Hey guys did a quick search about waxing the car for the first time and didnt come up with much. So how long should I wait to put a coat of wax on my 2011 JSW? Ive had it about two monthes now and wash it regularly, just eager to get that first coat of wax on to the protect the car. Also any suggestions as to what wax is best, or what wax is best for our cars? Hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas!
First Waxing
- Thread starter TDI793
- Start date
getfast
Veteran Member
Production date, not delivery date, is the deciding factor if paint curing is the issue.
My car was made 2/25, I got it 4/14, and first waxed it 4/27. ~60 days. YMMV
My car was made 2/25, I got it 4/14, and first waxed it 4/27. ~60 days. YMMV
ruking
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2003
- Location
- San Jose area, CA
- TDI
- 2003 VW Jetta, 5 M, Reflex Silver: 09 Jetta, 6 Sp DSG, Candy White: 12 VW Touareg, 8 Sp A/T, Flint Gray
Immediately, if not sooner is the short answer. The complications comes in: why in the age of polymers are you wanting to use wax?
I have been using the Zaino products for the past 12-14 or so years. At the time (before on line internet ordering) you could call and Sal (ZAINO) would take your order and/or talk with you !! ??
It was one of the first to be the easiest to apply and maintain. @ the time it lasted app 6 months on the horizontal surfaces 24/7 outside. Since that time frame, I am sure there are some better and many worse products. I just really have not devoted the time to do research and anecdotal comparisons. For some reason, Zaino has been seen as sort of a cult. It has gotten a reputation of being "HARD" to apply. Once you have a so called "base line", all I do is squirt it across the hood (one line) and work it in in BIG sections with 100% cotton toweling and app 12-15 min later it comes off with another 100% cotton toweling. Sure, you can build layers and/or use it for one's OCD outlet (obsessive complusive disorder). I truly like the 6 months and ease of application and removal.
I have been using the Zaino products for the past 12-14 or so years. At the time (before on line internet ordering) you could call and Sal (ZAINO) would take your order and/or talk with you !! ??
It was one of the first to be the easiest to apply and maintain. @ the time it lasted app 6 months on the horizontal surfaces 24/7 outside. Since that time frame, I am sure there are some better and many worse products. I just really have not devoted the time to do research and anecdotal comparisons. For some reason, Zaino has been seen as sort of a cult. It has gotten a reputation of being "HARD" to apply. Once you have a so called "base line", all I do is squirt it across the hood (one line) and work it in in BIG sections with 100% cotton toweling and app 12-15 min later it comes off with another 100% cotton toweling. Sure, you can build layers and/or use it for one's OCD outlet (obsessive complusive disorder). I truly like the 6 months and ease of application and removal.
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RIGolfTDi
Well-known member
I waxed mine the night I got it, September 20. It has a build date of April 2010. where do you find the actual day?
Also, I used turtle wax. Nothing special.
Also, I used turtle wax. Nothing special.
aja8888
Top Post Dawg
Wax now.
Paint (color is acrylic base coat and covered with urethane clear) and is "cured" at factory (actually on assembly line).
Urethane clear (two part) is applied in three coats about 20 minutes apart. It is cured once the chemical reaction is over (hardener).
You are really "waxing" the clear coat, which is very durable stuff.
Paint (color is acrylic base coat and covered with urethane clear) and is "cured" at factory (actually on assembly line).
Urethane clear (two part) is applied in three coats about 20 minutes apart. It is cured once the chemical reaction is over (hardener).
You are really "waxing" the clear coat, which is very durable stuff.
Ryephile
Veteran Member
What a huge subject to cover! Basically, there is no "right" wax or protection for any car. Certain colors and finishes react differently to different waxes, but that's already getting too deep.
To answer your first question; usually you wait one month after the paint is baked before the first waxing.
If you really want to get into it:
www.autopia.org
www.autogeek.net
The most important things to remember are to wash the car with a car shampoo, not some crazy dishwashing detergent. Also, wash and thoroughly dry the car before waxing, that way you're not swirling around dirt and grinding it into the paint.
Here are my current favorites:
Prep:
Zaino Z-AIO All in One polish, Mothers or Zaino Clay Bar
Wash:
Zaino Z-7 and Meguiars NXT car wash
Protect:
Zaino C-S Clear Seal, P21S Concours Carnauba, Zymol Creme or Carbon, and Meguiars NXT 2.0 waxes
Maintain:
Zaino Z-8 Grand Finale, Meguiars #34 Final Inspection, Wizards Mist-n-Shine
Other Bits:
Stoner Invisible Glass, 303 Aerospace protectant, Stoner Tarminator, Stoner More Shine, a whole slew of really good microfiber towels, chenille and microfiber wash mitts, waffle weave microfiber drying towels, and a big 5 gallon bucket.
That'll get you started.
To answer your first question; usually you wait one month after the paint is baked before the first waxing.
If you really want to get into it:
www.autopia.org
www.autogeek.net
The most important things to remember are to wash the car with a car shampoo, not some crazy dishwashing detergent. Also, wash and thoroughly dry the car before waxing, that way you're not swirling around dirt and grinding it into the paint.
Here are my current favorites:
Prep:
Zaino Z-AIO All in One polish, Mothers or Zaino Clay Bar
Wash:
Zaino Z-7 and Meguiars NXT car wash
Protect:
Zaino C-S Clear Seal, P21S Concours Carnauba, Zymol Creme or Carbon, and Meguiars NXT 2.0 waxes
Maintain:
Zaino Z-8 Grand Finale, Meguiars #34 Final Inspection, Wizards Mist-n-Shine
Other Bits:
Stoner Invisible Glass, 303 Aerospace protectant, Stoner Tarminator, Stoner More Shine, a whole slew of really good microfiber towels, chenille and microfiber wash mitts, waffle weave microfiber drying towels, and a big 5 gallon bucket.
That'll get you started.
Thanks for all the responses! As soon as I get back ill get the first coat of wax on it, since I have had it about two monthes now, but I will check the build date. Ill check into the zaino and meguirs stuff when I get to my local auto parts store.
Ryephile
Veteran Member
FYI: Zaino Brothers products are only purchased direct. Most auto parts stores carry very limited selection of the professional Meguiars product lines. You can almost bet on the best car detailing products being the most difficult to buy.
Chances are you can find Meguiars Gold Class car wash at your local auto parts store. It's OK, better than most. You should be able to find the Meguiars NXT 2.0 wax in stores, along with Stoner Invisible Glass and 303 aerospace [UV block for plastics]. The rest will be easier bought online. AutoGeek.net currently is my favorite online detailing store because they have a huge selection, fair prices, and quick shipping. There are plenty more out there, but that's what I recommend. ...and no, I'm not paid for saying that.
Chances are you can find Meguiars Gold Class car wash at your local auto parts store. It's OK, better than most. You should be able to find the Meguiars NXT 2.0 wax in stores, along with Stoner Invisible Glass and 303 aerospace [UV block for plastics]. The rest will be easier bought online. AutoGeek.net currently is my favorite online detailing store because they have a huge selection, fair prices, and quick shipping. There are plenty more out there, but that's what I recommend. ...and no, I'm not paid for saying that.
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devilyellow
Active member
Don't wait
I run www.carcaredepot.com on the side and really the boutique products are nice, but you need a good technique or even using the best products won't matter. Research "2 bucket" methods, foam guns, and invest in nice MF towels that are for your paint only. That will reduce swirl marks which really are the evil hazards of detailing improperly.
I'm picky about what I use on certain things. I like Zymol for leather treatment, and certain spray mists for rubber treatments. I won't put anything other than Meguiars interior spray on my dash (I hate that shiney armor all - plus its not good for the dash).
As far as waxes I like Poorboys as they work and are easy to work with. I have some really nice waxes I used on my vette, but they can be a PITA to work with. I love the Poorboys wheel sealant. Once or twice a year I take off my wheels clean them up and use this sealant on them. Then clean some of the undercarriage that I can't normally reach.
I've used a lot of the stuff out there, and really you find out certain products work better than others for specific applications.
I run www.carcaredepot.com on the side and really the boutique products are nice, but you need a good technique or even using the best products won't matter. Research "2 bucket" methods, foam guns, and invest in nice MF towels that are for your paint only. That will reduce swirl marks which really are the evil hazards of detailing improperly.
I'm picky about what I use on certain things. I like Zymol for leather treatment, and certain spray mists for rubber treatments. I won't put anything other than Meguiars interior spray on my dash (I hate that shiney armor all - plus its not good for the dash).
As far as waxes I like Poorboys as they work and are easy to work with. I have some really nice waxes I used on my vette, but they can be a PITA to work with. I love the Poorboys wheel sealant. Once or twice a year I take off my wheels clean them up and use this sealant on them. Then clean some of the undercarriage that I can't normally reach.
I've used a lot of the stuff out there, and really you find out certain products work better than others for specific applications.
Ryephile
Veteran Member
303 Aerospace protectant is among the best for UV protection while maintaining a satin finish.TDI793 said:
If you mean all VW's in the past couple generations, then yes.
St.Hubbins
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2010
- Location
- Nashville
- TDI
- '10 Golf, DSG / '11 A3, DSG (both went buyback) - '15 GSW SE
i have no idea why, but i remember my salesman saying to wait 6 months before "waxing" it... probably some misconception about the curing process?
does anyone wax in this winter weather? without an insulated garage, you're looking at well below the recommended temp. range.
does anyone wax in this winter weather? without an insulated garage, you're looking at well below the recommended temp. range.
aja8888
Top Post Dawg
Yep, paint and clear coat is cured long before it leaves the assembly plant.
timwagon
Veteran Member
I use Unobtainium wax.
It's very exclusive, you can't buy it, it's by invitation only!
Don't use anything else!
It's very exclusive, you can't buy it, it's by invitation only!
Don't use anything else!
Well when I got home I got some turtle wax hard coat and stuff to apply it with. I was a little to excited to get that first coat on because of all the salt on the road and didnt really think about it maybe being to cold outside. It was just under 40 when I applied the wax. Took longer to dry because of the cold, but when I went to remove it there were some streaks. There subtle almost all the way around the car. I am guessing its because I was stupid and waxed when it was to cold. Is this a big deal, or any easy way to get rid of them? Thanks
Ryephile
Veteran Member
Warm the car up, use a detail spray and buff to a shine. You'll likely have to wash the car beforehand now if you've driven it.