what is the best wax to use for your truck? Plan on doing it this weekend,, thanks

 

jdpete,

This question is very subjective, very much like "Which oil is best for my truck". I recommend that you check out the General Care forum for feedback and information from some car care enthusiasts.

In November, I applied Zaino (synthetic). Then last weekend, I tried Meguiars #26 (carnauba), after polishing with #7, on my black truck. The #26 has a "deeper" and overall better (IMO) shine on my truck.
(My last truck truck was a Silver '97 XLT, and the Zaino looked better on it than other waxes I tried.)

The "best" choice depends on how much prep you want to do, and how often you want to maintain it. Some prefer an "all-in-one" cleaner wax, while others like to start with clay, and polishes, before the finish wax. Meguiars carries a wide range of good products that meet the demands of consumers from all levels.

What have you used in the past? If you had something that you liked, start there, then experiment with other waxes down the road to see what you like best.

I will strongly recommend that you get a chenille sponge or mitt and microfiber of DF towels for drying and wiping off wax residue. You can search the General Care Forum for lots of good info. about these.

BTW, here is a pic I took last weekend of my hood after finishing applying the #26:

 

I'm a Meguiars man myself.

The thing I like about Meguiars is its really a wax system. They have a different number for every need from machine cutting to aluminum polish and everything in between.

As John stated above, I have yet to find anything I like as much as the #26 yellow carnuba.

I have not used Mothers California Gold (because of my Meguiars satisfaction over the years) but I hear its also very good.

 

jdpete, get with the Screw forum and look at RockPick's posts about meguires, he is truly the wax guru when it comes to meguire's. i myself love the stuff, have the whole line practically. i use number 9 swirl remover, topped off with show car glaze #7 then top that off with Yellow wax #26. and then upkeep yuour ride with either quick detail or my preference, final inspection. you can't loose with that combo!

 

ZAINO BABY!

 

The polish I like best is "Liquid Glass ". it's a little pricey at $15.00 but I promise you'll like it.
There is absolutely no white residue. You can even polish your mirrors and glass with it.

After about 8 to 10 really good coats, dust has a hard time sticking to it.

None of this, LOOK OUT NOW! comments.

I've used it for years along with a bunch of classic car show nuts.

 

I don't use anything on my vehicles that also works on formica, ceramic tile and sporting goods.

I'm not real big on the "miracle" products.

 

There is a lot to be said about detailing and it seems no one has all of the answers. After reading a number of detailing forums and using many different products over the years I have found these recommendations to be of very high caliber. First you need to glaze your paint when you get your vehicle new and then every six months. Glazing smoothes the paint/clearcoat out, cleans it and takes swirls marks out. Then you use a carnauba-based wax. It seems that a very popular glaze among professional detailers is “3M Imperial Hand Glaze” and wax is “One Grand Carnauba Blitz Wax”. This is a dynamite combination. You aren’t going to get the results from products that are a combination cleaner wax, as you will when they are separate. One Grand also has a glaze called “Omega Glaze” which is excellent on new paint. But, IMO and many others the 3M Imperial is the glaze of choice. One Grand also has a product called “Show Off” that you spray on as you wipe down your vehicle after washing to keep your wax built up in between three month waxing intervals. I also use the One Grand “Wash & Wax Soap”.

Another tip when applying glaze or wax is to use a back and forth hand motion length ways with the vehicle so that you prevent circular motions that show up as swirl marks in the sun or under lights. Of course when you break the bead of the applied product you may need to go in a different direction. Also make sure your terry towels are 100% cotton. Any polyester will scratch your paint.

I have found professional products help yield professional results I am proud of.

http://www.onegrand.com/ogpproducts.html

http://www.3m.com/us/auto_marine_aero/aad/

 

There are many many different opinions on wax and car care. The main question is how much time you want to spend. After all the F150 is no small vehicle. I have done much research lately and have subscribed to autopia.org to learn as much as possible. If you have plenty of time then use the following combo:

Wash
Clay (this can be done while washing. Make sure to be in shade.)
Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover
Meguiars #7 Show Car Glaze
Meguiars #26

or you can

Wash
Clay
Meguiars Scratch X
Meguiars NTX Tech Wax

Like I said it really depends on the amount of time you want to spend. The Tech wax is synthetic polymer wax that eliminates the need to use a glaze such as #7. Some have used it with NTX but most really saw no added benefit. I have emailed the editor and guru of properautocare.com and he is the one that recommended the Scratch X NTX combo. I used it on the wife's black Explorer two weeks ago and could not be more pleased.

I think the NTX is best on dark vehicles because of the added depth.

Experimentation is your best friend.

 

There is no best product for everyone. Since the result of detailing depends on about 90% procedure and effort, the product can vary widely and still get outstanding results. I prefer S100 availible at my local Harley Davidson shop. The Shine Enhancing Cleanser and paste wax are easy to use, don't stain trim, fairly priced, and provide deep, yet reflective results that last as long as any other carnauba, 1-2 months. For light colored vehicles, I like Zaino. It lasts half a year and makes light paint bright.

 

"The easiest and the shiniest" is Super Glaze by the Wax Shop.

 

I prefer Liquid Glass. Only down side of it is that if you have a black truck, (like I do), once your done you need to buff it again with a damp MF towel. And I have over ten coats on it, and dust still sticks to it.

 

Please, please someone post a sticky for newbies NOT to ask this question...one more "best wax" thread and I'll slit my wrists!

 

It can only become a madness if you contribute.

 

Lets start up a new "whats the best oil" thread and really put Jay over the edge...