Which Products Contain Carnauba?

[Top Gear]

It might seem obvious to some of you, but after hours of searching MOL and Google, it's not so obvious, and quite frustrating to find out for sure, definitively, really and truly, honest to goodness, and "we know because we make the stuff" factory info on which Meguiar's products from any line actually contain any amount of carnauba, or harder still, which are specifically intended to maintain/boost a carnauba-based wax finish. Some of them we all know, because at least it says so on the bottle, such as Gold Class Carnauba Wax or Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax. Others seem to fall into the "myths and confusion" category, such as Gold Class Quik Detailer, Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere, and others.

For example, some say D115 is the same or similar to UWWA and both contain carnauba, yet nothing "Ultimate" contains carnauba according to others. For another example, being a carnauba guy, I do NOT want to detail, quick wax, shampoo, or waterless/rinseless wash my hard-earned carnauba finish with any non-carnauba last touch products that are not intended for boosting carnauba-based finishes. There are so many variations of Ultimate this and pro-version of Ultimate that in the various lines, but there is no official info I can find on which products really do contain carnauba, and which are The Best Choices for maintaining a carnauba-based wax finish.

Please, no theory, should be, thinks, or guesses. Some lists I can find on MOL are from older threads, pre-dating or just not including newer products, while some info is on other sites and cannot be trusted (this goes for the aggressiveness of SMAT products as well, btw). So, I'm asking for The Last Word on carnauba finishing products for 2015

Thanks in advance!

[simiglen]

msds

Below is the link for the meguiars msds which shows most of the ingredients. It is for Australia, but should be similar.

http://www.meguiars.com.au/msds/

Good luck

[Top Gear]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

Thanks, but did you read my OP? "Should be" isn't good enough That list is lacking in many of the products discussed, anyway.

[The Guz]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

You know who should have that list for you. You might get a faster response.

Michael Stoops
Internet Technical Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.
(800) 854-8073 xt 3875
mstoops@meguiars.com

[Top Gear]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

Ha! Thanks Michael. I know he will. I thought it could be posted here to help others.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

Waxes with carnauba:

• Gold Class Carnauba Plus
• Deep Crystal Carnauba
• ColorX
• M66 Quick Detailer
• White Wax
• Black Wax
• Cleaner Wax
• M26 High Tech Yellow Wax
• M20 Polymer Sealant
• D151 Paint Reconditioning Creme
• D301 DA Finishing Wax
• M305 Ultra Finishing Durable Glaze

Washes with carnauba:

• Ultimate Wash & Wax
• Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere
• D115 Rinse Free Express Wash & Wax

Quick detail sprays with carnauba:

• None

Quick waxes with carnauba:

• Quik Wax
• Gold Class Quik Wax
• Ultimate Quik Wax
• D156 Synthetic Express Spray Wax

Before we discuss this any further, let's look at the word that seems almost taboo for the carnauba lovers out there. Oh, and Top Gear, we are NOT singling you out here as there are countless car guys who swear by carnauba waxes and couldn't be persuaded to switch to a full synthetic for any reason. You, sir, are most definitely not alone!! That word? Polymer (gasp!!). OK, for something to be classified as a "polymer" it needs nothing more than to fit this rather broad definition: "a substance that has a molecular structure consisting chiefly or entirely of a large number of similar units bonded together, e.g., many synthetic organic materials used as plastics and resins." (thank you, Google) Yep, that's an enormous family of material. Styrofoam is composed of a polymer structure, and basically so is deoxyribonucleic acid (yes, DNA). And DNA is, of course, the stuff inside us that determines what each of us, individually, looks like (among other things). Nobody is going to confuse the properties of styrofoam with those of DNA and yet...... both are polymers.

Now, for the hard core carnauba guy the big question is in what percentage is the carnauba mixed with other ingredients, including synthetic polymers that may or may not provide the majority of the desired characteristics of the product. For example, there are polymers of some sort in virtually all of our waxes, but as has been discussed in the past the word "polymer" is an incredibly broad, sweeping term. Sometimes the polymer(s) in a product are there for nothing more than ease of application or removal (sometimes simply in the form of a polysiloxanes of some sort - yes, silicone) and nothing more. Further, some silicones are fantastic gloss enhancers and others, not so much. Which ones are used is determined by the design intent of the product. For example, D155 Last Touch contains a pretty solid load of gloss enhancing silicones, which is why so many people love the gloss it provides. But it contains neither carnauba wax nor the hydrophobic polymers found in products like Ultimate Quik Detailer, Ultimate Quik Wax, NXT Tech Wax 2.0 or Ultimate Wax, among others.

Looking at the group of waxes that listed above that do contain carnauba, each also contains other ingredients (of course!) that make the carnauba usable in the first place (solvents - some of which could even be polymers in and of themselves [how's that for confusing the situation, huh???]); ingredients that make the product easier to use; products that help to enhance gloss. For example, we consider Gold Class Carnauba Plus to be a "polish/wax" since it also contains some polishing oils not terribly different from those found in M07 Show Car Glaze. It is possible that at least some of those oils could be in the form of a polymer. Deep Crystal Carnauba and M26 are what we call "pure waxes", meaning they contain no polish but also no cleaning ability.

In each of those waxes, however, the primary form of protection - and the primary visual appearance - is down to the carnauba content. Products like Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere or Ultimate Quik Wax get the majority of their protection from the polymers used. Any carnauba content in them is secondary, really. The extreme water beading they create is also down to the polymers in them, specifically those water fearing (hydrophobic) polymers added to their formulation that are missing from products like Gold Class, M26 and even M20.

So what is the hard core carnauba lover to do? Well, we made Gold Class Quik Detailer and Gold Class Quik Wax specifically to compliment Gold Class Carnauba Plus wax. Probably the most common descriptor given to carnauba waxes is the darkening of the paint (or deepening of the paint, wetness of the paint, depth - anything having to do with that deep appearance given to darker colors). So the polymers selected for use in GCQD are those that continue to enhance that look. The polymers used in GCQW, plus the actual carnauba in it, also are chosen for their ability to enhance that property. We've even prepared test panels using side by side by side sections of Quik Wax, Gold Class Quik Wax, and Ultimate Quik Wax. The GCQW section looked darker than the other two, but once you got them wet the UQW side shed water like a duck - noticeably better than the GCQW did. And that's really all down to the selected polymers in the two products.

There really is no "right" or "wrong" combination here. We all like what we like, and we fully understand anyone's desire to stay within a certain product mix or to strive for the maximum result of the look they individually desire. Heck, we not only understand it, we applaud it!!! Come on, that's practically the definition of "passion", right?

[RPPM]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

So Michael, ColorX and M66 do not contain carnauba correct?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

So Michael, ColorX and M66 do not contain carnauba correct?

Oh geez...... too often there are too many distractions in the office and I miss something!!! My bad; these do indeed contain at least some carnauba and I've updated my original list to reflect that. Thanks for keeping me honest (if a bit embarrassed!).

[davey g-force]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

Good info, thanks Mike (Stoops).

[Top Gear]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

Thanks, Michael!

These many details are hard to assemble for those of us who don't know all the products inside and out, so thanks for your post. I'm definitely okay with polymers, so don't worry. I like that many of your products blend the "best of both worlds" approaches

I'm surprised to see Xpress Synthetic Spray Wax and UQW on the list - hence the myths and confusion aspect - as I've read otherwise about them. As you know, I've been in dealing with high-humidity and wild daily humidity swings in the South, and I've also changed to DAMF. The humidity swings cause streaking and wipe holograms, and the nightly condensation on the paint bonds contaminants. Also, I love the "blue" look of DAMF even more than I loved the "Gold Class" look. So, it looks like I could use D156 "Synthetic" Xpress Spray Wax as a D301-matching way to replace Gold Class Quick Wax, as both contain some carnauba, however, it is said to be the same as UQW, so perhaps I can beg your indulgence on that a bit longer. How alike or different are XSW, UQW, and GCQW, for example, in maintaining a carnauba-based finish? Of course, one is bulk, but aside from that I wonder if XSW is better for my DAMF finish than GCQW, or if there's really no difference, etc. Perhaps I've assumed too much difference between the lines and the need to "match" a look?

Again, thanks for your answer!

[The Guz]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

Great info Mr. Stoops.

Oh geez...... too often there are too many distractions in the office and I miss something!!! My bad; these do indeed contain at least some carnauba and I've updated my original list to reflect that. Thanks for keeping me honest (if a bit embarrassed!).

We are all human. Nothing to be embarrassed about. Was it Jason that distracted you?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

I'm surprised to see Xpress Synthetic Spray Wax and UQW on the list - hence the myths and confusion aspect - as I've read otherwise about them.

And this directly relates to the discussion about how much wax, which polymers, etc. Yes, there is carnauba in these, but there isn't much at all.

As you know, I've been in dealing with high-humidity and wild daily humidity swings in the South, and I've also changed to DAMF. The humidity swings cause streaking and wipe holograms, and the nightly condensation on the paint bonds contaminants. Also, I love the "blue" look of DAMF even more than I loved the "Gold Class" look.

This may call for some experimentation on your part to see which wax performs better under these conditions, based on your application process, normal drying time, etc. You may find that NXT Tech Wax 2.0 (a synthetic) is easier to deal with in higher humidity, or you may find M26 (primarily carnauba) easier to work with. A lot will depend on how thick/thin you're applying, how bad the humidity is when you apply, how long you wait to wipe off, etc. Unfortunately we can't be as specific as to recommend X number of minutes dry time for X% relative humidity at X degrees F.

So, it looks like I could use D156 "Synthetic" Xpress Spray Wax as a D301-matching way to replace Gold Class Quick Wax, as both contain some carnauba, however, it is said to be the same as UQW, so perhaps I can beg your indulgence on that a bit longer. How alike or different are XSW, UQW, and GCQW, for example, in maintaining a carnauba-based finish? Of course, one is bulk, but aside from that I wonder if XSW is better for my DAMF finish than GCQW, or if there's really no difference, etc. Perhaps I've assumed too much difference between the lines and the need to "match" a look?

Again, thanks for your answer!

Honestly, this is almost a splitting hairs scenario. XSW and UQW are virtually identical other than the aroma. As mentioned in my previous post, GCQW will actually darken dark colored paints more than the other two, but the other two will provide far greater hydrophobic properties. If you're chasing that "carnauba look", go with GCQW. If the car sits outside a lot and you want the hydrophobic effect, go with one of the other two. Something tells us that you're going for the carnauba look, so GCQW would be our recommendation. But as noted earlier, there is no right or wrong answer here. The products are all interchangeable as far as basic function goes (is it a quick detailer or a spray wax, etc) and the final visual appearance, subtle though it may be to some, is a purely personal choice.

Great info Mr. Stoops.

We are all human. Nothing to be embarrassed about. Was it Jason that distracted you?

LOL!!! No, Jason is not to blame, at least not entirely!

[Top Gear]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

Honestly, this is almost a splitting hairs scenario. XSW and UQW are virtually identical other than the aroma. As mentioned in my previous post, GCQW will actually darken dark colored paints more than the other two, but the other two will provide far greater hydrophobic properties. If you're chasing that "carnauba look", go with GCQW. If the car sits outside a lot and you want the hydrophobic effect, go with one of the other two.

Thanks, that helps greatly. It's easy to overthink these things and get confused by all the options and advice. I think I'll stay with what I'm using, GCQD and GCQW, but when I get a chance, I'll be happy to try others. Mainly, it's awesome to know definitively and for sure how carnauba is used in the various products you've listed!

...Something tells us that you're going for the carnauba look...

Did that come through? I may have mentioned it, lol.

[Bandit Rich]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

I too am going for that carnauba look. The first time I tried Gold Class I was blown away. I used to use NXT and thought it was awesome but once I saw what GC did to my car's single stage no clear coat paint THAT WAS IT. My car is a garage queen that is only used for cruise nights and car shows and the rare occasional joyride - actually not true - I travel all over New England to events so I get plenty of joyrides out of it.
I don't post much because I can't help but feel it comes off like I am bragging but if I can help out someone else who's trying to go for the ultimate carnauba look I will start typing. I too spend a lot of time on this forum perusing and also tend to overthink things but if what I do gets these kind of results on my car's paint it will definitely help anyone with a dark colored car. Before I go any further I want to say I am just an average working joe and do all my own detailing. I bought this car right before the prices started going through the roof because of all the guys my age going through midlife crises. But it isn't a midlife crisis for me; the first car I bought when I got my license was one of these and this is the fifth one I've owned and my 2nd Bandit. I used to sell one and turn around and get another - all in really nice shape - without even thinking about it. Boy are those days gone forever! TAs needing full restoration are selling for more now than I bought this one for with the resto 99% done!
Gold Class Car Wash, Ultimate Polish, Gold Class Carnauba Plus. I only have to wash & wax once a year because my car only sees nice sunny weather and is maintained with GCQD & GCQW. UP gets rid of the occasional swirl and for scratches it's either ScratchX or UC. I have used M101 in the past when UC wasn't quite up to the task. All 3 of these do cause my paint to haze but UP gets rid of it and brings back the gloss.
I tried skipping the UP one time when I gave my car its annual bath because of the high polish load in GCCP to save myself some work but my car's paint lacked the depth I had become accustomed to.
I also tried using M26 after UP because it has been said a pure wax will give better results but once again IMO the depth just wasn't there.
After these 2 experiments I believe the combo of UP and GCCP is unbeatable and have absolutely no intentions of trying Black Wax - I read all the reviews and everyone who tried it said it had hardly any swirl - removal ability.
I believe my polish - overload strategy is the secret to the ultimate carnauba look.
I took my car to the 1st car show of the season; a huge All Pontiac show. There were a dozen other cars in the same class mine was in including one identical to mine - even the same year - with a much newer paint job ( mine was restored over FIFTEEN YEARS AGO! ).
I could tell by looking at my car's twin the owner used a synthetic wax on it.
When the awards were given out my car took second - to a literal trailer queen - it was brought to the show on a trailer, rolled onto the show field - and back on the trailer when it was over. My car's twin didn't even place.
I have no desire to own a trailer queen - what fun is a car you don't drive? I'd rather drive my car AND win trophies!

And I have discovered a way to save myself some work. I didn't think it was fair UQD has wax boosting ability and GCQD doesn't; especially since ULW lasts a heckuvalot longer than my wax of choice. My car doesn't see rain but it is sitting in the hot sun 6 - 7 hrs every time I go to a car show.
I took a generic 32 oz spray bottle & poured in 50/50 GCQD & GCQW. It works awesome and cuts my pre - show prep in half.
Every time I'm at a show or cruise people always comment about how amazing my car looks and they ask me how long ago it was repainted. They all think I'm lying when I tell them.
So Mr. Stoops - any possibility of updating GCQD to include carnauba hint hint nudge nudge? And here's my greatest argument in support of this.

[davey g-force]

Re: Which Products Contain Carnauba?

^^ I liked reading your post. Thanks for sharing your story and experiences.

I didn't think it was fair UQD has wax boosting ability and GCQD doesn't

I don't think this is correct. They both still boost your wax, it's just that UQD has the hydrophobic properties, whereas GCQD doesn't.