Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

[Boba]

I'd like to know if putting multiple coats of wax is worth the extra hassle, and the benefits of doing it. I know that putting the extra coat will slow down penetration of bird stuff into the clear coat, but is that really the only benefit? Will the extra coat enable me to not wash my car longer than if I were to only top it off with one layer? Would it yield an even more noticeable shine? Oh, I wash my car once a month and live in Los Angeles where there's lots of dust, debris, etc, and I use M21 if it helps. Thanks

[CHzo6]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

Layering wax is somewhat of a myth in the detailing world. Your best option is to apply 2 coats of your wax to ensure even and complete coverage, and then maintain it well and wax it often.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

To me there comes a point were the law of diminishing returns kicks in. I say stick with two thin coats and that is quite sufficient.

[fzr confused]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

i think he is asking about putting a 2nd coat on, not applying 2 different waxes....

so yes, putting the extra layer on is a good benefit. it ensures that you get full coverage and also makes the barrier between your paint and the elements a little bigger, helping it protect longer. it might not make it shine more, depends how good your 1 coat method works for you, but depending on the wax it MIGHT give more depth to it.

you wash your car only once a month? and you live in a very dusty place? you might want to wash it more often and hit it with some UQW afterward. i wash my car 2-3 times a week, but i think i might be a little ocd at times lol

[CHzo6]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

I don't think anyone misunderstood him for applying 2 different waxes.

[fzr confused]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

well i must have misunderstood i guess. the way i read your first comment with "layering wax is somewhat of a myth" and then "apply 2 coats of wax" i took that as the first part was dont layer different waxes because that is a "myth" and just stick with 2 coats of the same wax. then with the next post i took the part about the law of diminishing returns as dont over do it because there comes a time where the return is not worth the work. but then he says to do 2 thin coats.

ive been sleep deprived the past few days, so maybe i am just misreading things, sorry.

[FRS]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

I've used sealant then wax.

Those two are basically same products, with sealant being man made only and wax containing some natural waxes, if I'm not mistaken.

[nothelle]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

2 coats maximum, especially if you're using sealant. Other than that I don't see the benefit, might as well come back in a month or two and re-apply, your car looks better that way

[Boba]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

you wash your car only once a month? and you live in a very dusty place? you might want to wash it more often and hit it with some UQW afterward. i wash my car 2-3 times a week, but i think i might be a little ocd at times lol

Wow 2-3 times a week?! That's a lot of work!
Haha i'm too lazy to do 2-3 times a week... I wish I could be like you

2 coats maximum, especially if you're using sealant. Other than that I don't see the benefit, might as well come back in a month or two and re-apply, your car looks better that way

Yeah that's what I usually do, wash the car once a month and wax it every time I wash the car.

[fzr confused]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

Lol well I wish I got the results a lot of others on here get ...


Anyway if you HAVE to go a month between washes and it's not a garages car and gets dirty I would then highly suggest 2 thin coats. If it was washed at least weekly (in a dirty environment) 1 coat would do you fine, but in a heavily dusty area it would be worth the few extra minutes. Washing and drying shouldn't take more than 15-20 min on average and 30-45 min total if you wash/dry and UQW.

[mis3]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

My understanding is the purpose of the 2nd coat is just to ensure even coverage.

For most of us in this forum, we wax our cars often that there is always wax on our cars so 2nd coat is properly not necessary. However, if you clay or clean or polish the car first, you will need this 2nd coat.

[keithl]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

I usually use M21 with polycharger on a new car then in 2-3 weeks after some weathering and a few washes I hit it with another M21 coat, as others have said to assure a full even layer of protection. After that M21 + PC about every 3 months or so and I use Gold Class wash every 1-2 weeks to wash it depending on how much has accumulated on the car. I find using this method that the water beads fine for the 3-4 months and bugs and such wash off very easily since the M21 is still there.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Multiple Layers of Wax... Is it REALLY Necessary?

THere's two very good articles on this in the "Hot Topics" forum group.

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