Wax & Cleaner Recommendations

[VinceL]

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.

 

[Levittown Ford Parts]

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 #5 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]

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]

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

 

[JFUSION]

Once I get my sports car out of my garage (replacing a blown engine) I'm going to put a coat of Menzerna Powerlock sealant on it. It leaves a super slick surface and is very easy to apply and remove. I've had great results with it on my other car. It doesn't leave any white deposits on black trim, so no need to tape off any black trim or weatherstripping. I think you can go as long as 1-2 applications per year depending on your driving conditions.

 

[VinceL]

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

LOL, you are really piling those miles on now, Peter!!!

I think we will pass you today, and then never look back. We have enjoyed every single mile we have put on this car. The Gray Ghost has been an absolute joy to drive around

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

and the dealer has washed it about 6 times.

My Explorer was washed 6 times, too.......within that past 2 weeks.

 

[Suicide77]

I used Meguiar's and really liked it!

 

[VinceL]

^ Looks great! I congratulate you on taking such good care of your vehicle, I can see your vehicular pride in the reflection of that paint

 

[RonJrSVCMGR]

How about the 2013 Polished Aluminum wheels? They do not recommend anything on them. What are folks using?

 

[VinceL]

How about the 2013 Polished Aluminum wheels? They do not recommend anything on them. What are folks using?

I've read about people using rejex on their wheels. They say it makes them shiny longer and keeps the brake dust from sticking.

 

[phareous]

How about the 2013 Polished Aluminum wheels? They do not recommend anything on them. What are folks using?

You should use whatever wax you use on the rest of the car...they are clearcoated

 

[Suicide77]

Looks great! I congratulate you on taking such good care of your vehicle, I can see your vehicular pride in the reflection of that paint

Thanks VinceL!

 

[bluex232]

Ok, so when we bought our Ex we got one of the extended warranties and included in the price was the "stain resistance" on the interior and the "scratch resistance" on the exterior and we were told we would not need to wax the car...how true is this?? I have not put any wax on it, I just take it to the touchless car wash and get the cheap wash without any wax. I have never waxed any of my previous cars, I haven't really cared to, non of them were "perfect" when I got them so I didn't really worry about it much. I guess I don't really know the benefits of waxing your car.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

Ok, so when we bought our Ex we got one of the extended warranties and included in the price was the "stain resistance" on the interior and the "scratch resistance" on the exterior and we were told we would not need to wax the car...how true is this?? I have not put any wax on it, I just take it to the touchless car wash and get the cheap wash without any wax. I have never waxed any of my previous cars, I haven't really cared to, non of them were "perfect" when I got them so I didn't really worry about it much. I guess I don't really know the benefits of waxing your car.

I would imagine the GM at the dealership is building a new deck on his house, with the added profits from these add-ons. Might even have bought a summer house this year.