Collinite Auto Wax FAQ

1. What’s the difference between the auto waxes; Collinite 845 Insulator Wax, Collinite 476s Super Doublecoat Wax and Collinite 915 Marque D’ Elegance Wax?

All 3 last step waxes serve the same function: to provide a high gloss carnauba shine and lasting protection. All 3 contain copious amounts of wax-both rare Brazilian carnauba and premium synthetic polymers. However, their degree of durability, ease of use, and warmth of shine vary. Think of it this way;

1. Colllinite 476s Super Doublecoat Wax – most durable protection/weather defense. Most elbow grease required during application.

2. Collinite 915 Marque D'Elegance Wax - 2nd most durable and slightly easier than the Collinite 476s to apply/remove. Collinite 915 Marque D'Elegance lends our warmest shine to dark tones like navy and black due to its highest concentration of rare carnauba.

3. Collinite 845 Insulator Wax - easiest of the 3 to apply/remove with slightly less durability than the Collinite Marque D'Elegance.

2. Can Collinite Last Step Products (LSP’s) be used in conjunction with an alternative brand sealant?

Between producing, pouring and shipping, we’ve yet to conduct testing with all the sealants out there (too lengthy to list), so this practice cannot be formally recommended. However, sealant + Collinite LSP layering is a common method among Collinite aficionados. Call us with specific questions or check out reliable online forums with inquiries.

3. Do new and used cars/boats require different waxes?

Don’t lose sleep over the age of the car/boat. Instead, take into account the surface condition. Does it appear like-new, or is there embedded contamination; fading/discoloration, swirls, noticeable weathering? On like-new, contaminant-free surfaces (following a wash), use one of Collinite’s LSP’s (845, 476s or 915) For weathered or contaminated surfaces, (following a wash) first use pre-wax products to restore the luster, clarity, colour etc. Then follow up with a Collinite LSP. *Collinite does NOT currently manufacture pre-wax products for darker toned clear coats.

4. Can Collinite auto waxes be layered?

The durability of Collinite waxes means layering is not always necessary, but it continues to be a common practice among Collinite users who prefer extra-thorough coverage.

5. Do prep products like cleaners, polishes, clays or compounds need to be used before applying one of your last step products (476/915/845)?

Pre-waxing is not always necessary, but many Colliniters find that meticulous prep work improves clarity, wax coverage and bond. If surface requires the removal of swirls, scratches, discoloration/fading, water spots, or other embedded contaminants be sure to pre-wax. However if surface is thoroughly clean and like-new following a wash, apply the wax.

6. Which of your auto waxes provides the best shine? Longest protection?

For darker colours (black or navy blue) Collinite 915 Marque D'Elegance Wax provides the warmest, high gloss carnauba shine.

Longest protection- Collinite 476s Super Doublecoat Wax.

7. Is the Collinite 845 Insulator Wax supposed to be thick/hard like a paste, or thin like a liquid?

The viscosity of the Collinite Insulator Wax is certainly thicker than many liquid versions of a paste wax. Simply put, there is a lot of wax in each bottle which makes it thicker. Also, we added more carnauba to the formula a few years back to prevent product separation, and improve gloss/durability.

The Collinite 845 Insulator Wax now discharges from the bottle more like toothpaste than liquid because its higher concentration of wax. The application, spread and ease of use are the same as in the past. If making the product more liquid-like is desired, we recommend submerging the bottle (capped) in a warm-hot pot of water for 5 minutes. Remove and shake the bottle vigorously with your thumb tightly on the cap for one full minute. The added heat and friction from shaking will warm the bottle’s contents and the creamy liquid consistency will be formed. In the colder months of the year, the thicker Collinite Insulator Wax is now the norm if not altered by the aforementioned method.

8. What kind of spread can I expect from your waxes? In other words, how much of your product will I need for the job I’m doing?

It is essential to remember that all Collinite waxes should be applied in extremely thin layers and in small sections in order to achieve long lasting results. On average, a can of paste wax will cover more area than a liquid-gel wax. However, a liquid-gel’s spread will seem smoother and easier than a paste because it is softer.

9. What are the drying times of your products?

Drying times depend not only on the air temperature but the surface temperature as well.

If the surface is hot to the touch, the wax will require a longer time to dry and will not properly bond to the surface if removed prematurely. Early removal will result in moving the wax around with the cloth or “smearing” the surface. Waxing a hot surface, especially in direct sunlight, is not recommended.

If the surface is cold to the touch, the wax may dry too quickly. Removal may prove be difficult and traces of wax could remain embedded in the surface. This is more commonly known as “streaking”. A cold surface is also not recommended.

The ideal surface temperature is lukewarm to the touch or as close to room temperature as possible. This will allow for the wax to dry at its normal time which is around 1 minute for a cleaner-wax, 2-3 minutes for a liquid-gel wax, and 3-4 minutes for a paste (on average). Of course these times will vary based on wind, humidity, heat exposure and detailing expertise. As soon as the wax has shown a pigment or cloudiness after being applied, this means it is drying or “hazing.” While some professional detailers allow for longer cure times, the hazing phase is a novice’s basic cue for removal.

We recommend waxing at air temperatures between 55 degrees-80 degrees F whenever possible. However, surface temperature takes precedence over air temperature.

10. Which of your products are clear coat safe?

Collinite 476s Super Doublecoat Wax, Collinite 915 Marque D'Elegance Wax and Collinite 845 Insulator Wax are all clear coat safe.

11. What is the shelf life of your products?

Collinite pure carnauba waxes have a long shelf life (sometimes up to 5 years). All products should avoid exposure to frozen temperatures.

12. Are your products safe to use with a machine buffer?

Collinite auto wax products are safe to be used with a variety of machine apparatus. However, we do not recommend using a buffer unless you are already proficient with one; having been trained or used the machine extensively with different products and surfaces. Always refer to machine’s recommendations (pads, speeds etc) when using it with Collinite. Professional results can be easily obtained by using Collinite by hand.