car wash and wax combination not working?

[countrychic]

Hello everyone.

For my 2008 Mazda2 I've switched carwash to (el cheapo sorry) Turtle Wax 'Car Wash', and I wax as usual with Mothers California Gold Carnuba Liquid Wax. I'm noticing that the water no longer beads after a single wash.

Is the Turtle brand car wash removing the wax, or does it maybe contain something that doesn't allow the wax to stick to the paintwork?

Prior to the last wax I also clayed with Meguiars Quik Clay Kit. Might this have something to do with it?

Thanks.

[LittleredMPS]

If you clay, you need to polish Alice.

Even if you are really careful, you will end up with residue from the clay on your paint.

If you are going to use a car wash, Meguiars Gold Class is a good one, and not to expensive.

Not sure how well wax will bond to clay residue either.

[zippymps3]

Autoglym - Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner (you can buy it at Repco now not that expensive).

This wash is the best I have used leaves car really shiny after drying with waffle weave cloth.

[07MPS6]

Sounds to me that when you clayed the car you removed ALL the previous wax and protection that it gave, but that is what a clay bar is for, it removes every last trace of surface contamination, be it intentional (wax) or road film.

IMO one coat of liquid wax s not enough to get back the beading you want to see, 2 or 3 coats of a paste wax would.

After that you can keep the finish topped up with the liquid wax.

I also use "el cheapo" Turtle wax wash and it works fine for me but my MPS has probably got 15 - 20 layers on it at the moment although I remove them every 6 months with a claying session and then start again, some might say I suffer from OCD

[countrychic]

Hm, Ok. Thank you all for your feedback!

If I need "2-3 coats of paste wax" which do you recommend?

[mech81]

A couple of the guys use the Prima wax which is a sealant. Get Joel who's in this forum or even postmanDan or if i remember correctly blackbetty. They've used his prima wax and are very happy with it. I use Meguire's gold class wax and am quite happy with it.

[ZAS]

I read this as you clayed BEFORE you last applied the wax??? If this is the case it will not have had an effect. If anything it will improve wax bonding to the surface since you clayed all the crap off the surface. And just a good rinse or wash after claying is all that is required.

If since changing your car wash, your wax doesn't last as long as it was previously, then I'd almost be willing to bet that it is the cause. It may not be that the wash isn't "wax friendly". You may just be using it in higher concentrations than what is recommended.

Liquid waxes don't have a reputation for being long lasting. Our Prima Banana Gloss isn't either, but it will definately bead water no probs. If you want serious protection you need to use either a synthetic wax (sealant) or if you want to stick with carnauba then use a paste as previously mentioned. They all still require maintenance. But not nearly as regular as a liquid carnauba wax. I only ever use a liquid wax like Banana Gloss for example for the look it gives. Not the protection.

[07MPS6]

Hm, Ok. Thank you all for your feedback!

If I need "2-3 coats of paste wax" which do you recommend?

I am not sure if you can get it over there, It is called FinishKare.
Of ALL the carnuba paste waxes I have used over the years it is by far the best.

[ZAS]

I am not sure if you can get it over there, It is called FinishKare.

Maybe you should take a look at the forum sponsors website a little bit more (ours). We distribute this brand here in Australia. We even give forum members discounts.

On that topic though. Finish Kare's 1000P paste wax is far superior to the pink wax. So we sell only the 1000P. If you really want the pink wax though we have some.

[MISSMPS]

I ran out of banana gloss on friday