What wax do you use on your Benz? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PaulH · #16 02-15-2003, 09:10 PM

Without looking it up, I'm sure that you are correct that Zymol is at the top of the list. However, it wouldn't be my pick because it doesn't last as long as other waxes. With 4 cars and one boat to wax, I go for long term protection for the car's finish. But, that's what is great about the report, it provides a lot of info so that everyone can decide for himself. Have a good day.

acha3 · #17 02-15-2003, 09:43 PM

you were right on that Paul.
It is a question of what we want: gloss, long protection, easy to use, cost, ect...
I try today some of the Griots products today on my CLK AMG 55
Red in color, and they work very, very well. let see now how long they would last before the next wax day.

BAd124 · #18 02-18-2003, 12:31 PM

3M. Very long lasting as comes off easy, works well for German paint.

aldedmon · #19 02-18-2003, 03:19 PM

I've used the Zymol(blue)($40 for 10-12oz) for dark colored cars on my 040 Black 92 400E. Its requires you to preclean the car so you basically have to go through he "wax" motions twice at one setting for best results. Even so it still smeared on my car. I then have to rinse the car and then through the drying process I remove the smears and leave the car looking great. Personally on my Black car I like Klasse($20 for 10 oz). Its a chemical cleaner/polisher in one.... Its not a "wax" though per se, so its doesn't "last". But boy talk about looking good. Leaves the car slick as a baby's bottom and I dare even a fly to land on the car. Heck he'd slideright off and break his wings and then sue you for his injuries. I also use the 3M system...Wax,Hand Glaze,Swirl remover, and fine cut compound($12-$14 at PepBoys) Waxing with this product is easy as the Karate Kid..Waxon, Wax off. No problem. I've been experimenting on the trunks of both my red car and black car using the 3M wax next to the HandGlaze next to the Klasse to see which one looks/feels the best. Its very, VERY difficult to eyeball a winner. I can feel the difference between the ultra slick Klasse and the smooth soft feel of the waxed surface both with a towel and my bare palm. I can even see a difference in depth of the reflection as I pass my face over the 3 sections. But still I cannot declare one my clear choice. They all look/work damn good. The swirl remover is great to remove small flaws/imperfections that occur over time.

weber92037 · #20 02-25-2003, 11:07 AM

I use Meguires with good results.

#21 02-26-2003, 04:54 PM

Meguire's GoldClass - gave me the deepest shine as they promised

haasman · #22 02-27-2003, 01:23 PM

In the continuing great debate, this is an interesting test:

Which is better? Zaino or Zymol?

Haasman

acha3 · #23 02-27-2003, 07:17 PM

Great test!

placo1 · #24 02-27-2003, 08:13 PM

I agree and disagree with that test, based on my own tests!

It definitely is a great writeup but there are a few things I would do differently that would drastically change the results.

When I first bought my car a year ago I immediatelly Clayed the whole car including the lower cladding. I then proceeded to use Zaino Z1 polish lock, I then applied 5 coats of Z5 swirl remover to improve the look of the paint. This took a couple of weeks to apply. I finished with 3 coats of Z2 to achieve a brilliant shine. All of Zaino's products are very easy to apply and they definitely create a Slick and Highly Reflective surface. Nothing else was required except a new coat every month to keep it perfectly shiny.

Well along came Meguiars. I met up with Mike from Meguiars headquarters in LA and we decided to do a side by side comparison of 2 of their products vs the Zaino already on the car. We divided the hood into three sections leaving the Zaino in the middle. We then applied a Meguiars Polymer to one side and the Gold Class to the other. The polymer didn't look any different than the Zaino and ease of application and removal was identical to the Zaino. The Gold Class is a different story. Immediately you could see a deep rich shine and a clear line where the wax was applied. It brought out the Pearlescence of the car and the metallic flakes. It didn't reflect as well as the Zaino but we found a solution for that. Meguiars sells Final Detail (Not Final Inspection) which creates a very slick and reflective surface. This combination gives you the best of everything. The only drawback is the wax doesn't last very long and it's not as easy to remove as the Zaino.

I still have half full bottles of Zaino Z1, Z2, Z5 if anyone is interested in a Wax comparison GTG! I also have enough Gold Class for the comparison as well.

:p

Early Bird · #25 02-28-2003, 09:47 AM

Afshin, exactly what does Meguiars Polymer do for the paint? I have a bottle of it that I use on the polished mags I have on a Suburban. The polymer extends the time between the hard work of polishing that aluminum. It works great at keeping that shine much longer than without, got the tip from Hot Rod Mag. If someone was to use it on there paint, when do you use it, after or before waxing?? Also, I use Final inspection, what is the difference from final detail. I think they look and smell the same.

placo1 · #26 02-28-2003, 11:26 AM

Rich,

The major differences between Final Inspection and Final Detail is what they are designed for. Final Inspection is mainly a spray used for maintaining the paint finish between washes.

Final Detail adds a highly reflective surface when used multiple times and also creates a very slick surface. The surface doesn't allow anything to stick the paint easily. For example, I have trouble applying masking tape to the surface of my car, it doesn't stick easily at all. There are a few members that have tried it and I'm almost certain most have purchased a gallon of it after trying it. A gallon costs only $16.00, I really don't know why Meguiars doesn't market it better!

#27 03-03-2003, 03:38 PM

Back in July, I did the Zaino thing to my '95 S500. I could not believe what an incredible job it did back then.

How has it held up in those 7 months? Well, you all probably have heard that we have had a pretty rough winter here in the northeast. Needless to say, while garage kept, my '95 S500 has been exposed to the elements.

I finally was able to get it to the local hand car wash to get all the dirt and salt off of it. Mind you, I applied the Zaino back on July.

SUMMARY: The shine is truly incredible, the surface is smooth as silk, and the water still beeds as if I just applied the Zaino.

Wow!

#28 03-11-2003, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by placo1
Rich,

Final Detail adds a highly reflective surface.........

I did a search on Meguiars and could not find "Final Detail" . Do they still market this item??

Early Bird · #29 03-11-2003, 01:27 PM

I still see Final Detail on the shelves in Autozone.........Must still be available. Call meguiers and ask......

placo1 · #30 03-11-2003, 03:59 PM

Definitely give Meguiars a call. I also noticed they didn't advertise the product online, not sure why. If you go to your local auto paint supply shop which carries the Meguiars line, they car order it for you. I bought mine in a 1 gallon container, I also had to purchase a nice spray bottle to use with it, Home Depot sells a really good one in their garden section.

Rich,

Are you sure you found Final Detail in Autozone? I wonder if Meguiars is going to make this a mainstream product? I've seen Final Inspection and one other but never Final Detail, that would be great if it was readily available!