7 Tips for using Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Wax.
Hybrid Ceramic Wax is the latest, hugely popular product from Meguiars. It’s a synthetic spray sealant with sio2 which makes it long lasting. It also delivers a better shine then many spray waxes I have used. And water beading is exceptional.
Although they call it a ceramic product it’s nothing like a ceramic coating. They call it ceramic because it contains the same key ingredient as most ceramic coatings, silicon dioxide or Sio2.
But it’s biggest feature is its ease of use. You simply spray it on after a wash and while your car is still wet. You then rinse off and dry as normal. But if you don’t have access to a water hose then this is might not the product for you.
If you have paint defects such as light swirls or scratches you will get far better results if you use a glaze first.
- Tip 1 : Use a small amount as too much can cause streaking.
- Tip 2 : Wash your car first, ideally by hand.
- Tip 3 : Apply to your car while still wet.
- Tip 4 : Apply it to glass and plastic too.
- Tip 5 : Your initial application method will be different to subsequent applications.
- Tip 6 : Not necessary to clay your car first.
- Tip 7 : Don’t apply to a dirty car.
Benefits of using Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Wax
Every time you touch a black car your scratch it. So black cars need a layer of protection. They need it more than any other color because they show up scratches so easily.
A spray wax is the easiest way to add protection and shine to any car. They bond with the paint and the layer of protection left behind will reduce the number of scratches that are caused by washing and drying.
Another advantage of a spray wax is that they reduce the ability of water to stick to your paint. This is the hydrophobic effect that car owners love to see. In a black car, it means your car won’t look as dirty after driving it on a rainy day.
The hydrophobic effect of Hybrid Ceramic Wax makes your car easier to wash too. If you use a pressure washer like I do to do the initial wash, you’ll find that a lot more dirt comes off. This is because the dirt can’t stick as well.
No buffing is needed with Hybrid Ceramic Wax. This is a big deal to black car owners because buffing can cause your car paint to get scratched and to lose it’s shine. Any contamination left behind after washing such as tar or brake dust can become dislodged and rub along your paint causing scratching. Paste waxes require buffing and some require quite a lot of elbow grease, so it’s recommended to use a clay bar and to use products such as de-iron spray on your car before application those products. Read below for instructions on how to apply Hybrid Ceramic Wax because it has a totally different application method.
Each time it’s applied it adds another layer of protection. So the first time you apply it you might think it’s not bad looking but it will actually get better with each application.
Sunlight can cause paint to fade and lose its shine over time. Lucky Hybrid Ceramic Wax also contains built-in UV protection.
Solving the Hybrid Ceramic Wax streaking issue.
Many users of Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Wax have complained that it left an uneven finish on their paint. It can cause streaking on a car if you’re not careful. But don’t worry, streaking can be fixed by wiping down with a damp microfibre or rinsing your car again. It could also be corrected with a quick detailer spray.
What Causes Streaking?
- Applying too much product.
- Letting the product dry.
- Applying it to a dry surface.
- Applying it to a hot surface.
- Applying in direct sunlight.
- Applying when the air temperature is too low.
- High humidity.
How to apply Hybrid Ceramic Wax to a Black Car.
There are two ways to apply this product and it’s important to understand these before you begin.
Initial Application Method
For your first use of this product, it’s advised to put down a base layer. This is a simple process.
- Park in the shade and let your car cool.
- Wash your car as normal.
- Rinse off all soap residue.
- Apply two or three light sprays to each wet panel.
- Work the product in to the panel with a microfibre towel.
- Dry the panel with another clean microfibre towel.
- Move to the next panel
You don’t need to cover the entire car in product. Just a couple of sprays in each panel and then spread it out with a microfibre towel. The towel will get damp and this will help to spread the product. Wipe away the residue without waiting for it to dry.
This initial application will give you your foundation layer. All subsequent application of the product will bond the this initial layer.
Subsequent Applications
The first time you wash your car after your initial application you can apply Hybrid Ceramic Wax again. But now it’s easier. While your car is wet after a full wash, mist on the product. Now wash it off with a strong stream of water. I used my pressure washer but Megs say you don’t need one if you don’t have one. Just use a hose with a narrow spray head.
How to apply after initial application.
- Wash wheels with wheel cleaner spray.
- Wash tires with a degreaser.
- Foam wash and pressure wash car.
- Wash car using the multi mitt method.
- Rinse off.
- Spray two sprays of hybrid ceramic wax on each panel.
- Wash off with pressure washer.
- Dry with large microfibre towel.
Do I need to clay my car first?
No, but it helps. As mentioned above, you don’t need to clay your car before using Hybrid Ceramic Wax as you should with a normal paste wax or before polishing.
If your car feels rough to the touch you can remove these bonded contaminants using a clay product. These is the stuff that’s stuck on really hard like tree sap and road tar and that wasn’t removed by washing.
It might be a good idea to give your car a quick once over using a clay mitt or clay glove. These will remove some of the bonded contaminants and they are much quicker to use than the traditional clay bar. They also scratch your paint less. Especially if you apply them with a detailer spray which is something all black car owners should have anyway.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Ceramic Wax.
- It won’t cover up deep scratches.
- A hose is recommended for application.
- Applying too much can cause streaking effect.
Will it work on older cars with scratches or faded paint?
If you have paint defects such as light swirls or scratches you’ll get far better results if you compound and polish your car first.
What if you don’t have access to a hose.
Wash your car with a waterless wash. These usually have a built wax but if you want you can apply a normal spray wax like Meguiars Ultimate Quik Wax.
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