[dschribs]

I've been detailing cars on the side for years. A true show car doesn't really need the protection that carnauba wax affords. Having said that, there are lots of carnauba waxes that really add depth and wetness to the paint. Called beauty waxes in the detailing field, they are more or less for looks rather than durability and protection. Most are pretty pricey. Close to $100 for what I use (Pinnacle Souverän). But a jar will last for quite sometime.

Keep in mind that protection for a vehicle's paint can be had using a Carnauba wax OR a synthetic (man made) paint sealant. Zaino makes a polymer/synthetic paint sealant - not a true carnauba wax. Some products in the Zaino line can be tricky to use and a little finicky at times. Sealants tend to give a brighter more reflective (kind of plasticy in my opinion) look. Carnauba's give more depth and a warm wet glow. It depnds on the look a person likes. For me, I prefer to use a sealant on lighter colors such as silver or white. For darker colors (reds, blacks) it's hard to beat the look that a carnauba wax provides.

Just to throw something else into the mix, one can also use a glaze prior to a wax or paint sealant - or simply use it on it's own. A glaze will "fill in" light swirl marks and can help add to the finished look. Lots of guys just use a glaze the morning of a show. Glazes give a nice wet look, add oils to the paint but they tend to evaporate pretty quickly. Especially in the sun. Hence the need to apply glaze prior to every show.

Anyway, eyedoc2 - to keep it as simple as possible - here's what I would do given the color of your car. Meguiar's NXT (NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0 is the full name) is a popular polymer paint sealant, and a pretty good one at that. Even lots of full time pro detailers have good things to say about it. And the nice thing is, it's available over the counter (Pepboys, Target). Most of the products I use are only available on line - which can be a pain. I'd get yourself some NXT and SOME GOOD QUALITY MICROFIBER TOWELS (without a doubt the number one thing you can do to keep your paint looking swirl free). Give your car two VERY LIGHT coats of NXT 24 hours apart. Get a good quick detailer (Meg's Final Inspection is fine) to use when the car is just SLIGHTLY dusty and you should be good to go.

[sleepsinshed]

My car was painted in 1992 and it's never been waxed. Granted it lives mostly in the garage and has only been caught in the rain once, but the paint looks as good now as it did then. Being a light color might have something to do with it. There are so many different waxes, and opinions about which is best, that it makes my head spin so I just don't bother.

[dschribs]

Originally Posted by sleepsinshed

There are so many different waxes and opinions about which is best

Vert true. I've always said waxes/sealants are like stereos. What sounds/looks good to one person - might not to another. It's all about a person's opinion.