[stevenD]

Or to be more precise "Time to Seal?" I did quite a bit of on-line research (feel free to check) doing multiple search for "Best Waxes" and a huge number of sites REALLY liked the Wolfgang WG5500 Sealant!
The big selling points are:
(1) Lasts a lot longer than waxes - Which is important to me since my car is outside ALL the time. And I'm lazy, I would prefer to wax once or twice a year instead of three or four times...!
(2) Provides a superior shine - yep, I see it on my Modern Steel
(3) Easy to use - it was, a foam pad to apply it and some Costco Micro fibers to remove it
(4) Makes for a glass-like smooth surface - oh man it is so smooth, I notice evertime I grab the door handles!

Amazon.com: Wolfgang Concours Series WG-5500 Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0, 16 fl. oz.: Automotive

Buy Wolfgang Concours Series WG-5500 Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0, 16 fl. oz.: Polishing & Waxing Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

ALSO: I paid $39 for it, but it is on sale now for $33!

If anyone has a favorite wax, feel free to post it here and tell us why you like/love it...!

 

[Wrascal]

Many years ago I too felt compelled to wash/ wax my buggies. My natural laziness out-grew it.

 

[Beachbum07]

My favorite is whatever the detailer uses. ? The last car I waxed was my 1990 Accord EX Coupe in Mulberry Red. That was my first new car.

 

[Kahuna]

Indeed! Spend good money on these rigs / need to wax_seal on occasion

 

[DudeCS]

Plenty of choices and large price range.

Carnauba based wax provide a deeper shine, but does not last as long versus a synthetic based sealant. Carnauba based wax will leave a white residue on black plastic when dry... remove with rubbing alcohol. Best to avoid inadvertent application to black plastic trim.

Synthetic based sealant last longer, but does not provide as deep a shine as Carnauba based wax. Synthetic based sealant does not leave white residue on black plastic.

Cleaner wax is also available. Typically, it is a Carnauba based wax with a mild polish when your paint needs more TLC.

For bug season or long road trips, I apply a sealant then a Carnauba based wax as a sacrificial layer. I've been told that show-car guys would spray furniture wax (eg, Pledge) on their (non-plastic) bumpers for bug protection.

 

[Beachbum07]

Indeed! Spend good money on these rigs / need to wax_seal on occasion

Totally agree! Although, my wax on, wax off days are over. Physically can’t do it anymore. Gladly pay a detailer. I’ll keep my PP for years to come, so it will be well cared for.

 

[ProdGirl]

Steven,

If you recall, I just did this maybe 2 weeks ago before leaving for 6+ weeks with my ’Port on the road with me.

Since I had about 1/2 the bottle of Meguiar’s ultimate liquid wax left, I used it on the area with no XPEL film, (roof, doors, ass end) and then I put the XPEL Ceramic Boost everywhere else, (hood, fenders, side view mirror cases, headlights). It looks great still and was silky smooth as well.

Twice a year, I’d apply it. Before it got too hot formsummer and before it got too cold for winter. I used the Meguiar’s for 13 years on my CRV and the exterior paint was in excellent condition, the plastic trim was getting old but still looked ok.

Both need to be used in the shade and I noticed if it’s getting close to the end of the afternoon and the marine layer is starting, I will need to go over the car again the next day with a dry towel.

Heather

T

 

[mcrimm]

I’m also a Meguiers fan. about twice a year I clay bar and apply the Ultimate Wax with my Dual Action buffer. I usually do it in the spring and fall. Get a DA and your job will be easy.

Here’s mine ===> https://www.amazon.com/Griots-Garag...=sr_1_1?keywords=griots&qid=1581223231&sr=8-1

 

[Beachbum07]

Orbital Polisher = Scary to me! Never used one. Seen too many finishes destroyed with swirl marks. Could be the polish, compound, technique, etc. Just one of those things where I would gladly pay someone else to do. Just like painting in my house.

 

[carpayments4life]

I have been using Fusso Coat Soft99, for 3 years It really does last (almost a year) and my can is still almost full.
I had great results on many of my cars, with P21s Carnauba wax. Then there was my 2008 white Civic Si, which would not hold wax, for more than a few days. The Fusso Coat Soft99 solved that and lasts 9 months.

 

[mcrimm]

The dual action polisher is not a rotary buffer. It will not hurt your paint. Check out some of the car care forums and you’ll see the value in one of these. i‘ve used one for over 10 years and never had a problem. I also have a Dewalt rotary. Bg, big difference.

 

[5500]

Orbital Polisher = Scary to me! Never used one. Seen too many finishes destroyed with swirl marks. Could be the polish, compound, technique, etc. Just one of those things where I would gladly pay someone else to do. Just like painting in my house.

Modern dual action (orbital) polishers are pretty user friendly and safe. Unlike a rotary polisher, if you apply too much pressure the spinning disc stalls and doesn't spin. Its pretty hard to damage your finish with one. There are lots of good online resources with tutorial videos that demonstrate how to use them and there are some informative car care forums that are good resources for various car care products as well. In the longrun, its an effort and expense to maintain the finish. For me, its a hobby... lots of time on my hands and I enjoy a freshly detailed ride.

 

[5500]

Or to be more precise "Time to Seal?" I did quite a bit of on-line research (feel free to check) doing multiple search for "Best Waxes" and a huge number of sites REALLY liked the Wolfgang WG5500 Sealant!
The big selling points are:
(1) Lasts a lot longer than waxes - Which is important to me since my car is outside ALL the time. And I'm lazy, I would prefer to wax once or twice a year instead of three or four times...!
(2) Provides a superior shine - yep, I see it on my Modern Steel
(3) Easy to use - it was, a foam pad to apply it and some Costco Micro fibers to remove it
(4) Makes for a glass-like smooth surface - oh man it is so smooth, I notice evertime I grab the door handles!

Amazon.com: Wolfgang Concours Series WG-5500 Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0, 16 fl. oz.: Automotive

Buy Wolfgang Concours Series WG-5500 Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0, 16 fl. oz.: Polishing & Waxing Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

ALSO: I paid $39 for it, but it is on sale now for $33!

If anyone has a favorite wax, feel free to post it here and tell us why you like/love it...!

Steve, did you have to do any paint prep before applying the sealant?

 

[pshadoa]

I agree the DA polishers are EZ and safe to use. You will not burn your paint. I use a Griots polisher with a full set of pads for use with various compound, polishes, glazes and sealants. Prep may include an annual application of claybar to remove contaminants to get the surface squeaky clean. I then finish with the Wolfgang 5500 sealant . Takes some time but is very easy to do and the results are fantastic.esp on the Modern Steel Mechanic. Between sealings I use Mothers Ultimate yellow wash & wax with their hose end disperser which makes it really sudsy. Rinse, then wipe with large Microsoft towels.In between washes I use a Calif Duster for light cleaning then use Griots Speed Shine to add a bit of shine to paint, metal, and glass. I use ArmorAll Tire Shine on the tires. Just spray it on and leave it. But don't drive for15-20 min to prevent slinging.

 

[mcrimm]

Steve, did you have to do any paint prep before applying the sealant?

Definitely clay bar your car before applying a wax/sealant.

 

[CAJack42]

Last year, decided to splurge for my birthday and get a da polisher (same one mcrimm pointed out) + all the right accessories.

The Pilot was looking a little long in the tooth. Had always just tried to clay and carnauba wax every 6 – 12 months. Use an old sock or wax applicator to apply and old bath towel to rub out.
I had used Mothers California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax (what I had from use on my other Honda's) on the Passport. Not happy at all with the results. The ‘cleaner’ must be the problem. Plus saw some water spots on the roof (this was on a dealer lot 2-3 months).

After a few weeks, clayed and used the new da polisher;
Mothers Micro-Polishing Glaze
Blackfire paint prep
Griot’s Garage Liquid Gloss Poly Wax
And then a sacrificial layer of Mother’s California Gold Pure Carnauba Liquid Wax

Wow! My wife usually drives this and is always getting compliments on the shine.
Later, reviewed many detailer’s testing of Turtle Wax Ice Seal & Shine. Even though it’s recommended to go down as the first layer, saw where several people tried it as a top coat. So gave it a try over the carnauba. Looks great! So easy to apply, and seems to be a very durable, hard slick coat.

On the Pilot;
Iron - X
3M rubbing compound
Mother’s California Gold Pure Polish
Mothers California Gold Micro-Polishing Glaze
IPA wipedown
Mother’s California Gold Pure Carnauba Liquid Wax

Again, new products out there worth a try, so used 303 SiO2 Touchless Sealant as a sacrificial layer and for a comparison to the TW Ice S&S.
Looks amazing for a 14 y.o. vehicle.!

On wheels (inside and out) and lug nuts, I used to use Mothers California Gold Synthetic Wax
Decided to give BLACKFIRE SiO2 Wheel Seal a try on my new wheels. What a waste! Maybe it was intended for alloy wheels w/o clear coat. Not very hydrophobic, or slick feeling. Always shedding white particles at random. Decided to top coat with the TW Ice S&S. Much better now.

I gave my ’03 Ody (which I had given to my son 2 yrs. ago) the same treatment as the Pilot. A 2 day job, but what a difference.

 

[stevenD]

Steve, did you have to do any paint prep before applying the sealant?

Nope, but it was still super smooth...

 

[Wrascal]

Reading all about your DA polishers has peeked my interest; how labor saving are they compared to hand waxing (3-4 hours)?
Could I wax my car in an hour (not concerned with an immaculate shine, rather just a cleaner Black Copper look)?

Last summer I watched a fellow (over several days) wash & wax my fifth wheel, my truck and my wifes van; he used a lightweight polisher in his final step. It did a fine job of cleaning things up (and appeared very easy to operate); unfortunately whatever wax he used didn't last much beyond a month or so.

I think if I could cut the time to an hour I would give one a try?

 

[stevenD]

I agree the DA polishers are EZ and safe to use. You will not burn your paint. I use a Griots polisher with a full set of pads for use with various compound, polishes, glazes and sealants. Prep may include an annual application of claybar to remove contaminants to get the surface squeaky clean. I then finish with the Wolfgang 5500 sealant . Takes some time but is very easy to do and the results are fantastic.esp on the Modern Steel Mechanic. Between sealings I use Mothers Ultimate yellow wash & wax with their hose end disperser which makes it really sudsy. Rinse, then wipe with large Microsoft towels.In between washes I use a Calif Duster for light cleaning then use Griots Speed Shine to add a bit of shine to paint, metal, and glass. I use ArmorAll Tire Shine on the tires. Just spray it on and leave it. But don't drive for15-20 min to prevent slinging.

We have a lot in common on our Modern Steel Metalic PP's: I use the Wolfgang 5500, the Groits Speed Shine and a California Duster, as far as you saying "Mothers Ultimate yellow wash & wax" - can you check that, as I use a "Meguiar's Ultimate yellow wash & wax" I'm thinking you might have gotten your "M's" mixed up?

 

[pshadoa]

You are correct! I meant Meguiars. I also use Meguiars hybrid ceramic wax on a couple of our other cars. It seems to last a long time especially on cars that are parked outside. EZ to apply also!