Your Favorite Wax (and Cladding Protection)

[BentChainring]

Hit about 3000 on the new '11 OB after a road trip through the desert, and I just gave her a quick wash. Waxed the hood only after clay bar'ing an area which got hit with some crud. I am on my last bits of Zymol Cleaner-Wax, which is 'ok' IMO. So I am in the market for some new wax...

What wax (system?) do you prefer? I am a casual waxer...meaning I will wax about every 6mo, usually...but dont expect the pain to last 15 years in its current condition. Cars get used (especially here in LA).

Finally, what do you do to protect the black plastic cladding from the white wax schmutz that is **** near impossible to remove?

[notwen]

Hi, I am also getting ready to polish my 2011 Outback. Like you I want something to last 6 months. I have had good luck with some German acrylics on my cars and they don't get garaged(last 6 months and look good). Now the OB has the roof rails, black cladding, wheel arches and of course the lower bumper areas. I spoke with my supplier today about black trim. The thing to remember is that the trim/cladding won't hold a finish as well as the paint. That said I am testing some 303, Klasse AIO, Wheel Wax xtreme Black. These are on an old truck with black trim. They also think that a 'detailer spray' as a 'sealant' will prolong the protection. But almost any black treatment needs to be touched up at least every three months +/-. So I will treat and 'seal' the trim when I polish, and every time I wash I always spritz the sealer on the paint, I'll include the trim too.
As to polish, I think I'll try Zaino's, but I like Black Fire, Menzerna and Klasse products.
The white residue is from petroleum based waxes, the Klasse is water based and leaves no residue. Ready for this: peanut butter removes the residue, the oils dissolve it. Saw this on a BMW forum, my supplier confirms it. I think maybe vegetable cooking oil might also work, on a rag maybe a toothbrush. Of course masking tape to shield the trim works it you use a petroleum based wax.
Sorry to be so long, good luck. Please give us some feedback on what you do.

[BentChainring]

Originally Posted by notwen

Hi, I am also getting ready to polish my 2011 Outback. Like you I want something to last 6 months. I have had good luck with some German acrylics on my cars and they don't get garaged(last 6 months and look good). Now the OB has the roof rails, black cladding, wheel arches and of course the lower bumper areas. I spoke with my supplier today about black trim. The thing to remember is that the trim/cladding won't hold a finish as well as the paint. That said I am testing some 303, Klasse AIO, Wheel Wax xtreme Black. These are on an old truck with black trim. They also think that a 'detailer spray' as a 'sealant' will prolong the protection. But almost any black treatment needs to be touched up at least every three months +/-. So I will treat and 'seal' the trim when I polish, and every time I wash I always spritz the sealer on the paint, I'll include the trim too.
As to polish, I think I'll try Zaino's, but I like Black Fire, Menzerna and Klasse products.
The white residue is from petroleum based waxes, the Klasse is water based and leaves no residue. Ready for this: peanut butter removes the residue, the oils dissolve it. Saw this on a BMW forum, my supplier confirms it. I think maybe vegetable cooking oil might also work, on a rag maybe a toothbrush. Of course masking tape to shield the trim works it you use a petroleum based wax.
Sorry to be so long, good luck. Please give us some feedback on what you do.

So 303 for the black trim (using Vinylex now)
Klasse for the paint. (Zaino's... is that before or after the Klasse application?)
Wheel Wax for...um...wheels.

[legandrex]

My favorite right now is Wolfgang 3.0 sealant from Autogeek.net. Stuff is amazing. Easier to use than Zaino ZAIO, Z-2, or Z-5 plus provides better shine in my opinion.

[tunces outback]

If you use Zaino then that's all you should use. If you use multi coats it will look wet and a mile deep. Visit their web site. On red , Black or any other dark color you can't look at it in the sun it's that reflective !http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9...D720/ry%3D480/

[notwen]

I am evaluating the previously mentioned products. Not for use all together but each for its own area. The thing I forgot to mention is UV protection for the trim/cladding. UV is the biggest reason the trim fades, according to 303's literature they have UV protection. The BF gloss spray I have used after washing also does UV protection (per my supplier). Now Sal Zaino does not recommend 'mixing' polishes (Klasse then Zaino then ??) If you pick a sytem try to stay within it, especially for Zaino's products. I am just getting into using them so no experience. I have mixed the Klasse, Menzerna and Black fire with good results. But they have been 'tested' by the supplier in FL and (with certain caveats) play well together.

Right now my test trim (on the truck) is Klasse (with 303 or with BF glaze) 303 by itself, the extreme black(a product of the company that makes Wheel Wax) with BF glaze. Now each of these does increase the gloss of the trim, again based on the type of trim texture, porosity and condition.

As others point out, use what is comfortable to you, available and meets the need as you see it. If you like detailing your ride frequently then use XYZ, if less frequently JHK. But the trim will seem to need a more frequent 'touch up' than the paint. I am interested in what others offer, everything is relevant and good.

[tennvol]

Nxt 2.0

[BentChainring]

Just ordered some Klasse AIO and SG, and 303 from AutoGeek. Will report back when I get around to another wash.

[BentChainring]

Just finished up with a wash inside and out and application of Klasse AIO and SG. Klasse defiantly gets an A+ for ease of application since I would estimate the whole process (wash/AIO/SG/etc) took about 2-3 hours. In addition, since its an acrylic and not a wax my shoulder doesn't feel like it needs to be amputated and there is no whit dust or stains of the body plastic.

Overall A+. I am interested to see how it weathers over the Southern California summer.

[ocinsomniac]

Originally Posted by tunces outback

If you use Zaino then that's all you should use. If you use multi coats it will look wet and a mile deep. Visit their web site. On red , Black or any other dark color you can't look at it in the sun it's that reflective !http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9...D720/ry%3D480/

Here's another vote for Zaino and some pics to illustrate what tunces outback is saying (First seven pics at the top of the link below thread page). 303 for the exterior trim and interior vinyl.........


http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/...utback-63.html