Sunshine, sealants and waxes
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Sunshine, sealants and waxes
Just my luck, since I picked up my car in May, between my travel schedule and the constant rain, I haven't had a chance to thoroughly detail the 427. Last weekend, there was a break from the rain with cloudy skies so, it was a good opportunity for me to wash and wax the 427 and the wife's car. I wasn't sure when the rain would return and I wasn't motivated enough to do a full detail on two cars with claying, correcting and polishing so, I went with just a quick wash of each and a single coat of two of my favorite products.
For the Vette, I used Wolfgang Fuzion. This is basically a carnuba base wax with some polymers added to improve longevity. This stuff is so ridiculously easy to use it is near impossible to screw up. It goes on and comes off effortlessly and leaves no nasty white residue nor stains black trim. Here is what it looks like in the shade immediately after buffing off:
Of course, it rained ever since I finished it, so it has been sitting in the garage since Saturday. However, there was some sun this morning so I took the Vette on some errands and just had to take this shot of the car at the grocers:
Wax just has this depth to it that makes the paint appear to be a reflection in a dark pool. It is warm and three-dimensional. Sealants make paint look like a reflection in a mirror. It is bright and reflective but lacks the warmth and depth of wax.
Here is a good example of the difference between a wax and a sealant. Here is the door of the Vette with Fuzion on it:
Here is my wife's car with the exact same prep, same day and same lighting conditions only with a coat of Finish Kare 1000P. 1000P is a synthetic sealant that applies almost as easy as Fuzion but lasts much longer and is parctically bomb proof:
You can see how the 427 has a depth and glow to it. The M is extremely reflective but does not have the same warmth and depth to it. It is a subtle difference and hard to really appreciate in photos but I think these photos illustrate the difference well. It is a preference what look you like more and how much protection you need. For me, I like to start with a base coat of 1000P and top with Fuzion to get the best appearance and best durability but, depending upon the look I want and how lazy I am that day, I may just use one product or the other.
Now if only the sun would stay out for a few days so I can spend more time driving and less time cleaning.
For the Vette, I used Wolfgang Fuzion. This is basically a carnuba base wax with some polymers added to improve longevity. This stuff is so ridiculously easy to use it is near impossible to screw up. It goes on and comes off effortlessly and leaves no nasty white residue nor stains black trim. Here is what it looks like in the shade immediately after buffing off:
Of course, it rained ever since I finished it, so it has been sitting in the garage since Saturday. However, there was some sun this morning so I took the Vette on some errands and just had to take this shot of the car at the grocers:
Wax just has this depth to it that makes the paint appear to be a reflection in a dark pool. It is warm and three-dimensional. Sealants make paint look like a reflection in a mirror. It is bright and reflective but lacks the warmth and depth of wax.
Here is a good example of the difference between a wax and a sealant. Here is the door of the Vette with Fuzion on it:
Here is my wife's car with the exact same prep, same day and same lighting conditions only with a coat of Finish Kare 1000P. 1000P is a synthetic sealant that applies almost as easy as Fuzion but lasts much longer and is parctically bomb proof:
You can see how the 427 has a depth and glow to it. The M is extremely reflective but does not have the same warmth and depth to it. It is a subtle difference and hard to really appreciate in photos but I think these photos illustrate the difference well. It is a preference what look you like more and how much protection you need. For me, I like to start with a base coat of 1000P and top with Fuzion to get the best appearance and best durability but, depending upon the look I want and how lazy I am that day, I may just use one product or the other.
Now if only the sun would stay out for a few days so I can spend more time driving and less time cleaning.
#2
Burning Brakes
1000P has turned to my go to LSP in all circumstances. I have found that this sealant looks just as good as higher priced alternatives, with much better longevity.
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
I did put 1000P on the front end of the Vette when I drove it home from NJ. When I got home, all I needed was a hose to spray off all the splattered bugs and the car still shined like crazy. 1000P is great stuff and oh yeah, it is CHEAP!
#4
Team Owner
Tough choice from the pictures they both look good. In the long run it is how do they each hold up over time.
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
Around here, 1000P lasts a few months. Fuzion a few weeks. But then again, I am lazy and I don't like to do the proper prepwork before waxing so my experience may not be typical.
#7
Race Director
I use Klasse acrylic sealant with a coat of carnuba wax over it. MS color so differences are more subtle. The wax softens the color as compared to the candy like shell finish of the sealant. With MS reflective properties are increases more with the sealant.
I'll use Finish Kare 425 to gain a little more reflectivity after using the wax.
I'll use Finish Kare 425 to gain a little more reflectivity after using the wax.
#9
Instructor
Thread Starter
I use Klasse acrylic sealant with a coat of carnuba wax over it. MS color so differences are more subtle. The wax softens the color as compared to the candy like shell finish of the sealant. With MS reflective properties are increases more with the sealant.
I'll use Finish Kare 425 to gain a little more reflectivity after using the wax.
I'll use Finish Kare 425 to gain a little more reflectivity after using the wax.
425 is another excellent product. It does keep the car cleaner longer and does leave a great shine. Finish Kare is such a vastly underrated manufacturer.
#10
Burning Brakes
Thanks for reminding me. I need to order some more.
#11
Former Vendor
nice work guys ..... lots of new waxes, sealants, and coatings now in stock. Might wanna stop by and check out the "whats new" section. Our DP line now has a ceramic coating.
www.autogeek.net
www.autogeek.net
#12
Instructor
Thread Starter
nice work guys ..... lots of new waxes, sealants, and coatings now in stock. Might wanna stop by and check out the "whats new" section. Our DP line now has a ceramic coating.
www.autogeek.net
www.autogeek.net
#14
Former Vendor
#15
Instructor
Thread Starter
I buy anything that I can't find locally from our very own sponsor here:
www.autogeek.net
They are great people with fast service.
www.autogeek.net
They are great people with fast service.
#16
Former Vendor
link to all Wolfgang products available at Autogeek
http://autogeek.commerce-search.net/...gang--x-0--y-0
#17
Race Director
Member Since: Mar 2011
Location: SW Florida
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2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Nobody uses this stuff anymore?
#19
Le Mans Master
My 2003 C5 was basically that color ... was called "Spiral Gray Metallic" as I recall. I really liked it.
#20
Race Director
Member Since: Mar 2011
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 13,249
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2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified