The Symplex Product Guide: Which Product for Which Job

Wash · pH 7.0–7.5

Symplex Platinum Car Wash from $12.99

Your everyday soap. Symplex lists it at pH 7.0–7.5 and formulates it not to strip existing wax, sealants or ceramic coatings. Use 3–4 oz per 4–5 gallons in a bucket, or 2 oz with 6 oz of water in a foam cannon or foam gun. Quart, gallon or 5-gallon pail.

Wash + SiO2

Symplex Silica Wash SiO2 Super Foam from $16.99

A pH-neutral wash with SiO2 in it. It cleans and leaves a water-beading layer behind in one step, and Symplex says it won't strip existing wax or sealants. Run it through a foam cannon or use 3–4 oz in a 5-gallon bucket. Quart, gallon or 5-gallon pail.

Waterless wash · clay lube · spray detailer

Symplex Silica Waterless Wash Concentrate from $17.18

One SiO2 concentrate, three mixes. Mix it 1:64 for a waterless wash on a cool surface, 1:30 as a clay bar lubricant, or 1:96 as a spray detailer on a clean, dry panel. Symplex calls it ideal when access to water is limited. Quart, gallon or 5-gallon pail.

Degreaser · non-acid alkaline

Symplex Super Degreaser Power Cleaner from $11.99

The heavy-duty one. Mix it 1:5 to 1:10 for heavy grease, 1:20 to 1:50 for engine bays and wheels, and 1:100 to 1:400 for light cleaning. Let it dwell 1–3 minutes, don't let it dry, then rinse. Symplex recommends a respirator at the strongest mix and says to protect electrical parts in the engine bay. Its exterior uses include pre-wash, bug removal and wheel and tire cleaning.

All-purpose cleaner · pH 11–12

Symplex Concentrate Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser from $12.99

Milder than a dedicated degreaser, for everyday cleanup. Use it 1:1 on wheel wells, tires, light engine bay work and dirty door jambs, 1:10 for pre-cleaning panels and shop floors, and 1:20 for light touch-ups. On heavy soil, let it dwell 1–2 minutes without letting it dry, then rinse or wipe with a damp microfiber. Diluted, it also works on non-delicate interior touch points like rubber mats, pedals and trim, but Symplex says not to use it on non-rinseable surfaces. Test it first on polished aluminum, untreated wood and delicate finishes.

Adhesive, tar & residue remover

Symplex BondLift $17.99

For what soap and degreaser leave behind: adhesive and sticker residue, tar, resin, rubber transfer, ink and even chewing gum. It's citrus-based. Work on a cool panel out of direct sun, test a hidden spot, give it a short dwell without letting it dry, wipe, then wash the area and reapply wax, sealant or coating if it had any. Symplex says to use caution or avoid prolonged contact on unpainted or textured plastics, rubber trim, vinyl wraps, PPF, decals, pinstripes, fresh paint, refinished panels, matte or satin finishes, soft single-stage paint, interior surfaces and other solvent-sensitive materials.

Glass cleaner

Symplex Crystal Gleam Glass Cleaner $22.99

Ammonia- and IPA-free, safe on tinted windows and on hydrophobic glass coatings. It takes off road grime, grease, smoker's film and bug splatter. Mist it on cool glass in the shade, wipe right away, then buff with a second dry towel.

Wheel & tire cleaner · non-acid

Symplex Ultimate Wheel & Tire Cleaner from $14.95

Non-acid and alkaline, for brake dust, road grime, old tire dressing and brown tire blooming. Symplex lists painted, powder-coated, clear-coated, chrome and factory-finished wheels, plus all tire types. Use it straight or 1:1 for extremely heavy buildup and up to 1:3 for routine cleaning, on cool wheels, and agitate with a brush. Let it dwell 1–2 minutes at most without letting it dry, then rinse thoroughly so no product stays in crevices or around the lug nuts. Wear gloves and eye protection.

Iron & brake dust remover

Symplex Iron Wheel Remover from $23.90

Reacts on contact with iron, metallic contamination and brake dust, and bleeds color as it works. Symplex says it's safe on all car surfaces and won't harm clear coat, and it's a low-odor formula. Follow the label for dwell and rinse times.

Compound · Cut 7 · medium

Symplex Turbo X1 Cut 7 Body Shop Compound from $16.98

The medium cut. Symplex says it removes medium sanding scratches, finishes down to a high gloss and is often used as a one-step. It's optimized for rotary polishers: start with 3–4 pea-sized drops on a foam pad, or switch to wool or microfiber for faster cut. Trim-safe and splatter-free.

Compound · Cut 8 · one-step

Symplex Piranha X1 Cut 8 Body Shop Compound from $20.08

Symplex calls it "the true one-step correction compound": it removes medium to moderate sanding scratches and finishes down to a high gloss. Work 2 ft x 2 ft sections with a rotary at medium speed, 3–4 drops on a wool or microfiber pad, and use foam for final gloss. It won't stain plastic trim.

Compound · Cut 9 · high cut

Symplex Nitro X1 Cut 9 Body Shop Compound from $23.54

The hardest cut of the three, for moderate to heavy sanding scratches. On a foam pad it can finish down on its own. Use 3–4 pea-sized drops on a wool, microfiber or foam cutting pad with a rotary at moderate pressure. Body shop safe, with no silicone or fillers.

Production compound · Rhino step 1

Symplex Rhino Production Rubbing Compound from $18.52

A water-based production compound for body shops and high-volume work. It removes 1200-grit sanding marks, oxidation, water spots and moderate defects. Wash and dry the panel first and work on a cool surface out of direct sun. Symplex recommends a rotary at 1400–1800 RPM on a wool pad, 2 ft x 2 ft at a time, and says a DA isn't the primary method. No silicone, no filler, low VOC. Quart or gallon.

Machine glaze · Rhino step 2

Symplex Rhino Production Machine Glaze from $18.52

The finishing step after the Rhino compound. It removes buffer swirls, light haze and micro imperfections and raises gloss, and Symplex says it's especially effective on dark colors. Remove heavy compound residue first, work on a cool surface out of direct sun, and run a rotary at 1200–1500 RPM on a finishing foam pad. Water-based, no silicone or filler, low VOC. Quart or gallon.

Paint refiner · rotary or DA

Symplex Micro SHR Body Shop Paint Refiner from $18.63

The final step after compounding, and the one each X1 compound's directions point to. It removes compounding haze, holograms, buffer trails and light swirls, on fully gassed-out fresh paint or cured paint. Use a soft foam finishing pad: 600–1200 RPM on a rotary, or speed 3–5 on a DA. Shake it well, work on a clean panel that's cool to the touch, and wipe the residue off right away. Free of silicones, waxes and fillers.

One-step polish & wax

Symplex Ultra Polish UP3 Polish & Wax from $16.68

Correction and protection in one product. Its diminishing abrasives take out moderate swirls, scratches and water spots, and synthetic polymers and waxes leave a slick, water-beading layer that Symplex says protects for months. It's trim-safe with no white residue, and it works on ceramic-coated and scratch-resistant clear coats.

Panel wipe · ready to use

Symplex Look See Control Prep from $14.99

An alcohol-based inspection spray. It strips dust, polishing oils and compound residue so you see the paint's true condition after correction, holograms and sanding marks included. Use it before a ceramic coating, PPF or sealant too. It's ready to use and silicone-free. Mist, wipe, and flip the towel often.

Primer polish · before a coating

Symplex Finesse Primer Silica Polish from $29.98

The last polish before a ceramic or graphene coating. It removes final imperfections and holograms left by cutting pads and preps the paint for the coating to bond. Use 2–3 pea-sized drops on a soft finishing pad, DA or rotary, let a short haze form, buff it off, then remove all residue and apply the coating right away.

Metal polish

Symplex Metal Restorer Polish from $34.83

Removes oxidation, tarnish, rust, water stains and lime deposits, and brings back the shine on bare aluminum, chrome, stainless steel, copper, brass and silver. Symplex also rates it for oxidized gelcoat (test a hidden spot first) and says it helps repel grime and reduce UV fading. Hand or machine. Pint, quart or gallon.

Metal polish · full directions

Symplex Metal Restorer Oxidized Surface Polish & Restorer $35.99

The polishing-compound version, for heavy oxidation, tarnish, light-to-moderate rust, pitting and water spots. Use it by hand, on a rotary at 1000–1500 RPM, or on a DA at speed 3–4. The residue turns black as oxidation comes off. Work on a cool surface, wipe the residue off right away and don't let it dry on the metal. Test a hidden spot first, and keep it off anodized aluminum, painted or clear-coated metal and porous or textured plastics. 16 oz.

Spray sealant · SiO2 · 3+ months

Symplex Spartan SiO2 Super Polymer Sealant from $18.83

A water-based SiO2 spray sealant. Use it on its own on paint, glass, plastics and trim, or as a maintenance layer over a ceramic or graphene coating. Spray 2–3 mists per panel on a washed, dry panel, in the shade and cool to the touch, spread with one towel and buff with a second. Keep it dry for 3–4 hours; it fully cures in 24. Symplex rates it for 3+ months and says to reapply every 1–2 months as a topper, or when water beading decreases.

Spray sealant · graphene + SiO2 · 4+ months

Symplex Spartan Graphene SiO2 Sealant from $22.37

The graphene version of Spartan, made with graphene, SiO2 and cross-linking polymers. It goes on the same way, 2–3 mists per panel with two towels, and Symplex rates it for 4+ months. Use it on uncoated paint or as a maintenance layer over a ceramic or graphene coating; it's also safe on glass, plastics, chrome and trim. Refresh it every 2–3 months, or after strong detergents or chemicals.

Wet-apply SiO2

Symplex Spartan Aqua Guard SiO2 from $26.49

Protection you put on during the wash, while the car is still wet. Spray 2–4 mists per panel and rinse right away with strong water pressure, or mix it 1:5 with water and spray and wipe, taking the excess off right away with a dry microfiber. Rinse every bit of soap off first. Use it on its own or as a maintenance topper for a ceramic coating. Keep it off hot panels and out of direct sun, and after a spray-and-rinse, keep the car dry for 12 hours.

Synthetic sealant · 6–8 months

Symplex P2 Synthetic Ultra Paint Protector Sealer from $19.01

Symplex calls it the top tier of its waxes and sealants, and its title says "Maximum Protection," 6–8 months. It's 100% synthetic cross-linking polymers. Apply a thin coat with a foam or microfiber applicator, let it haze 5–10 minutes, buff, and keep it dry for at least 12 hours. Symplex recommends claying and correcting first for the best bond.

Hybrid wax · 4–6 months

Symplex Ultra Wax UP3 Carnauba + Cross Link Resin from $15.43

Carnauba plus cross-link resin. Symplex's title rates it "High-Level Protection," 4–6 months. Apply it thin with a foam or microfiber applicator or a finishing pad, buff when it hazes, and give it 12–24 hours before it gets wet. Not to be confused with Ultra Polish UP3, the one-step polish.

Carnauba paste · 4–6 months

Symplex G5 Carnauba Paste Wax & Sealant $35.32

T1 carnauba blended with synthetic resin. Symplex pitches it at show and classic cars for a warm carnauba glow, and rates it for 4–6 months. Apply a thin layer to a clean, cool panel with the foam applicator that comes with it, let it haze 3–5 minutes, buff, and keep it dry for at least 30 minutes. It's also listed as safe on stainless steel, chrome and aluminum.

Carnauba + resin wax · 3–4 months

Symplex Cherry Gloss Carnauba + Resin Premium Wax from $14.11

T1 carnauba with modern resins, for depth and a wet-look gloss, especially on dark paint. Symplex rates it "Moderate Protection," 3–4 months under normal conditions, and calls it an upgrade step for detailers who want more durability than a liquid sealant. Shake, apply a small amount, let it dry about 2 minutes and buff. Clear coat, single-stage and gelcoat.

Liquid sealant · 1–2 months

Symplex G5 Liquid Sealant $19.99

The quick one. Symplex calls it the entry-level protection step in its lineup, rated for 1–2 months, and pitches it at express details and maintenance jobs. Wash and dry, apply a thin coat, let it haze 2–5 minutes and buff. Safe on clear coat and single-stage paint. Keep it out of direct sun and off hot panels.

Gloss detailer · up to 2 weeks

Symplex Instagloss Professional Quick Detailer from $15.03

A gloss-boosting spray for the final wipe after a wax, polish or coating. Symplex says the gloss holds up to 2 weeks. Mist it on a cool, clean surface, spread with a microfiber and buff with the dry side. Paint, chrome, plastics and glass.

Quick detailer · up to 1 week

Symplex Speedy Quick Detailer from $13.86

The everyday wipe-down for light dust, fingerprints and smudges, with a polymer gloss that Symplex says lasts up to a week. It's silicone-free and body shop safe. Mist one panel at a time, wipe, flip the towel and buff. Clear coat, chrome, glass and plastics. Avoid hot panels and direct sun.

Tire shine · water-based

Symplex Glossier Tire Shine from $14.99

A water-based tire dressing with a high-gloss wet look. Symplex calls it low-sling when it's applied correctly and allowed to dry, and expects it to last several weeks depending on conditions. Clean the sidewalls with Ultimate Wheel & Tire Cleaner first, apply with a foam or microfiber applicator, keep it off the tread and let it dry completely before driving, typically 10–20 minutes depending on temperature and humidity. For a satin look, wipe it with a microfiber after a few minutes.

All-purpose dressing · water-based

Symplex Extreme APD Dressing from $20.99

A concentrated, water-based dressing for vinyl, rubber and plastic, inside and out, tires included. You set the shine by dilution: straight for high gloss, 1:1 for medium, and 1:2 to 1:10 for an OEM satin. It dries non-greasy. Start on clean, dry trim, apply a thin coat (over-applying can streak), and let it dry completely before it sees water. Quart, gallon or 5-gallon pail.

Exterior trim dressing

Symplex Plasti-K Xtreme Exterior Pro Dressing from $18.74

For faded, chalky exterior trim. Reactive polymers, UV blockers and a rust inhibitor give an OEM satin finish that's dry to the touch on trim, moldings, bumpers, weather-strips, rubber and textured plastics. Start on clean, dry trim, put it directly on a pad or microfiber, keep it dry for 10 minutes, and add a second coat after 5 if it needs more. Symplex says results last weeks.

Trim treatment · SiO2

Symplex Silex Ceramic Trim SiO2 Quartz Treatment from $21.54

A water-based SiO2 treatment that bonds to exterior plastic trim, unpainted moldings and rubberized plastics. It dries to an OEM satin finish that isn't greasy, with a water-beading barrier. Start on clean, dry trim, spread a small amount, let it set a few minutes, buff lightly and keep it dry for 10 minutes. A second coat can go on after 5. Not for leather.

Interior dressing · silicone-free

Symplex Plasti-K Xtreme Internal Pro Dressing $22.99

A silicone-free, water-based dressing for dashboards, door panels, consoles and vinyl trim. It leaves a non-reflective satin finish, so it won't add dash glare, and it's body-shop safe. Apply it to a clean, cool surface with a microfiber applicator or soft foam pad, buff lightly, and keep it dry for 10 minutes. It's not for exterior use. 16 oz.

Two Quan products round out a Symplex setup:

• Quan Red Pure (from $11.99): an all-purpose cleaner and degreaser whose label lists engines, wheel wells, tires, seats, carpets and door jambs. Use 1 part to 4 parts water for routine cleaning and full strength for tougher jobs, then rinse thoroughly. Keep it off hot surfaces and don't let it dry.
• Quan Purge (from $24.99): a gel iron remover that clings to paint, wheels and glass and turns purple as it breaks down iron. Spray it on a wet, cool surface out of direct sun and rinse before it dries. Skip anodized aluminum and surfaces that aren't clear-coated.