[carsly]

So it's been 5-6 months since I went against my natural tendency to get a couple of nice coats of carnuba-based wax on a 2015 Macan S I picked up this past spring. Figured I'd give the new Turtle Wax Ceramic spray a shot thinking I would just wax it later in case it was a sham.

The application process couldn't have been easier, one to two sprays per panel, wipe on/off with clean microfiber cloth - check. As it wasn't the painful labor of prepping and waxing I didn't think much would happen.

Immediate results were favorable, nice fine beads of water droplets all over the paint when it rains. But could it last? It couldn't, right? Heck, it was under $15 and I didn't even use a half-bottle!

Six months later still nice, fine, beads of water droplets. Even if it wore off completely by now and I had to do it twice a year I'd still go ahead as it's a lot less work for a similar result. You can still feel the ceramic shell on the paint surface so it seems to be holding up just fine so far.

If it ends up being a once-a-year item, like wiper blades or air filters, I'd be quite happy to continue down the path with it over a traditional, high quality, wax.

No, I was not compensated by Turtle Wax (though they are welcome to Venmo me) and I rarely write up reviews like this. Just wanted to share the knowledge since as these cars get older paying for a full PPF and/or professional ceramic coating becomes cost prohibitive relative to the value of the Macans. So for other DIY folks like myself with a used model, give it a shot and share your results. Open to trying other options as well so drop in some recommendations!

 

[SEAMacanTurbo]

Did you by chance use this on your wheels? When I bought my 2018 Macan new I had a professional detailer apply CQuartz to the paint, wheels and brake calipers. I’ve been contemplating having this re-done next Spring after 3 years but might consider a less expensive DYI approach. I’m really happy with the CQuartz but I believe it’s about $1500 for the work I had done and you’re right, the value over time to invest into maintaining the finish must be considered.

 

[carsly]

I did not try the wheels, good idea!

 

[alexcus3man]

Thanks for the post. I was just recently considering giving the ceramic spray a try for my white 2015 S. You sold me on giving it a try!

 

[Masscan]

Did you clay-bar your Macan first before applying?

 

[Shark]

I have tried it too based on the favorable reviews on Amazon (not that Amazon reviews are necessarily the final word on a subject). Certainly easy to apply, but yet can't comment on longevity as it's only been several weeks. But good to hear of your experience!

 

[carsly]

Did you clay-bar your Macan first before applying?

I was going to clay bar it first, but then figured since it probably wouldn't last all that long I'd clay bar it next time before I waxed it.

Knowing what I know now in terms of durability, I would definitely clay bar it first to get the cleanest surface finish before applying the ceramic coating.

 

[carsly]

I have tried it too based on the favorable reviews on Amazon (not that Amazon reviews are necessarily the final word on a subject). Certainly easy to apply, but yet can't comment on longevity as it's only been several weeks. But good to hear of your experience!

I also rolled the (cheap) dice based on Amazon reviews - which are always a little suspect to being 'influenced'. That's why I thought I'd share my experience here. So far, my experience has been very much in line with the reviews, which isn't always the case.

 

[SportDesign]

I started using this stuff too about 6 months ago. Great product, leaves an incredible shine with minimal amount of work. Any overspray does not turn white on black trim parts. Since it goes on so fast with minimal elbow grease, if you can do a double coat and it looks even better. Doesn't last quite as long as a full carnuba wax, but then again you're spending 98% less time and energy. I get about 1-2 months or so on one application, holds up to multiple washings. Before this ceramic product I had used a McGuire's quik spray wax, but this one is better has way more ceramic in the formula. Really a revolutionary product.

 

[[email protected]]

What is the exact product you used? There are several Turtle Wax "Ceramic" products on Amazon.

 

[carsly]

What is the exact product you used? There are several Turtle Wax "Ceramic" products on Amazon.

I still haven't been able to figure out the differences. I went with the spray coating, Amazon link

I've got a bottle of the ceramic wax I just received that I was going to try to apply on top, waiting on a good day.

 

[[email protected]]

Thank you. I do plan on a ceramic coat on my new GTS, but they can't get to me for a couple of weeks. I assume this would foul up the process, right?

 

[carsly]

I wouldn't recommend adding a ceramic coating before taking it into a detailer to have them add a coating as it will/should be a real pain to strip off. For a couple of weeks, a spray-on wax/quick detailer might be a better choice since it washes off pretty readily with a little Dawn and water.

 

[SportDesign]

I use the Ceramic Spray Coating one, the same one in the Amazon link above. Especially after I hand wash, get it dry it takes about 5 minutes to spray and wipe off. Can go back later on and give it a little buff after all dried. Almost feels like you're cheating somehow given how much a pain carnuba is to work with.

 

[TheRas900]

Just ordered a bottle, thanks for the recommendation.

 

[ghostcow]

I have read great things about this product, I have a bottle in the garage, but...I just need to wash/clay the car before I try it out. Sigh, I have had it for like 3 months, I sometimes wish I were just a little more OCD.

 

[bryendem]

Interesting product. I will give it a try also.

 

[TXRed]

I will attest to these “types” of products as well. I’m using the Griots version.... and just like OP, it’s a breeze to use/apply compared to traditional waxes. I still prefer the finish of a nice carnuba (that soft wet gloss); but for the ease of application and result? These products are absolutely amazing. Even if I have to apply every three months, it’s still worth the switch IMO.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[joyride]

I'm curious if anyone has used this and the Griots 3-in 1 Ceramic coating and had thoughts on how both products compare

 

[JoeInBucks]

I watched a lot of YouTube comparisons of Turtle Wax Hybrid solutions ceramic polish and wax with the Griots 3 in 1 ceramic. Both seem to be in the category for non professional detailers. Tried the Turtle wax on a 2003 black Audi TT. A test area with some minor scruffs came out really well. The more you rub the better it does. A very mild abrasive polish. On the test spot i wiped it down with some alcohol to remove any wax reside before applying. When I did the whole care with it I did not wipe the entire care with alcohol to remove any wax residue. Seems the remaining wax residue made it somewhat difficult for the TW to set up or flash as they say. Seemed like a soft waxy film remained.