Turtle Wax 1-Step Wax & Dry for a quick, easy wax

**prr** · 10-04-2012, 10:11 PM

I just got a bottle of Turtle Wax 1-Step Wax & Dry, as a nice way to quickly and easily wax my minivan. I see some brief directions on the bottle--wash the car, but before it dries, apply this, then wipe it off, applying and wiping one panel at a time.

Are there any best practices for this? As in--how long should I wait before wiping it off? Or should I really be applying this when the car is still wet?

Because I haven`t opened up the bottle yet, if there is a better quick wax product, please let me know. I`d like to use something that will actually leave a nice layer of wax on the paint. And if you have another product to recommend, I`d appreciate hearing your opinion on why it is better than what I just bought. Thanks.

**BigAl3** · 10-05-2012, 03:31 AM

if you want something available over the counter either the mothers fx spray wax or meguiars quik wax would be good choices...

**BigAl3** · 10-05-2012, 03:33 AM

if you want something available over the counter either the mothers fx spray wax (available at oreilly`s IIRC), meguiars quik wax (walmart, target, oreilly`s, autozone, etc.) or duragloss aquawax (carquest) would be good choices. they`re all right around or less than $10 a bottle and i would use these as a booster and not as a stand alone means of protection...

**prr** · 10-05-2012, 08:55 AM

So you`re saying that any of these would be better than the stuff I just got?

Also, the reason why I`m doing this is that I simply don`t wax the car as much as I should (I get it in about once a year), and I`d like something quick and easy to apply after every washing that would at least do something for the paint.

**JohnKleven** · 10-05-2012, 08:58 AM

Sounds just like SONAX High Speed Wax. The SONAX version works very well.

**prr** · 10-05-2012, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by JohnKleven

Sounds just like SONAX High Speed Wax. The SONAX version works very well.

Sorry I`m not sure I follow you--you are saying that what I need is Sonax? Or that the Turtle Wax I got is like Sonax?

**Dan** · 10-05-2012, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by BigAl3

if you want something available over the counter either the mothers fx spray wax (available at oreilly`s IIRC), meguiars quik wax (walmart, target, oreilly`s, autozone, etc.) or duragloss aquawax (carquest) would be good choices. they`re all right around or less than $10 a bottle and i would use these as a booster and not as a stand alone means of protection...

BigAl3 has made some excellent suggestions. While the TW product might be decent, the above products are truly outstanding. Personally I like the Megs product the best because it does a bit of swirl filling and has a warmer look. With these products, yes you can apply them while the car is still wet but you will get better results if you apply it to a dry car. Either way, they work well. If you are ok with mail order Optimum`s Car Wax is the cream of the crop, it truely can be used as a stand alone product.

If you want to step up to a true sealant, there are several spray on sealants that require no buffing afterwards. Optiseal, UPGP, and Zaino Clear seal are some examples. You can protect the car in about 5-10 minutes work and get some jaw dropping looks, especially with Optiseal, its one of my favorites.

**prr** · 10-05-2012, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Dan

BigAl3 has made some excellent suggestions. While the TW product might be decent, the above products are truly outstanding. Personally I like the Megs product the best because it does a bit of swirl filling and has a warmer look. With these products, yes you can apply them while the car is still wet but you will get better results if you apply it to a dry car. Either way, they work well. If you are ok with mail order Optimum`s Car Wax is the cream of the crop, it truely can be used as a stand alone product.

If you want to step up to a true sealant, there are several spray on sealants that require no buffing afterwards. Optiseal, UPGP, and Zaino Clear seal are some examples. You can protect the car in about 5-10 minutes work and get some jaw dropping looks, especially with Optiseal, its one of my favorites.

I`m looking at the Optimum Car Wax. It is more expensive but if its as good as you say, it should be worth it. This 17-oz bottle they sell--about how many applications could I get on a Honda Civic?

**Dan** · 10-05-2012, 10:30 AM

If you get less than 10, you are using way too much. I`m pretty stingy with it, I`d guess I get about 20 or so.

**prr** · 10-05-2012, 10:34 AM

OK I can definitely live with that. I`ll return the Turtle Wax and order the OCW on amazon. I think I`ll just have to live without washing the car for another week or two.:grinno:

Now that I`ve got your ear, are what are the best practices for applying this stuff? Spray while wet? Wait till it dries?

**Dan** · 10-05-2012, 10:51 AM

I do a single pass with a waffle weave towel to get 90% of the water off the car. The last bit that remains, I spritz the panel (1 spray is all you need for most panels, roof and hood excluded) with OCW and then wipe down with a regular MF towel.

**prr** · 10-05-2012, 11:02 AM

Also, how would the Optimum compare with Meguiar`s Ultimate Quik Wax? Could I use Meguiars as "stand alone" wax? I can get the Meguiar`s locally...

**Alfisti** · 10-07-2012, 07:57 AM

I`ve tried the TW product. As a wax-as-you-dry product it`s really bad. Doesn`t seem to have enough *stuff* in it to leave anything tangible when diluted with water. I used it as a stand-alone spray wax and it worked and looked pretty good, just don`t dilute it.

Eagle 1 Wax-as-u-dry is an excellent product to use as a drying aid and leaves a great looking finish.

OCW has exceptional durability for a spray wax.