Best detailing products? (chamois & wax)

I have been using the absorber for about ten years. They will last about forever if stored wet, as noted above. They are great, just don't drop them on the ground, or you will have to wash them very well to get the dirt out. I have not tried microfiber for drying yet, but have heard good reviews, and also have read to just use 100% cotton terry cloth towles for drying (lots of them).
BT

 

I keep the "absorber" in the trunk of both of my cars, (just in case I get caught in the rain). I've been using them for at least 10 years, I haven't found anything that absorbs as well and lasts as long.
Armor-All and Blue Coral car wash soaps have a nice "spot free" formula that reduces the spotting and the amount of towel drying that is needed. I ALWAYS wash and dry my cars in the shade unless it's a very cool day, that usually prevents any potential spot problems.
For polish the PO used and was amazed at a product called "Crystal Guard" , I'm also VERY impressed, for an original 21 year old paint, it has an amazing gloss. I haven't needed to polish it yet. (10+ months)

 

they did not test Zaino,Mother's, but probably did check out some polymer sealants.they gave top rating to Black Magic wet shine liq. bm48016, and turtle wax carnauba wax t-6 with cautions. lower ratings to 3m, meguiar's, zymol, griot's, p21s,and many others.testing looked impressive to a layman. jim

 

You guy's have got to try the new "ICE" synthetic polish from Turtle Wax. It is a clear liquid (looks/feels similar to baby oil) that can be applied in direct sunlight or shade. Wipes on & off with equal ease. They even supply (1 or 2?) microfiber towels to wipe off. I waxed a BB512i in DC in 15 minutes in direct sunlight! This stuff being clear leaves no white residue for you to spend the next six months chasing with a toothbrush. If you have this residue on your car (like around engine lid louvers on the Boxer) just swipe the ICE applicator pad over the residue and it's gone!!! Awesome shine and water beads up and runs off (or blows off while driving) incredibly well. I bought a bottle at the local Manny, Moe & Julio's (Pimp Boys) for about $13.

 

This month's Consumer Reports actually rates waxes and polishes.

You guys may find the article very interesting. I live and die by CU recommendations, in fact I refuse to make a "major" purchase without consulting with them first.

 

This stuff seem interesting - Is it a silicone product or something different?
Any idea about the chemistry behind it?

 

Someone posted a thread last week or so that said the ice wax was a total waste. Maybe he did not know how to apply it, but he claimed to have let it sit for hours with no drying in sight.

BT

 

NXT Tech Wax vs. Zymol

As a regular, long time user of Zymol, I really wanted to be dazzled by NXT Tech Wax -- the 'next generation was' -- after paying 1.5 times the cost of the Zymol. But, side-by-side on the rump of my CS I can discern no difference.

 

I've used many waxes over the years and starting using Zaino when I bought my Testarossa. I found the shine to be good but alot of work and needs several coats. I decided to try Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax and WOW!!! I did my whole car in under 30 minutes, and I can't believe the shine. Not to sound cockey, but if there's a car anywhere that shines better than mine I'd be shocked. This stuff is amazing. Everyone that sees my car comments on it's shine and they don't believe me when I tell them what I use and how easy it is to apply.....Charlie

 

Did you apply the Vintage correctly??? It's also lifetime refills!!!You shouldn't have to buy any wax again.

It is extremely time consuming to prep the car for the application (by bare hand).

Directions below:
1-Put a very small amount of the glaze to the palm of your hand. Use the warmth of your hands to melt the Carnauba. With your hand, gently apply the glaze in a light, even pattern over no more than two or three square feet of painted surface.
2-Let Vintage stand for up to five minutes
3-Using moderate to heavy pressure, wipe very slowly with a Micro-Wipe™ (folded once) to a brilliant luster before wax is totally dry.
4-Wait three to four hours, then lightly buff the paint again to
perfect the shine.

 

For drying I use the California Water Blade to get most of the water off and finish off the rest w/ a Microfiber rag.

Wax: I'm a new Zaino convert. Zaino rocks! However, I do think that regardless of what wax is used, it can only be good as how well the paint is prepped beforehand.

http://www.autogeek.net/calwatblad.html

http://www.zainostore.com/

 

On my 95 F355 I have panels that are not clear coated. I think sometimes these cars got damaged paint in transit and they were repainted and not cleared.

 

The paint on my 89 348 is a single stage paint with no clear coat from the factory.
BT

 

I tried the Black Magic yesterday on my Boxer-after clay bar prep-
I'm astonished-20 min of no effort at all and a spectacular result. There may be something to high tech polymers.

 

http://www.properautocare.com/index.html

They have an 800 number you can call and discuss your needs...great people. The Menzerna stuff has been worth every dime I have used it on my Porsches and the TR. Also used their clay bar kits with success.