My experiences with Zaino, Meguiar’s NXT & Turtle Wax Ice on my 2010 Camaro

[HeavyD]

I am going with Zaino. I have never used it, but it does have such a following and buzz about it that I just have to try it. I think those who take all day putting on 20 layers, or those who put it on too thick and have to buff all day are giving it a bad name.

[RandyB]

Great Write-Up! I did similar experiments with my last vehicle and I tried about a dozen different products from 2006 to 2009 on my ’06 Charger. I also ended up choosing Meguiar’s products, including NXT Tech Wax 2.0 and Ultimate Quick Detailer. I agree that it would be nice if the NXT wax would last a little longer. In spite of not lasting as long as some other products, I still chose it based on the fact that it gives great results with little effort. I have found that applying NXT every 6-8 weeks maintains a nice finish. I also use claybar twice a year; I have found that regardless of which wax you use, eventually dust/crud gets in there and claybar is the best way to make it smooth as glass again.

[renderinfo]

Thanks again for all the feedback... I'm still following my own thread!

[johndawg]

Originally Posted by garcmol

Good comparison, but I can tell you that the products you are using are not creating the swirls (as you mentioned with Zaino) on your paint. That mostly has to do with what you use to wash, dry, buff or polish the car with (your towels/cloths, etc). Your water spots will not go away with wax. The best you can hope for is covering them up, but even that is short lived.

If you wax every two weeks and wash once every two months, I assume you're using some kind of waterless wash or detail spray in between? This method seems backward to me because I do the opposite with some exception. Wash weekly / wax monthly (or more).

My friend, if you get into claying your car, I guarantee you will see a "pop" in the finish like you've never seen! Even with using the products you mentioned, you will see a finish that will amaze you. Put your hand in a freezer bag and lightly move your hand over your paint. If you've never clayed your car before you WILL feel all those tiny bumps. Hell, you'll probably be able to hear it! Clay will remove that and leave it silky smooth. This method is best tested right after you wash the car. Don't do it on a dirty car, lol, defeats the purpose and you could scratch it.

Again, good write-up and comparison. I'm not gonna pitch what I use or try to push another product. I just know that with a couple more steps you could really make your car stand out. I love how IOM stands out! Just my .02

I agree with garcmol...

I recently bought one of the www.adamspolishes.com kits and finally got to use it last night. I was able to take out about 90% of the etchings in the clear coat. I have a black car and I am picky as well too! I still have some work to do.

It worth a few minutes to go to that site to check out their products. hey also have some really good (free) instructional videos. Also... check out junkman2008 (jankman2000 on youtube) on this forum. He's the master at using Adam's stuff. He converted me... and I am rather pleased with those products.

Oh yeah.... ALWAYS use a high quality Microfiber towels...

[gofast908z]

Originally Posted by scythezo6

If Zaino can come up with a way to chemically modify their formula to give the consumer the outstanding shine of normal zaino treatment in a product that requires a quarter of the time required, I'd be on it like a fly on.. I wouldn't mind spending 1-2 hours post wash to wax the car. If I clay, quick wash, and wax I spend about an hour in post wash care. No clay, then its about 30-40 min.

Zaino Clear Seal.

[Captain]

Renferinfo,

Thank you for sharing your experience. Easy to read write up. Nice.

[rtcat600man]

Awesome write-up. Thank - you for your thoughts and tips. I plan to follow some of your ideas. All though I will not be waxing every two weeks.

[Bell040]

every 2 weeks... seriously?

[bluman]

I like NXT, but I prefer Adam's, I will never use anything else !
but NXT will always be my backup if I run out of Adam's

[WhiteCrane]

I've been using Turtle Wax, and it's terrible. I'm switching to Royal Blue, as it was demoed at the NY auto show and looked amazing. Otherwise ill use NXT on your recommendation.

[2LTRS]

Here's the royal blue claim, from royalbluewax.com:

Royal Blue
Starting at: $14.95
Non-Abrasive
Ultra High Gloss
Eliminates Water Spots
Removes Swirl Marks
One Step Application
Cleans, Shines, Protects
Last 6 Months!

Lets clear up some claims here:
No non-abrasive polish will "REMOVE SWIRL MARKS" - This product is a filler wax.

I have never used a filler wax that lasts 6 months. Most fillers will wash off within 2-3 regular washes.

I have not used this product specifically; but I can tell you it claims things it cannot do.

Just my $0.02, take it or leave it...

[Tecca]

I wouldn't touch that RoyalBlue stuff either, looks to be all hype and being a polymer type carnuba wax it will truly only last half if not less than what they are claiming.

If you guys have to buy OTC stuff, I would suggest Autoglym HD, Walmart just started selling this stuff and a lot of people are giving it high marks. I believe it is $35

I would even go out on the limb and say it it better than NXT in the durabilty factor.

[don0fthedead]

Thanks for the insightful write-up.

I am interested to see what you think about Adam's. I haven't gotten around to trying it myself yet.

[SDCamaro10]

I think ive used just about everything on my cars, and while i agree with your post, i also disagree on a few things. I recently started using Zaino's and i dont think i'll switch to anything else. It's laborous yes, but the results are worth it and last a long time. Zaino's has never left a film on my car either, and when it comes to swirls.. it didnt leave any, it took them all out! I used the meguiars before the zainos and liked that product too. For me.. sticking with the Zainos!