Synthetic Polish Any Good?

Are synthetic polishes, e.g. Turtle Wax Ice worth the money? Do they shine better than Carnuba type waxes or are they just easier to use because they come off cleaner? I don't want to invest 20 bucks in a bottle if I'm not really gaining anything.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Jim Rolando

Are synthetic polishes, e.g. Turtle Wax Ice worth the money? Do they shine better than Carnuba type waxes or are they just easier to use because they come off cleaner? I don't want to invest 20 bucks in a bottle if I'm not really gaining anything.

Thanks.

Do not invest in that garbage. They are easier to use because there is no wait time. My brothers father in law had a bottle of it and let me use some. I was not impressed.

I tried ICE once. Left streaks all over the car.

I'm strictly a real wax kind of guy and P&S is my preferred vendor.

Well, that pretty much settles it for me from both of you guys. I think I'll stick with McGuires Wax.

I would go with real carnauba wax or a quality paint sealant. I am not sure if the turtle was is a good example of the polymer sealants.

This is an excellent explanation of carnauba wax vs paint sealant
http://www.autogeek.net/qude101.html

I tried Zaino on my car and I really like it. It last much longer than wax and the application is a a bit easier. I really like the glossy slick look of it. I might try layering it with some carnauba wax on top as see what that is like. Check out the Klasse products they have a really good reputation. I thought I saw their products at my local walmart or auto parts stores if you don't want to mail order, but perhaps I am mistaken.

Originally Posted by Jim Rolando

Well, that pretty much settles it for me from both of you guys. I think I'll stick with McGuires Wax.

I use Meguiars Wax but between waxes I use Meguiars Quik Detailer spray. My "Toledoblau in the Sun" thread shows my car between waxes and just after gone over with a wet rag and polished with Maguiars Quick Detailer.

First of all, I own 2 black cars and for some years was ignorant of how to properly care for their painted, rubber and metal surfaces. I have become educated by one of the best surface preparers in the business, Sam Langford of Four Star Products in Bradenton, FL. Not only did I learn to use what products where and when to prep for the final protective stage of wax or a sealant, but what not to use, what is junk, etc. One thing I can't stress more for a DIY car "polisher" and "waxer" is to take a class from a respected teacher in the business on how to see what a painted surface is and needs as well as how to properly become proficient in using an orbital random polisher, a heat producing wool buffer and the material one should apply...why, when and how much. I took some classes Lankford instructed to many of his more local area detailers that use his products. Some brought other MFG products and their own cars to demo'd andto learn on. I got an old hood out of the junk to practice with the rotary wool pad that can burn trough your paint in a second if you're not careful. WAXES >> I used to only use Carnuba paste, then derivatives that made application easier. great shine, PIA. Now, I only use the 'Four Star' ultimate paint protection with *polycharger*. This stuff has been refined over the last 5 years to be the best paint sealant protection on the market. easy to apply and lasts. I use a 'Four Star' synthetic clay bar between sealant uses with the Ultimate spray wax Plus as the lubricant. It has Carnuba and the *Polycharger*, which simply put, makes the synthetic stick to the paint. However, it was found that especially on a black car, the Carnuba content just melts off at a certain surface temp. So, I now use their warter-less detail spray that has no Carnuba wax, more poly and some cleaning agent. doesn't melt off (in the Florida sun). The sealant application stage takes just minutes. The paint prep stages may take hours and remember that sealant seals all the dirt, swirls, oxidation you don't address beforehand. With black cars, I have to rationalize what is needed in preparing for a 'show car' shine when one wipe of a dusty cloth usually ruins that. so, I don't sweat the deeper swirls, scratches you can't see at 10 ft. and use the orbital (no heat) pads, clay bar, and spray on poly- detailer with no wax. The Four Star tire protect ant is the best I've ever used, not greasy looking, no sling and will stay on and protect. Must clean rubber first. If you need any more info re: detailing or products, contact me here or contact Four Star Products...the like to help. Call them with your needs and follow the on bottle instructions to the word. They private label polishes, compounds, waxes, sealants, etc for 9 of the top dozen selling commercially advertized "polish companies" worldwide. >> http://www.fourstarproducts.com/part...-products.html I'm an educated sealant convert

I have a silver car and use Wolfgang paint sealant then layer carnauba on top. It looks great . I use 50/50 carnauba wax from Chemical Guys good stuff.

Chisum

Originally Posted by 4thBMW

I have become educated by one of the best surface preparers in the business, Sam Langford of Four Star Products in Bradenton, FL.

Now, I only use the 'Four Star' ultimate paint protection with *polycharger*.

I use a 'Four Star' synthetic clay bar between sealant uses with the Ultimate spray wax Plus as the lubricant.

So, I now use their warter-less detail spray that has no Carnuba wax, more poly and some cleaning agent. doesn't melt off (in the Florida sun).

If you need any more info re: detailing or products, contact me here or contact Four Star Products...the like to help.

Call them with your needs and follow the on bottle instructions to the word. They private label polishes, compounds, waxes, sealants, etc for 9 of the top dozen selling commercially advertized "polish companies" worldwide. >> http://www.fourstarproducts.com/part...-products.html

I'm an educated sealant convert

And a great product pitch man.

My son, who just bought his first car on his own, and a black one at that, went to the local parts store in Denver where he lives to get some polish. They sold him a multi-step system, "especially for balck cars", that he says looks great. I'll have to ask him what it is. My car is Aspen Silber though so, I won't be using it.

Originally Posted by Jim Rolando

Are synthetic polishes, e.g. Turtle Wax Ice worth the money? Do they shine better than Carnuba type waxes or are they just easier to use because they come off cleaner? I don't want to invest 20 bucks in a bottle if I'm not really gaining anything.

Thanks.

Another good place to ask this is the "detailing" page of bimmerfest. There are some very knowledgeable guys that helped me out a while ago
Link: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13

Giving the OP advice on detailing is a waste of time. Someone who is undecided an "wasting $20 on a bottle of Ice" vs. just buying Turtle Wax, isn't going to be claying, doing paint correction then applying a quality sealer.

Originally Posted by chiefwej

Giving the OP advice on detailing is a waste of time. Someone who is undecided an "wasting $20 on a bottle of Ice" vs. just buying Turtle Wax, isn't going to be claying, doing paint correction then applying a quality sealer.

Well, I think that is pretty presumptious on your part. I use clay bar all of the time, wax often, try to take care of my finish and am always open to suggestions how to do it best. I'm just not interested in buy a product that is a waste of time and money. No, I don't know about synthetic wax. That's why I asked.

Well if you are up to a full detail, there are several synthetic sealers available online. They aren't cheap but they beat he heck out of any of the waxes you'll find at your local Auto Parts stores. One of the best is Zaino. It's what I use. Here is a pict with a fresh Zaino job.



For more info go to Zainostore.com and click on testimonials and pictures.