Over the past several years I have attempted to get a handle on what are the best detailing products for my cars (2 Mini Coopers and a Honda CRV). When I was younger Simoniz was the wax to use even though it was a pain to use. I then moved on to Turtle wax as I didn’t know any better. Eventually I ended up using Nu Shine which left a nice slick shine, but unfortunately also left a white powder residue and was impossible to get off black vinyl. About 2 years ago I decided to start testing various waxes to come up with the optimal regimen. I had 2 requirements for the wax: It had to look good (shiny and deep color) and feel good (smooth). I tried a number of paste waxes and liquid waxes, synthetic polymer and carnuba, as well as waxes that contained both. I initially liked NXT paste wax as it left a nice shine and lasted relatively long, but didn’t have that tactile feeling I was looking for. I also liked Mother’s Synwax and Meguiar’s Yellow Wax #26 as they looked good and had the good feel, but only lasted as long as the next wash. During my research process I discovered Meguiars #7 Show Car Glaze which left a deep color and smooth surface.

I used NXT for some time along with Mothers carnuba as a “topper”, using Eagle One Wax as you Dry after each wash (or Eagle One Nano spray wax or Mother’s Carnuba depending on my mood and motivation) and then decided to try Prima Epic along with Prima Banana Gloss and Hydro. I was pleasantly surprised with Prima Epic as it left a very good shine and depth to the finish. I had high hopes that Banana Gloss would provide the right feel, but was somewhat disappointed with it, and was also a bit disappointed with Hydro although they do leave a nice shine. I think my expectations were different then their intended use.

I have finally settled on the following products and regimen: Twice a year I clay bar the car and apply Meguiar’s #7 Show Care Glaze. Next apply Prima Epic, allow to set overnight, then apply Mother’s Carnuba wax (or since I have some left ,Synwax and Yellow Wax #26, as they both have carnuba’s tactile feel). Then after each wash I use Eagle One wax as you dry or their Nano spray wax as they both are very easy to use and leaves a nice feel, or I apply a carnuba wax. For washing the car I have for many years used Kit car wash (which says on the container that it has carnuba wax in it, but I use it because it’s relatively easy on the wax). I recently tried Meguiar’s Ultimate Car wash, which lubricated the surface well but didn’t remove contaminates on the surface very well at all, so I went back to Kit.

For vinyl I’ve started to use Aerospace 303 and more recently Black Wow after years of Armor All. Black Wow works extremely well on the difficult to maintain black wheel arches and trim. Thanks Octane Guy!

I think the trick to finding out what works for you is how much work you want to put into the process and what your expectations are. There are numerous fans of Zaino, Adams, and other more numerous products that are mind boggling. I am only moderately OCD preferring to do things by hand and not with an orbital polisher and so try to keep the number of products I use to a minimum and yet at the same time maintain the look and feel that I want.



In summary I find that I really have to use 2 waxes (a polymer and a carnuba type product) plus the glaze to get the look and feel that I want.

I would be interested to hear your comments and your regimens.

 

I've just started using a product called "DRI WASH" ...I haven't used it for several years....after one use I can't believe why I ever stopped using it ...the finish is incredible, it leaves a deep shine.....and so easy to use.
Philip

 

I have used a product called rejeX for a few years now, very easy to work with and I can do the Mini is less then an hour.
http://www.rejex.com/rejex.html

 

I'll admit I am a zaino addict. The stuff is great...just takes me a couple of days to actually wax the car lol. After those couple of days though, the car looks like a mirror. Stuff works so good on black cars

 

I don't know if you can get it in the US, but I'm totally sold on Dr. Wack A1 Speed Wax Plus 3. I've got a translation of German lab results here

below is my Clubman that was waxed two months earlier, and washed a couple of days before this photo.

 

I'm a big fan of Meguiars #7. I will generally start with wash, clay, wash, then polish if needed. After I'll apply Meguiars #7 show car glaze, then Epic followed by any of my LSP's, the latest of which has been Banana Gloss. I'll do this regimen twice a year and for regular maintenance, I'll wash and apply a quick wax (usually Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Spray Wax).

I feel like I've honestly spent a fortune but I love trying out new stuff. I will agree with many on the forum though, that Prima products are generally very easy to use.

 

Hey guys ... I am an avid user of Eagle-One ... I use the Wax-as-u-dry to dry vehicle ... it leaves a nice deep shine & slippery finish. Between washes I use the spray carnuba wax ... couple times a year I simply wax the old-fashioned way ... My JCW is black on black on black and these products really leave a nice finish ...

Duragloss makes a good product... http://duragloss.com/ ... pretty hard to find at retail store ... you can order on website ... If Duragloss was more readily available I would use hands down over Eagle-One ...