[LEDZEP]

So, I just bought some "Spray Wax" from Griot's Garage... figured I'd give it a try, and it might be nice between seasonal waxings. I've read the instructions, things like "turn the towel to use a clean dry section for each drying stroke"... yeah, right. That would take 56 towels!

So I'm interested in hearing some technique tips from those who use this or similar products. Yes, I know I could do a but I'm a 4 star General around here dammit, and I don't feel like it. I'm pulling rank.

Seriously though, other than obviously not getting it on the windshield, what should I know? How do you use it and what results to you get? What if it gets on plastic or rubber trim parts, does it leave a residue? Seems to me if you have to be very careful with it, it defeats the purpose.

Does the car need to be dripping wet, or do you squeegee first?

[e92phreak]

I have had good luck with the new synthetic wax. I am currently using Turtle Wax Ice but have used other spray waxes in the past too.

I have had good luck even on the black moldings on my E46... doesn't leave the crappy white residue that other traditional waxes have left.

Much easier to apply and take off too. I still use the swirl, but it also seems like I use less wax than other traditional ones. I find that my arm doesn't feel like I've lifted weights for 2 hours straight.

Here is the product marketing blub from them:
Spray Detailer

Turtle Wax® ICE™ Detailer is a completely clear detailer formulated with a blend of synthetic polymers and clarified carnauba wax to provide a mirror-like shine and long lasting protection. Perfect for a quick shine in between regular wax applications and for removing light dust from exterior surfaces.

Product Benefits

• Produces a brilliant shine and slick surface with minimal time and effort.
• Completely clear formula will not leave any white residue on exterior plastic and rubber trim.
• Can be applied in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces without streaking.
• Multiple coats can be applied for unbeatable shine and protection without build-up.

[normtrum]

You are definately a general, so you can pull rank anytime you need to. I happen to use the Griot's spray wax all the time, but in a different way. I apply their "Best of Show" was with my orb, let it haze, then use the spray wax to remove the dry wax. A little tip from Richard Griot himself. The dry wax comes off a lot easier. U need to use the "8 point" method when removing spray wax with a MF towell, meaing you fold the towell to a small square, then wipe. I curl the towell on each pass untill it's pretty wet, then fold to new dry section and repeat. By the time you're finished with 1 towell, you'll have used 8 sides. Utherwise you're right, you can easily go through a butt load of towels. I usually tape a few areas with blue painters tape - wipers, lower part of windshield, rubber seals, and the outside edge of the sunroof. I haven't used it as a straight wax like you're intending, but even if you get some oversray, it is removed easily with a towell. In between waxing I use Griot's "quick shine", which is pretty quick and painless, using that same towel method.

[ejazbmw]

i used this before i found out about zaino it worked well for me....i used about 2 towels one for the left side and one for the right side......not the best stuff but it was good for about a week or until the next wash....

[LEDZEP]

Good tips normtrum... thanks! I have been using the Speed Shine for quite awhile, and it's great for the between wash light cleaning, or taking off bird crap or bugs.

I usually squeegee the hood, roof, and trunk lid before towel drying and also use the folding method. So, if I spray the wax on, say the hood, after a squeegee - then wipe with the towel... will that work?

[normtrum]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Good tips normtrum... thanks! I have been using the Speed Shine for quite awhile, and it's great for the between wash light cleaning, or taking off bird crap or bugs.

I usually squeegee the hood, roof, and trunk lid before towel drying and also use the folding method. So, if I spray the wax on, say the hood, after a squeegee - then wipe with the towel... will that work?

Ok, I would only do this for a general. I just called Griot's. I have them on my cell directory, and they're only 15 minutes from my house. Since I've never used the spray wax how it was really intended, I needed some clarification. Jason told me to wash (obviously), squeegee, but don't towel. You want the car damp, so you can still leave a bit of water on it. Then apply the spray wax in sections, and wipe off immediately. You don't want it to dry. He also said to watch the windows (expecially if still wet), as they can be a bitch to clean. I actually had to use my orb with some glass polish to pull the spray off my windshield the first time I used it, and remember my car was totally dry, since I was using the spray for dry wax removal. Hope that helps. If not, call the main store at their headquarters in Fife, WA at 253-922-2400, prompt #2 for the store.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by normtrum

Ok, I would only do this for a general. I just called Griot's. I have them on my cell directory, and they're only 15 minutes from my house. Since I've never used the spray wax how it was really intended, I needed some clarification. Jason told me to wash (obviously), squeegee, but don't towel. You want the car damp, so you can still leave a bit of water on it. Then apply the spray wax in sections, and wipe off immediately. You don't want it to dry. He also said to watch the windows (expecially if still wet), as they can be a bitch to clean. I actually had to use my orb with some glass polish to pull the spray off my windshield the first time I used it, and remember my car was totally dry, since I was using the spray for dry wax removal. Hope that helps. If not, call the main store at their headquarters in Fife, WA at 253-922-2400, prompt #2 for the store.

U da man! Thanks!

I'll give it a try after the next washing. Might just try a section like the hood and see how it goes.

[canucklion]

LED, you should reward the Lieutenant (normtrum) for a job well done!

[normtrum]

Originally Posted by canucklion

LED, you should reward the Lieutenant (normtrum) for a job well done!

ha ha, that's funny. My only reward is helping out a general in need. Now if he screws it up, I might get demoted back to Private!

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by canucklion

LED, you should reward the Lieutenant (normtrum) for a job well done!

Originally Posted by normtrum

ha ha, that's funny. My only reward is helping out a general in need. Now if he screws it up, I might get demoted back to Private!

That's quite true. I was going to surprise him with a two week leave in Munich during Oktoberfest!

[J3L3J5]

spray waxes dont really do a whole lot, i liken it to using a bandaid on something that needs stitches (it works temporarily but it doesnt solve anything)......however, if you do apply them you should most definitely clay your car before hand because it will give you a cleaner and smoother surface (especially hood, roof, trunk). also, sir zep, be careful with the squeegee, some people (im not saying you) cause scratches by using those and picking up little dust and dirt particles on the blade and car surface and whatnot (however, they are great tools, i use them in the shop i work at and at home), and make sure you use microfiber towels to dry, not terry cloth or anything else

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by J3L3J5

spray waxes dont really do a whole lot, i liken it to using a bandaid on something that needs stitches (it works temporarily but it doesnt solve anything)......however, if you do apply them you should most definitely clay your car before hand because it will give you a cleaner and smoother surface (especially hood, roof, trunk). also, sir zep, be careful with the squeegee, some people (im not saying you) cause scratches by using those and picking up little dust and dirt particles on the blade and car surface and whatnot (however, they are great tools, i use them in the shop i work at and at home), and make sure you use microfiber towels to dry, not terry cloth or anything else

Duely noted, and I fully agree on both points. I figure the spray wax will keep a half-decent coating on the car between seasonal waxings, and I only use microfiber towels to dry the car, turning frequently.

I has the same concern when I decided to try the squeegee and did a careful test first. So far so good - and it only gets used after washing and thorough rinsing!

[J3L3J5]

good man, id hate to hear that you got avoidable and unneccessary scratches on your baby from improper drying techniques. and yes, for what it sounds like your doing i guess a spray wax should work fine; happy cleaning. i gotta ask, whats your favorite zeppelin album?

[LEDZEP]

Favorite Zeppelin album... wow, that's tough. Changes from time to time, but probably a toss up between IV and Physical Grafitti. I also like Presence quite a bit (very underrated).

[J3L3J5]

ooo good choices, cant go wrong with IV or Physical Graffiti, i must say obsessed with the last 5 tracks of III as well (gallows pole, tangerine, thats the way, bron yur stomp, hats off to roy harper).

[Carnage]

Originally Posted by canucklion

LED, you should reward the Lieutenant (normtrum) for a job well done!

Ditto. Nice answer Lieutenant!

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by matsarge

Ditto. Nice answer Lieutenant!

Hey Sarge, what brings you into a legitimate thread??

[Ruff Rider]

Hey LEDZEP I use Griot's spray on wax and I love the way it works. I wash the car then use the Griot's squeegee then spray on the wax in a small section. Then dry with a micro fiber towel. I have a Montego blue 335i and all I can say is I"M a happy camper with all of Griot's products.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Ruff Rider

Hey LEDZEP I use Griot's spray on wax and I love the way it works. I wash the car then use the Griot's squeegee then spray on the wax in a small section. Then dry with a micro fiber towel. I have a Montego blue 335i and all I can say is I"M a happy camper with all of Griot's products.

Thanks Mr. Rider! Or, can I call you Ruff?

[Ruff Rider]

The picture of me on the wall in the post office has me as Mr. Rider but you can call me Ruff.

[Scottz71]

Originally Posted by Ruff Rider

Hey LEDZEP I use Griot's spray on wax and I love the way it works. I wash the car then use the Griot's squeegee then spray on the wax in a small section. Then dry with a micro fiber towel. I have a Montego blue 335i and all I can say is I"M a happy camper with all of Griot's products.

+1 -- I exclusively use Griot's and just re-ordered my gallon size refil of Spray Wax yesterday...I love it...