Looking for the best wax and polish that I can apply by hand

[What's Next?]

I just picked up my Brilliant Black S4 and I am looking for the best paint products that I can apply by hand. I'm looking for a wax, polish and sealer. I dont have a orbital machine, I suppose I could buy one but I don't have much expirence with one. Black was not my first choice color because it shows EVERYTHING but when it is clean it looks awsome!
Thanks

[helix139]

I just picked up my Brilliant Black S4 and I am looking for the best paint products that I can apply by hand. I'm looking for a wax, polish and sealer. I dont have a orbital machine, I suppose I could buy one but I don't have much expirence with one. Black was not my first choice color because it shows EVERYTHING but when it is clean it looks awsome!
Thanks

Check out Zaino. It's a sealant, so it won't provide any correction but it is super durable and looks fantastic. You're going to have trouble doing any sort of significant polishing by hand. I'd recommend picking up an orbital. They are safe.

[VroomVroom]

FWIW, I always apply sealants and waxes by hand. You can do some good paint cleansing by hand, but on an Audi clearcoat (hard), you're not going to get much corrective work accomplished. You might want to consider a glaze, which will add wetness and gloss, and will also fill in minor imperfections.

There are tons of great products out there. If you're buying at a local parts store, I'd recommend Meguiar's NXT. If you're willing to do a little internet shopping, more 'boutique' products like Poorboy's might be right up your alley. Their Pro Polish, Black Hole Glaze, and either EX or one of the Natty's series waxes, make for a terrific combination. All can be applied by hand, and while shade or artificial light is always the best, you can safely use their products in direct sunlight if needed.

[beantown]

FWIW, I always apply sealants and waxes by hand. You can do some good paint cleansing by hand, but on an Audi clearcoat (hard), you're not going to get much corrective work accomplished. You might want to consider a glaze, which will add wetness and gloss, and will also fill in minor imperfections.

There are tons of great products out there. If you're buying at a local parts store, I'd recommend Meguiar's NXT. If you're willing to do a little internet shopping, more 'boutique' products like Poorboy's might be right up your alley. Their Pro Polish, Black Hole Glaze, and either EX or one of the Natty's series waxes, make for a terrific combination. All can be applied by hand, and while shade or artificial light is always the best, you can safely use their products in direct sunlight if needed.

Adding to your comment on a glaze, I've always been a huge fan of 1Z Glanz Wax. Very easy on/off hand application, and layers down very nicely IMO.

[Envious Eric]

yeah, dont expect polishing by hand to accomplish anything so I wouldnt bother picking up a polish

wash, chem guys ezcream glaze, menzerna powerlock

then just call up your detailer and have him polish it every 6 months

[jr1415us]

If the car has new perfect paint I'd wash the car, apply Klasse sealant and call it a day.

[FITZ TITS]

If the car has new perfect paint I'd wash the car, apply Klasse sealant and call it a day.

The product is a bitch to wipe off, especially by hand.

[beantown]

Prima Hydro Seal is probably the easiest/simplistic sealant application IMO.

[Anonymous A4]

I use Collinite 845.
Unbeatable !
http://img.tapatalk.com/02de47e5-757f-d1c8.jpg

[TofuShop]

i like Meguiars ultimate wax a lot. goes on and off with barely any effort. and using Meguiars quik spray wax inbetween full detail jobs after a normal hand wash does wonders to keep the smoothness on your paint

[beantown]

I use Collinite 845.
Unbeatable !


Definitely a great product. However I only use it for winter.

[dmoney1282]

I have brilliant black as well and I use the 1Z Einszett Polish and Glanz Wax. Both are very easy to apply by hand. I find the Glanz Wax will continue to bead for almost a year. As others have mentioned, don't expect much paint correction. It does to a great job of getting rid of fine scratches and swirls though.

[richiek]

I too had the same question when I got my 2009 A5 s-line. What to use on a black paint job? The first one I tried was black box by Turtle Wax. This product works great and puts on a high gloss shine that looks great and covers up some paint defects. It goes on easy and comes off easy by hand. It costs between 16 and 20 bucks, so. It's very cost effective.
But the swirls in the paint were still bothering me. I looked into Groit's Garage products and finally went for their paint correction swirl removal system kit, which includes a professional 6" orbital machine, the polish,wax and pads for the machine. I was a bit scekptical at first and was concerned I would mess up the paint. They give you a DVD to guide you through the process of detailing your car for free with the kit.
In doing the detailing I found it easy to get out the swirl marks and imperfections in the paint at a fraction of what a detailers would charge. I was quoted 450 to 650 dollars to do my A5. So by getting the kit online for 150 bucks at AutoAnything I saved at least 500 dollars and have the equipment to do it whenever I need it. ( I know it would cost me closer to the 650 number by the detailer) not that the price isn't worth it, it would be, it's just a lot to keep shelling out to keep the car looking in tip top condition. The car's paint just pops, it like looking into black water. Just keep in mind that the Groit's products can be very addicting and they send you a catalogue with every order and they are modestly priced for a lot of their stuff and some seam overpriced to me anyways.The bottom is use what works for you, but do your research first as there are many ways to go and no person has the right formula or proceedures that work for everyone.

[ChrisFarleyGuy]

Griot's Orbital, Menzerna Super Intensive Polish, Green Pad - Easy correction for anyone with hands

Menzerna Power Lock Sealant - Beads/repels water effectively, can be applied via hand or orbital, looks good


With those 4 products, paint correction/protection couldn't be easier.

Lastly, I don't know what your budget is, but Menzerna products are fantastic all-around.

[ENV²]

There are so many products it can make your head spin. The essentials are

-Either a Griots Random Orbital or a porter Cable 7424XP (I had both and ended up selling the porter cable + Griots has lifetime warranty)

-Mazerna makes good products for paint that is in good shape, if you ever end up with deeper swirls or ones that take more than 3-6 minutes on a panel you can do M105 and then Mazerna super finish or M205.

-Wax: I use Einzett Glanz. It is amazingly durable for such an easy product to apply and remove. I let it haze over for longer than suggested. I allow it to stay on the paint for 15-20 min per layer (generally 4-6 layers) I have heard very good things about NXT was (DO NOT get the spray wax though, it is horrible!)

I will be buying some Poorboys stuff soon as a good friend recommended thier stuff highly and they dont seem overpriced.

Good luck, I have learned so much in the last year about detailing and I do it as a side business now on the weekends. The finished product and sense of accomplishment you will get after seeing your car finished is all the payment you need.