swftiii

There have been many threads and discussions on what is the best looking, longest lasting, and favorite waxes for our beauties.

Guru Reports (www.gurureports.org) has a special report that independently tests all the different waxes including carnuba and synthetics. You can't get the results on their site, but can order the report. I have ordered and read it and there is plenty of good information, but more importantly, here are the front runners:

1. Zaino - rating of A- (this was the best)
2. P21S Concours-Look Carnuba - rating of B+
3. Klasse All-In-One&Sealant Glaze - rating of B
The other 43 waxes with a rating of B- or less.

I can't post the list here, but if someone wants to post it to their site, I'll scan the ratings summary and email.

Happy cleaning...

-Skip

joey bagadonuts

I don't have the report either, but here are the 46 products included:
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/waxtest.jpg" alt=" - " />

Mark in Baltimore

Skip - thanks for the info. It only confirms the subjective real world reports we've all heard about Zaino. It would be great to see how they tested the products, if it doesn't violate any copyright laws.

Still planning on moving to DC in July?

swftiii

Hey Mark,

We'll be there in the latter part of July, but doing some traveling up to New England and then back to Chicago to pack up.

We sell the house in Chicago on July 31 and buy in Virginia on August 1. We're really looking forward to it.

-Skip

Edward

Skip,

I'd be interested in where "The Wax Shop Super Glaze Liquid" fared in the comparison. I'd appreciate you posting or, if you prefer, e-mailing it (the results of just that one) to me. Thanks!

Edward

Jim Michaels

I ordered the car wax test to add to my collection. Other tests also report high gloss from Zaino (show car like shine). I hope this test also reports initial protection, endurance across time/washes, ease of application, trim stain, and cost. Consumers Reports does that, but they don't include the designer waxes in their tests; only the widely available waxes (e.g., at Walmart, Advance, Pep Boys, etc.). I also wonder what they used for cleaning preparation. For me, all waxes are compromises (like tires), and I'm willing to give up some gloss (I have a white car and a silver car) for gains elsewhere. BTW, gurureports.org claims that they've cut the price of the wax test report in half in celebration of their test being featured in the May 2003 issue of Automobile. I cannot find such a feature anywhere in my May issue.

Randy M

That's good news. I use P21S and its pretty good stuff. Wish it would last a little longer though.

swftiii

Edward - Bad News!

The Wax Shop Super Glaze Liquid got a C- and was #41 of the 46.

Specifically:
Durability = D+
Ease of Use (Application) = B-
Ease of Use (Ease of Buffing) = B
Prduct Availability = C-
Performance = C-

Jim - The report addresses most if not all of your rating requests. I too was happy that someone looked at all the major players - the other ratings I have seen never included P21S or Zaino or Zymol.

-Skip

bet

Jim,

What are your priorities in a "wax"? If durability is your first priority then you should look at the polymers like Zaino, Klasse, etc. The polymers have the carnuba’s beat in durability, but lack in the depth department. The biggest complaint about the polymers is that some claim they give a very sterile plastic wrap type of shine. This can be less of a problem on light colored cars.

sodly

The best only got "A"? Why not "A+"? Hmmm.

Jim Michaels

Brian: I have been chasing the "best" wax for decades, and have probably tried a dozen or more polishes and waxes over the last 40 years. More recently I have just followed Larry Renolds' advice (www.carcareonline.com) for a regular driver (not a show car). He agrees with you, that the polymer-based waxes tend to last longer, but they don't give the same depth of gloss/shine as the Carnauba waxes. He also claims that polymer-based waxes are less sensitive to excess car wash. According to Larry, the polymers seem to be more hydroscopic (absorb water and become cloudy), and American and Japanese finishes seem to tolerate polymers better than the German finishes do. Finally, the polymers tend to build up with several applications, and the buildup may turn off-color over time. Thus, occasional stripping is advised.

I'm not sure that I have a number one priority, but, like everyone else, I would prefer something that gave good protection for a long time, good gloss, was easy to apply and rub off, and didn't stain trim. I'd also prefer everything done in one step, but I do the two-step. I use One Grand Blitz Carnauba Wax after cleaning with 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. I do not enjoy detailing my car, but I like the results. If I knew that someone else nearby would do just as good a job as I do, I'd rather pay them to do it.

Jim Michaels

Skip: I'm glad to hear that the other considerations are reported too. Interestingly, the non-designer Zymol (actually made by Turtle Wax I heard) that is widely available won the last Consumers Report test, which was several years ago. It's a one-step cleaner/wax (doesn't clean so well though) and is easy to use, but it stains trim. It also had good endurance on my car, which spends most of its time covered in the garage. Probably 15 or so years ago Nu Finish won CR's test. Now that's down in the middle of CR's pack.

Edward

Skip,

Thanks alot, for the original post and the specific info.!!
<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />
....though for the C- , not exactly the news I was hoping for.

I guess I'll use up the bottle and try another one higher up on the list. FWIW, it DOES give an outstanding gloss (or at least what I and many others thought was outstanding), and applies/buffs off really easily.

What Jim and Brian point out, though, is interesting. I place a higher priority on Gloss and Ease of Use without buildup than on longevity --am I the only one here that over cleans (ha, right!). Thanks for pointing this out, gentlemen.

Edward

Jim Michaels

Edward:
A C- was good enough for President Bush.

bet

Jim,

I have used Blitz wax on my daily driver for a few years. Probably the most durable carnuba. I really like it. I won a jar of PS21 this past christmas at a PCA party and have been experimenting with it. I think it has a deeper and glossier shine than the Blitz but not near the durability. This past year I have also be experimenting with Zaino. I really like it on the 993 (speed yellow) but not so much on my wifes black 3 series (no depth). I am getting ready to play with a coat of the PS21 on top of the zaino. I think some of the first polymers were horrible with the build up and discoloring however, the new generation in zaino, Klasse, blackfire, etc. have really got that beat. Personally I find the zaino holds up much better under constant washes than any carnuba I have tried. The longevity is greatly increased by using the Z6 wipe down after the wash (takes less than 5-10 minutes) and it greatly increases the shine and gloss.

Edward,

Depending on what type of gloss an shine you like, you should give Zaino or Klasse a try. Very easy to use and with a very bright gloss. Since you enjoy over cleaning you should experiment a little. Red has great potential for incredibly deep gloss and shine. Zaino or Klasse topped with a carnuba may be the trick for you. Sauverion (I think that is spelled incorrectly) would be a great liquid carnuba for you to try it is suppose to give incredible depth and gloss but the duribilty is not that great. Check out <a href="http://www.autopia.org/forums/" target="_blank">http://www.autopia.org/forums/</a> (you have to register to see all the forums) for some people who really take over cleaning a car to the next level.