How many coats of wax before it is no longer additional coats?
- Thread starter KITT
- Start date
KITT said:
I've read 20-30 coats is not out of the norm for SG on show cars. :woot:
here's the link:
http://www.properautocare.com/inwiklusa.html
Anthony O.
New member
I would guess that after 2 or 3 there is nothing gained......protection wise or look wise. You will get diminishing results
4details2win
New member
What the heck is that?
Wasatch
New member
euro said:
That's crazy. Two or three coats would be great.
This is another jab at a long debated topic. Cleaner waxes, many sealants (in general) will not layer beyond an application or two. A pure wax will layer, ladies and gentlemen (despite popular belief). In terms of appearance, you can have varying degrees of slickness, gloss and a greater appearance of depth with more layers (or deposits for the naysayers) of wax. Very good waxes will not necessarily require a lot of product applied on the surface in order to reach an optimal result. Additionally, too much of a product applied in a short time could hamper the appearance of the paint with signs of hazing and an un-even finish. A well layered waxed finish has to be built slowly during a typical waxing season of 4-9 months, and very importantly, on nothing but clean, clear paint.
In terms of durability, wax layers have to have time in between applications in order to cure properly and to build a good waxed surface. I have had excellent duration and protection from wax layers with patiently building a waxed surface during the spring and summer, which has lasted throughout a typical northeast winter.
In terms of durability, wax layers have to have time in between applications in order to cure properly and to build a good waxed surface. I have had excellent duration and protection from wax layers with patiently building a waxed surface during the spring and summer, which has lasted throughout a typical northeast winter.
imported_truzoom
New member
I would say that if you spit-shined, you could probably achieve more using less layers. This is versus the typical apply to paint, wait, wipe off, repeat a few hours later method.
Accumulator
Well-known member
KSG- Some old-timers here might recall how, a few years ago, I played around (uh, I mean I "experimented" 
) with varying layers of SG on the minivan. I did notice, or think I did, a slight improvement in appearance up to four layers, but I absolutely couldn't tell any changes after that.
While I had previously used 3-4 layers topped with #16, I built up six layers over a period of about three weeks and did *not* top with wax. I allowed each to dry at least 12 hours before buffing and to cure for at least 24 hours before adding another layer. Some layers were done many days apart. Every layer was so thin that I couldn't easily see it on the silver paint.
Unlike the appearance, the durability, *did* improve with more applications, and dramatically so. I got...I forget exactly, I'd have to go dig up my records to know for sure...well over a year, maybe 16 months out of the six layers. I had tight beading for over 12 months, then less-tight beading for the rest of the time; by the end of the test it was starting to sheet. It deteriorated fastest on the areas where I'd frequently spot-clayed, but not as badly as I'd expected. All the surfaces still felt like they had SG on them (that smooth, plastic-like feel that's very different from bare paint). The roof was still OK after *18 months* when I decided to redo it on general principles. When I'd used 3-4 layers I never got close to that kind of durability. I was frankly astounded at how long it lasted, never expected anything like that. And no, I didn't QD it or otherwise introduce any wildcard-type variables
Disclaimer: YMMV, I'm not saying that six layers of KSG will last this long for anybody else or even that it'd last that long for me if I repeated the exercise. Note that I probably wash (and clay) as gently as it can be done and that my vehicles live a somewhat pampered existence.
Wax- I just clay with Sonus green as needed and rewax when the beading changes. Spit-shining with something like Souveran works, but generally isn't worth the effort to me.
) with varying layers of SG on the minivan. I did notice, or think I did, a slight improvement in appearance up to four layers, but I absolutely couldn't tell any changes after that.While I had previously used 3-4 layers topped with #16, I built up six layers over a period of about three weeks and did *not* top with wax. I allowed each to dry at least 12 hours before buffing and to cure for at least 24 hours before adding another layer. Some layers were done many days apart. Every layer was so thin that I couldn't easily see it on the silver paint.
Unlike the appearance, the durability, *did* improve with more applications, and dramatically so. I got...I forget exactly, I'd have to go dig up my records to know for sure...well over a year, maybe 16 months out of the six layers. I had tight beading for over 12 months, then less-tight beading for the rest of the time; by the end of the test it was starting to sheet. It deteriorated fastest on the areas where I'd frequently spot-clayed, but not as badly as I'd expected. All the surfaces still felt like they had SG on them (that smooth, plastic-like feel that's very different from bare paint). The roof was still OK after *18 months* when I decided to redo it on general principles. When I'd used 3-4 layers I never got close to that kind of durability. I was frankly astounded at how long it lasted, never expected anything like that. And no, I didn't QD it or otherwise introduce any wildcard-type variables
Disclaimer: YMMV, I'm not saying that six layers of KSG will last this long for anybody else or even that it'd last that long for me if I repeated the exercise. Note that I probably wash (and clay) as gently as it can be done and that my vehicles live a somewhat pampered existence.
Wax- I just clay with Sonus green as needed and rewax when the beading changes. Spit-shining with something like Souveran works, but generally isn't worth the effort to me.
I agree with what Accumulator posted, I observed (although not as meticulously documented as he did) the same thing on my car with 9 layers of KSG before the end of the season made me stop.
In the appearance area, I noticed a dramatic improvement after the third layer. After the 6th, there was another change - I noticed it looked different, but it wasn't as dramatic as the change around the 3rd/4th layer.
I go for the "build the layers as the season progresses" approach as well. Early on, like now, I just apply another layer of LSP - in my case, at this point, UPP. In a few weeks, I'll switch to Souveran and use it the rest of the season.
It's the process
Andrew
In the appearance area, I noticed a dramatic improvement after the third layer. After the 6th, there was another change - I noticed it looked different, but it wasn't as dramatic as the change around the 3rd/4th layer.
I go for the "build the layers as the season progresses" approach as well. Early on, like now, I just apply another layer of LSP - in my case, at this point, UPP. In a few weeks, I'll switch to Souveran and use it the rest of the season.
It's the process
Andrew
jerry@robs
New member
Based on my experience with SG, shading changes (turns darker) after 4-5 coats. Which may not be beneficial for some colours.
SG does darken the paint after multiple coats, as it is not 100% optically clear. Metallic paints lose their pop, and look more candy coated. If you like a nice candy coated apple look to your vehicle, 6 coats of SG is the way to go. This product can definitely be layered, as you notice the change in the look of your vehicle after each coat.