Alternatives to Meguiar's Three Step

[bretfraz]

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Sorry if I keep asking questions, but I am just trying to learn a little more about detailing. How will Klasse have a different look then a "wax" look? Basically, I am concerned with the shine and depth of shine after wax. Will the two step Klasse offer a nicer shine with more depth? Or will I have better results with AIO and a good carnuba? Why don't you need the a polish with Klasse? If polish only removes swirl marks, then maybe I don't need it since my paint has virtually none.

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Sorry, I guess I missed your post. I'll try to answer your questions.

Since polymer sealants do not have oils as one of their ingredients, they don't offer that "glow" that many waxes do. Instead the look is brighter, shinier, sometimes glassy or silvery. Some people call the look sterile but on many paint jobs the added gloss bring the paint to life. Whether you'll like this look or not is hard to say until you try it.

Lots of people top the AIO with a wax to alter the look, adding a richness they feel the Klasse products lack. Best thing to do if you're curious is to try the Klasse and see what you think. If you want a richer look you can slap on a coat of your fave carnauba wax.

The Meguiar's Step 1 and the Klasse AIO do pretty much the same job except the AIO leaves a layer of acrylic protection whereas the Meguiars offers none. You'll prolly find the AIO is easier to work with and it will not stain trim or leave white residue. It's a very versatile product.

I think you eill find the net results from using the Klasse products is similar to the Megs 3 step but with more durability and easier use. Looks are subjective but it's been my experience that most paint benefits from some added gloss.

Let us know if you try it and how you like it. The Klasse twins have a loyal following and they've consistently outperformed most store-bought waxes and polishes.

Hope all this helps!!

 

[W8inDE]

^^^Well put

One note to add, the only thing I don't like about using carnuba after the Klasse SG...you have to start all over again w/ AIO next time you want to add SG. I know it's not a big deal, but it does affect those who like to add a coat of SG every now and then to add some gloss to the finish. SG will not bond to carnuba wax.

 

[BigV]

Thanks for the compliment.

When using Carnuba over a sealer make sure you are not using a "Cleaner wax". You need to use a 100% carnuba.

The cleaners in a cleaner wax will remove the sealer. Effectively wasting your time.

I know with mothers the 100% carnuba is about twice the price of the cleaner wax.

 

[ScottB]

Speaking of Mothers - have you tried their "Reflections" wax?

Scott

 

[Oldswagon]

Well, I guess if I don't like the shine on the Klasse, I will top it off with carnuba, although that brings me back to three steps! Does using a carnuba effect the durability of Klasse? And since my car has seen many coats of Maguiars carnuba, does this have to be removed before I apply Klasse, or will the AIO remove the carnuba?

 

[bretfraz]

The AIO or any polish will remove the carnauba. If it's been 90 days or so since your last wax job, most of the carnauba is gone anyway.

It's hard to say if topping AIO with a wax affects its durability. I've talked to several mfr's about this and no one really knows. But since the main reason to top Klasse with wax is looks, I guess it doesn't really matter.

 

[Russell]

ScottB,
I have used Mother's Reflections. It is a synnthetic and seems to shine very well. However, it does not feel real slick. Nor does it seem to last much more than 6 weeks, especially in the winter. It still beads water rather well, but slickness is way down at that point.

Another "coat" and slickness goes up but water beading does not. It may still be protecting after 6 weeks but just does not feel like it.

FYI, Mother's makes a "topper" that adds a bit more shine and slickness and can be layered over Reflections. It seems to work well.

Just my observation at this point.

 

[HammerDown]

M21....nuff said

 

[Cadude]

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Originally posted by HammerDown:
M21....nuff said

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I'm considering giving it a try. Can you expand what you like about it? Anything you don't like about it?

 

[mshu7]

Oldswagon,

If you going to order the Klasse twins, check out this page: http://autogeek.net/klasse-usa.html

I used Klasse Sealant for the first time last fall (around October). Today, the last day of March it is still beading. I'm 100% happy with the longevity and durability of Klasse Sealant. I take my car through a regular car wash every few weeks throughout the winter and that has had no affect on the Klasse Sealant. I will mention that I did put Mother's carnuba wax as a topper after Klasse Sealant. Like others have said, it can be hard to work with. But, it's all worth it in my eyes.