirt not being scraped across your paint.

Too add to your tips, I would use a Micro Fiber waffle weave towel to dry your vehicle to avoid scratches and swirl marks.

[phareous]

Check out autopia.org it is a detailing forum and they cover a lot of stuff on there. For me personally I decontaminated with IronX, then clayed with Speedy Surface Prep Towel, then polished with 3D Uno and 3D Speed, and finished with 3D Nitro which is supposed to last a year. There is another product called Optimum Opti-Coat which claims the same thing (although I think it is more permanent). It's a ton of work though so you got to love it...otherwise could do NuFinish or something

[Gatortailale]

I used Turtle wax Ice on my '08 Escape and it brought finish back to life. My Ex is to new to need a wax job. I saw a review of ice on Mustang forum website. No white in cracks & can use on plastic.

[VinceL]

Originally Posted by Gatortailale

I used Turtle wax Ice on my '08 Escape and it brought finish back to life. My Ex is to new to need a wax job. I saw a review of ice on Mustang forum website. No white in cracks & can use on plastic.

I've used the Ice before and while it goes on easy and doesn't stain plastics, it doesn't seem to last very long. I would think monthly applications would be necessary to not only keep the shine, but keep a layer of protection on the car.

EDIT

Okay, so I washed the Gray Ghost last night and used the Ice all over it. I'll report back on how it performs.

[LevittownFordSuperCenter]

Has anyone ever used Opti Coat? I heard some folks mention it over at another forum. Here's their site http://www.opti-coat.com/

-Benny

[Bill #4 Explorer]

Just about any higher quality sealant wax will be great. I've had the most success with my Explorer and toys (Porsches) by using product from Zaino (Z2 and Z5....Z10 is great for leather) and RejeX Wax. Some go on easier, some come off easier. Some are better for certain colors. Some last a little longer. Some cost more. Some are great for bugs.

The key is the prep done prior to the final step, which is your sealant (like RejeX or Zaino) or wax (Carnuba's). The key steps are:

Wash
Clay
Wash
Dry
Tape
Polish (1-3 stages)
Wax or Sealant

THE PROOF IS IN THE PREP! Not so much the sealant/wax.

[VinceL]

I bought the whole Zaino package and for practice used it on our trade-in when we got the Gray Ghost. After all was said and done, I wasn't impressed. It was okay, and the car was shiny, but I would not say it is worth the premium I paid. Unfortunately, I cannot attest to its durability, as we only had the car 6 weeks after I used the Zaino on it before it was turned over to the dealer. YMMV

In the past I have used good old Turtle Wax from a can, Meguiars, NuFinish, Black Magic, Mothers, 3M professional boat wax, and Zaino.

So far the best combo I have had was a clay bar, SwirlX (where needed), Meguiars cleaner wax, and Black Magic wet shine (a pain to get off but was shiny as all get out and lasted). My cars looked beautiful and would bead like new regardless of age (the car or the wax job, lol).

[harlenm]

I've been very happy with scratchX, ultimate compound and ultimate polish from meguiars. Omega glaze is a nice product as well. Kind of a final polish before waxing that doesn't contain any abrasives. I still think blitz one grand is the best carnuba wax available.

[mayher]

As said in the beginning of this post, if you ask a 100 people this question you will get 10 different answers. Have used Klasse AIO, Blitz One Grand and Meguires in the past with good results. My favorite sealant for paint in good condition is Rejex. Goes on and comes off easy and has a great shine. Tuxedo Black has a lot more depth and shine and the metallic really pops with a couple of coats of Rejex applied. Lasts a long time too

[peterk9]

I have had my Ex for 16 months. I've washed it twice myself and the dealer has washed it about 6 times. I have yet to put any wax on it but whatever the dealer used in preping it still results in water beading.
For the record, I have Meguiars Mirror Glaze Professional wax and Meguiars Ultimate Wash and Wax, bought when I got the Ex but it is still unopened.

FYI Vince, I just went over the 6100 mile mark today.

Peter

[harlenm]

Originally Posted by peterk9

I have had my Ex for 16 months. I've washed it twice myself and the dealer has washed it about 6 times. I have yet to put any wax on it but whatever the dealer used in preping it still results in water beading.
For the record, I have Meguiars Mirror Glaze Professional wax and Meguiars Ultimate Wash and Wax, bought when I got the Ex but it is still unopened.

FYI Vince, I just went over the 6100 mile mark today.

Peter

16 months and you've only driven 6100 miles? I did half that in one road trip and another1500+ in the road trip I'm completing tomorrow. Will have 22000 miles when I get home, and that is in 11 months.

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by harlenm

16 months and you've only driven 6100 miles? I did half that in one road trip and another1500+ in the road trip I'm completing tomorrow. Will have 22000 miles when I get home, and that is in 11 months.

Yes, I know I'm just racking up the miles. Also consider that 1500 of those were accumulated when I was working part time at my old job before I fully retired again in June 2011. I'm in a small town and many stores are within a 10 - 20 minute walk. The low mileage is one reason I'm thinking about buying it out at the end of the 48 month lease. I've already received a couple of offers to buy it at lease end. Both exceed the residual value.
Maybe one of these days I'll get around to waxing it before Winter sets in.

Peter