Applying wax, how thin is enough??

[Ringwraith]

Hi folks!

I know you are suppose to apply a "thin" layer of wax (NXT liquid in my case) but how thin should it be? I'm applying by hand with the foam applicator that came with the bottle. Sometimes I'm wondering if I'm removing it when trying to spread it around. Should the surface basically look smeared or should there be a noticeable amount?? So far the end results seem good but I'm wondering if I may be putting too much on & wasting it at times.

I tried to find this info in the "how to" articles but everything I've read basically just says apply a thin layer.

Thanks
Sean

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

If you think you are putting in on too thin, you are not. Mike Phillips really put this into perspective the other day: think about how thin a film is ultimately left behind after you remove the hazed wax. Now you can imagine that anything excess is really that, excess.

Of course, it's impossible to apply just the amount left behind, but you really do want to minimize the amount of wax you apply, and for various reasons (waste of product, it's more difficult to remove a thick haze, etc). These thin coats are also why you so often see a recommendation for two coats of any wax/sealant. It has nothing to do with "layering", it's all about making sure you have good coverage over the entire vehicle.

[Slats]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

These thin coats are also why you so often see a recommendation for two coats of any wax/sealant. It has nothing to do with "layering", it's all about making sure you have good coverage over the entire vehicle.

I agree! A thin coating will do the trick, and with a dark colored vehicle such as yours (I'm assuming the Ram in your avatar), it should be really easy to tell that you've covered everything in one coat. Also, if it appears that you are removing some wax as you go, it may be that the outside edges of the foam applicator are too dry. Just spread some wax on the entire applicator and that should do the trick. Hope this helps.

Slats

[noswirler]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

my deal is of you can see it its to thick, especially of you plan to apply more than one coat IMO (always with the IMO)

[sneek]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

I think the easiest way to apply wax thin without a PC is with an even coat applicator and straight lines

[Ringwraith]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

Thanks for the tips guys!!
Yes that's my new (04) baby in my avatar!
I think a G-100 is in my near future! hehe I've been slowly getting it ready for the winter. Between the huge size of it & the **** weather we've been having, I'm literally working panel by panel by hand, wash/clay/paint clean/wax!

So I think I've been putting on way too much wax. I'll try going super thin & see how it works. I imagine by putting it on too thick that would increase the set up time. I've noticed that at times it seems pretty hard to remove & requires a lot of elbow grease. I thought it may be because of the colder temperature but maybe also because it's too thick. I've been applying the wax pretty much into the center of the pad so yes the edges would have been some what dry. I'll have to change that.

Thanks again!
Sean

[Jorge Sanchez]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

I'd recommend using a dime size worth of product on the pad the NXT Generation Tech wax come with and spread it as far as you can. I think this ensure a thin and even coat. A dime size usually covers a little over 2x2 ft section.

[cherrycougar]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

I've tried various "thicknesses" over the years and effect wise you can't really put it on too "thick" but if you go too far with that you'll waste too much of the wax. Having said that though I'd bet the farm I use quite a bit more than the average user. I don't mind going through a bottle every 3 waxings though and that will give you an idea. The difference isn't all that great spreading it thicker but I've found it does make a difference even though you wouldn't think it would. Perhaps the removal process rubs more wax into the paint I dunno.

[pcfxer]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

" I don't mind going through a bottle every 3 waxings though and that will give you an idea."

You use more wax than your car uses gas!!

[cherrycougar]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

Naw with my lead foot it's not even close

I love going up against the wanna be thin coat waxers with their superficial glazes and give them a glimpse of what a bottle and a half of NXT a month looks like. Even more so in the winter where these wannabees have put their waxing gear away for the season and I'm still bathing my car in Meguiars every week.

[pcfxer]

Re: Applying wax, how thin is enough??

Naw with my lead foot it's not even close

I love going up against the wanna be thin coat waxers with their superficial glazes and give them a glimpse of what a bottle and a half of NXT a month looks like. Even more so in the winter where these wannabees have put their waxing gear away for the season and I'm still bathing my car in Meguiars every week.

LOL! My megoo's is also used year round, just that it gets slightly less use. Not waxing in the winter is for pussies!