2nd Coat of a Different Wax Help Any??

[Turk]

I just got done hand rubbing a quality Carnauba Paste Wax on my Black, 200,000 mile GMC Sierra.

Kinda feel like getting the GG Buffer on it with another type, 3M Performance Finish Liquid Wax.

So, does it help the finish any or help the protection last longer with a 2nd coat of a different type of Wax?

Thanks!

 

[tomcat27]

likely yes. some people also apply multiple coats of the same wax

 

[qwertydude]

Second coat of wax will simply strip the previous layer. Wax only forms a single molecule layer thick on top of paint. The solvents needed to dissolve the wax to let it be applied will simply remove the existing wax and put the new wax on.

At most you just increase the concentration of wax molecules bonding in that single layer. Something that might occur if the paint wasn't clean and the wax wasn't thoroughly applied.

One difference is if you have a synthetic acrylic based sealant that crosslinks on the paint, then you can actually put a layer of wax on top. You have to be careful applying the wax because the sealant can be stripped by the solvents in the wax.

 

[Turk]

I put the 2nd coat on using the 3M Performance Wax - looks even better!

There were a lot of hard water stains on the paint that the hand applying did not take out.

When I used the Griot's Garage DA Buffer to put on the 2nd coat, I wiped it off and those water spots all over the truck are now gone!

There's A LOT more action with the Buffer & I was able to push harder.

 

[Sam2000]

Originally Posted By: qwertydude
Second coat of wax will simply strip the previous layer. Wax only forms a single molecule layer thick on top of paint. The solvents needed to dissolve the wax to let it be applied will simply remove the existing wax and put the new wax on.

At most you just increase the concentration of wax molecules bonding in that single layer. Something that might occur if the paint wasn't clean and the wax wasn't thoroughly applied.

One difference is if you have a synthetic acrylic based sealant that crosslinks on the paint, then you can actually put a layer of wax on top. You have to be careful applying the wax because the sealant can be stripped by the solvents in the wax.


So no need to apply Collinite 845 twice if it was first applied with a DA?

Are manufacturer instructions to apply twice there for a reason eg when hand applying?

 

[qwertydude]

There are two reasons manufacturers suggest applying twice. First is primarily to make you use their product up faster. And a distant second to cover spots you missed or only lightly applied.

The thing with Collinite 845 is it has such so much solvents in it that just simply wiping it on and letting it sit ensure complete coverage. It doesn't need to be worked in nearly like their paste wax where the heat of friction bonds the wax to the paint. Instead the solvent action serves to adhere the wax to the paint.

So the reason for the second coating is obviously inspired from shampoo bottles. Wash, rinse, repeat.

But if applying by DA I suggest stepping up to the paste wax, you use less to wax your car and it lasts longer. When applied by DA it's just as easy to wipe off as the liquid.

 

[Sam2000]

Yeah I found out about 476 with a DA after buying 845.

Not only is 476 the same price, it has more treatments than 845 and apparently lasts a little longer. Oh well.

 

[FastEddie]

Originally Posted By: Sam2000

Not only is 476 the same price, it has more treatments than 845 and apparently lasts a little longer. Oh well.

476s does last longer, and IMO looks quite a bit better than 845. The both are great products and I had been using 845 as an option for protecting my customers cars for years before I tried 476 many years back, and I haven't used 845 since.

 

[qwertydude]

If you like the looks of 476S definitely step up to 915. The 915 applies and removes easier and looks even better with only slightly shorter longevity than 476S but it makes metallics really pop better than 476S.

 

[razel]

Originally Posted By: Turk
So, does it help the finish any or help the protection last longer with a 2nd coat of a different type of Wax?


Yes. Unless you are using a pure wax, applying the same wax which contains very light cleaners/polishers will continue to further clean/polish your paint. The cleaner the surface, the better the wax can hold onto paint/clear coat instead of contaminates.

Applying a 2nd coat of a different wax is controversial, but is recommended by Mike Phillips. A seasoned former Meguiars employee now a major play at autogeek. It's called topping. The key is to put pure carnauba wax over synthetic. You know you have synthetic if it requires time to crosslink. There are very few pure carnauba waxes, but both Meguiars and Mothers makes them.

I have tried topping and love it. I just use Armor's All Extreme Shield Wax topped with Meguiars #26 Yellow Tech Wax... and during rinsing I use the Wax as you Dry products. I ABSOLUTELY love it. Armor's All by itself lasts between 6 months (in a daily driver) to 1 year (for a garaged weekend ride). I have only topped it with Megs #26 probably 6 months ago and washed my cars probably 4 times with Wax as your dry and it still looks freshly waxed.

I hope to not have to wax again for at least 1 year+.

 

[Robenstein]

I only wax over a paint sealant. For instance my last wax was on my bike. Duragloss tpp 105 and I covered it with Finish Kare Pink Wax. The wax adds a little more protection and gives the paint some extra warmth to it.