I have heard some say that they use a wash and wax soap when just washing their car, but a regular soap, when they want to wax their car after washing. My question is: if a wash and wax combo is better because it does not strip wax off the car, wouldnt it be better to use even if you are going to wax the car when you are done washing? That way, you would keep more wax on the car. Or is it important to always start a wax job with no wax on the paint?
Wash and wax soap vs. traditional soap
- Thread starter prr
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PA DETAILER
Well-known member
- Mar 5, 2011
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You usually want to start a detail with a SOAP that has nothing in it. Like megs hyper wash. Now after your wax/sealant if you want to maintain that gloss/protection, you could move to a wash/wax soap. Not many good ones out there tho. DP POWER WASH & WAX is the real deal. Best wash & wax soap i have used.
trekkeruss
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- Nov 25, 2013
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The "wax" in wash and wax shampoos are designed as boosters, to extend the protect of real wax. I doubt it really matter if you use either type before a traditional waxing. There's a lot more to detailing that just "waxing," after all.
swanicyouth
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- Mar 3, 2011
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IME, I haven't really seen much, if any, difference between soap labeled "soap" and soap labeled "wash and wax". However, there are good soaps and mediocre soaps.
The solvents in the wax will likely remove any "wax" in a WNW soap. More wax isn't always better. However, using a WNW soap won't cause any issues if you wax right after either.
There are a lot of variables here. It depends what your going to do to the car after washing and before waxing. But, the bottom line is if you do it correctly - what soap you use will matter little if any.
The solvents in the wax will likely remove any "wax" in a WNW soap. More wax isn't always better. However, using a WNW soap won't cause any issues if you wax right after either.
There are a lot of variables here. It depends what your going to do to the car after washing and before waxing. But, the bottom line is if you do it correctly - what soap you use will matter little if any.
- Thread starter
- #5
Im using Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax, and the soaps are also Meguiars-- Gold Class soap and Ultimate Wash & Wax.
So it sounds like it really is six of one and half dozen of the other. OK, I bought that Ultimate Wash & Wax just because I thought it might help out some. Then I guess it really doesnt matter what soap I use.
Im only using these products on the paint, nothing else.
So it sounds like it really is six of one and half dozen of the other. OK, I bought that Ultimate Wash & Wax just because I thought it might help out some. Then I guess it really doesnt matter what soap I use.
Im only using these products on the paint, nothing else.
trekkeruss
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- Nov 25, 2013
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Apart from using a clay bar occasionally, I have never done anything between those two steps.
I saw here an article on paint sealant, and how it could be applied before waxing. Would that be the next additional step, beyond washing and waxing? This article says that sealant doesnt have to replace waxing, but can be done before: Carnauba Car Wax vs. Paint Sealants, carnauba wax reviews, paint sealant reviews
View attachment 35816I guess I am old school. I can not see how you can wash and wax at the same time. If you leave something behind (wax), then in my opinion some of the dirt is going to be left behind mixed in with the wax. I think it is much better to wash and then wax. When I do a rinseless wash I do it without a wash and wax product. Instead I use just water or a D114 mixture and afterwards I apply Megs liquid quick wax to my clean paint.
trekkeruss
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What you're missing is that there are different kinds or wax. If you've never done anything but washing and the occasional clay, you would be better off using an all-in-one or cleaner wax than a straight finishing wax. An AIO will clean and polish the paint, and leave behind some protection.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23263-difference-between-cleaner-wax-finishing-wax.html
- Thread starter
- #11
So in that link, the category you are recommending is "cleaner/wax," the first section that has links in it?
For what its worth, I have been applying Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax for the last couple of years, and Gold Class Carnuba for a couple of years before that. Whenever I do wash it, there is a decent amount of beading, and the paint is in pretty good shape for a 2005 vehicle that is left outdoors almost all the time.
So what I really am saying, is what would be the best complement to Ultimate Liquid Wax--what can I apply in addition to that product? Or should I make a switch and just start applying something else altogether?
CAMMIN HEMI
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- May 9, 2013
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I've used Megs products for years, good stuff. To answer your last question this is what I would use with Megs Ultimate wax:
1.) wash car ( any good quality car soap will do )
2.) clay vehicle ( not needed if surface is smooth & passes the "baggie test" )
3.) polish car to remove scratches & swirls ( Megs Ultimate compound or Megs Ultimate polish if scratches & swirls are very minor)
4.) wax car with Ultimate wax ( 2 coats to insure even coverage )
Hope this helps you.
1.) wash car ( any good quality car soap will do )
2.) clay vehicle ( not needed if surface is smooth & passes the "baggie test" )
3.) polish car to remove scratches & swirls ( Megs Ultimate compound or Megs Ultimate polish if scratches & swirls are very minor)
4.) wax car with Ultimate wax ( 2 coats to insure even coverage )
Hope this helps you.
gibson24
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- Oct 27, 2013
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Hyper Wash! +1