Can anyone tell me if Meguiar's Gold Class is a wax or polymer? It says "wax", but I noticed "Carnauba" is not mentioned anywhere. Also, does it have cleaners in it? That being said, I just picked up some Blackfire and will be applying it on my TL-S. Should I top it off with a wax? Here are the waxes I have at my disposal: Blitz Wax, Mother's Pure Carnauba Paste Wax, S100 and Gold Class, in liquid and paste form. (I'm a sucker for variety. )

 

They say it is part rich conditioning oils and part synthetic polymers but don't think there is any carnauba in it. They also class it as a polish/wax although I haven't seen much polishing power from this product. I've tried it and it doesn't last very long.

If you want a very rich/wet look and some added protection, you should probably follow with a carnauba and anyone you've listed should be ok. On my garage queen P-car, I like the Blitz but all looks and durability you get are in the eye of the beholder so try different products on different panels and see what you like best and stick with it.

Have fun with the chemistry experiment. You should find a good combo with your vast arsenal.

 

Blackfire is awesome stuff, can be difficult to use due to oil content, you may aquire some dust issues, but you can top it with your S100 the following day, and youll be better. Dust attraction will really drop off after your 1st QD or wash about a week later.....

 

Well, I just did the full detailing today:

1. Claybar most of the car to get the overspray left by my no good Acura dealer bodyshop. I even had to claybar two of my new O.Z. rims.
2. Cleaned the car with Mother's Phase 1 Cleaner.
3. Gave the car a coat of 3M Swirl Remover. That stuff was hard to get off!
4. Gave the car a coat of 3M Imperial Hand Glaze.
5. Lastly (for today anyways. I was losing light & I was dead tired!), one coat of Blackfire. Will try and put another coat of Blackfire on tomorrow, wife permitting.

Since I just got the S100 yesterday, I'll probably try it out tomorrow to see what all the hoopla is about.
BTW, can you tell me what the difference is between the 3m swirl remover and hand glaze? Am I overdoing it by using both? If they're the same, I prefer the Hand Glaze. It was much easier to remove.
Also, you're right about the Blackfire. NICE!!!! It was super easy to wipe off too.

 

ARGHHHH ! Your durability is going to suffer ! 1st of all, the SMR is great stuff, very mild abrasive leaner, lots of enrichening oils, and leaves a trace of fillers. The IHG, containes emulsifiers which will fill some swirls and enrich the paint, they will wash out in very short time, no abrasives. However, there not real good to have on a surface before applying a polymer. Im not saying the BF wont work, just durability will be slightly sacrificed. The best way to use BF, in my opinion, is to have the surface as clean of oils as possible. I still think you need some oils to enrich the paint, I use Moosewax before BF or Fourstar UPP for just that reason. The Blackfire cleaner is real nice also prior to the poly sealant. Youll love the sealant. After a day or two, throw another layer on there ! If you top your first coat with S100, your out of luck, there'll be bonding issues until the S100 evaporates/deteriorates (3 weeks). So go with 2 layers BF, then feel free to top with S100.

 

Durability shouldn't be too much of an issue. As long as the BF lasts a couple of months, I'll be happy. I just put on a second layer of BF today and plan on topping off with the S100. Two layers again, probably. Do more layers of the wax add any additional durability at all?

 

The carnauba layers are more or less, sacrificial. Feel free, they will provide slight protection for the BF.

 

While this subject is still fresh in my mind, can you tell me when I should be using the 3M IHG? Can I use it as a cleaner before using the 3M SMR? Also, I am in charge of taking care of my mother's car, a Mercedes Benz E320. Can I use the BF on it? I heard that German paints don't like synthetic polymers too well because of clouding issues and since BF is considered a synthetic polymer......
Any input will be greatly appreciated!

 

SMR will give you a little filling......IHG would be used after your polishing. BF is fine on imports, I do it all the time........

 

I used some Ajax and the little green scrubby pads from the dishes, and then I just used that Mop n Glo, shines great.

 

and for those pesky swirl marks I use

 

Youve got to be kidding me..........

 

:captainob

 

I use blackfire.. it's awesome.

 

Some waxes actually do not contain Carnauba. GC, NXT and I think the new Turtle Wax UG don't have carnauba. "Cleaner Wax" (says on the can) have slight abrasives or chemical cleaner in it that will remove any previously applied product.

I've had very good success with applying layers of Polymer sealant (Klasse AIO/ SG) allowed to bond properly, then topped with a pure Carnauba product (Meg's #26 or even better P21S/ S100). This yo-yo winter weather we have in the east doesn't allow me to add another coat of Carnauba but I still get good beading after a car wash from the S100 from a month ago. Sealants will provide you with a protective layer on top of the clearcoat, then enhace the gloss and protection with carnauba. This would be my combo for the next few years.

 

I heard that Zaino stuff is pretty good.

 

nah man, thats crazy talk :wink: