quick wax/sealant vs. instant detailer vs. sealant/wax

[cpa5oh]

I've been reading this site for a few months, have bought alot of the products talked about on this site, and I'm a little confused with regard to quick waxes/sealants, instant detailers, and waxes/sealants.

After a wash I always take another step to try and get the "just detailed" look (only takes 15 minutes.) For a while I used Poorboys World QD+, then Optimum Instant Detailer, then Chemical Guys Hybrid V07, and most recently Duragloss AquaWax. Best result I've had to my eye, on my car was the Duragloss AquaWax (though it was after an application of Black Hole, which probably has alot to do with that.) Second was Optimum Instant Detailer. Black Friday sales are looming and I plan on stocking up on *something.*

I don't get how the three products in the thread title 'fit' together into a car care regimen. I have the following specific questions:
- If I use a quick wax/sealant like Aquawax, Optimum Car Wax, or Hybrid V07 after every wash do I ever NEED to do a full on wax/sealant application? Seems like if I'm using the quick product every week the full on product wouldn't be necessary...
- Optimum Instant Detailer is by far the cheapest product I've come across (for $60 you make 4 gallons of it...Aquawax is $35/gallon.) If I used it after every wash do I ever NEED to do a full on wax/sealant? If the above answer is no, I assume this answer will be no as well.
- My understanding is that a glaze only lasts as long as the wax/sealant laid over top of it (makes sense.) Would continual use of a quick wax/sealant keep that glaze locked in?
- Would the continual use of an instant detailer like Optimum's Instant Detailer keep the glaze locked in?

Thank you! I've never enjoyed washing/detailing a car before, but I ended up sort of getting talked into a black Camaro, found this site and it's becoming fun to read about the process and try out different products...the car keeps turning out better and better and it's fun! The ebook sold on this site is really great/helpful.

[rider9195]

The Poorboy's QD+ and Optimum Instant Detailer are just detail sprays. Detail sprays are used to remove light dust, smudges/fingerprints, and some boost you current wax/selant.

CG Hybrid V7 and Duragloss AquaWax are both spray sealants. These two products are used after you wash your vehicle to apply protection to your paint and boost your current LSP as well.

[cpa5oh]

Got it! Taking that into account, I basically have no need for a quick detailer...I'm afraid to touch my car when there is dirt on it unless I was able to hose off the loose dust/dirt or am using a ton of water (in a rinseless wash.)

So if I use the spray wax/sealant after every wash, is the application of the traditional wax/sealant (with an applicator, having it dry to a haze, etc) even necessary?

[rider9195]

Quick detailers have their spot. Keep them! It is still necessary to reapply your sealant/wax every 3-4 months. The spray sealants will extend the durability but won't keep it going forever.

[Gungho_15]

I just purchased the Hybrid V07 and its unreal!

[glen e]

this is a great thread and thanks to the OP for starting it. You are asking questions a lot of us have...I also stand and look at my garage shelf that contains several "quik" products after a wash, and wonder which one to grab.....I am currently playing around with Meg Quik wax after....

[opie_7afe]

pinnacle xmt360 spray wax after a wash = pure bliss. gives that freshly waxed look and feel. is a true spray wax. i need to test longevity but the feel of the paint after taking the 10 minutes or less to apply is just great. stuff is so great im getting rid of my quick detailer spray as there is no use for it now.

[Gungho_15]

I forgot to mention I also used Glossworkz for the first time today as well and was very impressed. Then the VO7 after dry and car was Super Shiny

[RFulmer]

Detail sprays also work great as a clay lube. I also like using them as a drying aid on some of my cars, but lately the nicer cars have been getting Griot's Spray wax as a drying aid. I also use detail spray to get the "rug rats" finger prints off the doors after a day out driving.

Detail sprays offer pretty much no protection, where as the spray sealants and spray waxes do.

I have gallons of detail spray and since discovering some of the waterless washes (such as DP Waterless Wash) I am starting to wonder what I'm going to do with all of it. The DP Rinceless Wash and Gloss is really nice for cleaning up a dusty car.

[opie_7afe]

I 100% :iagree: after discovering rinseless washes that offer 4 product uses with one main bottle of concentrate i just dont use quick detail sprays anymore. that and discovering an awesome spray wax and i've always been doubtful of spray waxes. it just makes sense to use optimum no rinse or dp rinseless wash and gloss.saves on plastic and saves on the pocket its a win win situation. now if a company comes out with a rinseless wash and wax it would be even better!

[davidc11291]

So the OP asked an interesting question that still hasn't been answered and explained.

If he's using a spray wax EVERY WEEK, could he totally skip using a traditional wax/sealant?

Would he be able to get say 90% of the same amount of paint protection as a traditional wax and say 90% of the same amount of gloss as a traditional wax? This is assuming that he never ever misses his weekly wash & spray wax, and for the sake of simplicity I'm using the terms sealant and wax interchangeably, because we're asking for results that are roughly similar, say 90% as good or better.

[BobbyG]

So the OP asked an interesting question that still hasn't been answered and explained.

If he's using a spray wax EVERY WEEK, could he totally skip using a traditional wax/sealant?

Would he be able to get say 90% of the same amount of paint protection as a traditional wax and say 90% of the same amount of gloss as a traditional wax? This is assuming that he never ever misses his weekly wash & spray wax, and for the sake of simplicity I'm using the terms sealant and wax interchangeably, because we're asking for results that are roughly similar, say 90% as good or better.

In theory yes. I say in theory yes because in the right environment with little airborne pollutants, dust, wind, moderate temperature etc it's possible.

The finish of your average daily driver sees all kinds of conditions. These conditions are an assault on the surface and will degrade even the finest of protectants. OH, did I mention the protectants we apply are only temporary?

The average daily driver should be clayed twice annually. This process in itself will remove what's ever left of the protectant that's been applied be it sealant or wax.

A spray wax is a great way to fortify and enhance the shine while adding some additional protection.

A detail spray removes finger prints, smudges etc, and adds some slickness while allowing minor dust to be removed. .

I recently tried the new Pinnacle XMT Spray Wax and I have to say I'm very impressed with it....