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Topic: The Innevitable Annual Wax Question

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The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (1/21)
3/12/10 6:33am

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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible

Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

So here it is. Actually this includes two questions.

1 - what wax/polish/multi-step program, etc is going to get the best shine?

2 - Electric polisher/buffer or not? If yes, does the brand or where I get it matter?

For a few years now, I've been using the Meguire's 3-step wax system, along with clay bar. I've gotten a good shine, but I want an AMAZING shine, not only for my silver C3, but potentially for my '07 Black Silverado.

So what's it going to be? Meguire's? Zaino? Adam's? Griot's? Something else? A combination of different brands? Once I get the shine, what's the best way to keep it, assuming I stay out of the rain but continue to drive (although the Silverado is a daily driver).

I know the concerns regarding buffers include pushing too hard and taking off clear or paint. I figure if Griot's has them in their catalogs, then there must be a way to use them right. Do I have to get one from Griot's or somewhere similar, or can I pick up a generic one at Auto Zone or Pep Boys? (I assume that's a dumb question, but I've never been afraid of asking those)

Lastly, does it matter that I plan to get some touch-up painting professionally done on the nose of my shark within the next month or so? Do I need to avoid that area? If so, for how long?

I await the wisdom of you, the Corvette enthusiast!

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The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (2/21)
3/12/10 7:24am

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Gloucester, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition

Joined: 1/29/2005
Posts: 1453

I use Adams exclusively !!< id="gwProxy" ="">< ="jsCall;" id="jsProxy" ="">

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The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (3/21)
3/12/10 8:58am

KeBo
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs

Joined: 3/9/2005
Posts: 789

Im a waxaholic. 1x a month and I wash the car after every drive. I was using the Meguires 3step (steps 1 and 2 when needed) I have a terrific finish so I havent used the cleaners. I use clay as needed and I buff it out. Im finding the Meguires could get a little hazy. I just switched to Griots. As for the buffer, it does make a big diff.. 3 big tips - Only use quality buffing heads, Unless youre a pro, use an orbital buffer (less chance of burn thru) and dont lean on the buffer, let the buffer do he work.

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (4/21)
3/12/10 10:30am

Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior

Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

A lot depends on what you're looking for. Do you want durability or beauty from your products...they don't necessarily come in the same products. Do you like a highly reflective shine or a deep, warm look?

If you want durability and reflectivity, use a sealant rather than a wax. If you don't mind polishing and waxing more often and like the deep, wet look, use a quality Carnauba wax.

The secret is preparation, preparation, preparation! If you prepare the surface properly, an inexpensive house brand wax will look better than the finest wax or sealant on a poorly prepped surface.

My favorite car care products are Griot's...not to say there aren't other fine products out there...there are. I certainly haven't tried everything on the market but have found Griot's to be outstanding. I do like other products and I do use others, depending on the car.

I use a Griot's Random Orbital...it makes doing a quality job much easier. Porter Cable makes a good one as is the Flex, but the Flex is much more expensive and offers no advantage over the Griot's for my purposes.

What I do is clay the finish, use the Griot's polishes followed by a coat of their Carnauba Wax Stick and then topped with Griot's Best of Show Wax. The Wax Stick is very easy to use and is very durable for a Carnauba. The Best of Show doesn't have quite the durability but gives the foot deep, wet look to the finish.

I do have one car that's Torch Red and I do the same, but in place of the Best of Show Wax I use Pinnacle Souveran...it's works best on reds and blacks. It gives a magnificent look, but is not a durable wax...it's a beauty wax. The cars are garaged, so durability isn't so much as issue. For my daily drivers I use a sealant since these cars see all kinds of weather.

If I lived in areas like coastal regions of heavy salt air or pollutants, or in Arizona like my in-laws, where the heat is high, I'd use a sealant on everything. Wax has a lower melting point so a sealant would be better in harsh climates.

It all comes down to finding the products that work best for you and gives the look you want.

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (5/21)
3/12/10 11:04am

turbo78vair
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Franklin, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 pace car replica

Joined: 5/3/2008
Posts: 117

Secrets! Everyone has their secret/special wax. Often there are or have been many of them. I've come across two polish/wax products that make the black (especially) and silver reach out to ya. First one is Duragloss 101 "wet look" polish and cleaner. They also make a fiberglass polish and cleaner (151), but I didn't really like the end result with it.

Then had someone tell me about a Pink Wax that would really make the black POP. Finally ran across a booth at the Mid-America truck show in Louisville last year. It's just called Pink Wax - made by Liquid Lustre. I really like the end result with both products.
I have a clay bar kit from Mothers, but haven't used it yet.

It's that time folks! Time to get that shine up to snuff for the coming season of fun.

Take care
GaryC - Franklin, IN

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (6/21)
3/12/10 1:45pm

dcherr
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Elkhart, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1975 Red T-Top 1972 Red Convertible

Joined: 10/7/2007
Posts: 209

I have used Griot's for over 5 years. The Best of Show wax is great. First clay and buff then put at least 1 coat on and let it set over night then repet it 2 more times. That puts a deep shine to the paint. It what works for me. You just have to find what works for you.

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (7/21)
3/12/10 2:59pm

KeBo
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs

Joined: 3/9/2005
Posts: 789

Gunslinger - Have you used the Best of show wax? thoughts?

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (8/21)
3/12/10 3:28pm

Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior

Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Best of Show Wax is really great stuff. Before I tried it I had been using Mequiar's Gold Class for a long time and as good as it is, the Best of Show works even better. It gave a foot deep look to the finish. The Griot's people mean it when they say to put it on sparingly...a little does go a long way.

It really is an excellent product in a field of excellent products from many car care product makers.

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (9/21)
3/13/10 11:50am

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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker

Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4421

Well it looks like we all have our favorites. For years on my white vette I used a wax called "Collinite" and it was "insulator Wax" made to coat those glass insulators on power poles. They are also well know for boat wax, cool thing it is made in my home town. I have owned two silver vehicles, and find that silver and even more so white is very tough to get a deep shine. Must be cause of the reflectivity. A few years back I tried some meguires gold and liked that also.

Then a buddy of mine sugested I try Zaino, I invested in the whole system with the additive and spent a weekend clay baring, sealing, and puting multiple coats on. As I have stated before I have had my hands all over that C3 body for 28 years and once I used that Zaino and applied it in their specific up and down direction for reflectivity, it brought out things I have never seen before. The gloss for a white car is the best I have seen so far. For a silver car it should be great also.

I'm one that once I find a great product I try more of it. I think I have everything that Zaino makes now, even the darn wash bucket with the strainer on the bottom to keep any dirt particles below.

For sure if you have leather try the leather treatment,that has natural oils in it and it leaves a great leather smell.

I think to be sure Marshal you need to drop in on a weekend and lets put some on so you can decide. If you want to see some cool pictures and reviews go to their site. www.zainobros.com

Evil Smile

ebo

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ebo

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (10/21)
3/13/10 1:09pm

sundew
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Eagan, MN - USA

Vette(s):
Gone, but not forgotten: 1974 Coupe Red, matching numbers, Black Interior, L-48 w/ 4 speed; The “Admiral”, also gone and never to be forgotten. 1994 Admiral Blue LT-1 coupe, Black Interior Automatic

Joined: 6/18/2007
Posts: 427

OK....any recommendations on clay bars? I am going to give Griots Best in Show a try on the '74.

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The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (11/21)
3/13/10 1:20pm

Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior

Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Go to Griot's website and order their starter kit or hand polish and wax kit...it has all the stuff you need and get a price break at the same time. The good thing about using one brand is you know all the different items are compatible...not always true when mixing brand products. If you order their CD on car care it will amaze you...if you're like me...how wrong I was doing it for years. Doing it right is so much easier and the car looks so much better!

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (12/21)
3/13/10 9:44pm

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Irving, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.

Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273

Ebo uses that new Anal Wax that Mother's just came out with........

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The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (13/21)
3/13/10 9:57pm

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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker

Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4421

Ouch

Confused

Evil Smile

ebo

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The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (14/21)
3/14/10 2:25am

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Greensburg, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...

Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188

I'm kinda in the middle now..... I have Zaino on the Vert and Adams on the Blacray. If that ain't bad enuff Meguiars on the Scotsdale and Turtle Wax Ice on the Zuki. Im a waxaholic.... somethin new comes along I wanna try it.

I hate this thread!!!! If you guys find somthin I haven't got that you really like then I will be smearin it on a Saturn and a Toyota next.

Please stop the insanity!

Marshall ur such a instigator!!! I know you have a favorite wax that works for you! Heck I bet I could run a quick lil search an find it too!

Crap I kin almost feel my hand startin to cramp thinkin bout shark rubbin..... I hate you guys!

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The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (15/21)
3/14/10 11:27am

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Irving, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.

Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273

[QUOTE=ebo]Ouch Confused

Confused

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ebo

[/QUOTE]

I just be playin' with ya', Ebo................

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The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (16/21)
3/14/10 5:16pm

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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible

Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

Thanks for all the help folks. It sounds like most votes so far are for either Griots or Zaino (which is now featured in the Eckler's catalog). Is there anyone out there who thinks that if I go with either one of these, I'll be making a mistake?

How about the polisher route? Do it all by hand, or would a good orbital polisher, used well, get me a better, deeper shine?

I also liked what I heard about the sealant. I see in Griot's catalog, they have a sealant as well as their other products. Anyone see any issue with using a wax system, then sealing over that?

manget12010-03-14 14:17:18

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I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

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target=_blank>Click for another pic!�� And yet another!

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (17/21)
3/14/10 10:38pm

Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior

Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Zaino is a sealant, not a wax (Griot's sells a paint sealant as well as you noticed). They do different things and give different looks to your car. Sealants and waxes each have their own strengths and weaknesses compared to one another.

Synthetic care care products have come a long ways since first introduced years back. Sealants like Zaino give great protection and extreme reflectivity, but tend to look kind of plastic (they are synthetic so that makes sense). Quality Carnauba waxes like Griot's Best of Show don't have quite the durability of a poly sealant but give a deep, wet look to the car's finish.

Personally, I like the deep, wet look of a Carbauba, plus my fun cars are garaged so durability isn't so much an issue, but I do use Griot's Paint Sealant on my family's daily drivers due to their being used year round in all kinds of weather. Decide what type of look you want and try whichever product best fits that.

A random orbital is a great tool for car care, no question. It makes it easy to get wonderful results. Don't go for one of the cheapies sold at Wal Mart, Pep Boys, etc. You'll end up tossing them in the back of your garage out of frustration (been there, done that). Save your sheckles and get a good one...Porter Cable, Griot's or the Flex. Dollar for dollar, the Griot's is the best, though the Flex is fantastic but it costs nearly three times as much.

As far as using a sealant and wax, you can use a wax over a sealant, but not a sealant over a wax. A sealant bonds to the paint's surface. Putting a wax over that (after a 12 hour cure time) is OK. If you try a sealant over a wax, it cannot bond and you've wasted your time and money.

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (18/21)
3/15/10 12:07am

dskopp
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!

Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

Micky is getting wild ..... again or yet??????

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The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (19/21)
3/15/10 2:21pm

crossfire1982
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Cramerton, NC - USA

Vette(s):
black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion

Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094

Ive got a griot's random orbital polisher and love it but dont use it with their polishes. As far a burning the paint, IT AINT GONA HAPPEN unless you really really try. I highly recommned the griot's RA polisher but I think the Porter Cable 7424 is a great machine as well. I have had good luck with 3M superfina polishes followed with a good coat of wax. Meguires Gold Class PASTE has given me good service. Adams makes great products as well. If you havent watched any of the Junkman videos on youtube you are missing out, this guy is a car detailing wizard and a corvette guy as well. He uses exclusively Adams polishes and swears by them. Here is a LINK to the first of his series on paint correction.

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (20/21)
3/22/10 8:17am

KeBo
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs

Joined: 3/9/2005
Posts: 789

I waxed up the 81 w/the Griots Best of Show - WOW! Huge difference. The haziness I started to get w/Meguires disappeared. It could not have gone on or come off easier. At 19.95 its a party..

The Innevitable Annual Wax Question (21/21)
3/23/10 7:43am

gurtz
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baton rouge, LA - USA

Vette(s):
1981 dark metallic blue, dark doeskin leather interior, mirrored glass T Tops, 330hp/350ci GMPP crate engine, billeted aluminum serpentine system, Dewitts with dual spalls

Joined: 8/12/2006
Posts: 391

We typically put a spti shine on down here in da bayou, JUST KIDDING!

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