2 coats of polish

[ccr]

there i s a benefit if i repeat the second step(2 coats od polish befoere waxing??

[Murr1525]

Re: 2 coats of polish

Not really.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 2 coats of polish

If you're using a cleaner/polish and a single pass did not remove all the defects, then a second pass would be in order. If you're using a pure polish then, no, a second application probably wouldn't do anything for you.

[Nica_21]

Re: 2 coats of polish

I have a question on the topic of polishing....so I just completed 5 step full detail on my paint Wash > Below surface clean (X) > pure polish > wax > quick wax

Here are my Q's:

> How long before you think I need to retreat my paint (below surface)? That is, now that I have done a full detail, I can rely on just washing and waxing for the next few car washes, right? Is the deciding factor for reapplying SCRATCHX just my satisfaction with swirls?
> Also, is it a waste of time to repolish every few car washes? Can I just rest assured that my NXT Wax will protect my polish for a couple of months?
> If I do reapply polish (without using ScratchX or Clay), should I use a pure polish or a combined cleaner/polish....since I will not be opting for the 5 step (except for a few times a year).


FYI - I keep my car garaged every night...it is outdoors during the day 3-4 days a week.


Thanks to anyone still reading this.....I appreciate it guys!!

[soonercivic]

Re: 2 coats of polish

ScratchX is is purely for defect removal.

If you maintain the wax that you applied it is only necessary to polish every year or so.

Any polish that you apply now will only be going on top of the wax and not into the paint as its intended. Purchase some NXT speed detailer and apply after each wash, your wax will thank you.

When you reapply polish just use a pure polish like #7 or DC2, and cleaners that you apply will only harm the existing wax. I suggest to my customers a full detail twice per year if its properly maintained during the rest. Once at the start of summer and once at the start of winter.

[Nica_21]

Re: 2 coats of polish

Thanks for the suggestions....

When you said to use "NXT Speed Detailer"...will it have relatively the same effect if I use "Quick Detailer" instead? I just bought a brand new bottle and already used a bit of it.

Also, when I do my next few washes...do you suggest I ONLY wash + apply quick detailer? I wa sunder the impression that in between big details that at least a *wash + *wax was required each time....but if recoating wax every wash is a waste or will add too much "build up" on my coat then I dont want to waste my time or comprimise my finish.

Man....I sound like a dork. I'm really not I just love this stuff and what it does to my car. Its like having that off the dealership shine all the time. This message board is like a a gambler in Vegas....I feel at home (there are other OCD's just like me!!!) LOL

[Murr1525]

Re: 2 coats of polish

Yes, Quick Detailer and Nxt Speed Detailer are very similar.

As far as maintenance, you can wash and QD, wash and spray wax, or wash and apply a new coat of wax. Really, the QD or Spray Wax should be all that is needed the first couple washes, assuming you are washing regularly.

As SoonerCivic said, it is all about keeping up the maintenance, and your wax will last longer. But as you get the feel for it, yo uwill be able to tel lwhen you wax is wearing off, and you want to re-do things. It may be twice a year, four times a year, whatever your environment requires.

But you wouldnt have ot use ScratchX every time. You can use a milder/cheaper/easier to work with cleaner like Deep Crystal #1 to clean the paint when no swirls need fixed.

[Nica_21]

Re: 2 coats of polish

Cool....thanks again. I do know what you mean that after time I will be able to tell how well the finish is holding up. Recently, it drizzled a couple of times and even though the rain rolled off the car...I quickly used a little mist of QD to wipe off the dried spots and it held up it's mirror shine.

So when I do decide the car needs rewaxing....should I remove the wax with clay bar before reapplying a new coat....or do I just give it a good wash before applying a new wax coat. I was thinking I would be trapping in the elements under a new coat if I didnt start fresh....But I suppose that is the point of giving it a good wash.

[Nica_21]

Re: 2 coats of polish

Also, am I correct to assume the only time it is appropriate to use the "Quick Wax" is immediately after I apply a wax coat? That is....I shouldnt be using it in between washes as a touch up or after a wash unless I apply a new coat of wax

[Murr1525]

Re: 2 coats of polish

Yeah, my car sits out all the time, daily driver, etc, so I rarely just apply a fresh coat of wax. I tend to either QD or Spray Wax after washing. And then when it is time for a re-do with a good coat of wax, I'll either go through the 5 steps, or clay/ColorX/Wax, etc.

But plenty of people here will just apply another coat of wax with no problems, so I suppose it is just a matter of how confident you are that the surface is really clean, which is easier the more often you wash.

As far as the quick wax...
Meguiars recomends 2 coats of wax as part of a 'full detail', and that would be two coats of a regular wax. The Spray Wax is more for after washes, to refreshen things, and give that fresh waxed look more quickly.

But some people seem to think it gives them a nice look to use a spray wax after the other wax when detailing, and there should be no harm in it, esp if you keep it up.

[TH0001]

Re: 2 coats of polish

Here is a couple steps to make it easier....

After you fully detail your car, it will look its best (i.e. 5 step cycle)

Everytime you wash your car inspect it. When you notice that it doesn't look its best anymore, apply another coat of wax. This should boost it back up to how it looked after you detailed it.

You will get to a point, after a period of time, that rewaxing (or sealing) doesn't bring back that freshly detailed shine, then its time to start over. This also depends on what you want. Example, I have a black SUV, and even though I get some swirling, I can live with it. So far it has been over a year since I have polished my own truck, and the surface looks great with just waxing or sealing ever 3-6 months or so. I have not found any degradation of gloss or depth in the surface and it still looks amazing (minus the minor swirling). To remove swirls you have to start over, so this can also effect when you choose its time for your next detail.

You cannot over wax a car (assuming you are using a pure wax or sealent and not a cleaner/wax), so it is okay to keep waxing as much as you want on top of previous coats of wax. Wether or not it is benefical is a matter of your discression.

As far as two coats of polish... The only benefit I see is that you make sure you covered every surface evenly. I.E. it removes the chances that you accidently missed a spot, which in the grand scheme of things can make a difference. Since it is only neccessary to use a pure polish every once in a while, I always apply two coats. It just covers my *** to make sure I didn't miss anything as no harm can come from it.

[Nica_21]

Re: 2 coats of polish

Good feedback....so basically in between washes:

> AFTER A WASH = Use Quick Detailer if you are satisfied with your wax finish
> If you want a slight boost for your wax, but it doesnt require a full recoat...use Quick Wax

Would it be a waste to use QD before the QW?

[Nica_21]

Re: 2 coats of polish

great advice....I hear you loud and clear. THANKS!!!

[Murr1525]

Re: 2 coats of polish

Sounds like you got it.. You really shouldnt need the QD before the QW unless your car gets dusty for some reason in between washing and quick waxing.

[Nica_21]

Re: 2 coats of polish

I know I've beaten this topic to death...but one last question. Is the QD designed to not penetrate the wax? That is, if I were to use the QD a couple of consecutive times in one area....will it beat up my wax in that area? Or is it designed to work only above the wax area? Just want to make sure when Im QD-ing my car that I can do it with confidence that I am not comprimising my wax coat