Afterwash Spray
- Thread starter M3Li
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Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
The Z-8 is an outstanding product. You use very little. I have only tried the Meg's UQD a couple times (the first time I don't think I shook it up enough) but for me, it hasn't lived up to its reputation.
AquaWax is just what you're looking for. It's very similar to Z8 and will provide greater slickness and protection to keep crud from sticking as easily. I have found that AW has very good crud resistance. And, the best part...at $7-8 a bottle, you can use it much more frequently than the expensive Z8. I use AW after every wash or every other wash. Save the Z8 for those special occassions when you really want to use it.
AW is OTC in many areas...look for a CarQuest and they should have it.
AW is OTC in many areas...look for a CarQuest and they should have it.
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
I agree that AW is very good and very similar (although not quite as good) as Z-8.
AW is not a QD really. It is a spray wax/booster in the same manner as Z8. Z8 and AW aren't meant for QD application really as they have no surface cleaners. AW on it's own will typically last a couple months, maybe longer depending... AW definitely adds protection...and lots of gloss. 
TigerMike said:AW is not a QD really. It is a spray wax/booster in the same manner as Z8. Z8 and AW aren't meant for QD application really as they have no surface cleaners. AW on it's own will typically last a couple months, maybe longer depending... AW definitely adds protection...and lots of gloss.
Oh okay that sounds PERFECT. Just what I need after a wash. Thanks! I'll pick it up today.
While AW is a decent product, I don't feel that it's similar in performance to z8. Z8 is certainly more expensive outright, however, you use much less. First, Z8 *looks* (to me) significantly glossier, and reflective than AW. Second, Z8 has greater slicknesss that remains slick longer than AW. Third, I consider Z8 to be a true spray sealant whereas I wouldn't categorize AW as such. Finally, if I am using Zaino as the sealant on a particular car, Z8 is hands down *my* first choice for the above conclusions.
As far as durability, personally it doesn't matter so long as it lasts a couple weeks. *Lasts* meaning slickness and gloss remain relatively unchanged. However, I have not found either one to last *months*. Maybe 4 weeks tops, after that its a difficult determination as to whether initial protection is there.
For the OP, Z8 is not something I would use after every wash unless its been a few weeks. If you wash every week + and need to use a spray sealant, AW is probably your best bet.
Disclaimer* I have a gallon of AW and use it frequently. I frequently use Z8.
As far as durability, personally it doesn't matter so long as it lasts a couple weeks. *Lasts* meaning slickness and gloss remain relatively unchanged. However, I have not found either one to last *months*. Maybe 4 weeks tops, after that its a difficult determination as to whether initial protection is there.
For the OP, Z8 is not something I would use after every wash unless its been a few weeks. If you wash every week + and need to use a spray sealant, AW is probably your best bet.
Disclaimer* I have a gallon of AW and use it frequently. I frequently use Z8.
NSXTASY said:
I don't use slickness as a measure of true durability and protection. Gloss, yes maybe, and also beading characteristics and dirt resistance. I do have to disagree about AW not being a true spray sealant and that it lasts "4 weeks tops." Of course, it depends on the environment. I certainly have seen much greater durability on my car, but I look at other tests as well.
On my wifes completely neglected, unpolished paint that sheets water (no protection whatsoever), after AW was applied (and nothing else other than a mere wash), the paint began to bead significantly. That car (like mine) lives outside 24x7, and is parked under trees many times. The AW quit beading and returned to the prior sheeting phase at around the 2.5 month mark, leading me to believe AW had pretty much held on with some protection for at least 2 months, and then began to fail. At 4 weeks, sure the beading isn't as uniform and very very tight like week 1, but it's FAR from the dead/sheeting action seen when it's completely gone.
Now, you may measure things differently, which is completely fine, but from my experience, AW can certainly be classified as a spray sealant if it's going 2+ months on a car sitting outside all day every day. And, I have seen similar results from Z8. Z8 isn't lasting any longer for me, so why call it a spray sealant either? I would certainly challenge some other dedicated synthetic and natural waxes to last as long in the same environment as either Z8 or AW. Personally, if it lasted longer than 1 month, I'd be apt to call it a spray sealant. If it didn't last longer than a month, I'd call it a QD...
I agree that Z8 adds slightly to the finish (IMO) over AW, but at its cost, it isn't practical to use after every wash. Technically, I'd consider AW a slightly watered down version of Z8. Maybe that's why they call it "Aqua" wax....hehehe...
Not trying to :argue about it, just giving my opinion/experience as well.
BlackElantraGT
New member
I'm not familiar with Z8 so I can't comment on it, but as far as AquaWax, I've gotten similar results as TigerMike when it comes to durability. I, too, apply it on cars that have been completely neglected, unpolished and unprotected. All the cars are daily driven and sit outside 24/7.
Before using AW, I was using NXT Spray Booster. I was never happy with that product at all. Just like NXT Tech Wax, the look was gone after 1 or 2 washes. And its application process was nowhere near as simple as AW.
Before using AW, I was using NXT Spray Booster. I was never happy with that product at all. Just like NXT Tech Wax, the look was gone after 1 or 2 washes. And its application process was nowhere near as simple as AW.
TigerMike said:
Well, I'm not speaking directly of durability since I reapply both AW and Z8 before I ever see a drop off in any charecteristic. To me, protection is different than durability. Slickness is a better measure of protection and I feel that it certainly relates to gloss or the general look. That being said, as stated before, Z8 has better slickness, gloss, and better beading (if that is even a measure of anything).
TigerMike said:
I see where your coming from, to me, durability means little, and it means even less when I consider what is and what is not a "spray sealant". Obviously, AW could be categorized as such, but I havent found AW to add much for looks or as good protection by itself.
Z8 is hands down better, to *me* as compared to AW. Thats why I shouldnt compare them, to me they are both for different tasks and not to be used in place of one another.
I definitely am not :argue, just discussing.
blucpe
New member
i've used both products (z8 and aw) and like them both equally as much. as for the z8 i dilute it 3 parts z8 to 1 part distilled water. i find this does'nt diminish the overall perfomance of it and it will last a little longer which imho justifies the cost of it. as for durability, i can't help you out there as i'm always putting some kind of protection on, whether it be carnuba, s&g, aw, etc., every couple of weeks, sometimes even once a week.
Glossmaster
New member
TigerMike hits the nail on the head, IMO, with regards to the Z8/AW debate. Both great products, that's for sure. But for me, Z6 is the QD to use after washing when using the Zaino system. Use Z8 sparingly to enhance the looks and durability of Zaino. Once a month should do the trick. For weekly washes, go the Z6 route.
94BlkStang
New member
NSXTASY said:
Hmmm? I've never used the Zaino line of products, but if this is your experience with AW not sure what to tell you as it clearly adds much to the looks of a car and as for protection, my daughters 93 red Mustang was away at shcool for over a month without being washed or anything and I was amazed at how the water beaded on the hood and the shine it had after washing it and it was only topped with AW.
hXc drummer23
New member
I just bought Aqua Wax earlier today. I used it on my girlfriend's car. I love it. I used to use Eagle One wax as you dry. This stuff works so my better. It looks like I just waxed the car. I highly recommend it.