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Originally Posted by Bence
3Fitty, I think that even a weekend warrior has the potential to learn, gather experience.
I agree. That is why I did the test; to satisfy my personal curiosity and share my findings.
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The comments you've made on 2 extremely high quality paste waxes show that this unfortunatley not always the case.
Or, simply that they do not work well. :chuckle:
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In your case I hope it's not just the result of a closed mind
Could be, except that I praised certain waxes where it was warranted. Frankly, if VW was that "magic wax" that made my car into a Gallardo and lasted for 2 years, I assure you, I would have told you.
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just a lack of overall experience with waxes
Well, this is where I think you really could be right but your conclusion would still ultimately be wrong. I'm not a pro, far from it, but I'd be willing to bet the majority of "enthusiasts" who have read this thread, have more in common with me (ie: the weekend warrior) than with a pro, or those to claim to have a chemical engineering degree in automotive wax.
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- especially with different application/removal characteristics.
See, if you read the beginning of this thread you would have come across a quote where I said "dude, I just want to wax my car". What I love about the 5 step approach is its simplicity. But if Meg's started telling me that I couldn't mix polymer A with life force B, I just take the bus and sell my car. :think:
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Your presence on this forum shows that you are ready to raise your niveau.
One of my law professors once said, "never trust a lawyer who uses latin phrases"... as such, your use of the word "niveau" has caused me great anxiety and I'm going to have to read the rest of your post with a skeptical eye! :chuckle:
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So, let's talk about the Collinite 476 and the Victoria Concours a bit (basic lingo). The 476 is a synthetic/carnauba blend formulated to give a very stable film which lasts a very long time, gives absolutely superior beading and excellent physical protection. The traditional Collinite appearance is bright, reflective. They can look wetter with polishes that contain wax such as 1Z. However it is an industrial product, hence it has a few quirky characteristics for the novice detailer. It is highly sensitive to a thin layer, to certain outside conditions, and most importantly, removal time. It is best to apply to 1-3 panels before removal (technique/time dependent). It should come off easily, although not dusting-easily. The resulting surface is slick, and has good optics; and usually the latter gains a bit after the first wash. In some regards it is similar to the next product:
I don't know if what you wrote above is true and I would only fully believe it to be true if you had some scientific data to prove it, but having said that, if it is true, Collinite 476s should have a label on it that says "not for dummies like 3Fitty".
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Victoria Concours. It is one of the most sophisticated pure beauty waxes out there.
I found this line very amusing. VC is "sophisticated", "pure" and "beautiful", heck if I didn't know better, I'd want to date her!
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As you may know, there are a few companies in our little world, who offer bare hand applied carnauba waxes. VW is such a company.
Yes, yes... I know. The infomercials about the rocket chef told me I was going to be a whiz in the kitchen as well. Turns out I couldn't even properly chop an onion.
My point is this... who cares about bare handed wax application? Do you have any data which shows it is better or offers some advantages over conventional application methods. One of my sisters would put pigeon droppings on her face if you told her it would reduce wrinkles. Some people will try anything.
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Victoria waxes are formulated with cosmetic grade ingredients
Dude, I've got a wife to slap lipstick on, I don't need lipstick for my car.
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therefore a bare hand application will not stress your body as other similar products can with more synthetic components. Remember, our skin is more porous than you'd think, so the absorption factor definitely plays a role here. So it contains carnauba wax (#1), fine oils and a friendly solvent. You won't find any kind of silicones in it.
No quite sure of your point hear, but I appreciate the concern for my supple and soft hands. :chuckle:
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As with any hand applied carnauba, you take a bit out of the jar, soften it by rubbing it between your palms and then massage it onto the surface. Spread as thin as possible. If you feel that your hands start to become grabby, just rub your palms together again and your skin will release a bit more wax. Bare hand appication is not a quick process for the inexperienced, but a very nice tactile impression. You'll find details on your vehicle that went unnoticed until that day. However, it's not for the "quickly slap on a coat" mentality. This process is a relaxing, sensual one BUT NOT A MUST. It is rather a style, a ceremony. You can apply the Concours with an applicator too and you will end up using a bit less wax.
Okay, I am going to do this 100%, just not to my car! Any time a married man wants to get "relaxing and sensual" I think it should be with his wife (or girlfriend - if he can afford one).
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Now comes the most important thing. Concours has a short setting time! That means if you are initially clumsy and slow, you can start to remove the wax from the given PANEL as soon as you finished it. The "recommended" setting time of Concours is somewhere between 1-5 minutes, but this is really depends on the outside conditions (application temps, humidity, etc.). Generally, 2-3 minutes is totally sufficient. That means: apply it to one panel at a time. If you are slow with the bare hand application, apply it to just ones section at a time. If you are quick with an applicator, wax 2-3 panels before starting to wipe off the first. If Concours dries onto the surface, you'll need a belt sander to get it off. But seriously, it is almost impossible to remove. It is not a flaw, it's the CHARACTERISTICS of Concours. The solvent flashes off and the remaining wax film is dry and stubborn. However, when you made this serious mistake, just reintroduce the solvent to the dried wax film (wax over the residue) and the wax will be easily removable.
Well, I certainly didn't do this.
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After setting, the wax should come off easily and the resulting surface has a characteristic heavily smooth feel, not snotty slick like synthetics. For best results (complete coverage/aesthetics/durability/protection) always keep 3 layers on the car. 2 layers give complete coverage, 3 has the best appearance with a bright, very reflective finish, excellent depth and color rendition. Going over 3 layers is pointless.
Sorry and I really hate to ask this, but do you have an scientific date which supports these rather bold claims?
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VW Concours is an honest looking wax, which doesn't alter the true shade of the color.
Now I'm a bit confused. What do you mean by "alter the shade". I thought clear coats were "clear" and you aren't really even touching paint, no? Also, if by altering the true shade you mean "not making it look bad", well, isn't that kind of the point?
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however this is subjective.
Isn't the whole "looks part" of waxing "subjective"?
