Originally Posted by chuck65
We now have a resident forum member, Mike-in-Orange, who just recently went to work for Meguire's and he is very knowlegible and honest. He will respond to your posts.
Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.
Originally Posted by chuck65
I havn't yet found the perfect product
That's because it doesn't exist.
Bottom line (and this is a favorite expression around the Meguiar's offices) - Find something you like and use it often.
A few things to keep in mind when it comes to appearance:
- Iif your car's finish is swirled, etched, or otherwise defect ridden, there is nothing that you can just pour out of a bottle, wipe on and wipe off to make it look perfect. It just isn't that easy.
- Perception is reality. If you try Zaino and you think it makes your car look better than anything, then in your eyes it does. If that's your experience with Meguiar's, then that is the best look in your eyes.
- I have seen far too many cars that the owner swears is perfect and that Product X is why the car looks that way (it's the best stuff available anywhere!) only to find the finish is actually a total mess. This includes show cars with $20,000 paint jobs, $300,000 exotics, and daily drivers. It all comes down to perception, education, and technique.
- Meguiar's, Adam's, Zaino, et al make great products. None of us make anything that is a wipe on/wipe off PRESTO MAGICO my finish is perfect. Find something you like and use it often.
So if you want to ask me what's the best wax to put on my car, I'll give a personal opion on what I like on my own cars and other vehicles I've detailed. Whether or not you'll like it on your car is up to you.
But if you want to know how to safely remove swirls, etching, scratches, bonded contaminants, etc and, perhaps more importantly, how to prevent those defects from happening in the first place, then I'm your guy. Because those are the steps and processes that really make a car look great, not just a simple coat of wax.
But to answer the original request here about a wax or sealant recommendation (and remember, this is simply my own personal preferences) I'd have to say Meguiar's M21 Synthetic Sealant 2.0 and Meguiar's M26 High Tech Yellow Wax. If you can still find a can of the now discontinued Meguiar's M16 Carnauba Wax (a traditional "hard" paste wax) then treat yourself. It's tricky to work with because it's hard core old school, but it looks amazing and lasts a long time. Apply it thick though and you will HATE the stuff.