Layering Waxes

Discussion in 'Last Steps: Waxes, Sealants, and Coatings' started by riegerman, May 5, 2010.

  1. riegerman

    riegerman Virgin Detailer

    Hi I am new to detailing as it is just a hobby currently. I was wondering when layering waxes do I:
    1. Put a durable layer first then put a shiny wax on top
    2. Put the shiny wax on then the durable wax on top
    3. Just put multiple layers of the shiny wax.

    If recommendation is option 3, then will it be as durable as option 1 and 2?

    If there is a better method please let me know.
    Thanks any input would be much appreciated.
     
  2. hoppy6698

    hoppy6698 Birth of a Detailer

  3. zachc

    zachc Two Bucket System Washer

    There are 3 basic types of LSP's. Carnauba based waxes, synthetic waxes, and sealants. Saying “shiny” is a little vague because all LSP's are shinny.

    Option #1 is the most common application, using a sealant first, then a carnauba or synthetic wax. You don't want to do option #2, putting a sealant on top of a wax because a sealant is meant to bond to a very clean paint surface for maximum durability. Also most waxes produce a more favorable shine than a sealant so you wouldn't want to cover that up, which is why you should never do option #2.

    As for option #3, traditionally a carnauba wax will not be as durable as a sealant no matter how many layers you apply. There are however a few exceptions such as Collinite, which is a wax but is just as durable, if not more than most sealants. Option #1 will usually last the longest, depending on the product because they are all different.
     
  4. riegerman

    riegerman Virgin Detailer

    I was thinking more on the line of carnuaba waxes.
    So for example I was going to use Meguiars Professional paste wax 16 which is very very durable and I also have P21s and Victoria Wax.

    So if I use say the Megs and Victoria wax would I use option 1, 2 ,3 or none of them. I see your example is using sealants but I prefer waxes.
     
  5. riegerman

    riegerman Virgin Detailer

  6. zachc

    zachc Two Bucket System Washer

    In this case since you are using all waxes that do not have any cleaners in them, it would not matter which order you applied them, Meg's then Vics, or vis versa. However, since they are both carnauba waxes most people do not typically layer different types of waxes. You may be better off just layering either the Meg's by itself or the Vic's by itself. If you really want to you should prob put the Meg's 1st since it is the most durable, then the Vic's. Be sure to allow adequate curing time when layer any LSP though.
     

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