imported_ffmedic
New member
Hey guys ive often heard of people after they wax a car put multiple layers of wax on top? does this actually help or make a diffrence at all or are they just wasting time and money?
thanks
thanks
Clear something up for me
- Thread starter imported_ffmedic
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Nth Degree
New member
Depends on the wax. Many waxes have solvents in them that will simply remove the previous layer anyway. The ones that are designed to be layered still need to be given sufficient time to cure before the next layer.
One universal advantage to layering is more thorough coverage. Any area possibly missed on the first will most certainly be covered on the second.
The visual advantage to multiple layers is subjective. Many people might not even notice the difference if shown side by side. There is definitely a case of diminishing return. The first coat will create the most dramatic difference. A second might add some depth. Each additional layer is less likely to improve things so the time and energy to apply it might not be worth it. I have had circumstances where a third coat has created a greater increase in depth than the second. The color and nature of the paint can affect that as well. There is also a point where multiple layers of wax can detract from the clarity.
There is also the joy that some people get from the experience of waxing their car that might make it worth it.
Is it worth it? If the paint is polished to a truly flawless finish then multiple layers of wax might improve the look. No amount of wax is going to compensate for shortcuts taken in the preparation. Put Turtle wax on a flawlessly polished finish and it will look much better than a $1000 wax on a swirled and marred finish. If it isn't worth the time to make it perfect before applying the wax then it isn't worth the time to apply more than two coats.
One universal advantage to layering is more thorough coverage. Any area possibly missed on the first will most certainly be covered on the second.
The visual advantage to multiple layers is subjective. Many people might not even notice the difference if shown side by side. There is definitely a case of diminishing return. The first coat will create the most dramatic difference. A second might add some depth. Each additional layer is less likely to improve things so the time and energy to apply it might not be worth it. I have had circumstances where a third coat has created a greater increase in depth than the second. The color and nature of the paint can affect that as well. There is also a point where multiple layers of wax can detract from the clarity.
There is also the joy that some people get from the experience of waxing their car that might make it worth it.
Is it worth it? If the paint is polished to a truly flawless finish then multiple layers of wax might improve the look. No amount of wax is going to compensate for shortcuts taken in the preparation. Put Turtle wax on a flawlessly polished finish and it will look much better than a $1000 wax on a swirled and marred finish. If it isn't worth the time to make it perfect before applying the wax then it isn't worth the time to apply more than two coats.
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
There is a lot of discussion about whether or not it is possible to layer Carnauba on a paint surface, it works on leather boots (providing you neutralize the solvent) and in my experience it also works, up to a point, on a cars paint service.
Be selective with your choice of wax or glaze used for layering, since many are not 100% optically clear, so multiple layers would ultimately have an adverse effect as they will mute the finish
A wax is applied as a thin film’ (1-0.5 µ microns) as opposed to ‘layer’, a film more accurately describes a thinly applied wax, were as a layer tends to describe multiple covering. Some specialty paint protection systems (nano coating) can have subsequent film added to increase protection and paint appearance, systems must set-up or cross-link prior to application of subsequent coats. Depending on the product type cross-linking times vary from a few hours to days.
If you apply a low-solvent product on top of one that has already set-up (i.e. the solvents have evaporated) you can increase its density up to a point (as opposed to layering) two to three applications are usually considered optimum
Be selective with your choice of wax or glaze used for layering, since many are not 100% optically clear, so multiple layers would ultimately have an adverse effect as they will mute the finish
A wax is applied as a thin film’ (1-0.5 µ microns) as opposed to ‘layer’, a film more accurately describes a thinly applied wax, were as a layer tends to describe multiple covering. Some specialty paint protection systems (nano coating) can have subsequent film added to increase protection and paint appearance, systems must set-up or cross-link prior to application of subsequent coats. Depending on the product type cross-linking times vary from a few hours to days.
If you apply a low-solvent product on top of one that has already set-up (i.e. the solvents have evaporated) you can increase its density up to a point (as opposed to layering) two to three applications are usually considered optimum
Accumulator
Well-known member
I do an actual test with reasonable (and applicable in the product-specific sense) controls and base my layering/not on my results. Sometimes the products that do/don't have surprised me. And sometimes my results have differed from those of other people.