Thoughts On Top Coats?

[SmoovC]

Hey guys: I wanted to get your thoughts, opinions, and experiences on top coats.

I love to (as I am sure you guys do also) experiment with different products and procedures, and I tried something different this weekend:

On Friday night, I performed a complete clay bar on the Infiniti, followed by a coat of NXT 2.0 liquid on Saturday morning. I let the NXT fully "cure" until Sunday morning, when I decided to apply a coat of ULW. I understand that there is no concrete proof that there is any performance benefit from layering (other than to ensure even coverage), but I was looking at it from a purely appearance enhancement standpoint.

What I did observe was that on the darker color of the Infiniti (it is Harbour Blue), the NXT gave it a great shine and reflectivity; but not a lot of depth. The ULW over the top gave it more depth. I also noticed that the NXT has remained "slicker", as opposed to the ULW. How did I determine this? I did not apply a top coat of ULW on the rear bumper cover; and I noticed when I Cali dusted the car, the duster glided over that surface with much less resistance.

I am also considering trying NXT 2.0 over the ULW; just to see if it changes the appearance, and if the surface remains slicker. What has yet to be determined is if the hydrophobic properties are any different; which is an important factor here in Washington State!

So, I was wondering if anyone has done this before (ULW over NXT), and what your results were. Or, have you went the other way and tried NXT over ULW?

I suppose between waxings, it won't much matter, as I am using either UWWA and/or UQD to maintain, followed by UQW as a topper. Given this, I suppose then the effects of the NXT being slicker will probably be minimized?

Thoughts anyone? Appreciate any input and discussion!

[The Guz]

Re: Thoughts On Top Coats?

I have never used either like this as they are both synthetic waxes but with different polymers. Most of the time when "topping" it is the synthetic first and then carnuabua on top after a 12-24 cure time window. In theory you get the protection of the sealant with the look of a carnauba as some synthetics don't offer the carnauba look.

In saying this I have used the following combinations NXT 2.0/M26, M21/M26 and ULW/M26 and I can see the difference especially on a dark colored car such as my brothers red car or my dad's navy blue car. If you saw the difference in using the combination you posted about, you should definitely give M26 a try.

[SmoovC]

Re: Thoughts On Top Coats?

Thanks for the reply, TG; I appreciate your thoughts and input.

How does the M26 compare to either NXT or ULW in regards to durability and hydrophobic properties?

[The Guz]

Re: Thoughts On Top Coats?

M26 is a hybrid finishing wax. Meaning it contains both natural and synthetic ingredients. So it is a carnauba based wax with synthetic ingredients in it. NXT and ULW are both synthetic. The synthetic ingredients are different between the two. Synthetics typically outlast a carnauba wax. All are hydrophobic and sheet well. But I would give the sheeting to ULW. Durability wise it would be ULW, NXT and then M26. Carnuba's typically last about 2-4 months and synthetics about 4-6 months.

[ffboy]

Re: Thoughts On Top Coats?

With regards to NXT2.0 & Ultimate Wax, 2 different synthetic products. I wouldn't top NXT with Ultimate or vice versa. I would choose one over the other. I would top sealant with carnauba wax. I would top a cleaner/polish/wax (Cleaner Wax, ColorX, Black/White Wax, etc.) with either Gold Class, NXT 2, or Ultimate.