Which wax do you use ?

[old man 2]

It's constant rain outside so I have time on my hands, so I'm going to go down a rabbit hole here and ask what wax do you use to keep your car looking good.

As a background, I like to keep my property in good order and looking nice. I'm not fastidious about it but in the past I've taken pleasure in giving the car a good wash and polish. However I'm getting older and all of that stuff doesn't get easier, plus I have a back problem that gets a bit debillitating during the bending down etc.

My last car was black which I knew from experience was an unwise choice in the keeping it clean stakes and I wanted to find a polish and/or wax that didn't cost a mortgage, was easy to apply and rub off, didn't show watermarks and would last a long time e.g. a year.

I asked this same question on a forum when I bought my last car and got all sorts of spurious suggestions, especially ones from those who were really into detailing and threw up products I'd never heard of.

I did my own research as well and ended up using a Turtlewax Graphene spray product that could be applied to a wet or dry car (wet was the easiest method). Research had said it wasn't designed to give the ultimate showroom shine, but it offered good protection (apparently Graphene is the hardest material on the planet) and claimed it was easy to apply and would last a year. 

Well it wasn't a bad product, but it wasn't quite as easy as claimed to apply, didn't give the best shine, but it did last about 9 months before I deemed that another coating was needed. After a couple of years I decided it wasn't quite what I wanted, so I used good old Autoglym Resin polish that I had in the garage - not the best choice on a black car as it dries white, but it's easy to apply and the finish is good. Not long before selling that car, I bought and used some Turtlewax Colour Magic in black which did a decent job of making the car look good. Unfortunately these last two products don't last as long as I'd like,.

I knew when it came time to change cars I certainly didn't want another black car and I had my mind set on white as we've owned a couple of white cars and I found them pretty good in the not showing dirt too badly stakes and were relatively easy to keep clean.

That wasn't to be, as the NX in Sonic Titanium I have was already in stock, is a nice colour and should be much easier to keep clean than black.

So, I have this shiney new car and I once again thought I'd look for a wax this time that I could apply soon after taking possession whilst the car had new polish already applied and was looking good.

So what do you guys use ? I'm not looking for products that only car detailing nuts know about and take 3 weeks to apply in various layers. I want something reasonably priced, easy to apply and buff and will last a long time before reapplying is needed.

[RONNIE W HODGEKINSON]

6 minutes ago, old man 2 said:

It's constant rain outside so I have time on my hands, so I'm going to go down a rabbit hole here and ask what wax do you use to keep your car looking good.

As a background, I like to keep my property in good order and looking nice. I'm not fastidious about it but in the past I've taken pleasure in giving the car a good wash and polish. However I'm getting older and all of that stuff doesn't get easier, plus I have a back problem that gets a bit debillitating during the bending down etc.

My last car was black which I knew from experience was an unwise choice in the keeping it clean stakes and I wanted to find a polish and/or wax that didn't cost a mortgage, was easy to apply and rub off, didn't show watermarks and would last a long time e.g. a year.

I asked this same question on a forum when I bought my last car and got all sorts of spurious suggestions, especially ones from those who were really into detailing and threw up products I'd never heard of.

I did my own research as well and ended up using a Turtlewax Graphene spray product that could be applied to a wet or dry car (wet was the easiest method). Research had said it wasn't designed to give the ultimate showroom shine, but it offered good protection (apparently Graphene is the hardest material on the planet) and claimed it was easy to apply and would last a year. 

Well it wasn't a bad product, but it wasn't quite as easy as claimed to apply, didn't give the best shine, but it did last about 9 months before I deemed that another coating was needed. After a coiuple of years I decided it wasn't quite what I wanted, so I used good old Autoglym Resin polish that I had in the garage - not the best choice on a black car as it dries white, but it's easy to apply and the finish is good. Not long before selling that car, I bought and used some Turtlewax Colour Magic in black which did a decent job of making the car look good. Unfortunately these last two products don't last as long as I'd like,.

I knew when it came time to change cars I certainly didn't want another black car and I had my mind set on white as we've owned a couple of white cars and I found them pretty good in the not showing dirt too badly stakes and were relatively easy to keep clean.

That wasn't to be, as the NX in Sonic Titanium I have was already in stock, is a nice colour and should be much easier to keep clean than black.

So, I have this shiney new car and I once again thought I'd look for a wax this time that I could apply soon after taking possession whilst the car had new polish already applied and was looking good.

So what do you guys use ? I'm not looking for products that only car detailing nuts know about and take 3 weeks to apply in various layers. I want something reasonably priced, easy to apply and buff and will last a long time before reapplying is needed.

Try Meguiars's Paul ( Halfords ) Spray Ultimate Polish 473ml product code G19216EU £19 I Found this one PATICULARLY Good and it Lasts....!!! OR The Gold Class High Gloss Detailer 473ML  Product Code G7616EU £15  Hope that Helps Cheers.!!

[rich1068]

I used to spend hours faffing with one product or another but like you, as I've got older, I just want something that does a good job that I can stand back and admire. Gone are the days of clay bars, polishes, sealants etc. I only ever get products like that out now when I've got a specific issue in a particular area. But the best thing I've come across in the last 12 months or so that is readily available in your local Halfords isn't a polish or a wax but a shampoo. Autoglym Ceramic Wash & Protect. I'm sure there are other ceramic washes out there but this does a great job. You won't believe the beading and finish. With a decent wash mitt and drying towel as far as I'm concerned it's all you need.

[old man 2]

15 minutes ago, RONNIE W HODGEKINSON said:

Try Meguiars's Paul ( Halfords ) Spray Ultimate Polish 473ml product code G19216EU £19 I Found this one PATICULARLY Good and it Lasts....!!! OR The Gold Class High Gloss Detailer 473ML  Product Code G7616EU £15  Hope that Helps Cheers.!!

 Thanks Ron, but I am looking specifically for a wax this time.

[Ken R]

Bilt-Hamber Double Speed Wax is always highly rated. 

[old man 2]

I like the sound of this Richard. I do currently use Autoglym shampoo and conditioner as was recommended by a friend.

Previously to that I had used another well known make of shampoo, but watermarks were a pain, especially on a black car.

I am determined whilst the car is still new and pristine to get a long lasting wax on it, but after that I'll buy myself some of your recommendation.

[old man 2]

6 minutes ago, Ken R said:

Bilt-Hamber Double Speed Wax is always highly rated. 

 Yes it is. It was under consideration in the past before I finally chose the Graphene product.

[Boomer54]

49 minutes ago, old man 2 said:

It's constant rain outside so I have time on my hands, so I'm going to go down a rabbit hole here and ask what wax do you use to keep your car looking good.

As a background, I like to keep my property in good order and looking nice. I'm not fastidious about it but in the past I've taken pleasure in giving the car a good wash and polish. However I'm getting older and all of that stuff doesn't get easier, plus I have a back problem that gets a bit debillitating during the bending down etc.

My last car was black which I knew from experience was an unwise choice in the keeping it clean stakes and I wanted to find a polish and/or wax that didn't cost a mortgage, was easy to apply and rub off, didn't show watermarks and would last a long time e.g. a year.

I asked this same question on a forum when I bought my last car and got all sorts of spurious suggestions, especially ones from those who were really into detailing and threw up products I'd never heard of.

I did my own research as well and ended up using a Turtlewax Graphene spray product that could be applied to a wet or dry car (wet was the easiest method). Research had said it wasn't designed to give the ultimate showroom shine, but it offered good protection (apparently Graphene is the hardest material on the planet) and claimed it was easy to apply and would last a year. 

Well it wasn't a bad product, but it wasn't quite as easy as claimed to apply, didn't give the best shine, but it did last about 9 months before I deemed that another coating was needed. After a couple of years I decided it wasn't quite what I wanted, so I used good old Autoglym Resin polish that I had in the garage - not the best choice on a black car as it dries white, but it's easy to apply and the finish is good. Not long before selling that car, I bought and used some Turtlewax Colour Magic in black which did a decent job of making the car look good. Unfortunately these last two products don't last as long as I'd like,.

I knew when it came time to change cars I certainly didn't want another black car and I had my mind set on white as we've owned a couple of white cars and I found them pretty good in the not showing dirt too badly stakes and were relatively easy to keep clean.

That wasn't to be, as the NX in Sonic Titanium I have was already in stock, is a nice colour and should be much easier to keep clean than black.

So, I have this shiney new car and I once again thought I'd look for a wax this time that I could apply soon after taking possession whilst the car had new polish already applied and was looking good.

So what do you guys use ? I'm not looking for products that only car detailing nuts know about and take 3 weeks to apply in various layers. I want something reasonably priced, easy to apply and buff and will last a long time before reapplying is needed.

I have tried the Turtlewax graphene and I think you summed it up nicely.

[Grumps]

I've stuck with Collinite waxes for years and will continue to do so. Collinite 845 insulator wax is my 'go to' wax as it is easy to apply and remove.

I collected my 2025 nx 450h in Azure blue last month and after its first wash I used the 845 wax. It now beads really well and the shine is superb. It lasts well too.

 As an aside, the week after collecting it I took it to get some Paint Protection Film on the rear bumper, door sills and the rear bumper where the wheels throw up the mud. A worthwhile investment in my opinion.

[old man 2]

5 minutes ago, Grumps said:

I've stuck with Collinite waxes for years and will continue to do so. Collinite 845 insulator wax is my 'go to' wax as it is easy to apply and remove.

I collected my 2025 nx 450h in Azure blue last month and after its first wash I used the 845 wax. It now beads really well and the shine is superb. It lasts well too.

 As an aside, the week after collecting it I took it to get some Paint Protection Film on the rear bumper, door sills and the rear bumper where the wheels throw up the mud. A worthwhile investment in my opinion.

 Could you tell me more about the protection film please. I live a long way from you so obviously can't use the same company, but I'd like more info. 

Is it the same process that's used to wrap cars ?

[rich1068]

2 hours ago, old man 2 said:

I like the sound of this Richard. I do currently use Autoglym shampoo and conditioner as was recommended by a friend.

The main reason I like it is the fact that the protective coating it gives, as evidenced by the beading, is instant. No prep whatsoever. I picked my GS up 8th November from a mucky car lot where it had been stood for a couple of weeks, gave it a wash the following day and this is how it looked before I dried it.

[old man 2]

2 minutes ago, rich1068 said:

The main reason I like it is the fact that the protective coating it gives, as evidenced by the beading, is instant. No prep whatsoever. I picked my GS up 8th November from a mucky car lot where it had been stood for a couple of weeks, gave it a wash the following day and this is how it looked before I dried it.

 

Looking good. I like the fact that as it's a car wash it will also coat and protect the latest diamond cut wheels.

[Mr_Groundhog]

I have heard Bilt-Hamber does not last for very long.

Personally, I would very reccommend the one I have been using (and last time I checked, it was on discount) which is Fusso Coat 99, which is a special wax that claims to last a whole year. And in my experience, it gets pretty close to that. Great shine and beading too.

As with most waxes, you just have to make sure to apply it when it isn't too cold (in principle winter isn0t the best time). And in particular with Fusso, work with a very thin layer, hardly visible, as a bit of wax goes a long way. Then buff off. Don't do the whole car at once but work in quarters or eights of the car.

 

[old man 2]

7 minutes ago, Mr_Groundhog said:

I have heard Bilt-Hamber does not last for very long.

Personally, I would very reccommend the one I have been using (and last time I checked, it was on discount) which is Fusso Coat 99, which is a special wax that claims to last a whole year. And in my experience, it gets pretty close to that. Great shine and beading too.

As with most waxes, you just have to make sure to apply it when it isn't too cold (in principle winter isn0t the best time). And in particular with Fusso, work with a very thin layer, hardly visible, as a bit of wax goes a long way. Then buff off. Don't do the whole car at once but work in quarters or eights of the car.

 

That's a new one on me.

[Grumps]

2 hours ago, old man 2 said:

 Could you tell me more about the protection film please. I live a long way from you so obviously can't use the same company, but I'd like more info. 

Is it the same process that's used to wrap cars ?

Yes it is the same process that they use to wrap cars. I have had it on another car I have owned for 9 years and it has been perfect.(PPF has self-healing properties.) On the boot lip on the lexus it stops all those small scratches you get over time; the same with the door sills. Lexus do a clear strip for the rear bumper. I had one of these on my last lexus but I belive this was an adhesive strip and it had a few small bubbles in it. Pricewise for wrapping the bumper I got two quotes, one £120 and the other £40. At £40 well worth it in my opinion.

[old man 2]

9 minutes ago, Grumps said:

Yes it is the same process that they use to wrap cars. I have had it on another car I have owned for 9 years and it has been perfect.(PPF has self-healing properties.) On the boot lip on the lexus it stops all those small scratches you get over time; the same with the door sills. Lexus do a clear strip for the rear bumper. I had one of these on my last lexus but I belive this was an adhesive strip and it had a few small bubbles in it. Pricewise for wrapping the bumper I got two quotes, one £120 and the other £40. At £40 well worth it in my opinion.

 Super, thankyou for that info. 👍

[RONNIE W HODGEKINSON]

4 hours ago, Boomer54 said:

I have tried the Turtlewax graphene and I think you summed it up nicely.

 

1 hour ago, old man 2 said:

That's a new one on me.

Paul.. Where,s the Best Place to buy Fusso Coat 99  .. Thanks !!!

[steve2006]

I’m using this stuff now, easy to apply and easy to polish off.

[old man 2]

2 minutes ago, RONNIE W HODGEKINSON said:

 

Paul.. Where,s the Best Place to buy Fusso Coat 99  .. Thanks !!!

Did a quick Google search Ron and amazon seems as good as anywhere.

[RONNIE W HODGEKINSON]

Just now, old man 2 said:

Did a quick Google search Ron and Amazon seems as good as anywhere.

Thanks Paul Cheers..!!!

[Al D-Much]

The one I use for a completely professional, like new, in the showroom finish is Rob.
He's my car valeter who, as it happens, is also a Lexus owner. Does the car once every couple of months or so. Which costs me 67p a day for the whole year.

[old man 2]

 Thanks for the suggestions folks.

 

[RONNIE W HODGEKINSON]

On 11/19/2024 at 1:32 PM, Grumps said:

I've stuck with Collinite waxes for years and will continue to do so. Collinite 845 insulator wax is my 'go to' wax as it is easy to apply and remove.

I collected my 2025 nx 450h in Azure blue last month and after its first wash I used the 845 wax. It now beads really well and the shine is superb. It lasts well too.

 As an aside, the week after collecting it I took it to get some Paint Protection Film on the rear bumper, door sills and the rear bumper where the wheels throw up the mud. A worthwhile investment in my opinion.

Paul...  When i Wax The Car i Use a Big Moppy Thing with an Extending Handle i Bought on E-Ebay Think Its microfibre and Give it an Old Polish And Rub-A-Dub  with That at the End of its Polishing Session.. The Car Just Loves It ...!!!! AND oh My God What a Difference it Makes to the Overall Shine..You Wouldn't Believe it..!!! I Have Taken to Also Doing the Furniture in The Lounge With It As Well  The Wife Is WELL Impressed AND You Should See what i Get For Doing it....!!!!

[old man 2]

Quote

 AND You Should See what i Get For Doing it....!!!!

 

That could be too much info on a family friendly site 😉

[rado16v]

My days of polishing a car are long gone, I'm a lazy sod. As this is the nicest (and largest) car we've had I thought some paint protection would be a good idea. I declined the Autoglym lifetime protection dealers offer and went to my detailer friend.

Not used his services before as I couldn't justify the cost but this time I went for a Graphene 4 year coat, ceramic coating is old hack apparently?!

Came out pretty good, see pics. I'm yet to wash it, need to buy another bucket (one isn't enough I hear) and some new sponges.

He showed me a video of a self healing Graphene coating he did on his own car. He took a wire brush to it which scratched it. Then took a hairdryer to it and they disappeared. He said the same will happen under the sun. I couldn't justify the extra cost though.