how long to wait after each step?

[derekxec]

im going to

wash/dry
DC #1
DC #2
gold class wax

how long should i wait after i wash/dry to do the DC #1 and then how long after the DC #1 should i do #2 and then how long after that should the gold class wax?

[Snowman]

As far as I know I don't believe you have to wait any time to apply the products which you have noted. Now if you were talking about a wax like NXT with polymers I do think that you have to let the first application "sit" for about 12 hours before applying the second coat but of course not everyone can do that so some don't wait but 5 min. after applying the first coat to applying the second coat. There was a write up on here that Mike did and I will try to find it for you on application times for such waxes as NXT. Hopefully someone else will chime in here though but with the items you listed I would say you don't have to wait anytime at all.

Here you go, check this out;

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5052

[derekxec]

thanks for the info greatly appriciated

the reason i ask is because im going to start in a few mins and if i wait even a few hours in between ill have to start all over again lol

i live in south florida and it rains alot i wash/wax my truck and then the same night it rains and everything

[Mike Phillips]

All of the steps you can do back to back, that is,

Wash and dry
Clay
Paint Clean
Polish Paint
Apply wax

there is no waiting time after each step except for the wax step you want to wait for the wax to dry before you remove it. In the Meguiar's line, wax is the only thing that needs time to dry.

If you want to apply two coats of wax you can apply the second coat immediately afterwards if time is an issue, other wise allowing some time to go by, either a few hours or a day before applying the second coat of wax will allow the wax you've already applied a chance to set-up before you go an disrupt it by applying a second coat of wax.

Sometimes a wait as little as 30 minutes and then I apply my second coat, other times I remove the first coat of wax and then leave the car alone until the next day and apply my second coat of wax.

[Snowman]

If that is the case then I woud go ahead and get it done without waiting between steps and get that nice 2 coats of wax protection on your vehicle before the rain hits again. But again there should be no need to have to wait after any of those listed applications.

[Snowman]

Also, like I have heard Mike say before once you have put on your two coats of wax try your hardest not to constantly go back and run a MF or any towel over the finish as this will disrupt the wax and just keep moving it around not giving it a chance to set-up. This is the hardest thing to do because it is almost second nature to just want to keep wiping it clean each time you go out in the garage or outside after you have just done a solid detail but hold back the urge...LOL

[derekxec]

well could i do this?

do everything the first day and the second day just wash and then put on the second coat of wax?

[derekxec]

Originally posted by Snowman
Also, like I have heard Mike say before once you have put on your two coats of wax try your hardest not to constantly go back and run a MF or any towel over the finish as this will disrupt the wax and just keep moving it around not giving it a chance to set-up. This is the hardest thing to do because it is almost second nature to just want to keep wiping it clean each time you go out in the garage or outside after you have just done a solid detail but hold back the urge...LOL

HAHA i soooo have that urge

[Murr1525]

If you are parked outside, then you probably would want to wash before applying a second coat. If indoors, you may only need to QD everything real quick before a second waxing.

[derekxec]

ok sweet

last quesion

if it needs the claybar would it hurt to do the cleaner/polish/wax? or do i have to do the claybar (them things are expensive lol) <-this is me being cheap at the moment

[Murr1525]

If you clay, you will have to redo the clean/polish/wax.

If you clean/polish/wax right now, you can certainly wait until your next detail to use the clay. Probably better after the winter anyway.

[derekxec]

winter HAHA i dont know what winter is (south florida) right now its 70 degrees

[Murr1525]

Ehh... didnt read the location...

[Marvinj]

The urge!!! EVERY time I go outside I look at the cars to make sure they are "just right" LMAO!!!

[Joshodonn]

Originally posted by Marvinj
The urge!!! EVERY time I go outside I look at the cars to make sure they are "just right" LMAO!!!

I feel your pain, I do the same thing! I think it's a Florida thing!!! Living in a cold climate is double-trouble because it's too cold to wash on a regular basis AND your car gets covered with all the salt **** that they put on the roads. January 31st and it's a sunny 71 here in Tampa.