Bunky
Detailing Gnosis
Product Review: Mothers Synthetic Wax
For 2012, Mothers had added a new Synthetic Wax to the California Gold brand line.
Product Disclosure: Product received in an Autogeek.net contest with the agreement to provide a review (2 more to do)
Manufacturer's Product Description
Mothers California Gold Synthetic Wax provides unparalleled depth, shine and protection in an easy-to-apply, effortless-to-remove formula. Our specially formulated microencapsulated polymers form a chemical bond to protect your paint's surface, while ultra-fube polishes bring out the gloss and luster you've come to expect from Mothers.
Price: $8.99 16 ounces
Country of Origin: Made in USA
Product Directions from product label:
Shake well before and during use. Finish should be clean, dry, and cool.
Hand use:
1. Pour a small amount of product onto a soft, clean microfiber, terry cloth or suitable applicator
2. Working in 2-3 square sections, massage product thoroughly into the finish
3. Allow to dry to a haze
4. Remove haze with a clean, dry microfiber or terry cloth towel, Turn frequently for best buffing action
Random Orbital Buffer
1. Pour a small amount of product directly onto buffer pad
2. Work with light pressure, spreading evenly over a 2-3 square foot area.
3. Buff area thoroughly while wet, then allow product to dry to a haze
4. Remove haze with a clean, dry microfiber or terry cloth towel. Turn towel frequently for best buffing action
Note: To avoid wax residue on trim, moldings, and other non-painted plastic surfaces, first apply Mothers Protectant or Back to Balck Trim Care.
Other products used:
1. Washed with Optimum No Rinse, PakShak and PAC mf mitts
2. Dried with Mothers and Pakshak microfiber towels.
3. UDM 1.0 DA with Lake Country Blue finishing pad
4. Buffed with Pakshak microfiber towels
5. Griot's Pre-Wax Cleaner
temperature conditions: Garage: 55 to 60 F
Vehicle
2001 Chrysler Sebring Lxi. Parked outside 24/7. The paint condition is not in great condition (two spots showing clearcoat issues). The front facia and hood are chipped with plenty of etched bug marks due to poor care for the majority of its life.
Preparation
The car was washed in the garage using Optimum No Rinse. After drying, the car was wiped down with Griot's Pre-Wax cleaner to strip residue LSP. I skipped claying. A reverse test spot was created on the hood so one section would be untouched while the rest would be covered.
Physical Observations
1. Packaging: "Top Down" plastic bottle with flip to lid
2. Viscosity: slightly oily
3. Color: opaque tan
4. Scent: Cologne (similar to Mothers Reflections or FX but the smell lighter)
Application notes
For application, I used my old UDM 1.0 with a 5-in backing plate and 6.5-in Lake Country CCS Blue foam pad. It was spread using speed 2 to 3 over the entire car. Using about nickel size drops, I worked approximately 2 square foot areas. Mothers Synthetic wax spread fairly easily but a tad less easy than Mothers FX and Reflections. It definitely has a more oily consistency than the previously mentioned products. Mothers has said that they have already made a formula tweak to improve the ease of application and removal.
While buffing, I did notice some residue build up in the pad that indicates that there are some cleaners (confirms labeling regarding ultrafine polishes).
With the temperatures in the mid-50's, it took about 25 to 30 minutes to get a clean wipe (hazed). It buffed off without any issues and as usual with a black car in a typical garage it takes an inspection light to be sure there are no missed spots.
Before
Mitts after ONR wash
Hazed hood
Afters
Due lousy timing, I ended up washing and then applying the wax before cleaning the wheels and tires since I needed to do the tire cleaning outside with a hose for the Mothers Chrome Polish review.
trunk
In the sunlight (tires not cleaned/dressed)
Rear pillar shot - fillers working
Side by Side (waxed / not waxed)
Hood with test spot
Hood swirl check - lots of dings but not many swirl
After a rain shower
A day later
Mothers Synthetic wax applies and removes fairly easily. It definitely darkens the paint slightly as seen in the reverse test spot and leaves a clean look -- more subdued glow as opposed to bright shine. It also has some useful filling capabilities to reduce the swirls for rides in less than perfect condition.
For users of Mothers FX and Reflections, the Synthetic Wax looks much more like Reflections than FX.
Notes:
Ease of application/removal: Very good.
Scent: Pleasant (similar to FX and Reflections)
Cleaning ability: Modest
Cost: Very affordable
Slickness: Good
Durability Unknown.
A nice product from Mothers at a very affordable price. I do like the darkening effect on dark solid colors. Durability is obviously an unknown at this point.
For 2012, Mothers had added a new Synthetic Wax to the California Gold brand line.
Product Disclosure: Product received in an Autogeek.net contest with the agreement to provide a review (2 more to do)
Manufacturer's Product Description
Mothers California Gold Synthetic Wax provides unparalleled depth, shine and protection in an easy-to-apply, effortless-to-remove formula. Our specially formulated microencapsulated polymers form a chemical bond to protect your paint's surface, while ultra-fube polishes bring out the gloss and luster you've come to expect from Mothers.
Price: $8.99 16 ounces
Country of Origin: Made in USA
Product Directions from product label:
Shake well before and during use. Finish should be clean, dry, and cool.
Hand use:
1. Pour a small amount of product onto a soft, clean microfiber, terry cloth or suitable applicator
2. Working in 2-3 square sections, massage product thoroughly into the finish
3. Allow to dry to a haze
4. Remove haze with a clean, dry microfiber or terry cloth towel, Turn frequently for best buffing action
Random Orbital Buffer
1. Pour a small amount of product directly onto buffer pad
2. Work with light pressure, spreading evenly over a 2-3 square foot area.
3. Buff area thoroughly while wet, then allow product to dry to a haze
4. Remove haze with a clean, dry microfiber or terry cloth towel. Turn towel frequently for best buffing action
Note: To avoid wax residue on trim, moldings, and other non-painted plastic surfaces, first apply Mothers Protectant or Back to Balck Trim Care.
Other products used:
1. Washed with Optimum No Rinse, PakShak and PAC mf mitts
2. Dried with Mothers and Pakshak microfiber towels.
3. UDM 1.0 DA with Lake Country Blue finishing pad
4. Buffed with Pakshak microfiber towels
5. Griot's Pre-Wax Cleaner
temperature conditions: Garage: 55 to 60 F
Vehicle
2001 Chrysler Sebring Lxi. Parked outside 24/7. The paint condition is not in great condition (two spots showing clearcoat issues). The front facia and hood are chipped with plenty of etched bug marks due to poor care for the majority of its life.
Preparation
The car was washed in the garage using Optimum No Rinse. After drying, the car was wiped down with Griot's Pre-Wax cleaner to strip residue LSP. I skipped claying. A reverse test spot was created on the hood so one section would be untouched while the rest would be covered.
Physical Observations
1. Packaging: "Top Down" plastic bottle with flip to lid
2. Viscosity: slightly oily
3. Color: opaque tan
4. Scent: Cologne (similar to Mothers Reflections or FX but the smell lighter)
Application notes
For application, I used my old UDM 1.0 with a 5-in backing plate and 6.5-in Lake Country CCS Blue foam pad. It was spread using speed 2 to 3 over the entire car. Using about nickel size drops, I worked approximately 2 square foot areas. Mothers Synthetic wax spread fairly easily but a tad less easy than Mothers FX and Reflections. It definitely has a more oily consistency than the previously mentioned products. Mothers has said that they have already made a formula tweak to improve the ease of application and removal.
While buffing, I did notice some residue build up in the pad that indicates that there are some cleaners (confirms labeling regarding ultrafine polishes).
With the temperatures in the mid-50's, it took about 25 to 30 minutes to get a clean wipe (hazed). It buffed off without any issues and as usual with a black car in a typical garage it takes an inspection light to be sure there are no missed spots.
Before
Mitts after ONR wash
Hazed hood
Afters
Due lousy timing, I ended up washing and then applying the wax before cleaning the wheels and tires since I needed to do the tire cleaning outside with a hose for the Mothers Chrome Polish review.
trunk
In the sunlight (tires not cleaned/dressed)
Rear pillar shot - fillers working
Side by Side (waxed / not waxed)
Hood with test spot
Hood swirl check - lots of dings but not many swirl
After a rain shower
A day later
Mothers Synthetic wax applies and removes fairly easily. It definitely darkens the paint slightly as seen in the reverse test spot and leaves a clean look -- more subdued glow as opposed to bright shine. It also has some useful filling capabilities to reduce the swirls for rides in less than perfect condition.
For users of Mothers FX and Reflections, the Synthetic Wax looks much more like Reflections than FX.
Notes:
Ease of application/removal: Very good.
Scent: Pleasant (similar to FX and Reflections)
Cleaning ability: Modest
Cost: Very affordable
Slickness: Good
Durability Unknown.
A nice product from Mothers at a very affordable price. I do like the darkening effect on dark solid colors. Durability is obviously an unknown at this point.
