All sorts of questions about Collinite waxes...

simplybao

New member
I have a bunch of questions about Collinite that I'm hoping you can help me with.



I have 2 cans of Collinite wax. 885 that Autogeek sells and 476s that I got from Harbor Freight.



I previously thought that the 2 products were the same thing, only marketed a little differently and in different cans. However, the 885 smells like raid bug spray and the 476s smells almost fruity.



Are they different? And if so, which one is better?



My next question is what should I be applying them with? I've only used the 885 and haven't used the 476 yet. I'm using foam applicator pads. I also have some MF covered pads as well. Does it make any difference?



Drying time questions. The can says to not let the product dry. But I read elsewhere that you need to let the wax set up long enough to make it more effective (test it by doing the swipe test). But then I've also read that you don't want to let Collinite dry too long or it'll be like trying to remove concrete. Does the swipe test apply to Collinite waxes as well?



The way I've been doing it is that I apply it to an entire panel, i.e. an entire door. I usually wait around 30 sec. after I've completed the door and then wipe it off. It comes off easy (I apply it in thin layers). Am I waiting long enough?



By the way, I have put on 2 coats of the 885 on my Subaru Outback and WOW is all I can say. I've never used a wax that sheets water off the car like this stuff. It beads like crazy. I'm duly impressed with it's water shedding capabilities so far.
 
Several people have contacted Collinite directly, asking the differences between 476 and 885. IIRC, Collinite responded that there is no difference. But if there is a difference in smell, it kinda makes you wonder...



I've never used the 885, so I can't speak to that, but I love 476S. By itself, it looks pretty good, but over the top of a good glaze, it looks *very* good.



Pretty much whatever applicator you have on hand will work. Try dampening it a bit. It makes 476 go on much more evenly, and makes it easier to apply a T H I N coat. It's hard to stress enough how important T H I N is with 476. It can be a huge PITA to remove the residue if you get it too thick.



As for drying, some very notable Autopians do it about like you do... not waiting til it's completely dry before removing the residue. Personally, I let it set up til it turns to dust on the finger swipe test. The amount of time that takes depends on the room temperature, but a car is usually ready for removal if I apply the wax to the entire car, then start removing it.
 
I can't really add anything to what SuperBee364 posted.



Interesting that the two waxes seem different :think: I wonder if they've changed/added a fragrance to 476S, my pre-VOC stuff leans towards the bug-spray scent.
 
SuperBee364 said:
As for drying, some very notable Autopians do it about like you do... not waiting til it's completely dry before removing the residue. Personally, I let it set up til it turns to dust on the finger swipe test. The amount of time that takes depends on the room temperature, but a car is usually ready for removal if I apply the wax to the entire car, then start removing it.





Cool, I'm going to try to leave the 885 on there a bit longer and see what happens. I usually don't use a QD when applying it. I keep a spray bottle handle and keep the pad moist when applying.



I've used the wax 4 times now and I've barely used any product. The can looks like I've barely even touched it. I think I'll have the can of 885 for years. I may try the 476 over the 885 and see what happens.
 
Hello, everyone. New here.



Does this advice go for Collinite 845 as well? Any special instructions as to drying time? Not sure which Collinite I'm going to pick up, but I can get 845 locally.
 
gle_helle- Welcome to Autopia!



IME the 845 can be funny...sometimes I don't get much durability with just one application/coat. Doing multiple applications/coats seems to greatly increase the durability (as does topping it with the 476S). I dunno if it's necessary, but I wait about a day or so between coats.



The special instructions for 845 are:



Shake it up until it's as thin as milk. There will probably be a plug of solid product in the neck of the bottle; shove it down into the rest of it and shake some more. You might need to run hot water over the bottle to get it to thin out properly, but do whatever it takes to get it to that milk-like consistency.



Apply it *THIN*, so thin it's a bit hard to see it on the paint. No real way to overstate this, I'd rather risk insufficient application (just do another to make sure if you're concerned) than risk getting it on too thick.



I even use 845 on black plastic trim, works great for me.
 
The new 845 post voc wax doesn't seem to settle out like the old stuff, at least from what I've been reading. And I've been through two bottle of the stuff already. Yes I apply generously, and generally don't have to much trouble removing it but I usually rewax before it wears off.
 
qwertydude said:
The new 845 post voc wax doesn't seem to settle out like the old stuff...



I have pre/post-VOC versions and I never noticed any difference like that between them, not that it really matters now that the old version is pretty much history...
 
My experience is limited to 845. I love the wax and its durability. As others have said, shake vigorously and apply it THIN. It sets up well on the paint and I find it rather easy to remove.
 
Many people prefer the look of 915. Collinite says 915's durability is between 476 and 845. I have some 915 on order to try.
 
Back
Top