Product Review: Mothers Synthetic Wax

Bunky

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Product Review: Mothers Synthetic Wax

For 2012, Mothers had added a new Synthetic Wax to the California Gold brand line.

Product Disclosure: Product received in an Autogeek.net contest with the agreement to provide a review (2 more to do)

Manufacturer's Product Description

Mothers California Gold Synthetic Wax provides unparalleled depth, shine and protection in an easy-to-apply, effortless-to-remove formula. Our specially formulated microencapsulated polymers form a chemical bond to protect your paint's surface, while ultra-fube polishes bring out the gloss and luster you've come to expect from Mothers.

Price: $8.99 16 ounces

Country of Origin: Made in USA

Product Directions from product label:

Shake well before and during use. Finish should be clean, dry, and cool.

Hand use:
1. Pour a small amount of product onto a soft, clean microfiber, terry cloth or suitable applicator
2. Working in 2-3 square sections, massage product thoroughly into the finish
3. Allow to dry to a haze
4. Remove haze with a clean, dry microfiber or terry cloth towel, Turn frequently for best buffing action

Random Orbital Buffer
1. Pour a small amount of product directly onto buffer pad
2. Work with light pressure, spreading evenly over a 2-3 square foot area.
3. Buff area thoroughly while wet, then allow product to dry to a haze
4. Remove haze with a clean, dry microfiber or terry cloth towel. Turn towel frequently for best buffing action

Note: To avoid wax residue on trim, moldings, and other non-painted plastic surfaces, first apply Mothers Protectant or Back to Balck Trim Care.

Other products used:
1. Washed with Optimum No Rinse
2. Dried with Mothers and Pakshak microfiber towels.
3. UDM 1.0 DA with Lake Country Blue finishing pad
4. Buffed with Pakshak microfiber towels
5. Griot's Pre-Wax Cleaner

temperature conditions: Garage: 55 to 60 F

Vehicle
2001 Chrysler Sebring Lxi. Parked outside 24/7. The paint condition is not great condition (two spots showing clearcoat issues). The front facia and hood are chipped and etched bug marks due to poor care for the majority of its life.

Preparation
The car was washed in the garage using Optimum No Rinse. After drying the car was wiped down with Griot's Pre-Wax cleaner to strip residue LSP. I skipped claying. A reverse test spot was created on the hood where one section would be untouched while the rest would be covered.

Physical Observations
1. Packaging: "Top Down" plastic bottle with flip to lid
2. Viscosity: slightly oily
3. Color: opaque tan
4. Scent: Cologne (similar to Mothers Reflections or FX but the smell lighter)


Application notes

For application, I used my old UDM 1.0 with a 5-in backing plate and 6.5-in Lake Country CCS Blue foam pad. It was spread using speed 2 to 3 over the entire car. Using about nickel size drops, I worked approximately 2 square foot areas. Mothers Synthetic wax spread fairly easily but a tad less easy than Mothers FX and Reflections. It definitely has a more oily consistency than the previously mentioned products. Mothers has said that they have already made a formula tweak to improve the ease of application and removal.

While buffing, I did notice some residue build up in the pad that indicates that there are some not insignificant cleaners (confirms labeling regarding ultrafine polishes).

With the temperatures in the mid-50's, it took about 25 to 30 minutes to get a clean wipe (hazed). It buffed off without any issues and as usually with a black car in a typical garage it takes some inspection light to be sure there are no missed spots.

As noted, this car sits out 24x7 and the blue pad should some build up so this includes that the product has some cleaners.

Before







Mitts after ONR wash



Hazed hood


Afters

Due lousy timing, I ended up washing and then applying the wax before clean the wheels and tires since I needed to do that outside for the other review.


trunk







In the sunlight (tires not cleaned/dressed)


Rear pillar shot - fillers working


Side by Side (waxed / not waxed)





Hood with test spot


Hood swirl check - lots of dings but not many swirl


After a rain shower


A day later





Mothers Synthetic wax applies and removes fairly easily. It definitely darkens the paint slightly as seen in the reverse test spot and leaves a clean look -- more subdued glow as opposed to bright shine. It also has some useful filling capabilities to reduce the swirls for rides in less than perfect condition.

For users of Mothers FX and Reflections, the Synthetic Wax looks much more like Reflections than FX.

Notes:

Ease of application/removal: Very good.

Scent: Pleasant (similar to FX and Reflections)

Cleaning ability: Modest

Cost: Very affordable

Slickness: Good

Durability Unknown.

A nice product from Mothers at a very affordable price. I do like the darkening effect on dark solid colors. Durability is obviously an unknown at this point.
 
Wow very impressive!! So would you classify this as an AIO product if used with a pad with more cut?
 
what kind of wash mitts are those that you used with the ONR ?
 
Al,

That's quite a review! I bought a bottle of this but like most everything else it's packed away.

The finish looks exceptional and has a good deal of depth. I too like the taped off section in the middle of the hood as it give the reader a real appreciation of how much this product brings to the game...

Great review Al and thanks for the writeup and photos!! :props:
 
Nice review, thanks for sharing this with us. Wow, big difference in the waxed and unwaxed portions - the darkening effect is very noticeable. With the cleaners and fillers it has, looks like a nice product to use on the mildly-neglected cars of family and friends - only question is the durability.
 
Nice review, thank you. It was interesting you mentioned this wax behaves more like Reflections than FX. From your pictures it does look similar to what I have seen with Reflections. I am sure the cleaners being significant from your perspective assisted with the improved depth and clarity.
 
Thanks for your time and efforts in doing this review!

Interesting product...Almost AIO-ish in nature.
Per: The product's description, and your review's results...looks like a synthetic wax (sealant) containing 'mild' polishing-abrasives---I'm wondering if these abrasives are somewhat responsible for the "fillers-affect" you mentioned?

:)

Bob
 
what kind of wash mitts are those that you used with the ONR ?

3 were from PakShak. 1 was from PAC. The PakShak ones are not holding up very well - seams coming apart. I am going to try the meg's versions when I get some more.

Al,

That's quite a review! I bought a bottle of this but like most everything else it's packed away.

The finish looks exceptional and has a good deal of depth. I too like the taped off section in the middle of the hood as it give the reader a real appreciation of how much this product brings to the game...

Great review Al and thanks for the writeup and photos!! :props:

Thanks (again).
Nice review, thanks for sharing this with us. Wow, big difference in the waxed and unwaxed portions - the darkening effect is very noticeable. With the cleaners and fillers it has, looks like a nice product to use on the mildly-neglected cars of family and friends - only question is the durability.

Yes, a good all in one. You can contrast this with something like products that do not fill like WG DPS.

Nice review, thank you. It was interesting you mentioned this wax behaves more like Reflections than FX. From your pictures it does look similar to what I have seen with Reflections. I am sure the cleaners being significant from your perspective assisted with the improved depth and clarity.

Thanks for your time and efforts in doing this review!

Interesting product...Almost AIO-ish in nature.
Per: The product's description, and your review's results...looks like a synthetic wax (sealant) containing 'mild' polishing-abrasives---I'm wondering if these abrasives are somewhat responsible for the "fillers-affect" you mentioned?

:)

Bob

Thanks. I was wondering if the darkening effect was related to filling capabilities.

Wow very impressive!! So would you classify this as an AIO product if used with a pad with more cut?

Thanks. That is a good question.
 
I am interested in knowing how durable this product is...

Any updates from the thread starter?
 
Great price and great review. Seems like a good product for doing budget details for friends and family.
 
I am interested in knowing how durable this product is...
Any updates from the thread starter?

The car sat outside 24x7 for about 6 weeks with during the pollen season, washed once, then garaged 24x7 since.

The beading/slickness had dropped off quite a bit but still had a good shine (hiding the swirls).

I would guess 8 to 10 weeks before I would rewax but YMMV.
 
Excellent review. Wish I had seen this review before I bought this product & found out about the cleaners. Then it wouldn't be sitting on the shelf only to be used for all in one quick jobs & lawn mowers.
 
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