Best 1-step wax/sealant for professionals

R

RAG

New member
I wanted to see what other professionals have found to be the best wax/sealant for use on customers' cars who pay for the "basic" detail (i,e, wash & wax).



Some of my requirements are:

1)must be easy to apply and remove

2)cannot stain plasic

3)should not have tendancy to leave white residue in cracks & crevices

4)should look good, feel slick, and last a long time

5)should have some "cleaning" properties (I'm not sure this is a valid requirement, but my thinking is that since no paint prep has been done, a pure sealant/wax may not bond as well...and sometimes there are small "spots" not completely cleaned by the wash process).

6)I suppose price should be a factor, but I seem to let this requirement slip away in trade for the other aforementioned requirements :)





I've been using AIO (sometimes by PC) to fill this niche. But sometimes I use a pure sealant or wax such as FMJ, AJ, Natty's Blue, and P21S even when the paint hasn't been prepped, but maybe I shouldn't?
 
I use FK1's #215 for one step. Has not failed me yet. This is taking into consideration that the paint is in good shape.
 
3DOG, what would you use if the paint wasn't in good shape? Sometimes their paint is not in good shape, yet they still only want to pay for a wash and wax.
 
Those who detail for pastime as well as those who detail to keep the lights on tend to have very similar stringent standards. To that, I sent this one to be included in the main Detailing Product Discussion.
 
John Styrnol said:
As far as sealants go try the new Tropi-Care TC3 XP.
Click to expand...





An excellent product indeed but I'm not sure I'd consider it a true one step as its non abrasive. I'd think one of the Finish Kare products or JW Prime might be a better choice for swirl removal and sealant in one.
 
RAG said:
3DOG, what would you use if the paint wasn't in good shape? Sometimes their paint is not in good shape, yet they still only want to pay for a wash and wax.
Click to expand...

Then it would have to be a minimum of two steps. If the paint has minor micromarring and after seeing "I" believe a one step is ok, then I will do it. If more is required then thats what I will recommend but I will not let the customer tell me to just do a one step and then complain because it is not right.
 
I've found 215 to last quite a while (at least 2 months before re-application) as well as reducing minor marring. (Mild abrasives in it.) I think you'd be likely able to get a better end result with something like this vs. a purely chemical cleaner.



One point to note, though, is the look. I've found 215 to be rather "bright and shiny" so a customer that expects a deep wet pool may not be too thrilled.
 
Agreed on the 215. However, if you want real durability you "must" use a synthetic product. That way the results will be always on the brighter, shinier side than of the dark, and glowy. I personally love FK's appearance, durability and user friendliness.



Does anyone know how the Collinite cleaner waxes perform? I assume, they must be durable as well... and they are providing a still very clear but softer shine.
 
Since the majority of what I do is bikes. I will normally hit it with some FX100 to finish off.

215/FX100
 
Since you don't have the luxury of polishing before LSP, and seeing as polishing is the key to the best look/durability, I'd go for a cleaner/wax that has a very aggressive polish/cleaner component.



To that end I'd go ColorX, or even better, #66 (although that may stain trim).



#66 is the best one-step (cleaner/wax on steroids) to remove minor swirls/blemishes and leave a nicer finish than most without a dedicated polishing step.
 
Thanks, you guys have given me about 20 cars worth of experimentation alone - fortunately/unfortunately a lot of customers just want an "interior detail and a wax." I'm going to have to try some 215, prime and Long Haul (me friend also has a gallong of #66 that I could try).



On the durability issue...I realize you can't have it all with a one-step product - I'm just looking for the best comprimise. I thought I had found this with AIO, but to be sure I'm going to try some of these other products. My only complaint with AIO is it can be a little difficult to remove if left to dry.



I'm surprised I didn't get responses telling me to stick with AIO - is this still not the king of 1-step, or have I not kept up with evolving technology?
 
The new formula (aka Prime) is milder, so it may not suit your needs. As a mild cleaner, it is still very good. But with the nano-formulation, the abrasive size has diminished as well. The normal AIO had very small (1 micron) abrasives already, but the new has even finer. And the FK is more durable.
 
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