Seeking advise for ULW

[Redwine]

Hello Guys/Gals,

Like to seeks some opinion among the senior here


I just started using Meguairs ULW.
Compared to the previous Carnauba Wax i use, there's 3 distinct differences i observed,

- Most stubborn stain that was not remove during the washing stage,
Carnauba Wax is able to remove most of these stain, but ULW just dont have any cleaning ability.
- Unlike Carnauba which can 'cover up' some of the small chip-off on the bonnet (for my Pearl White color),
ULW do not conceal any underlying imperfection.
- ULW require more effort to buff-off the wax. (compare to Carnauba)

Like to know if the above differences are expected or i did something wrong.



Also, all wax instruction mention to use a dry microfiber cloth for the buff-off.
I notice if you will to use a slightly damp towel (wet towel, twist dry forcefully, air towel indoor for 30min),
The buff-off is so much easier (on any wax/ quick wax),
Is this recommended or it will compromise the protection layer ?


For a FRS/BRZ, normally how many towel (15" x 15") is required for the buffing alone ?
I normally use 1pc, and by the end of the buffing, its not uncommon to see some dirt spots on the towel.


Thanks

[Old Bear]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

Red Wine, Welcome to Meguiars Online Forums.

A couple of things. Towel management is important when working on paint finishes. You mention you are seeing dirt on your towel when wiping ULW off. If this is other than product residue, it is likely that the vehicle did not get as clean as desired prior to applying the product. Cleaning before waxing is important. Otherwise the dirt can get caught in the applicator and get rubbed into the paint. This can cause scratches to get into the paint.

Waxes are a protectant that goes onto your clean finish. Whether carnauba or a sealant, they normally are not for removing stains. There are "All In One" type products like D166 Meguiars Ultimate Polishing Wax which include cleaners, mild abrasives and wax (polymer sealant). If you need to remove mild staining or water marks, this may meet your expectations. Starting with a clean finish is important for polishing or waxing.

https://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?66023-NEW-Product-Meguiar-s-D166-Ultra-Polishing-Wax&highlight=D166

Ultimate Liquid Wax should go on pretty thin. I find it best to do sections of the vehicle at a time, then wipe off the residue.
Here is a video for reference. Watch as Mike Pennington puts a thin coat of ULW on the car.

Regarding towel management, fold your towel in half, then half again. This will give you 8 sections per towel to use for wipe off. This will give multiple layers for a softer touch when removing product residue. Check frequently for dirt or product residue build up on that section of the towel. Turn it to a fresh section of the towel. A goal is to avoid rubbing dirt or anything that will scratch across the paint.

Since microfiber towels can be washed (separately from other laundry), does it make much difference if you wash 8 towels instead of 1? Good towel management should include, when in doubt about trapped residue on the towel section, move to a clean section.
Here is Larry Kosilla discussing cleaning microfiber towels.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Regarding the differences you observed with our Ultimate Liquid Wax:

- Stain Removal - Correct, Ultimate Liquid Wax has no cleaning ability, so this is normal that it would not remove a stain, compared to the other wax you were using. The carnauba based wax you were using previously must have had some cleaning ability to it, like you mentioned.

- Any product which is applied to paint, and is leaving behind some sort of protective coating, has a natural ability to hide certain defects, but typically only very light defects, and even at that, it will only hide a small amount. So what you are observing in this regard is normal.

- Ultimate Liquid Wax should be very easy to apply. Since Ultimate Liquid Wax is very different from most any other wax, it can take a bit of getting used to. One character I have noticed is that it does not like to be applied to thick. A super thin & even coat is all that is necessary. Also, you are welcome to let it dry for 10 - 15 minutes or even longer, but it does not require this traditional dry time. In fact, it seems to be easier to wipe off, if you just allow it 3 - 5 minutes to dry, and then wipe off.

A dry wipe off is ideal. Since most waxes take 12 - 24 hours to fully cure, it is best to not introduce water into this curing process. It can affect the overall performance & durability of the wax.

1 or 2 15" X 15" size towels should be suffice for "wiping off", but ideally you should not be seeing any dirt spots. This typically means you may have missed an area during washing.

Hope this information was helpful! Again welcome to MOL. Feel free to keep us posted in your findings & post more questions. I am sure others will chime in also.

Nick

[Redwine]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

Hey OldBear / Nick,


Appreciate the reply

Looks like i have to re-do the waxing.
Notice there are many spots where there's running 'dash line' on the surface.
Look like fine scratch, but can be clean off using UWW.
I suppose the dirty cloth imparting some of the dirts onto the wax layer during buff-off.

I dont think my local rep carry the D166,
but i have been wanting to try out the White Wax on my Pearl White surface.
(was told this is a cleaner wax)

So a cleaner wax is sort of Compound + Polish + Wax put together ?


Rgds

[Old Bear]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

Although I have not used White Wax, I would describe White Wax as an All In One with cleaners + mild compound + wax.

[Old Bear]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

Here is a visual comparison of three of the All In Ones.
Note that White Wax has more cleaners than the other two. Black wax has more polishing ability.

[Murr1525]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

A coat of one of the cleaner/waxes, like the White Wax, or others, followed by the Ult. Wax is a great quick detail. And the Ult. Wax will go on and off easier with the surface being prepped better.

[The Guz]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

Hey OldBear / Nick,


Appreciate the reply

Looks like i have to re-do the waxing.
Notice there are many spots where there's running 'dash line' on the surface.
Look like fine scratch, but can be clean off using UWW.
I suppose the dirty cloth imparting some of the dirts onto the wax layer during buff-off.

I dont think my local rep carry the D166,
but i have been wanting to try out the White Wax on my Pearl White surface.
(was told this is a cleaner wax)

So a cleaner wax is sort of Compound + Polish + Wax put together ?


Rgds

A cleaner wax which is often referred to as an AIO (All In One) will clean, polish and protect the paint. With these types of products you sacrifice longevity from the protection and the cleaning/polishing ability compared to a dedicated polish and/or compound. Good for those that don't have time to do a dedicated step.

D166 is more than likely going to be available through an online retailer or a local shop that sells detailing supplies.

I will also mention that white wax has been discontinued so whatever you find on the shelf is all the remains. If you are able to find Mirror Bright Polishing Wax locally, then that also does a pretty good job. It doesn't have as much correction as White Wax but it offers longer protection. D166 is in the middle of these two products in terms of protection. The cut is pretty impressive. I am also referring to using it with a dual action polisher.

[Old Bear]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

White Wax may still be available in SGP (Singapore).

[Redwine]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

Hey Guys,

Appreciate all the info
Looks like i have to procure the White Wax soon.

Interested in layering White Wax follow by ULW or UFF.
Once you buff-off the White wax,
can you immediately apply the ULW/UFF,
or have to wait 12-24hrs for the White to cure first.

Also, if you use AIO wax,
will too frequent application a concern for thinning the Top Coat.

And is there a idiot-proof way to determine when the wax have wear off.
Some mention when the surface squeak after a wash, that means waxing is needed.
I tried it but find it rather subjective.
If i rub hard, even freshly waxed surface squeaks too.

Cheers !

[drumdan]

Re: Seeking advise for ULW

Hey Guys,

Appreciate all the info
Looks like i have to procure the White Wax soon.

Interested in layering White Wax follow by ULW or UFF.
Once you buff-off the White wax,
can you immediately apply the ULW/UFF,
or have to wait 12-24hrs for the White to cure first.

Also, if you use AIO wax,
will too frequent application a concern for thinning the Top Coat.

And is there a idiot-proof way to determine when the wax have wear off.
Some mention when the surface squeak after a wash, that means waxing is needed.
I tried it but find it rather subjective.
If i rub hard, even freshly waxed surface squeaks too.

Cheers !

With the abrasive technology in these products, you can use them in a less aggressive manner, and actually be quite gentle on the finish.

I find even A12 Cleaner Wax in the maroon bottle to have quite surprising durability and longevity aside with surprising cleaning ability when used with a polisher. Maybe something like that would also work for you. I believe topping with UFF would be fine.