garage queen: sealant or wax?

9

98GT

New member
Hey guys, I've been reading articles on autopia for a month or two now, and I really enjoy the fact that there are others as obsessed with detailing as I am! That being said, I have a 98 Mustang GT, a darker metallic blue. I have been a faithful zaino user on it, from zaino's early days to now. I like the results but I'm wondering if maybe a sealant isn't the best route for a garage queen. I talked to a few guys who are fans of the following if durability isn't a factor (which it isn't):

3M Imperial Hand glaze, P21s polish, p21s carnauba wax. They claim he has won multiple concours events with this combo.

After reading autopia I found a lot of zaino users, who recommend their new swirl remover (I do have minor swirls it was a used car), klasse AIO and then the usual Zaino process... I'm sure there will be mixed feelings, but durability and cost not a factor, just pure shine and depth, what process would you go with for a wet and deep look? I appreciate any help, thanks.
 
98Gt- Welcome to Autopia!



FWIW, I use Souveran on my garage queen.



Let's see, minor swirls, wants "deep and wet", dark color...



I'd go with Meg's #80, then one of their pure polishes (in order of my preference: #5, #3, #81, and finally #7), then Souveran. But *everybody* will have their own favorites...
 
98GT said:
I'm sure there will be mixed feelings, but durability and cost not a factor, just pure shine and depth, what process would you go with for a wet and deep look?
Click to expand...



Cost and durability isn't a factor and you have a garage queen? Most definitely what Accumulator suggested: Polish/glaze and Souveran. :bow
 
you'll no doubt get lots of combo's for the "Queen", and I'll chime in with my show winning combo for my Mustang Mach 1 (recently awarded 1st place in an MCA national event): Wolfgang sealant topped with Souveran. The combo lasts between shows with a simple dusting (Calif. duster) and a quick once-over with Adams Detail Spray



Totoland Mach
 
My Queen has EX-P with Nattys on it. I must admit though that I have been tempted to just use the wax and forget the sealant.

Durability on the Queen is not an issue.
 
Garage queen as Scot say what looks best to you matters, but given that its a dark color and cost is not that improtant then go the full Pinacle route. Swril remover, Prewax Polish, Souveran. Go cheek Autogeek for the a Souvern handbook.
 
My garage queen is back to Zaino.

I used soveran and it migt have been a touch deeper but even in the garage it didn't last for me. I'm one of those guys who can't keep his hands off. I would Cal. dust and wipe down every so often. I found that Soveran was a very "delicate' surface as Zaino was much more risiliant. It did'nt seem to mark and marr as easily. But thats just my opinion. I also like hide abilities of Z5. Just leaves the surface that much more perfect!
 
It's up to you. I use NOTHING but carnauba on my garage king and my daily driver. Wax is a must, cover or not!
 
So lets say I decide to keep using my zaino and save myself a little money.... whats the best way to maximize my results? Say I use the new Fusion to remove minor swirls, klasse AIO, Z5, Z2 new Z8 between coats, and top it all off with souveran (which souveran product)? Any other ideas are most welcome, I think Zaino is a nice product, I just have a hard time ignoring the diehard carnuba guys for the depth shine they seem to love. Rather not waste my time and money trying carnuba if the difference won't even be noticeable. Thanks for the replies, keep 'em coming!
 
IMO topping with a carnauba might give a subtle difference-it will most likely soften the reflections a bit and from a distance give the car a bit of a glow-everyone raves about the paste souveran
 
Judges at World of Wheels and Good-Guys have told me that you won’t win with a sealant and to move to the next level you need to use Glazes or Carnauba. I don’t like using glazes at an outdoor show without topping them but an indoor shows they really work nice. World of Wheels is three days and I usually have to touch up the glazes everyday to keep the fresh look a dust several times.



This is what I do.



Glazes – Indoor Shows Only.

Glaze and Souveran - Big Outdoor Shows

AIO and Souveran – Smaller Show and Everyday.



My everyday drivers are sealants for durability.



Here is my hotrod with one coat of AIO/Souveran...



866539FordSideView1024-med.jpg
 
You only need Z-PC Fusion as your prep if you're going to stick with Zaino. Skip the AIO altogether.



I've never found much benefit(looks-wise) to topping Z with nuba. The new Z2-Pro might have the look you're going for, if you haven't tried it already.



After a couple layers of Z, with Z2-Pro on top, AND Z8 as a show QD, I can't imagine it looking much better!



Good luck at the shows!
 
As much id like to go down the Glaze only or the Glaze and Wax route on my garage queen, I face the fact there is the chance of getting caught out in our wonderful british weather over here.



I use Carnuba look sealants so it ensures I get the look I want and some protection.



#80, AG Resin, Clearkote Red Machine Glaze, Poorboys EX or Wolfgang topped with Souveran, IMO looks better than without the sealants in the prep anyway.



Its all about looks really for me, but Its nice to have some extra protection which adds to the look anyway. As others have said go for whatever looks best for you.



For me sealant and wax!
 
I was doing a little more research, and read a few places Natty's paste wax is a nice topper on "less than perfect blue" over sealants. So maybe: Fusion, Z5, Z2, Z8 and top it with Natty's or Souveran. (medium-dark metallic blue paint) Thanks again
 
98GT said:
I was doing a little more research, and read a few places Natty's paste wax is a nice topper on "less than perfect blue" over sealants. So maybe: Fusion, Z5, Z2, Z8 and top it with Natty's or Souveran. (medium-dark metallic blue paint) Thanks again
Click to expand...



That sounds like a great combo! :clap:
 
so I've been studying some more and have decided to order a PC, and give a shot at megs 80, 3 and souveran as some have suggested. I'm torn though between AIO and the meguiars process. (souveran LSP) I plan on ordering both, but for the minor swirl marks and spider webbing which process might be more suitable for me? Deep, wet looking swirl/spiderweb free paint is all I ask for! :o I realize it's difficult w/o pics, but I appreciate everyone's help! BTW, I don't feel so bad after seeing the "post your detailing products pics thread" :chuckle:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top