Starting a new business selling car wax

[Vic Cardenas]

^That was some beading from my product 3 weeks after application. I applied it on an unprepped, very swirl marked surface. The car has been getting quite a few contaminants on it lately for testing and I have not washed it since then either. I'd say the wax is holding up pretty good... would you?

Also, I'm figuring out my product labeling. I think I picked what I really like and will use but the graphic artist did warn me they are expensive labels. I'm not sure I can settle for less though. It's a pretty durable label with a matte (more like satin) finish. That's not my label artwork, just a sample, FYI.

[kotetu]

Nice!

[Vic Cardenas]

Thank you! Not much to update, just been dealing with all the boring side of starting a business. Like waiting on the final step for my business licensing. Waiting on my graphic artist. Also been dealing with finding that perfect cardboard box to ship it in. Exciting! :-/

[smokinfastlegend]

Very cool to see you taking on this adventure Vic. Waxes are a very large market, but the specialty waxes are definitely in a game of their own.

Limonene i know is a common tar remover (think goo gone and stoners tarminator) but didnt think it was a solvent in wax. Hmmm.

Ill be honest though, I have not used a wax in well over a year, instead coatings have become quite popular. Something you might want to look into creating.

[Vic Cardenas]

Thanks Joey and thanks for the suggestion. That is in the plans is to make a liquid sealant product in the future. My wax I am about to release is a hybrid synthetic/carnauba wax utilizing silicone polymers to enhance the durability and spreadability. The jury is still out on how long it will last on a car but I am approaching 3 months on one panel that has been sitting outside all winter and it still beads! I am currently going to advertise that the wax lasts 3-4 months under normal conditions but I may change that if it lasts even longer like it looks like it may. I am going to market it as a "hybrid" carnauba wax because it really acts and spreads and smells like a carnauba and the synthetic ingredients are very minimal (and are more "green"). And like I said, the jury is still out on how long it will last on a panel. The way sealants are marketed, they say they last 6 months usually and most are in a liquid state and usually have not too many natural ingredients. I feel I should market my first product as a carnauba, albeit "hybird". But for sure, I will be releasing a whole line of products once I figure out how to make them. Which is only a matter of time (and money). You being a pro detailer, I really value your input! Thanks!

[Vic Cardenas]

Not too much to update as far as the business is concerned. I'm still waiting on my graphics to be designed, it's been a slow process. Then, I'll be getting labels printed and hopefully that will be my final step, then I can start selling. Officially, I am in business though. I have all my business licensing in order. Only took a month to get that. :dunno:

Thanks to Chrispy and his wonderful advice, I was able to polish out some scratches on the RL. I'm new to machine polishing and he was super helpful getting me on the right track to correct my paint. It's been a long process correcting the paint on the RL but it's coming along alright. Just did a full correction on the passenger side doors and reapplied my wax. It's like a mirror now!

[Chrispy]

That looks really good Vic! Glad I could help. Anytime you need to chat, let me know and we can compare notes.

I didnt get a chance to detail my daily this last weekend like I had hoped. I'll def be doing it this week sometime though. Im anxious to give your wax a try!

[Vic Cardenas]

Thanks man! For sure, we'll be talking. I'm getting really immersed in the detailing world, trying to know what the pros know to make my business and future products better.

One question. Do you use a work light while you detail? I'm thinking about picking this one up http://www.amazon.com/Snap-on-Work-Light/. Just wondering if you have any other recommendations? At $50 that one's a little pricey but it seems like it's quality and puts out a ton of light and the right kind of light to see imperfections. It just seems that anything in the $30-40 range only puts out 1/10th of the light that thing does and are pieces of junk. Not sure if there is anything comparable to that Snap-On one that's a little cheaper or should I just buy that one? I want multiple LED's because that seems best to me to see swirls.

[Chrispy]

Thats a legit deal on that light. I do use work lights, all of mine are led as well. I would go with that snap on light, thats a good deal on that light. I have one similar that I paid 3 times as much for.

[Vic Cardenas]

Alrighty then. It's a done deal.