2014 WRX - School me!

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: RTexasF
Quote:
Honestly, unless you have a day where the temp of your finish is above 50 degrees (ideally higher) I would not bother waxing it until you have the proper conditions and can take your time, not hurrying to get warm again. For the rest of winter I'd just keep it washed [frequently] with a good car wash.


This is absolutely the best and most informative post here.


That is the conclusion I came to as well. It's in the mid 40's, so it's not super cold, but not warm enough. In March we will start having some days in the 50's with regularity.

Anyway the car will be kept clean. It's white, if that helps:

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: The Critic


Yep -- which is why he may want to consider CarPro Reload or even Hydr02 to get him through the winter.

Polymer Net Shield should not have this problem, but I have not used my new can so I can't confirm. But since it's aerosol, it should be okay.


I'm all ears. What are these things? Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0??

Can I wax over them later?

CarPro Reload -- this is a spray-on product that does not require any dry time. It is wiped on/off like a spray wax. Advertised 3-4 mo protection. I do not foresee temperature being an issue.

Application video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4riJKZ_2Zao

CarPro Hydr02 - this product is sprayed on while the car is still wet. You hose it off immediately after application. Only do one panel at a time. Advertised 2-3 mo protection. I do not foresee temperature being an issue.

Video that my friend made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqV1LifxcLk

Sonax Polymer Net Shield - this should last 4-6 months. It is sprayed on, wiped in, then wiped off immediately. Temperature may affect this stuff, so I would check with Detailer's Domain. I have a fresh can, but I have not used it yet.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DlnUcEecqI

Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 - advertised to be permanent paint coating. It can only be removed by polishing once it is cured. Some individuals have reported 4+ years of protection.

Application requires polishing the vehicle first, followed by a wipedown with IPA to remove any polishing oils. The stuff keeps the car a lot cleaner than traditional waxes and sealants. Biggest complaints about this stuff are the lack of slickness and gloss.

You can try to wax over Opti-Coat, but it is pointless since the wax would not bond properly. Some people like to apply CarPro Reload or Hydr02 over Opti-Coat, but my experience is that it does not last very long.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvj80cB2HLc

I would use CarPro Reload or Hydr02 to get you through the winter, then consider Opti-Coat 2.0 once spring/summer arrives. You may also want to consider some Iron-X spray and a Nanoskin Fine Grade Mitt to complete your detailing toolbox.

 

[FastEddie]

Originally Posted By: Pablo


That is the conclusion I came to as well. It's in the mid 40's, so it's not super cold, but not warm enough. In March we will start having some days in the 50's with regularity.

Anyway the car will be kept clean. It's white, if that helps:


Awesome looking car Pablo. This car I did below is wearing Collinite 845 Insualtor wax FWIW. Although I don't have to deal with super cold temps where I live, (it was 78 today

) when it does get too cold to wax without major problems, I just quickly seal the car with opti-seal or Ultima Paint Guard Plus...but then again, my idea of cold is high 50's, not freezing by any stretch.
Anyhow, nice car, love the WRX's.

 

[wn1998]

Without a heated garage and with the need for wax on the Wrx, take a quick look at groupon in your area and I am sure you should be able to find a reputable detail shop offering at $50-$75 wash and wax.

Is it a little more expensive, yes but it sounds like it will put your mind at ease and should give your paint some protection until its warm enough for you to apply your own wax.

 

[jimbrewer]

I'm sure that there is a wax/selant that applies easily in the cold--but obviously no one here knows what it is. Check on the autogeek web site. Failing that, I'd settle for a spray wax until the weather warmed up.

I do disagree with the idea of getting a discount detail. I think you are just asking for a slap-dash and possibly damaging result.

If it were me, I'd buy a bottle of the excellent Turtle Wax rineless wash, get a big cheap bag of microfiber towelss at Costco or Sams, go to the coin op, squirt some plain water on the car and undercarriage and then do the "Garry Dean" rinseless method. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTStk7vLKuM

I don't want to get into a "Ford vs. Chevy" type debate over waxes, especially since ease of application in the cold trumps everything else for a person in your situation, but I can tell you that the Collinite products are very durable and fairly priced as are the Duragloss products. In fact, there are quite a few good, durable products in the area. (My definition of "durable" is four month long life even if left parked outside). The variation is mostly in price and to a lesser extent ease of application.

P.S. Now that you can get a serviceable dual action polisher for around $60 at Harbor Freight or mail order, I think that's a good investment. Just resist the urge to grind down your paint needlessly. Using a hard to apply paste wax is no trick at all with a DA.

 

[double vanos]

If temps only allow washing and drying the car you could use a wax as you dry product. My favorite is Eagle One Wax as U Dry. It's all I use on my FX4 - I'm done with waxing acres of sheet metal! I use 845 on my cars but that behemoth is only getting Eagle One whether he likes it or not. Has excellent shine and lasts a good while.

IMHO it's a great product .

 

[The Critic]

Pablo -- have you looked into the CarPro Hydr02 or Reload options that I suggested? Temp should not be an issue.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: double vanos
If temps only allow washing and drying the car you could use a wax as you dry product. My favorite is Eagle One Wax as U Dry. It's all I use on my FX4 - I'm done with waxing acres of sheet metal! I use 845 on my cars but that behemoth is only getting Eagle One whether he likes it or not. Has excellent shine and lasts a good while.

IMHO it's a great product .


I bought some today. AutoZone guy told me they won't be selling anymore. I'll be using it on Friday.

 

[Pablo]

Oh my gosh I just realized something. Since I bought the last bottle of Eagle One Wax as U Dry at AZ, I was checking Amazon and such for pricing and availability. Guess how much AZ charged me? 0.01$! I wish they had more!! Normally I notice the $ total, but I bought a bunch of other stuff, the total was around $68, seemed a little light for what I bought, but I was in a hurry.

Anyway what do you guys know about Eagle One Wax as U Dry is it just being removed from AZ? I won't go on a binge until I try it, though.

 

[Picky1]

I have been using Eagle One Wax as U Dry on my wife's mini-van every other wash for the last 5 or 6 months as a way to strech out how often I have to give it a full detail.

Now that the winter has rolled around I have stopped this process (too cold to wash at home, just use the self-service car wash) and I am fairly impressed in the durability...or perhaps it is just a matter of all of the layering from over the summer and fall?

 

[Pablo]

Washed the car with the Eagle One Wash w/wax, then did the Eagle One Wax as U Dry. I probably used a bit much soap and way too much spray, I feel after wiping and buff drying with microfiber towels @ 45°F there is some wax on the car and it's very clean. Next clean should be a bit easier. Got my license plates so I installed the rear rear one with a nice plain black thin frame. Looks good.

 

[Pablo]

Repeated the process today on a fine "springY" day. For sure there was wax still on the car, went to haze and then hand buffed out. I am now for sure set with this product until spring really hits.