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Griot’s 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax Review

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by War Machine, Jun 15, 2020.

  1. Jun 15, 2020 at 5:53 AM
    #1
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    I’ve mentioned and recommended this product several times, but haven’t dedicated a thread to it yet. After washing my daughter’s Tundra yesterday, I feel like it’s time to share my thoughts on what I feel is an outstanding product.

    *Note: I do want to make a correction to a couple of comments I’ve made: I’d thought that I put it on her Tundra in mid-February. I went back to verify the date, and it was actually mid-March. I put it on the Sequoia in February. While the Sequoia is still beading very well, I did put some wax on top of it since then. Since nothing else has been added to the Tundra, I’ll use it as the subject of the review.

    Product: Griot’s 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax:

    https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/ceramic+3in1+wax.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

    Price is $19.99 for a 22oz bottle, so very reasonable. I bought mine at Auotozone, but it is available online. With Autogeek running sales regularly, it can be had for at least 25% less. It’s been on the market around six months or so.

    Over the last half of 2019, most major brands started coming out with “hybrid ceramic” type products. “Ceramic” has become the new buzzword for the industry over the last 6-12 months. Seems like everyone is pushing these types of products. I’ve tried maybe a half dozen of them. My results have ranged from “horrible” to “decent for the price”. None of them really performed as well as traditional sealants like Reload or Powerlock.

    A few notes:

    1) Per Griot’s website, this product is safe and works great for pretty much all surfaces. (Paint, plastic, ppf, wheels, chrome, glass, etc.).

    2) Griot’s claims that it also works great for marine applications, including those used in saltwater.

    3) Made in USA

    4) Recommended as a stand-alone product. Can be used with other sealants / waxes, but it will affect durability.

    5) Safe for ceramic coating maintenance.

    6) I looked for SIO2 quantity, but as yet have not found it. (I will request that from Griots and follow up.)

    7) Two coats are recommended, 12-24 hours apart. Can then be used as a drying aid. (I did not know this until doing research for the review. I only applied one coat, and have not used it as a drying aid, so observations are based on that.)


    On to my thoughts:

    Applied to our Sequoia mid-February. It’s holding up great, but I did add another wax a month or so later. While I don’t think the wax improved durability by much, I don’t want to use it for this review.

    I applied it to my daughter’s 2011 Radiant Red Tundra mid-March. No other sealants or waxes have been applied since, only the original single coat of Griot’s 3-in-1.

    I was very impressed with the product in both vehicles. Very easy to use, and minimal product is required. A little goes a very long way. This is what is left in my bottle after one coat each on the Sequoia, the Tundra, and a Dodge Charger I did later. I also did a few test panels on other vehicles once the weather warmed up to see how it handles heat:

    E73B8CAD-5EE6-46A3-99FF-2A48FA6195FC.jpg

    About 50% remaining, so had I done the two recommended coats, I’d have gotten three vehicles (two of them very large) from a bottle.

    Application was extremely easy. Spray on, spread it, flip the towel and wipe off. On my applications in Feb-March, I saw no streaking. On panels done in hotter weather, streaking was more prevalent.

    It left a very nice finish. Added some gloss to the Blizzard Pearl Sequoia, not a ton. It really did seem to make the red Tundra pop more, so it does add more gloss than I originally thought. White just doesn’t show it well, which is why I added wax later. It looks great in my opinion.

    I failed to get pics at the time, but this was a couple of weeks after application:

    B4F95907-1E90-4D24-A205-13F4EB46DD56.jpg

    9E46C6CA-DC14-4049-A035-DD098F95201C.jpg

    ECFF00D0-EEC4-4D31-8B79-48F5A875DB58.jpg

    So, here’s where I started to become even more impressed with the product. Over the next couple of months, we got a ton of rain. Since schools were shut down, my daughter got a job, so she was gone most days I did my washing.
    Hers got washed the least during this period. Maybe a couple of quick rinse offs. Despite that, it never needed it nearly as badly as mine or my other daughter’s Honda. My wife’s Sequoia stayed pretty clean also, but working from home she wasn’t on the roads much.

    This stuff seems to have some really good “self cleaning” properties. She actually got home one day when I was finishing my truck. Just to see, I just sprayed hers with water. Most of the crud just fell right off. Not to say it could be washed with just a spray of water, but I could tell nothing was sticking.

    Yesterday I did a good wash on it. Probably the first really good one since the original application of the product, around three months ago. Beading and water runoff were still extremely strong on all surfaces:

    645DEB70-1B99-409D-8436-8502FE1CC077.jpg

    CB69D519-2561-4DA0-8309-BC61BFECA9EC.jpg

    BA72F34B-8B76-406A-A03F-43892308E4C0.jpg

    In my experience, this is great after three months on a daily driver with no touch up of any kind. To be 100% objective, the infrequent washes may have extended durability, but I’m confident that it wasn’t a major factor. This truck still got washed probably as much as most do, just not as much as I usually do.

    Pics after drying. Still looks fantastic:

    B3DBD20D-BEED-4E6E-920F-8C33866982FD.jpg

    183BA172-43F3-4224-928C-AAD2ACD863DF.jpg

    4C42CB80-F427-4CA9-A9BC-72673C4A2D5E.jpg

    69C47437-C50F-4076-BB35-2262F6304B1E.jpg

    Final thoughts:

    I am very impressed with Griot’s 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax. Very good price, very easy application, great finish, great durability so far. Three months and no noticeable degradation. (Four months on the Sequoia if you don’t take the wax into account.) I will likely be buying a gallon soon and making this a go to product.

    Gallon: $85.00 before any discounts. Equals almost 6 of the $20.00 bottles.

    The only con I can give is that it does not do well in hotter temps. I experienced no streaking in moderate weather, but definitely an issue when it’s hot.

    Big thumbs up for this product. I had great results,, especially considering I only did one coat instead of the recommended two.

    Thank you for reading!
     
    coldcanuk, CGP, BIOHZRD and 32 others like this.
  2. Jun 15, 2020 at 5:56 AM
    #2
    RollTide82

    RollTide82 New Member

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    I'll pick up some after I run out of my beadmaker....
     
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  3. Jun 15, 2020 at 6:24 AM
    #3
    Squeaky

    Squeaky New Member

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    Great review, thanks WM. So, it sounds like the longevity is much greater than beadmaker. Is the gloss comparable?
     
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  4. Jun 15, 2020 at 6:38 AM
    #4
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    I need to try it on my black truck to really see, but I don’t think so. I’d say it’s on par or better than other sealants in gloss and slickness, but Beadmaker is in its own category as far as that goes.

    Beadmaker isn’t going to last this long though, and the amount you have to use makes it more expensive in the long run.
     
  5. Jun 15, 2020 at 7:20 AM
    #5
    Newm

    Newm New Member

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    Nice write up. Almost out of Beadmaker so I will give it a shot next time I am ordering supplies.
     
    War Machine[OP] likes this.
  6. Jun 15, 2020 at 7:26 AM
    #6
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    So probably not a good idea for me in AZ this time of year? Or if I apply it in the shade/garage and get the panels close to normal ambient, do you think it'll be ok? It's going to be a while before we see temps below 100 here, but I'd like to try this out.
     
  7. Jun 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM
    #7
    SandyTRD

    SandyTRD New Member

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    I got some based on your comments and did a panel comparison with Adams CS3. I like the griots better for shine and slickness. It’s almost as slick as beadmaker but Way more durable. Applied in shade at about 90 degrees and felt it was very lenient on technique.
     
  8. Jun 15, 2020 at 7:52 AM
    #8
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    It will be fine in your garage, early in the morning, etc. Really the same with just about any sealant or wax. I only pointed it out because it’s something to be careful with. It leaves a “harder” (for lack of a better word) finish than sealants normally do, so not as easy to correct streaks as say Reload or Beadmaker.
    The site says to apply more to get streaks out. It does do the trick, but takes more work than I’m used to. When I had it happen it was probably around 6-7 in the evening, late May, so nowhere near the temps you experience in AZ or TX during the daytime.
     
  9. Jun 15, 2020 at 7:59 AM
    #9
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    Probably high 80’s when I had streaks occurring, but the vehicles hadn’t been in the shade. The panels were likely still hot from being in the sun all day.

    I want to point out that I’m not saying it’s a huge issue. Just something to keep in mind. Someone else here had used it and had a lot of streaking, but thought the heat was the factor. Pretty much anything is going to streak if it’s hot.

    Per the manufacturer, 70 is the ideal temperature, but it can be done between 50-85 degrees.
     
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  10. Jun 15, 2020 at 2:59 PM
    #10
    Tundy19

    Tundy19 New Member

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    NOW someone does a review... :rofl: I guess I should have listened to the instructions as I only did one coat, and then I followed up with the spray wax this weekend...

    I recently (Memorial weekend) used this on my black tundra with similar results (also did mild paint correction AND applied this over Griots finishing sealant). I only applied 1 coat and it decided to rain the day after :annoyed: so I'm not sure if that had any effect on cure time... I also noticed it was harder to apply the warmer it got outside. I was in the shade, but it was a bit harder to apply as it warmed up... Here is the outcome the afternoon after it was applied (pics don't do her any justice...):

    Tundra1.jpg

    Tundra2.jpg

    Like I said, it rained the following day but didn't get any pics of the beading. Although, I felt like I was looking for "tighter" beads, its still had some good beading properties.

    I finally got around to washing it this weekend (mostly road grime from a dump run in the rain the day before). Road grime seems to stick to anything so I can't comment on the "self cleaning" properties of that, but seemed to wash the dust and pollen off in the rain so thats a plus!

    After a wash, I used Griots spray wax as a drying aid and thought another layer wouldn't hurt... Hopefully not the case...

    However, this will probably be my goto now that they say you can use it as a drying aid... I might have to try that next time...

    But, gets a thumbs up in my book too!!

    Thank you for the great review!! :thumbsup:
     
  11. Jun 16, 2020 at 7:56 PM
    #11
    DJFaninTN

    DJFaninTN New Member

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    I agree it's a great product!!!

    Less is more.
     
  12. Jun 16, 2020 at 8:15 PM
    #12
    ToyoMafia

    ToyoMafia SSEM #15-3MW-RGBA#?-@toyomafiaworld Vendor

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    Solid review. I have a new black raptor to do in a few weeks. He does not want anything complicated and he wants to be able to do himself after I take care of the detail. This is what I’m gonna use.
     
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  13. Jun 17, 2020 at 4:45 AM
    #13
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    This is likely to become my go to recommendation for most situations. The price vs performance is pretty tough to beat.
     
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  14. Jun 17, 2020 at 6:28 AM
    #14
    Prostar 190

    Prostar 190 SSEM #9 I would rather be water skiing

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    I'm going to give your review a try. But I have to say you really got me liking Beadmaker.
     
  15. Jun 17, 2020 at 6:52 AM
    #15
    Kung

    Kung Dead sexy

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    Thanks for this! I've been contemplating which one to use to dip my toe in the water, so to speak; and I've seen this around, but kinda figured it might not be as decent as other stuff. I'll pick some up today. :)
     
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  16. Jun 17, 2020 at 7:04 AM
    #16
    calebd94

    calebd94 New Member

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    I think I will try this now based off this thread. Great write up, I appreciate the details you put into it!
     
  17. Jun 17, 2020 at 8:25 AM
    #17
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    I haven't even used my Meguiars Ultimate Paste or Hybrid Ceramic Wax spray yet for full coverage....and I already want this, must resist :rolleyes:

    Great review.
     
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  18. Jun 17, 2020 at 8:56 AM
    #18
    jpod

    jpod its Finally here

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    I got some Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Wax spray free with a previous order from wherever it was. I haven't used it yet. Was thinking of trying it on the wife's car but ended up just splashing on the beadmaker.
     
  19. Jun 17, 2020 at 10:19 AM
    #19
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    Beadmaker is still a favorite. This one has different strengths.
     
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  20. Jun 17, 2020 at 10:25 AM
    #20
    ToyoMafia

    ToyoMafia SSEM #15-3MW-RGBA#?-@toyomafiaworld Vendor

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  21. Jun 17, 2020 at 10:42 AM
    #21
    Prostar 190

    Prostar 190 SSEM #9 I would rather be water skiing

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    Hell I went through a gallon of bead maker in 9 months I even put it on my lawn mower. :D
     
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  22. Jun 17, 2020 at 10:44 AM
    #22
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    :rofl: Enjoy!
     
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  23. Jun 17, 2020 at 11:01 AM
    #23
    ToyoMafia

    ToyoMafia SSEM #15-3MW-RGBA#?-@toyomafiaworld Vendor

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    Can’t wait first vehicle will be tomorrow and guess what it’s white.
     
  24. Jun 17, 2020 at 12:10 PM
    #24
    spicychickentundie

    spicychickentundie New Member

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    Griot's is on sale at my local Advance Auto. I just picked up a couple bottles to try on my truck and boat since I saw it was safe for marine saltwater environments. Just so happens the boat is out of the water for a noreaster, so hopefully I'll get a chance to try it on the hull before she goes back in the water in a day or two. Thanks for the review OP!
     
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  25. Jun 17, 2020 at 1:44 PM
    #25
    ToyoMafia

    ToyoMafia SSEM #15-3MW-RGBA#?-@toyomafiaworld Vendor

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    I’m a little gun shy about this application tomorrow base on how damn hot and humid it is here right now. I will apply product in the garage with fans running but still 88ish plus humidity so heat index is 100. Should I worry about it or you think I’ll be good. I did cquartz in the same environment on Monday with no issues. I guess at the end of the day it won’t matter to much I can always polish it after the trip and run it again. I’m applying on the wife’s qx infinity.
     
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  26. Jun 17, 2020 at 1:46 PM
    #26
    ToyoMafia

    ToyoMafia SSEM #15-3MW-RGBA#?-@toyomafiaworld Vendor

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    Please let me know how it performs on the boat. My buddy has a 37’seahunter that he wants some help with. I’d love to know how it holds up in those environments
     
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  27. Jun 17, 2020 at 2:03 PM
    #27
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    It’s no more or less affected by the heat than most sealants are. Seems like it’s the one point everyone really latched onto.
     
  28. Jun 17, 2020 at 2:13 PM
    #28
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Hot water burn baby!
     
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  29. Jun 17, 2020 at 2:36 PM
    #29
    ToyoMafia

    ToyoMafia SSEM #15-3MW-RGBA#?-@toyomafiaworld Vendor

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    Yep I get it. I’m not that worried about it.appriciate your solid review.
     
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  30. Jun 17, 2020 at 3:16 PM
    #30
    drapex

    drapex Floridian by birth

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    I put two coats on my truck two weeks ago. My truck stays outside all the time. I've sprayed it down with water just to clear off dust and dirt. But no more washing since the two weeks.

    Still looks pretty good. I'll put a picture of it in this post. It went on fine, the only thing I noticed is the next morning when I came out to do the second coat there was this weird film on it that I had to really rub off. I probably didn't get all the product off the first time.

    it certainly a lot cheaper than the other product I was using. 20 bucks versus 50 bucks.

    IMG_20200617_181439.jpg
     

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