. Just finished going over the car with it. Collinite makes very good stuff. It's the last brand I'm using.
Well not quite true, I'm old enough to have tried a few different products over the years.Arguing wax is like arguing over what kind of oil is best. Most people like what they use and love to recommend it, but usually dont have experience with anything else and can't provide a reason why it's better.
I have a Wimbledon white 60th as well. I did the exact same thing with spray ceramic and it didn’t give much of a shine! I’ve always used a carnauba wax for the great shine. I’ve always used Meguiars but I decided to try something else. I decided on Adam’s Americana carnuaba wax and I’m very happy with the awesome shine and ease of use. I also use their detail spray in between waxing!
How would you rank Beadmaker in this list?Turtle Wax canned the "Pro" line because they had a problem selling these products at premium prices. For most, Turtle Wax is an entry to detailing and therefore expect a certain (low) price point. Which is sad because from those who used the new generation products, they were supposed to be very good.
So, what to replace it with? There are hundreds of similar products on the market, but considering you have asked for a spray wax, I'll stick with similar products. To keep it simple, I'll give you a good, better, best list........................
Good - Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer
To be clear, I'm a brand snob, and in most cases, Meguiar's doesn't really cater to my needs. But.....................Hybrid Ceramic Detailer is one of their absolute all-time best products. I really like this product because it's super easy to work with, no streaking, no fussy application technique, just spray and wipe. The water beading is superb, and the gloss and slickness is like a traditional wax. For you guys in the US/Canada, this product is very well priced too. Are there fancier products? Yes. Are there longer lasting? Probably. Is this a product I happily use considering I have access to a vast selection of similar products? 100%
Amazon.com: Meguiar's G200526 Hybrid Ceramic Automotive Detailer, 26 oz. - Quantity 6 : Automotive
Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Detailer 26oz | CARZILLA
Better - Optimum Car Wax
This is a spray wax that can be used as a standalone protectant or even used as a topper to a ceramic coating (which is rare for a wax). The thing that grabs my attention is the 5-month durability claim, which is quite stout for a simple spray wax. It also provides UV protection, and being a wax-based product, you can expect that lovely slickness and a warm glossy tone. I've found it very easy to use, spray and wipe, done!
Optimum - Car Wax | The Rag Company
Optimum Car Wax 17oz | CARZILLA
(Note - I have the older bottle design)
Best - Adam's Slick & Slide
While not technically termed a "wax", its polymer sealant properties will give a similar look and feel to wax, but with superior longevity. This is one of those hidden gems that could easily sell for two or three times the price, its that good! Again, this is a super easy product to use, provides great water beading, slickness and a warm glossy look. It smells amazing too.
Adam's Slick & Slide 16oz | CARZILLA
Wildcard - Carpro Reload 2.0
This is a ceramic spray sealant that nails the trifecta; gloss, slickness and hydrophobics. If you LOVE water beading, Reload is your product. It's ever so slightly more involved to apply, but probably easier than the Turtle Wax stuff. Reload is a more substantial product that you wouldn't use after every wash, but you could then maintain it with the above products. It's more expensive, but a little goes a long way so a bottle will last quite a while.
CARPRO Reload 2.0 | CARZILLA
I actually arrived at Bead Maker well after it blew up and became the "it" product for a few years there. But I eventually bought a bottle and slotted into a drying aid role. Not much can achieve that "just waxed" look and feel, especially from a product that ISNT a wax. I love using it after an Absolute rinse-less wash, it takes what is a highly slick product, then tips the finish over the edge.How would you rank Beadmaker in this list?
I agree with all that. I haven't seen much negativity personally. But yeah, you got to be realistic when using a topper. Its a great product for what it is, and it plays really well with Absolute wash. Id also argue that using it every wash is overkill. Mine seems to lasts reasonably well. I apply every 3-4 washes. If I use too much or apply it after every wash, I'll start to develop a film thats hard to remove. Ive also discovered that it doesn't go on well during warm summer temps in the Arizona.I actually arrived at Bead Maker well after it blew up and became the "it" product for a few years there. But I eventually bought a bottle and slotted into a drying aid role. Not much can achieve that "just waxed" look and feel, especially from a product that ISNT a wax. I love using it after an Absolute rinse-less wash, it takes what is a highly slick product, then tips the finish over the edge.
Sadly, Bead Maker is a product whose success turned a lot of people against it. And that's a shame because I love Bead Maker. I feel like people get sucked into the negativity that surrounds Bead Maker, you know, "it attracts dust", "it doesn't last long", "it doesn't bead water like the name suggests"...................and so on and so on.
The "doesn't last long" thinking is flawed. I mean, its a spray sealant, not a proper coating or wax. Also, 99% of the time people are using Bead Maker as a drying aid after every wash, in effect being a topper to existing ceramic coating, sealant or wax. Um, so, if you use it every wash, why is longevity even a consideration? I just don't get it.
The way Bead Maker gets used as a drying aid is very different to how P&S recommend applying it for longevity. In that I mean a light mist and wipe per panel rather than a heavy soaking. I'm not saying people are using it wrong, but be realistic, if you apply a light spritz, then how can you expect longevity when P&S recommend laying it down heavy for durability.
The "dusting" thing is silly. Most modern detailing sprays like this have a tendency hold onto dust. They don't "attract" dust like a magnet, rather it holds onto dust particles. And with how glossy Bead Maker makes paint, well naturally you will see dust accumulation more readily. Also, from what I understand some towels contribute to this more readily, for example a TRC Eagle Edgeless 500 instead of something like an FTW.
So long story short, Bead Maker is a product with a very high user experience score. It looks, feels and smells amazing. But I tend to resist recommending it because people come at with the above "apparent" drawbacks, I've even had some rather rude personal attacks over it. So, use it if you like, I do and really enjoy it.
