nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

[dknightd]

warning - newbie
How important is "cool surface in the shade" for applying nxt tech wax 2.0.
I have little shade, and it is summer (90degF). I have some afternoon shade.
Should I do it early in the morning, while it is relatively cool (70degF), or in the afternoon
when it is hotter, but in the shade? Or does it really matter?

[Marc08EX]

Re: nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

What matters more is the surface temperature of your paint. You can be under the sun in the morning where the ambient temperature is 70F but your paint surface is hotter because the sun is hitting it. As opposed to being in the shade and your surface is cool to the touch even if the ambient temperature is a lot hotter than 70F.

I would say work in the shade. If you don't have shade then I would do it at night. At this time of the year, I think your surface temperatures will get pretty hot even if it's 70F in the morning. I don't know. If you don't have a choice then do it in the morning. Just place your hand on your paint. If you pull your hand like touching a boiling kettle then don't wax it.

[dknightd]

Re: nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

So if I can touch the paint, then I'm OK? It feels warm to the touch, but I could probably leave my hand there for hours.
I'd like to do it during daylight hours since the key seems to be put on a thin coat. Easier done when I can see what I'm doing.
I'll wash with cold water (which should help), then do it (wax) in the shade. Probably I'm making this more complicated than it should be

[Marc08EX]

Re: nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

I would prefer doing it in the shade... The cooler the surface is, the better it should be.

[dknightd]

Re: nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

Guess I'll just try it in a small area. Done. Not sure I understand the "smear" test. I'll wait a bit then wipe it off. thanks for your help.

Edit: I'm not looking for "show" quality. If it looks good from a few feet I'll be happy

[yfwong]

Re: nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

Get either Ultimate Quik Wax or Ultimate Liquid/Paste Wax, both can be used even under the hot sun.
Ultimate Quik Wax can save more time.
The idea of detailing car in shade with cool surface is simply because the clear coat layer tends to be softer when it is hot. There is a risk to cause swirl if we apply something on it including washing.

[davey g-force]

Re: nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

The idea of detailing car in shade with cool surface is simply because the clear coat layer tends to be softer when it is hot. There is a risk to cause swirl if we apply something on it including washing.

Not sure where you heard that, but the idea is that the wax becomes problematic to remove and does not perform well if applied on a hot surface.

What you said about UW is true though. A good solution if you must work in the sun.

[ffboy]

Re: nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

Cool surface, to me it means not exceeding my own body temp. if it gets too hot, that easy to use (yup, easy to use NXT 2.0) will be problematic to remove, it will become streaky. Too cool, it will take forever to dry and also cause streaking due to different humidity...

Smear or swipe test is basically a test on how dry the applied wax is and if it's ready for removal. With the exception of Ultimate Liquid Wax, you apply a wax thinly and evenly, wait a few minutes, depending on temp. and humidity. You simply swipe your finger if upon swiping you're left with a streaky/smeary finish, then wax isn't ready for removal. But if you get a clear, shiny paint where you did the swipe, then it's time to remove the wax

[dknightd]

Re: nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

So washed and waxed the car this morning. Got it washed before sun hit it. Did wax in dappled shade. Parts of car were warm, but I figured better to "wax" when clean than to wait for it to cool off. Came out great. At least I think. Product went on and wiped off easily. Gave car a nice shine.

Of course I discovered lots of flaws in the paint. Swirl marks I knew about. But discovered some scratches, and some rusted rock chips, I had not noticed before.

Any tips on treating rock chips? drcolorchip any good?

Well, at least my paint, for what it is, is protected now.

It's been a long time since I properly washed and waxed a car - now I know why. It takes time.

[davey g-force]

Re: nxt tech wax 2.0 cool surface in the shade

So washed and waxed the car this morning. Got it washed before sun hit it. Did wax in dappled shade. Parts of car were warm, but I figured better to "wax" when clean than to wait for it to cool off. Came out great. At least I think. Product went on and wiped off easily. Gave car a nice shine.

Of course I discovered lots of flaws in the paint. Swirl marks I knew about. But discovered some scratches, and some rusted rock chips, I had not noticed before.

Any tips on treating rock chips? drcolorchip any good?

Well, at least my paint, for what it is, is protected now.

It's been a long time since I properly washed and waxed a car - now I know why. It takes time.

Great, glad it worked out for you.

There have been quite a few positive reviews on Dr Colorchip..