Most durable wax/polish

Well, if I had only a 4 hour window to wash, dry, and wax the car on rare occasions I'd definitely go for something quick. I don't know how fast you work, but I would skip the "step 2" glaze in any system you buy, and just do the pre-wax cleaner and wax it. Then repeat the pre-wax cleaner only a few times a year. If you go with a one-step cleaner wax you won't get the benefit of the step 2 glaze anyway.



If the extra step of the pre-wax cleaner still seems like too much, I'd lean towards something durable and one-step like Reflections, AIO, SRP, etc.



It doesn't sound like you have a lot of time to devote to prep either right?



My $0.02 :)
 
Yeah, one of these days I'll buy a house and I can work the whole weekend on the car. I remember summer vacation in high school, I'd just stay at home and detail the car in my parents garage every day. Those were good memories.



Now, I have to wake up at 6am and finish the job by 10am, and have no safe area to store the car so I can layer stuff day after day.



4DSC, the only thing on your list that I can get locally is Reflections. Have you or anyone else tried this and has first hand experience with it's durability?
 
bcwang- OK, I misunderstood your other post regarding the Mother's products. Sorry, can't help you with the Reflections.



I'd just mailorder/phone order/online order my original suggestion, at least the Collinite. Also get some good MF towels (including a waffle-weave to dry with) and some clay.



When you do the FIRST wash, do a quick claying. Even just a CURSORY claying will be beneficial and it won't take much time if you do it AS you wash, using your wash solution as clay-lube.



Apply either the SRP or AIO (or maybe the Reflections, 4DSC seems to think it's OK and his word is good enough for me) after washing and drying the car and using, if possible/if time permits some kind of paint cleaner. If you DON'T use the paint cleaner, the clay will clean the paint pretty well anyhow. The products mentioned won't remove any scratches or swirls, but they will further clean the paint and provide some protection. And they go on/off fast.



Next time you wash the car, wash it VERY well, and apply the Collinite. Yes, it's OK to do it this way. The previously applied product will prevent any real buildup of contaminants. You can even apply another coat of it after a few weeks if you feel like it, just clay during your wash again.



You might consider using a good QD after subsequent washings to REALLY prolong the life of the protection.



BTW, I work very slowly, but the 4 hour window should be enough to do the job. Even as the sun starts to hit the car, you can still finish up before the heat gets to be an issue. I think I could even do the Volvo wagon in that time, and it's pretty big.
 
Accumulator said:
Apply either the SRP or AIO (or maybe the Reflections, 4DSC seems to think it's OK and his word is good enough for me)
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Woah, easy there tiger! ;) I actually don't have any experience with any of those products except AIO, and even that I don't know its stand-alone durability. I'd suggest more search engine wringing to try and get some answers for durability. I was just trying to offer some suggestions, sorry if I sounded like I had any definite answers.
 
4DSC-
Woah, easy there tiger!
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Oh man, LOL! First time I've heard THAT since, well, I think Nixon was in office! OK, I misread your mention of the reflections as being a recommendation. In that case...



bcwang- My wife and I were talking about your situation last night and we think you're showing great dedication to get up and start your detailing by 06:00. Yeah, the 4 hour window IS enough for what I'd suggested.



Bite the bullet and order up some AIO (or SRP) and some Collinite (and some MF's if you don't already have them- they ARE worth the expense). They'll be there by the weekend and you'll be all set. You can get clay locally at auto parts stores. I honestly don't know of any locally available alternatives that will last more than a few weeks (given the 24/7 exposure). This combo really will last for months.



There must be DOZENS of places where you can order AIO.



Collinite's Web Page



Sheesh, I'd better stop replying to this thread. You're probably getting tired of my repetitious suggestions. :o I just don't want to see you waste time or effort, or worse, think you can't do much given your situation.
 
I welcome as many comments as possible. If there are many different ways to get durability and protection, it makes it easier for me to choose.



I just realized AIO was a one step product, I thought it was just a sealent. Is it's behavior pretty much like a liquid cleaner/wax, because it mentions it's an acrylic sealent. And the last time I tried something that was an acrylic sealent, it was a nightmare. I think it was blue coral touchless or something like that, oh man that thing just ruined the look of the paint. It was also near impossible to get rid of, had to use rubbing compound and lots of time. It almost seemed like it was just a layer of soft goo that dried and was supposed to protect your car, you don't buff it off or anything. Problem is, it dries unevenly so what was once a mirror finish then has distortions. I'm guessing AIO is nothing like this product.



By the way, why are there recommendations to cover the AIO with a carnauba wax? Isn't the AIO supposed to last longer than any wax already?
 
bcwang- Yeah, the AIO IS like a cleaner wax. It's a "cleaner synthetic sealant". Probably more cleaner than sealant, though. Its protective properties don't last all that long (despite what the label says). Topping with a long-lasting (gotta use one that lasts a long time) wax WILL definitely increase the durability, plus it looks better to many people. It's one of those synergistic things were the whole is better than the sum of its parts.



The high-end synthetic sealants of today are NOTHING like the Blue Coral product you mentioned. I remember that stuff- a really nasty product. AIO and SRP go on/off SO easily and give good, consistent results. Really foolproof (though I don't like that term) products .
 
I hate to keep jumping on the Meguiar's bandwagon, but there are few products on the market as easy and as quick as #20. It's polymer based, so lasts longer than most waxes (don't have any experience with Collinite) and so far, I have found it easier to remove than AIO. AIO is easy, but it's just that #20 is way easy. Don't have to worry about applying too much, and buffs off beautifully. The only caveat is that there is some dust from drying and buffing, and it stains trim. AIO doesn't produce dust and does not staing trim, so is superior in that aspect.
 
Accumulator said:
Oh man, LOL! First time I've heard THAT since, well, I think Nixon was in office!
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Oh no! :lol I did it again - I'm always using phrases that's not age-appropriate for me! :p I barely remember Ronald Reagan for Pete's sake! :o
 
2wheelsx2- Hey nothing wrong with sticking up for a product that worked for you! The staining wouldn't work for me, but if that's not an issue, then sure, the #20 could be a good idea. You could always top it with Collinite :o



4DSC
Oh no! I did it again - I'm always using phrases that's not age-appropriate for me! I barely remember Ronald Reagan for Pete's sake!
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Heh heh, I think it's cool when younger people use phrases from earlier times. What's not "age appropriate" is when guys MY age call cool stuff "sick" or "tha bomb". Hey, I still call people "cats" sometimes and I even catch myself using phrases from WAY back. Barely remember Reagan huh? I guess you don't mean you remember his movies, or when he was governor of California, huh :D
 
bc,try looking into glare professional polish at autopolish.net . ihave tried it a i like it very much smooth deep wet, a long lasting it feel s feels smooth as glass . my favorite for now imho
 
Accumulator said:
Barely remember Reagan huh? I guess you don't mean you remember his movies, or when he was governor of California, huh :D
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President Reagan and his suddenly failing memory, Iran-Contra, Ollie North, etc. etc. I was young enough that I didn't really understand what the fuss was about! :p
 
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