Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

[y2j514]

I saw a few topics which ellude to wax layering, and I have done some research and haven't found everything I would like. I know Meguiar's doesn't believe in the concept but I want some clarification.

1) Meguiar's says 2 thin coats approx 1 hour apart in order to ensure uniform coverage and they do not consider this wax layering. Correct?

2) Meguiar's mentions that they do not recommend layering wax. Does this refer to Synthetic-Synthetic, Carnauba-Carnauba, or to Synthetic-Carnauba as well?

3) I have Ultimate Liquid Wax, and I remembered that I have Gold Class Paste wax that I purchased last year. Would it be beneficial to layer these?

4) Why would it be beneficial to use both Synthetic and Carnauba. IE. What does one have over the other in terms of protection?

5) Why have I seen most people recommend synthetic first then carnauba? Is it due to the synthetic being a cleaner and risk removing the carnauba?

5a) Where/How can I tell which Waxes are pure waxes and which ones are cleaners? I think I saw a list somewhere but I am unable to find it.

6) Knowing I have ULW and GC available, and my car is black, what would you recommend for waxing?

(I would appreciate an answer with the reasoning behind it, not simple yes no as I'm here to learn)

Thank you!

[Jossy92]

Re: Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

(I would appreciate an answer with the reasoning behind it, not simple yes no as I'm here to learn)

Based on what I have learned here, I like UW followed by a Megs LSP with carnuba, I just like the way it looks.

[Here is a layman's "why" Not an expert, just "chuming" for bigger fish to chime in.]

....figure the carnuba fills in the micro-crevices missed by the first coat, so if the first coat missed 10% of the micro-crevices in the paint, the second coat catches much of that and visually that's enough to get the carnuba look and UW protection. Layering is irrelevant, it's coverage. Lipstick on a pig?

[y2j514]

Re: Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

So what you're saying is the Carnuba looks better than UW? The second coat that meguiar's recommends aprox 1 hour after initial application is supposed to ensure uniform and even coverage isn't it? So the micro-crevices will have already been filled wouldn't it?

[greg0303]

Re: Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

1) Meguiar's says 2 thin coats approx 1 hour apart in order to ensure uniform coverage and they do not consider this wax layering. Correct?

A second layer will guarantee uniform coverage. Actually synthetic waxes (sealants), like NxT Tech Wax 2.0, Ultimate Wax and M21 Synthetic Sealant 2.0, need 12-hour cure time before a second coat.

2) Meguiar's mentions that they do not recommend layering wax. Does this refer to Synthetic-Synthetic, Carnauba-Carnauba, or to Synthetic-Carnauba as well?

Too many layers of wax (either synthetic or natural) in short period of time won't bring any benefits to car paint's look nor protection.

3) I have Ultimate Liquid Wax, and I remembered that I have Gold Class Paste wax that I purchased last year. Would it be beneficial to layer these?

If you like a warm natural glossy look of carnauba waxes but would like to benefit from long lasting protection and depth of synthetic waxes as well this would be a way to go: sealant as base and then carnauba on top.

4) Why would it be beneficial to use both Synthetic and Carnauba. IE. What does one have over the other in terms of protection?

See above.

5) Why have I seen most people recommend synthetic first then carnauba? Is it due to the synthetic being a cleaner and risk removing the carnauba?

You want to lay a longer lasting & stronger bonding synthetic wax first and then put a coat of natural glossy warm looking carnauba wax. The best combination to take advantage of both types of wax.

5a) Where/How can I tell which Waxes are pure waxes and which ones are cleaners? I think I saw a list somewhere but I am unable to find it.

Cleaner Waxes/ Sealants:

A12 Cleaner Wax
ColorX
M06 Cleaner Wax
M20 Polymer Sealant
M66 Quick Detailer
D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream.

6) Knowing I have ULW and GC available, and my car is black, what would you recommend for waxing?

It's a personal preference. You can use ULW alone, GCCP alone or ULW topped with GCCP.
You may want to experiment on your paint a little and see what combo you like/ prefer best.

I hope it helps.

[Jossy92]

Re: Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

So what you're saying is the Carnuba looks better than UW? The second coat that meguiar's recommends aprox 1 hour after initial application is supposed to ensure uniform and even coverage isn't it? So the micro-crevices will have already been filled wouldn't it?

Not sure you were asking me, but.........

I like the soft carnuba glow that I think I get on my 20+ year old paint. The second coat I apply after the 1 hour IS Carnuba so the carnuba is what fills in the micro-crevices missed from the first coat of UW.

I would listen to what the some of the experts have said in a couple of days. It has to do with experience, not "why". Basing detailing on theory is like asking an automotive engineer how to actually maneuver an INDY car at 150+.

[Malo83]

Re: Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

Based on what I have learned here, I like UW followed by a Megs LSP with carnuba, I just like the way it looks.

[Here is a layman's "why" Not an expert, just "chuming" for bigger fish to chime in.]

....figure the carnuba fills in the micro-crevices missed by the first coat, so if the first coat missed 10% of the micro-crevices in the paint, the second coat catches much of that and visually that's enough to get the carnuba look and UW protection. Layering is irrelevant, it's coverage. Lipstick on a pig?

Did the Ultra Polish and Ultra Wax routine last weekend and I thought it did a really good job, car was garaged all week so yesterday I applied a coat of Gold Class Carnauba Plus and wow, great shine and reflectivity, must be the carnauba over the synthetic that brought out the shine, great combo that worked for me

[y2j514]

Re: Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

Ok so I guess I'll do the UW one day, 2nd coat of UW the next. Then on the 3rd day I'll test a spot with GW and see if it seems worth the effort.

So if I had to summarize it all up, adding the Carnauba above a synthetic is mostly for asthetics as opposed to extra protection, correct?

Thanks for all the replies!

[greg0303]

Re: Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

So if I had to summarize it all up, adding the Carnauba above a synthetic is mostly for asthetics as opposed to extra protection, correct?

You gain extra protection as well adding another coat of sacrificial barrier (wax).

[Jossy92]

Re: Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

I hope it helps.

Did the Ultra Polish and Ultra Wax ... yesterday I applied a coat of Gold Class Carnauba Plus and wow ... great combo

I hope you wait for more feedback because you are going to be doing a lot of work:

Both greg0303 and Malo83 are talking about the 2nd coat being the carnuba. You said:
"the UW one day, 2nd coat of UW the next".

If you do the 1st and 2nd coats with UW, the GC may not last very long because sacrificial layers don't bond well to sacrificial layers and you might need that 10% "paint base" for the "lipstick" GW to bond to.

It is really a warm glow and will also protect the cervices not covered by the first coat.

You are also giving others the chance to learn something too. For which...

Thanks!

[y2j514]

Re: Wax Layering Synthetic and Carnauba

Well like I said, I would test a spot first to see if the look is desirable before doing the whole car a 3rd time. But I will definitely wait for more feedback. It's not like I can go detail my car right now anyways - if you watched the Grand Prix today you will know why! Bloody rain...

I think I'm going to start a full detail on Wednesday morning as it is supposed to rain on and off until then. So until Tuesday night I will be continually checking the forum for more feedback.

Thanks for the input up to this point!