Question on multiple waxing
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 193
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From: Seattle Area
Question on multiple waxing
I have seen several posts over the past few months saying that people are putting two or three coats of wax on their cars. I am wondering if this really provides extra protection or if it is just a bit of overkill.
I don't intend this string to get into another "which wax is best" deal....I am just wondering if there is any data to support this.
I'm as compulsive as they get, and I'll be washing and waxing my new 2008 a lot...I'm just wondering if it does anything. I live in AZ, so it goes away pretty fast anyway!
Thank you for your thoughts and experience on this in advance!
Desert Dog
I don't intend this string to get into another "which wax is best" deal....I am just wondering if there is any data to support this.
I'm as compulsive as they get, and I'll be washing and waxing my new 2008 a lot...I'm just wondering if it does anything. I live in AZ, so it goes away pretty fast anyway!
Thank you for your thoughts and experience on this in advance!
Desert Dog
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,739
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From: New Port Richey Florida
DD
This can be broken down into two catagories
Wax - Carnauba based products
Sealants - Polymer based products
If a product doesn't contain cleaners or abrasives and is designed to bond to itself, then yes, multiple layers will provide an added benefit.
My general rule of thumb when using Carnauba based wax that isn't classified as a "cleaner" wax is to apply two coats to make sure I have uniform coverage.
As for sealants, if they're designed to be layered (I use a product that is) then I will apply multiple coats. I have found through some basic testing that they will last longer this way.
For a vehicle exposed to a more harsh climate such as extreme heat, cold and ice (road salt), a lot of rain, etc... *I* prefer a sealant as they're more durable. For a garage queen you can use either wax or a sealant. You can use wax if you don't mind applying it more often in a harsh climate also. Typically here in Florida I've found my wax based products last about 4-6 weeks when exposed to the summer sun compared to my sealant based products which will last 6+ months.
This can be broken down into two catagories
Wax - Carnauba based products
Sealants - Polymer based products
If a product doesn't contain cleaners or abrasives and is designed to bond to itself, then yes, multiple layers will provide an added benefit.
My general rule of thumb when using Carnauba based wax that isn't classified as a "cleaner" wax is to apply two coats to make sure I have uniform coverage.
As for sealants, if they're designed to be layered (I use a product that is) then I will apply multiple coats. I have found through some basic testing that they will last longer this way.
For a vehicle exposed to a more harsh climate such as extreme heat, cold and ice (road salt), a lot of rain, etc... *I* prefer a sealant as they're more durable. For a garage queen you can use either wax or a sealant. You can use wax if you don't mind applying it more often in a harsh climate also. Typically here in Florida I've found my wax based products last about 4-6 weeks when exposed to the summer sun compared to my sealant based products which will last 6+ months.
Last edited by mrosa65; Dec 8, 2007 at 09:04 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,739
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From: New Port Richey Florida
Also the colored paint below it is still affected by UV rays if you don't use a product to help reduce the amount of UV exposure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: The King of Bling
St. Jude Donor '10
If using a product like Zaino that layers it is definitely worth the time and effort.
Generally products with a lot of solvents, cleaners or abrasives or carnuaba based products do not layer well. On these types of products I would not go past 2 coats and that is only to ensure full coverage.
Generally products with a lot of solvents, cleaners or abrasives or carnuaba based products do not layer well. On these types of products I would not go past 2 coats and that is only to ensure full coverage.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,732
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From: Monument CO
DD
This can be broken down into two catagories
Wax - Carnauba based products
Sealants - Polymer based products
If a product doesn't contain cleaners or abrasives and is designed to bond to itself, then yes, multiple layers will provide an added benefit.
My general rule of thumb when using Carnauba based was that isn't classified as a "cleaner" wax is to apply two coats to make sure I have uniform coverage.
As for sealants, if they're designed to be layered (I use a product that is) then I will apply multiple coats. I have found through some basic testing that they will last longer this way.
For a vehicle exposed to a more harsh climate such as extreme heat, cold and ice (road salt), a lot of rain, etc... *I* prefer a sealant as they're more durable. For a garage queen you can use either wax or a sealant. You can use wax if you don't mind applying it more often in a harsh climate also. Typically here in Florida I've found my wax based products last about 4-6 weeks when exposed to the summer sun compared to my sealant based products which will last 6+ months.
This can be broken down into two catagories
Wax - Carnauba based products
Sealants - Polymer based products
If a product doesn't contain cleaners or abrasives and is designed to bond to itself, then yes, multiple layers will provide an added benefit.
My general rule of thumb when using Carnauba based was that isn't classified as a "cleaner" wax is to apply two coats to make sure I have uniform coverage.
As for sealants, if they're designed to be layered (I use a product that is) then I will apply multiple coats. I have found through some basic testing that they will last longer this way.
For a vehicle exposed to a more harsh climate such as extreme heat, cold and ice (road salt), a lot of rain, etc... *I* prefer a sealant as they're more durable. For a garage queen you can use either wax or a sealant. You can use wax if you don't mind applying it more often in a harsh climate also. Typically here in Florida I've found my wax based products last about 4-6 weeks when exposed to the summer sun compared to my sealant based products which will last 6+ months.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
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From: South Florida
There is a point of dimishing returns on any and all products. In general the rule of thumb seems to be two coats. I truly also believe it has more to do with complete or uniform coverage, versus miracle "better" looks and "enhanced" durability. While it might add a little benefit with paint sealants specifically, it is likely more about wasted product and feeling good that you have 10 coats of this or that to discuss at the next car show.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,110
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From: Red Sox Nation! RI
If you mean an actual "wax" like a carnuba, I'm with the consensus on a single coat. I can't say I've ever noticed a difference in finish or durability with a 2nd coat - and definitely not back to back coats. Save the xtra work of adding a 2nd coat for the next month's detail.
Former Vendor
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From: Orlando/Oviedo FL
Race Director
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Even with Zaino I don't see the benefit of layering with the SAME product immediately after applying one coat. For example, if I put a coat of Z2 on, I just won't follow it up with another coat of Z2. I might follow with Clear Seal and then Z8 but never with the same product I just applied. That kind of layering makes sense to me. To put 3 or 4 coats of Z2 or Z5 on in succession just seems to me to be a waste of time and product. A start with ZAIO followed by Z5, Z2, ZCS and then Z8, now that kind of layering provides tangible results.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,070
Likes: 1,293
From: Central Ma
Even with Zaino I don't see the benefit of layering with the SAME product immediately after applying one coat. For example, if I put a coat of Z2 on, I just won't follow it up with another coat of Z2. I might follow with Clear Seal and then Z8 but never with the same product I just applied. That kind of layering makes sense to me. To put 3 or 4 coats of Z2 or Z5 on in succession just seems to me to be a waste of time and product. A start with ZAIO followed by Z5, Z2, ZCS and then Z8, now that kind of layering provides tangible results.
I Respectfully disagree.
I have no problems putting on multiple coats. Actually I consider two of each Z5/Z2 to be the minimum if you are starting with a clean slate, ie; after a polishing.
You use such a small amount of product, and when applied correctly it is so easy to use.
Now if it's just a quick maintenance coat, I could see doing one coat followed by ZCS and Z8, but that's different.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 127
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From: Sarasota Florida
Again, waxes or sealents aren't going to polish the car or give you the mirror result you want. You must rid the finish of the fine scratches which interfere with the proper reflection of the light rays.
waxes and sealents are only the final top layer protectant.
Glazes are pure polishes that are non-abrasive.
Polishes (which fall into 2 categories), are Chemical or Abrasive (maybe even both).
Compounds are use when fine polishing isn't enough to remove the defects.
Always start with least abrasive method, and if it doesn't work, go another step towards a medium to heavier cut approach (including what type of pad you will use...). Sometimes using the same product but using a different pad will give you more cut !
compound > polish > glaze > wax or sealent ( you can usually omit glaze)
stay away from DA's if you want to remove swirls and scratches (not fill, hide or round the edges of the scratches) I mean remove!
circular polisher for this ... takes some experience though or you can screw your finish !
waxes and sealents are only the final top layer protectant.
Glazes are pure polishes that are non-abrasive.
Polishes (which fall into 2 categories), are Chemical or Abrasive (maybe even both).
Compounds are use when fine polishing isn't enough to remove the defects.
Always start with least abrasive method, and if it doesn't work, go another step towards a medium to heavier cut approach (including what type of pad you will use...). Sometimes using the same product but using a different pad will give you more cut !
compound > polish > glaze > wax or sealent ( you can usually omit glaze)
stay away from DA's if you want to remove swirls and scratches (not fill, hide or round the edges of the scratches) I mean remove!
circular polisher for this ... takes some experience though or you can screw your finish !
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,709
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From: Montgomery Il.
do you have a link that is not produced by a wax manufacturer that shows wax actually protects a finish and protects longer than a month with repeated washings?
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Orlando/Oviedo FL
Show me a study that says the sky is blue. I bet you cannot find one (seriously).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,909
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From: Ponte Vedra Beach / London State: Dazed and confused
There are a number of ways to ‘layer’ wax, used mainly by Concours d’élégance entrants. If wax is used as a surface protection or as a sacrificial protection on top of a sealant, two layers to ensure complete coverage is usually sufficient
TH0001 - “Or the fact that I am considered amongst the top detailers in the world that I have polished/waxed/observed more cars that most people see in a lifetime”
That’s quite a claim, “the top detailer in the world” Although I have a great respect for your abilities as a detailer and I have no wish to refute or argue with such a claim, it’s just an observation
Show me a study that says the sky is blue. I bet you cannot find one (seriously). - That's because the sky isn't blue! - http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/sky_blue.html
TH0001 - “Or the fact that I am considered amongst the top detailers in the world that I have polished/waxed/observed more cars that most people see in a lifetime”
That’s quite a claim, “the top detailer in the world” Although I have a great respect for your abilities as a detailer and I have no wish to refute or argue with such a claim, it’s just an observation
Show me a study that says the sky is blue. I bet you cannot find one (seriously). - That's because the sky isn't blue! - http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/sky_blue.html
Last edited by TOGWT; Dec 10, 2007 at 08:20 AM.