What should I try in terms of a premium wax?

Ah...may I ask what you mean by "premium wax"?



Do you mean expensive or very good? If very good, what are you looking for? Durability/longevity, brilliance/shine, depth, ease of application?



I'm sorry to ask so many questions. I really don't mean to be a smart *ss. I'm a lawyer by training and I'm finding that "premium wax" means different things to different people.



I have found that many people/professionals have their favorite economical wax and they like it for a specific reason. Then they have their favorite combo type wax that lasts reasonably well but also finishes nicely. Lastly, they have their "premium wax" for garage queens/concours beauties.



This latter category seems to be more a matter of taste (and, perhaps, color of car) as there are quite a number of waxes that would fall in there. Interestingly, they have uber price tags.
 
craigdt said:
I havent seen Dodo Supernatural mentioned yet. Everything Ive seen looks very nice. I intend on picking up a sample of it soon.
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+1, I've heard nothing but good about Dodo Supernatural.



Also, look into Lusso Oro
 
MiamiS430 said:
Ah...may I ask what you mean by "premium wax"?
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Good Q.



I've been assuming (yeah...I know :o ) that we're talking about waxes that're considered especially notable for some characteristic(s) more related to appearance than anything else.



I can't help but think of some Zymol Vintage aficionados who use it not only for it's presumably special look, but also because of the way it lasts and cleans up. But then, whenever some wax costs as much as *that* stuff the price alone pretty much puts it in the "premium" category.



But at the other end of the price spectrum, I can't help but think that Meguiar's #26 could very well be a premium wax for somebody with a nicely-prepped black car. And a pal of mine has me use NXT v2.0 on his showcar because it gives that particular paint just the right look for concours-correctness; what's not premium about that :nixweiss
 
"Premium Wax" (User Name definition): A very hyped, overly exaggerated exorbitantly priced wax, whose creator reads these threads whilst laughing all the way to the bank.



<Sarcastic hat off>
 
LOL! I think there is something to that, IMO.



I've been doing a lot of research on the subject lately. Again, with all due respect to those manufacturers who make wax products, I think there are a few things to look for in a wax. To me, these are 1) the ingredients/formula, 2) production and, of course, 3) results.



1) I think the ingredients and their proportions are very important in deciding between waxes. Any of you that have tasted the difference between Kobe beef and Winn Dixie ground beef can appreciate that.



Depending on what I want the wax to do, I would focus on the type of wax (Carnauba, beeswax, etc.) and it's percentage to other waxes and to total of the product. I would also look to oils used. Not for the nice smell, mind you. For how they will interact with the wax and make it easier to apply/remove.



Some waxes will add polymers (plastic) to the mix in order to increase durability or another characteristic. I'd like to know what and why. Is it eco friendly or not, may also be important.



I am not one that subscribes to the "magic stuff" theory of wax making. It is not hard to make a basic, good wax. It is in the ingredients used and the formula what true quality comes from. And, 100% carnauba is not better. A balanced formulation can render better results.



2) I have also come to the conclusion that how a wax is made is also very important. Just like it would be difficult for a hobbyist to make a good wax on the stovetop (although, it's been done), it would also be difficult for mass-market producers to have the ability to use top quality ingredients and hand controlled manufacturing techniques.



I'm more drawn to the limited production houses that focus on quality of ingredients but are large enough to afford temperature control equipment.



3) Lastly, the result is the endgame. Does 1 and 2 above result in a durable wax with great gloss/shine/depth and is relatively easy to apply/remove? To date, I'm not sold on those waxes claiming to be better for one color over another.



Anyway, just my thoughts. I hope they help in your decisionmaking.
 
MiamiS430 said:
LOL! I think there is something to that, IMO.



I've been doing a lot of research on the subject lately. Again, with all due respect to those manufacturers who make wax products, I think there are a few things to look for in a wax. To me, these are 1) the ingredients/formula, 2) production and, of course, 3) results.



1) I think the ingredients and their proportions are very important in deciding between waxes. Any of you that have tasted the difference between Kobe beef and Winn Dixie ground beef can appreciate that.



Depending on what I want the wax to do, I would focus on the type of wax (Carnauba, beeswax, etc.) and it's percentage to other waxes and to total of the product. I would also look to oils used. Not for the nice smell, mind you. For how they will interact with the wax and make it easier to apply/remove.



Some waxes will add polymers (plastic) to the mix in order to increase durability or another characteristic. I'd like to know what and why. Is it eco friendly or not, may also be important.



I am not one that subscribes to the "magic stuff" theory of wax making. It is not hard to make a basic, good wax. It is in the ingredients used and the formula what true quality comes from. And, 100% carnauba is not better. A balanced formulation can render better results.



2) I have also come to the conclusion that how a wax is made is also very important. Just like it would be difficult for a hobbyist to make a good wax on the stovetop (although, it's been done), it would also be difficult for mass-market producers to have the ability to use top quality ingredients and hand controlled manufacturing techniques.



I'm more drawn to the limited production houses that focus on quality of ingredients but are large enough to afford temperature control equipment.



3) Lastly, the result is the endgame. Does 1 and 2 above result in a durable wax with great gloss/shine/depth and is relatively easy to apply/remove? To date, I'm not sold on those waxes claiming to be better for one color over another.



Anyway, just my thoughts. I hope they help in your decisionmaking.
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Dude, that was probably the best post I've ever read on this forum. You've now forced me to re-evaluate my opinion!

:goodjob
 
Accumulator said:
I'd try Souveran, and not just because I like it :D It's the sorta thing that could be pictured in a dictionary next to the entry for "premium wax".



Waxing with Souveran is, for a detailer, kinda like, uhm...like driving a Porsche is for a sportscar nut; it's the sort of thing that aficionados have at least given a try even if it didn't end up rocking their world.
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I completely agree. It is amazing.
 
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