Carnauba wax

[cabriolet]

Hi,
Just bought a product that has 40% carnauba wax in it to treat my car when it comes out of my garage in April. I read somewhere some members were using this as apposed to silicone based products. The supposed benefits are that you can use it in any temperature, and it is easy to apply and buff off, without any streaks. Not used it yet so please advise if this is a good purchase if you have used it. This is a CodeClean product and mine cost £18 for a 500ml bottle.
Regards
Alan

[ianoliver57]

I would agree regards ease of use and superb result. I used the paste wax from McGuires which cost about £40 so not cheap. To get the best result, I wash, dry, polish with Autoglim, then wax with the carnauba wax. The result lasts for months with the water beading and running straight off.
If you go for the paste wax, use sparingly! A small amount goes a long way.

Good luck.

Ian.

[cabriolet]

I would agree regards ease of use and superb result. I used the paste wax from McGuires which cost about £40 so not cheap. To get the best result, I wash, dry, polish with Autoglim, then wax with the carnauba wax. The result lasts for months with the water beading and running straight off.
If you go for the paste wax, use sparingly! A small amount goes a long way.

Good luck.

Ian.

Hi Ian,
Can you wax the whole car or do you have to do it in small areas. I do not mind spending the extra if it last a long time. How long is it roughly before you purchase some more and what size do you buy.
Alan

[ianoliver57]

I usually wash and dry, then leave under cover till next day, then polish am and wax pm. Yes, you can do the whole car at the one time. I got the tin of wax when I had my XKR, so about two years ago. If you use correctly, ie sparingly, it lasts for a long time.
Have a look at McGuire web site. They have a tutorial on the correct use. I think you will get a discount through JEC shop for the wax.

Take a pic before you start and again when you finish. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Ian.

[ianoliver57]

Sorry, the correct name is Meguires!

Ian

Sorry to be pedantic Ian, but it's Meguiars.....!
Paul Sinnott

[ianoliver57]

I really should engage brain before posting!
Also meant to mention, if you look at the demo on Meguires site, resist the temptation to buy the dual action polisher. It’s VERY expensive and you will obtain just as good results by hand.


Ian.

[franrca]

Hi Ian - thanks for the advice re polishing and waxing steps you'd recommend; think I'll make a purchase and follow your recommendation myself.

Off topic, but would you mind posting a photo of your F-Type for me to drool over pls?

[J44EAG]

There are some very good videos on Youtube about polishing.

My best results now obtained with clay bar, water-less wash and spray wax. I think they are Maguirs. Very easy and quick to use. No streaks or light or dark patches. Much easier to use than even the best Autoglym.

Can`t wait for this winter weather to go. I get the car washed weekly by the local guys at Sainsburys. For £11 they do a really good wash and wax, although I do give the car a pressure wash myself before turning it over to them. That gets the worst of the grot off. They have no water on site which makes things difficult for them so all their work is done using water-less products. Two days later, the muddy lanes of Surrey and Kent have plastered the car in muck again. Roll on the Summer!

Mike K

[cabriolet]

There are some very good videos on Youtube about polishing.

My best results now obtained with clay bar, water-less wash and spray wax. I think they are Maguirs. Very easy and quick to use. No streaks or light or dark patches. Much easier to use than even the best Autoglym.

Can`t wait for this winter weather to go. I get the car washed weekly by the local guys at Sainsburys. For £11 they do a really good wash and wax, although I do give the car a pressure wash myself before turning it over to them. That gets the worst of the grot off. They have no water on site which makes things difficult for them so all their work is done using water-less products. Two days later, the muddy lanes of Surrey and Kent have plastered the car in muck again. Roll on the Summer!

Mike K

Hi Mike,
Your car is obviously used daily— mine goes to bed in the winter. I have had numerous issues with my everyday cars parking in supermarket carparks, so I personally would not take it there unless I stood over them whilst it was being washed. I take my Honda CRV there and only use the spaces on the edge, so a little walk is involved. (drives my wife mad) There is still a chance of getting it knocked but repairing modern cars bodywork is a lot easier than an XJS or any old car.
Regards
Alan

[J44EAG]

Watch out for my DIY paintwork article on the X350 pages in the next magazine, Alan.

Mike K

[ianoliver57]

Already there Richard. Have a look at the F Type forum, under new arrivals, headed ‘This one is a keeper’ . Couple of pics for drooling purposes. enjoy.

Ian.

[franrca]

Wow, it's gorgeous...the coupe is deffo what i'd go for, so you'll be pleased to know you have my seal of approval

I'm very jealous...hope you have many enjoyable times in it....i bet it's good fun.

[BigCatXJS]

I have used RaceGlaze carnauba wax that came in a pot. On a clean car its recommended to apply a pre-wax cleanser to remove any trace of old wax. I disagree that it is easy to apply and polish off - it is temperature dependent. Liquid based waxes are probably easier. I also use AutoGlym HD wax - that was easier to apply and polish.

As I cover low mostly dry miles in my XJS I just tend to use DoDo Juice detailing spray to keep the cat looking clean and shinny after some minor soiling (the car exterior - not me!). Every three or four years I will peform a deep clean along the lines of;

• Pre-wash with snow foam jet lance - I use my Karcher

• Main wash - using wash mitts following the direction of the panel

• Dry with drying cloths - don't use leather chamois - they can scratch

• Clay bar (soft bar - Bilt and Hamber) using water

• Post-wash with snow foam jet lance to remove any clay dust /trace

• Dry with drying cloths

• Cut with Yellow Tip (or Green Tip compound if scratches noticeable) and polish with Porter Cable and foam pads

• Apply pre-wax cleaner

• Apply thick wax (hard work!) and polish by hand

• Grumble about how many days it has taken to achieve the above and the resultant aches and pains that kick in afterwards

Cheers, Rich

[cabriolet]

Hi Rich,
You are showing to have 4 cars, so do all have this treatment. My Honda CRV does not get the same treatment as my XJS. The CodeClean that I have bought is liquid based and has 40% carnauba wax, so weather permitting I will use it in April. I also need to redo my roof protection and treat the leather. You can spend loads on these products away from the mechanical upkeep of the vehicle.
Regards
Alan

[BigCatXJS]

Hi Alan,

So far the XJS, XJ40 and Merc have benefited from the above. BMW is a proper daily so that will only get the "treatment" when its is time to move on (unless it makes it to real old age / super-high mileage and is broken for parts).

I'll take a look at that product you mention. Being liquid it should be easier to manage and at 40% content that's a pretty good level of wax content.

I agree about the phethora of products available and the expense. I keep hearing folks mention ceramic coatings!

Interesting article here on the differences;
http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/car- ... ou-decide/

Cheers, Rich