Meguiar’s is one of the best-known car care companies around, and it knows a thing or two about detailing. Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax is the firm’s top-tier wax, but it does come at a price. So does the extra cost equal extra performance? That’s what I’m here to find out.
How I tested Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax
Step one was to clay and polish my test panel to ensure the surface was perfectly prepared. I followed up with CarPro Eraser to remove any polishing oils so that the wax could adhere to the paint without any issues. Next, I used my gloss meter to take an average gloss reading from the test section. Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax was then applied according to the instructions and allowed to cure. I then buffed it off, before taking new gloss readings and observing water behaviour. The review was conducted as part of a group test alongside other well-regarded waxes. Check out our Best Car Wax article to find out which wax I think is the best on the market.
What Meguiar’s says
This is the company’s top-tier wax, so you’d expect it to be good, and Meguiar’s certainly makes it sound very impressive. According to the website, Ultimate Paste Wax is a premium paint protectant with a synthetic wax blend for maximum performance. It features an improved formula that delivers even better durability than before. Meguiar’s proprietary Hydrophobic Polymer Technology increases surface tension for relentless water-beading action. Meguiar’s say this advanced formula also delivers deep, dark reflections, incredible gloss and shine while leaving a slick finish. Finally, Meguiar’s say that it goes on butter smooth and comes off just as nice, even in direct sunlight. Going into the test, I have very high expectations, and expect this wax to be lovely to work with, and to really last, too.
What it’s like to use Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax
Meguiar’s metal tin makes this wax feel more upmarket. I like that the lid doubles as storage for the included applicator, and you get a microfibre cloth, too. As far as first impressions go, Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax is off to a great start. Meguiar’s was not telling fibs when it said this wax goes on and comes off nicely. Ultimate Paste Wax is lovely to apply, and buffs off with very little effort, making it a pleasure to work with. The gloss meter revealed a noticeable increase in gloss, and Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax delivered the most gloss out of the paste waxes I have tested. Its water behaviour after application was also good – not the best, but it sheeted the water away nicely.
Gloss meter readings and verdict
- Gloss before: 86.7
- Gloss after: 88.2
- Gloss change: +1.5
I like Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax a lot. It feels upmarket, it’s very nice to work with, and delivers impressive gloss and good water behaviour, too. It’s durable as well, and after 12 weeks on the panel, it was still clearly there, protecting the paint and clearing away water. The fact you can apply it in direct sunlight is a big bonus. About the only criticism I have is the price, and this is definitely more of a treat purchase than something like Bilt Hamber’s wax. But it’s a very nice wax that you will enjoy using, and which will last, so it’s a great choice.
RRP: £35.90, buy now / $21.99, buy now.
Now you’ve found yourself a great wax, there’s no excuse as to why your car shouldn’t be shining at one of our shows. Check out the links below for more information on Fast Car Entertainment events.
