Waxing too frequently?

[KNanthrup]

Hi guys,

Something that ran through my brain recently...

I remember back a few years ago I always heard differing opinions on wax protection and maintainence. The one that struck me most was the one of 'you don't want to wax too often', more specifically 3 times per year max.

Now this was before I was educated on the subject and it seems that more like once per month depending on weather conditions is more reasonable.

But at the same time, is there a possibility of waxing too often, and more specifically, what time range would that be in or how do you determine this.

My thought process tells me that the down side to waxing too often may be continious building of haze or loss of purity and gloss with the appearance. From there, I would deduce that proper prevention would perhaps be using a DACP (cleaner/polish) inbetween waxes would help this. I guess this might be a little more obvious falling into the Meguiars 5 step process but I have to run this through my head.

Now, are there any other down sides?

My current finishing process that I have switched to for use on my daily driver is #7 show care glaze topped with NXT Tech Wax paste. I also have #2 fine cut cleaner which I am thinking I may use inbetween waxes after wash and clay bar'ing. Would this be a good idea or should I just layer the NXT wax for a few months rather than cleaning each time.

I live in Washington State so rain here comes and stays through 9 months out of the year. Can anyone give me an idea of how often I should wax with NXT? I have planned on 1 time per month, would this be close?

Just a little rambling. Thanks guys/gals

[Murr1525]

Well, there is always lots of options...

First, are you working by hand or machine? #80 would be more appropriate than #2 by PC, and DC#1/ScratchX would be better by hand.

Second, wax wears away, like it is supposed to, so how thick of a build up people think they are getting is beyond me. Plus, if you use a quality transparent wax, there will be no cloudiness either.

Waxing once a month is quite all right, though it would be up to you to determine if you need that or not, or just want to anyway.

Washing and following up with a spray wax is a nice way to keep your car looking good, and the wax looking good. Nxt is durable, but a speed detailer or quick wax after washing really keep it looking best.

It is ok to 'layer' Nxt every couple weeks, but I worry that there will be crud on my paint to drag around.

My car is a daily driver, parked outside, so I clay if needed, and then ColorX + #21 most of the time. At least havigng a cleaner in the cleaner/wax makes me feel a bit better if nothing else.

[darksparkz]

Some people put on layers and layers of wax over each other, usually up to 3 layers for your first major detail. Then afterwords, they apply 1 layer every month or so.

I think its fine to wax once a month, after a wash of course. If it rains often and its a daily driver, then once a month is fine.

[Monk]

Question for all: Doesn't your wax become contaminated with the same stuff that would otherwise be bonding to your paint if you did not have a coat of wax on it? And it would seem a lot easier for those contaminants to embed themselves in soft was than hard paint, so there would be more of them. Seems like if you just kept waxing, without cleaning off the old wax from time to time and getting rid of those contaminants, that you are not really taking the proper care. Just a thought--I would appreciate input.

[TH0001]

monk, that is a hell of a thought!!!!

I'm not suprised, but that is worth pondering, as well as the meaning of life and whether Noah really did march every animal on a wooden ship, two by two...

Seriously though, I would like to hear some more thoughts on that particular detail...

[Monk]

Originally posted by TH0001
monk, that is a hell of a thought!!!!

I'm not suprised, but that is worth pondering, as well as the meaning of life and whether Noah really did march every animal on a wooden ship, two by two...

I've been thinking about that as well. I would guess that some of the larger animals had to board single file, then pair back up. Meguiar's has been around a long time, and I bet they supplied the LSP to Noah from their Marine Line.

[hondacrazy]

Pretty new to the detailing scene, but I would not apply layer after layer of wax without properly prepping the paint. -Which to me would be removing all the old wax and the contaniments that come with it. I would not want to push those contaniments around when applying the new wax. To me it would be like trying to QD an an entire car that hasnt been washed in a week. I might be overly-cautious though.

[Setec Astronomy]

Contrary to the original posit, properly done waxing can't be overdone, so don't worry about that. You will never be able to build up a layer that will detract from the appearance (talking about areas that you buff off the wax--you will certainly be able to gunk up crevices, trim, etc. with unbuffed wax--so don't do that!). That is provided your surface is clean, your applicators and buffing towels are clean, and are made from quality materials.

And no, your "wax layer" doesn't get contaminated "with the same stuff that would otherwise be bonding to your paint". If stuff is sticking to your car (after washing), it has likely penetrated the wax layer (and there isn't really a layer, it's more like molecules thick).

As far as alternating waxing with DACP or #2...you would only do that if your car has been swirled, since those are abrasive polishes...if you have environmental "dirt", you want to use a paint cleaner like DC1, etc.

However, with proper wash technique and materials, coupled with frequent waxing, you can go a LONG time between polishing. The car is so much easier to wash and keep clean when it has a fresh wax application on it. If you have some minor gunk stuck on, you can spot clay it very gently with the Smooth Surface clay (thanks to Accumulator for this hint).

Bottom line is...wax frequently, make sure you use good technique in your washing, waxing, and polishing (two bucket method, clean, non-marring media), clay/polish as necessary.

[TH0001]

What if the contaminets where in the process of penetrating the wax layer. They wouldn't be wiped away, but instead abraded against the surface when applying wax?

[farmboy]

As Murr stated, it's probably best to use a cleaner wax followed by your favorite wax if your concerned about it. Or a cleaner follwed by a wax. Or a football game followed by a football game.

I think Noah probably used the BC system.

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally posted by TH0001
What if the contaminets where in the process of penetrating the wax layer. They wouldn't be wiped away, but instead abraded against the surface when applying wax?

That's why you wash the car before you wax. If you want to wax less often, that's fine...more wax for the rest of us!

[darksparkz]

Definitely.

You wash the car before you wax if it's been driven, if not, QD the layer of dust off.

[2002FX4 F150]

i put a coat of liqiud glass on once every two weeks. The paint pops and sparkles more than any F150 i have seen. I wash it once a week with NXT, and follow up with Zaino Z6 gloss enhancer spray, and every other week i put a coat of liquid glass on. Nothing every bonds to the surface and nothing ever stick to the paint. I clayed it when i first got it and never had to again. Liquid Glass is meant to be layered, and it is a sealant.

[2002FX4 F150]

FYI

I love Meguiars for it's professional line, but i am hardcore about LG. I swear by it. I cant get in trouble for saying that right?

[kokketiel]

It would be interesting if we get a chemist's opinion, but from what Mike said in a class that I attended, "like dissolves like", so I would guess that next time you're applying wax, you're also simultaneously dissolving the previously applied wax.