when do you reapply wax/seal?

S

SXTMagnum

New member
should we go beyond the autopian max time of 2 weeks for this, when would the protective part of the process need to be reapplied?



i have my own opinions on this. but, i want to know what may be more accurate from more knowledgeable and experienced detailers/hobbiests.



it is a little more confusing to me now that i am exposed to so many more sealants and waxes and hybrids - some bead, some sheet. you know what i mean?



plus, there are too many different environments to give an accurate time frame. i am looking for something better than a general time frame i guess. is there an analysis of the paint to deterimine that it needs protection again? thanks.
 
really it just depends on what the sealant/wax you're using is....



but a general rule is when you loose the slick feeling of the paint after you've washed, and a simple QDing doesnt restore it. That tells you that there is still perhaps some protection there, but if so, its minimal. Then it would be best to re-apply your protectant (be it SG, Zaino, P21S, whatever)
 
there's no definite timeframe for such situations... it all depends...



how often you wash

what you use to wash

how often does it rain

what's the ambient temperature in your area

contamination, etc...



here in Manila, whenever the rainy season starts (June-Oct), waxes don't last at all... max of a week... you still get the shine, but the slickness is almost gone and the beads will start to swell up...



during summer, waxes here lasts for about 2 weeks... again, depending on washing materials.
 
Well, like the others have said, it is a varying thing, and is never definite.



MAin thing is to keep it protected.



Sealants offer longer protection, but not as much depth as wax, wax lasts no time compared to sealants.



Meguiars.com has a thing on there to show possiblr influences on your paint's finish in your area.
 
Very good question but should be very irrelevant to a hobbyist of car detailing.JMO Find a product or group of products that creates the appearance you desire. Find products that you enjoy to work with. Most products last an average of 1 month. Of course there are extremely environmental conditions in which the duration of protection is decrease ( i. e. tveed in Manila). At least once a month re-apply your protectant of choice and wash and QD in between. With a schedule in place of every 30 day rejuveniation of protection, your fears of paint damage from exposure should be alleviated. Will your car always look the best that it could with this minimal amount of ultra-detailing? Most likely not, but it will be protected.



Mr.W you actually answered your own question. There are too many variables to give a definitive answer to the longevity of protection of a product. For someone like myself, who rarely drives his Zaino/BF garage queen, will have a long duration of protection. Someone with the same product protection on a daily driver could have a significantly shorten protection period.



The irony of this whole discussion the longevity of protection by waxes and sealant is that neither protect us against our greatest enemies to our finishes... the careless driver opening his/her door, the complimentary dealership wash, the friend who loves to lean against your car, the jealous keyer, and the errand grocery cart. :wavey
 
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