I did some informal testing on the painted surfaces of our coach a few years back. Used a different product on each quarter of the coach I cleaned, to see how easy the application was, and how long it lasted.
As background, I do a yearly wash with Dawn to strip off all old waxes and clean off grime to allow a yearly good bonding surface for protection application. (I did this before this test.). While traveling, I use a combo of products based upon the level of dirt and road grime on a surface. Griots Waterless Spray Cleaner on the loser surface where tires can toss up light dirt. And either McQuires or Mothers (Depending on what is the lower price at that time.) Detail Cleaner or Maintenance Spray, whatever the buzzwords are for that specific manufacturer. On the higher up above the basement doors paint.
Note that this is painted with clear coat applications, our previous Bounder Gel Coat I used different products...
OK for the test:
1) Zaino products (My go to product for decades on our cars.). The Z2 product. On, let set, and pretty easy off. (We year coach has micro checking, so as I'm going over the area to remove the Z2, I keep a separate cloth and apply the Z-CS product too, real easy spray, wipe and done... No need to come back and wipe it off too. This product has good UV protection, which helps on the Micro Checking ongoing damage. I'll also share that Z-CS is good on glass and windows, and I nick named it RainX on Steroids.)
2) McQuires Ultimate Wax. On, dry, Off!
3) Eagle One's Nano Spray. Not a wax. Spray on and wipe on, and then immediately follow with a clean rag. Very easy application and removal.
4) 3M Ultra Performance Paste Wax. Longest to apply, waiting for full dry, and while not real hard to remove, not as easy as the other products.
I'd say as far as ease of application:
1) Eagle One's Nano Spray (Note, McQuiers also has a Nano now, as well as Mother's too I believe.)
2) Tie between Zaino's and McQuires Ultimate Wax. Even with the quick wipe at the end of the added Z-CS, I found the the Ultimate Wax removal just a tad longer then the Zaino's Z-2 (Which by the way, is not a wax either.)
3) 3M Ultra Performance Paste Wax. Not surprising, as it is more conventional. And maybe this took an additional 10-15 mins to remove then the McQuires Ultimate Wax. I also used more micro fibers to remove this product too.
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So, how did they hold up?
1) 3M Ultra Performance Paste Wax lasted the longest. Even cleaning it say once every two-three weeks with one of the maintenance mists mentioned above, not designed to work with this specific product, it seemed to adhere and protect the longest.
2) Zaino application. I did use their maintenance mist for cleaning. And I also did about every two months add another coat of Z-CS. So I feel this helped it's longevity.
3) Another tie between the Eagle One Nano and then the McQuires Ultimate Wax. I will note that also about every two months, after cleaning the area with one of the maintenance quick detailers, that I'd also add another Eagle One Nano wipe on/off again too. (So easy to do.)
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So what do a use now? Well I found that the Eagle One Nano (And now other products based upon what is on sell at the time I'm shopping.) is so easy to wipe on/off all at one time - that it is what I'm using. Mostly on the sides and back of our 40' coach. When I get up on usually a borrowed ladder while traveling to do the front cap. I use the 3M Ultimate Performance Wax. Followed with a Z-CS coating. (I use Magic Erasers to help remove the bugs. Then go over the cap with a bit stronger cleaner like Simple Green or even Invisible Glass. While this is not as good as Dawn in getting down to a clean surface, it does allow for good bonding of the 3M.)
I do have other specialty products for severe work of say bird droppings that have been on too long. And will use these combo polish/cleaners in isolated areas. Then clean with Simple Green or Invisible Glass, before applying usually the Nano products.
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All that being said. I'll share that my BIL who has a painted boat, is just now trying Mequiars Boathing product. I see another test coming, as he said it went on/off as easy as his normal Liquid Gold (Think that is what he used.) product. So do a small section of the coach with it, probably next to he 3M, next time a wash the coach with Dawn.
http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/pr...ine-wax-paste/
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Last few comments. Other then the yearly full wash and cleaning, I really do not become a slave to our coach. Sure I maintain mechanicals as needed, and if in a location for a period of time will slowly work my way around the coach cleaning as mentioned above. But I really do not get out at the end of each days drive and detail the coach. (Seem to see this, and sure the coaches look great. But seems like some owners take an hour each stop to clean
!). I know our coach will get dirty traveling the interstates and highways. I keep it protected. And will do periodic good cleanings, short of washing with Dawn, along the way. But other then cleaning the windshields and two front side windows each day before traveling, I'm not too anal about it. The coach is to be used, and we do so...
Best to all, travel safe, have fun,
Smitty
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