This is probably a stupid question, but here goes.
Is it possible to overwax your car? Once you wash and then wax, can you apply a 2nd wax coat, or 3rd, 4th? Does additional waxing simply layer up, maybe provide better protection, and a deeper look, or is it just wasted time?

I wax my cars once a year after cleaning the surface with detailer spray....I never voluntarily put water on one of the restored cars, makes more of a mess to clean up. ! coat of wax is plenty. If you want to brighten the finish, you'll have to get into hand glazes, polishes, and/or compounds. I would deem anything more than 1 waxing unnecessary.

Do you guys think waxing once a month during season is harmful to the finish? My car is black and it's tough to keep nice.I don't really care about the time it takes to do it.

If you want to brighten the finish, you'll have to get into hand glazes, polishes, and/or compounds. I would deem anything more than 1 waxing unnecessary.

I agree. The wax is for protection and more than is needed for that just hides the paint's true sheen. A lot of guys that show cars rewax often to remove old discolored wax so the paint can be seen better. Before they do, they remove the old wax with dish detergent.

Ummm I'm afraid to answer...:)

I agree. The wax is for protection and more than is needed for that just hides the paint's true sheen. A lot of guys that show cars rewax often to remove old discolored wax so the paint can be seen better. Before they do, they remove the old wax with dish detergent.
X2 and use 3M-show car wax

I personally do not think multiple coats of wax, applied one after another, helps the shine at all. One every month or so would make more sense. Since I don't use wax on my Velle, I can't say for sure if wax is in fact a gloss enhancer or really just a protectant :confused:

Now polish is a different story, at least from what I've been able to learn over the years. The one I use actually suggests putting a couple of coats on back to back which supposedly enhances gloss. I would agree with their claim.

I haven't used a glaze in a lot of years. My experience at that time was the product gave instant gloss enhancement, but had a very short lifespan (maybe just a few days). Probably not a bad idea for that weekend show I guess.

I am by no means an expert on this stuff. I have been happy with the product I use for about 15 years and really haven't ventured elsewhere. I think we all have different products, systems and application tricks we are happy with. This is a debate that could probably go on forever. Basically just find a product(s) and a system that you are happy with as there are tons of quality car care items to choose from. In this area I do believe you get what you pay for.

I thought waxing alot ruins your clear coat?? Maybe i am thinking of something else.

I use Liquid Glass Polish on my car, I usually do 2 coats but I've done up to 3 coats of polish and following the actual directions and letting each coat "cure" in the sun. Each coat was progressively shinnier and had more gloss to it. I'm not sure about doing multiple coats of wax though. I think one good coat of wax, and polishes from there works the best.

this is a interesting post.:thumbsup:
i know guys that never ever use a wax.
from what i have seen they use a finalcut compond and a wheel to get it to shine and use some handglaze if going to a car show.
not saying its right or wrong.

My opinion....

Compounds are for heavy paint correction. No protective qualities. leaves paint bare.

Polishes are for very light paint correction. They make your paint look shiny because they get rid of minor defects that can cloud or blur how your paint looks. No protective layer left behind, just clean bare paint.

Sealants and Waxes leave a coating or film on top of the paint to protect it. Many do have additives in it than can enhance gloss, hide very minor defects, etc.

Glazes generally leave a coating that just enhances the look of the paint. Kind of like oily ingredients that make the surface look wet, shiny, etc. Not for paint protection, just looks.

As for layering wax, this is a very debatable subject. Some swear it works and others say it's bs. Many like to apply 2 different types on top of each other. Sealants are generally thought of being harder once cured, so some like to apply a coat of wax on top of that. If anything, a second coat of wax will make sure any spots that were missed the 1st time around gets done, so a uniform finish is achieved.

I personally wash and wax my car once a year, but it is only driven occasionally and sits in the garage. I polish as needed, which is usually once every 2 or 3 years to get rid of minor imperfections from dusting off the car. Polishing is followed by a coat of wax.

I don't think you can over wax.

Assuming you are using a traditional carnuba based wax, not a sealant or cleaner wax.
It's not going to keep building up, the successive applications will get mostly buffed off.

The street rodder car show guys I hung out with as a teen, they waxed their cars damn near every time they drove them. Their paint always looked great, some of their cars had paintjobs that were nearly 20 years old and looked brand new.

I remember a guy asking me once how often I wax my car and I told him "every time I wash it" he said damn thats obsessive. my reply was, "I wash my car every time I drive it"

lol - I wasnt using a heavy wax though, mostly was using the waxshop quick wax. and I would hand polish it all the time as well.... the car was painted in 1992 and looked as good as the day it was painted the day I sold it in 2004. heres a pic of the old camino

http://ramconsultingonline.com/pics/badazzchevy.jpg

I agree almost entirely with Slick71SS. I don't believe muliple layers of Wax will hurt your car. Will it help? Who knows. You should probably use a Carnuba wax when waxing. Multiple layers of Polish and other compounds are a different story. Polish is an abrasive. It works by removing a microlayer of damaged paint. If used too often it can take your paint down to the primer. I know this from personal experience. One can probably discover more than they ever wanted to know about wax/polish/cleaning and detailing at the following website www.autopia.org.

I agree. The wax is for protection and more than is needed for that just hides the paint's true sheen. A lot of guys that show cars rewax often to remove old discolored wax so the paint can be seen better. Before they do, they remove the old wax with dish detergent.
I never use dish detergent as it contains abrasives. Use a good car soap such as maguires's. It's cheap enough and I've been dipping out of the same jug for almost 5 years now.

Jerry

I never wax my car. I polish it every time I show it. There's a big difference between wax and polish. The wax tends to hold up longer on daily frivers, but also does not let the true color shine through. I use Zaino Bros polish which is 99% clear and it goes on easy and comes off easy. I can wax and wipe the car down in a half hour and it looks like the pain is a mile deep. A bit expensive, but it 's the best I have found and you can put multiple coats on it without stripping the old off. I haven't washed one of my cars for over 5 years as they never get driven in rain and they have never been wet.

Most Zaino products labeled as a show polish are actually a synthetic sealant, and not a true polish.

if you wax to much the paint will look hazy then wash with dishsoap to strip the wax then put 1 coat on after washing. usually the rule of thum is every 2 weeks but most people dont do that... i will wax the car after winter and then use detailer spray meg's ultimate quick detailer before going to a show.

My opinion....

Compounds are for heavy paint correction. No protective qualities. leaves paint bare.

Polishes are for very light paint correction. They make your paint look shiny because they get rid of minor defects that can cloud or blur how your paint looks. No protective layer left behind, just clean bare paint.

Sealants and Waxes leave a coating or film on top of the paint to protect it. Many do have additives in it than can enhance gloss, hide very minor defects, etc.

Glazes generally leave a coating that just enhances the look of the paint. Kind of like oily ingredients that make the surface look wet, shiny, etc. Not for paint protection, just looks.

As for layering wax, this is a very debatable subject. Some swear it works and others say it's bs. Many like to apply 2 different types on top of each other. Sealants are generally thought of being harder once cured, so some like to apply a coat of wax on top of that. If anything, a second coat of wax will make sure any spots that were missed the 1st time around gets done, so a uniform finish is achieved.

I personally wash and wax my car once a year, but it is only driven occasionally and sits in the garage. I polish as needed, which is usually once every 2 or 3 years to get rid of minor imperfections from dusting off the car. Polishing is followed by a coat of wax.

That is a good description :thumbsup:

How often you clean and polish/wax all depends on you, your car, and how often you drive.
Keeping one clean and protected is the main thing.
I've always used a good carnuba paste wax.
I always take my air hose and blow the car off followed by a California Duster.
Then I clean the car using a Meguiars detail/lifting spray.
Wax after that.
Last time, I used Dura Gloss 501 marine polish followed by a wax.
Man, that polish rubs on much easier than wax and wipes off super easy after hazing.
Really shined. Put a coat of carnuba over that.
Kazaam.
Researching showed that polish lasts approx 4 months. It has bonding properties to the paint.
Carnuba wax about 2 months and is a coating.
People always tell me the paint looks deep enough to swim in.

First of all, dishwashing detergents typically do not contain abrasives. The deal with DW detergent is use blue Dawn if you wish to strip off the old wax or sealant. If you're going to the full route: claybar, correction, polish/glaze and then seal, then you'll want to strip off the old polish/wax. I tend to clay once a year. Wash the car with Dawn, use clay and a good lubricant. Wash with Dawn again. When I first got my car I clayed it and had a ton of red overspray come off the paint.

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii382/REMIX1968/DSC02889.jpg

You cannot really "over wax" a car. Some protectants like Meguiars NXT cannot really be layered. When you apply that stuff, it tends to take the old coat off. Zaino can be layered, however, and it's durable as hell.

Good carnauba waxes seem to be a bit "warmer" than their synthetic sealant counterparts. Carnauba doesn't last as long as something like Rejex, Zaino or Opti-Seal. Megs NXT V2 is a synthetic type "wax" that has some cleaners and fillers that help hide swirls. Something like Rejex won't hide anything, so you'll need to make sure the paint looks great and corrected before putting it on.

Rejex is some of the best stuff I've ever used and it's slick as heck. Nothing really sticks to it.

Make sure you have some good microfiber towels, too.

Back to washing: get a good type of car wash like Mothers Gold or one of those. They won't strip off wax like a dishwashing detergent will.

If you really want a serious education, go here: http://autopia.org/forum/

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii382/REMIX1968/IMG_0249.jpg

Ditto to Steve on the LIquid Glass. Best shine I have found except some Aircraft stuff I had years ago and can't fid anymore.

Ditto to Anthony - use the clay, what a difference in the finish before polishing.

I avoid the waxes, and just use the polish. Don't see the 'protection' need unless you keep it outside all the time.

Great thread - good descriptions of what is what.....

I'm with Anthony on this one....If you want to take the paint to a whole new level of shine and smoothness, give it a good glay bayr treatment then follow up with a good wax...She'll shine like no other and be slicker then snot on a doorknob:thumbsup:

The best product I have found for my black car is Meguirs NXT wax. I use it once a month during the driving season.

Ditto to Steve on the LIquid Glass. Best shine I have found except some Aircraft stuff I had years ago and can't fid anymore.

Ditto to Anthony - use the clay, what a difference in the finish before polishing.

I avoid the waxes, and just use the polish. Don't see the 'protection' need unless you keep it outside all the time.

Great thread - good descriptions of what is what.....

:yes: Also on one car just to try we applied liquid glass polish and left it overnight in the garage, in the moring it wiped off like it was just applied!

I'm with Anthony on this one....If you want to take the paint to a whole new level of shine and smoothness, give it a good glay bayr treatment then follow up with a good wax...She'll shine like no other and be slicker then snot on a doorknob:thumbsup: l:)l:)l:)He said snot!!

back in 1970 a local had a new Olds 442. he waxed in every day all summer long. only effect was the paint looked a foot deep.

:yes: Also on one car just to try we applied liquid glass polish and left it overnight in the garage, in the moring it wiped off like it was just applied!

From the liquid glass site -

"Reduces drag and increases top end speed on racing cars, planes and boats "

OK....really? LMAO

So wax my car, reduce drag and pick up ET in whatever it is thats waxed? Check.

Now I cannot try it just because that claim was made. Might be fantastic stuff. But telling me on your business site, as a selling point, that using your wax will actually make whatever I am driving faster.....ah man.....lol :D

Im going to cover my body in this stuff and try out for olympic sprinting.

IMO, Liquid Glass has been long surpassed by other modern sealants. I used to use LG back in the day and it wasn't bad. It doesn't fill swirls like NXT will. NXT is a great "wax" (it's really a synthetic polymer), but it's not super durable like a Zaino. NXT looks great on my Corvette but it's gone/worn off within a month.

If you have an Ace Hardware or a Tru-Value near you, pick up a bottle or Rejex if they carry it. It's amazing and the Corvette crowd swears by it almost as much as they do Zaino. It doesn't have any filling ability, so you need a swirl free finish to get the most shine.

If you're showing your car regularly, look into Pinnacle Souveran (http://www.autopia.org/reviews/censura.php?csid=j7il9m0rbvjf1jsi2j896fc7i2&cmd=details&itemid=22). That stuff makes well prepped dark paint look like you could dip your hand into it. This stuff is really good on blacks, deep blues, red. It makes black look BLACK.

RMX

Agree with Remix, USed LG once back in the day had mixed feelings about it.
Better stuff out there today.

Been pretty happy with Zymol...in a clear bottle (looks lite blue) found at Pep Boys, leaves one heck of a glossy finish, better than Meguiars Gold, is reasonable and looks great on black cars too.

Never been a fan of high priced waxes thus never joined the Zaino crowd.

Turtle wax works wonders for my black chevelle that has a 30 year old paint job. HUGE diff before and after waxing. I wax my car at least once every two weeks!

Wax lasts a lot longer on collector cars as they are indoors more often the outdoors and the finish is preserved a lot longer then a regular driven car. So if your Chevelle isnt used daily and is parked inside a lot. I would say its likely not necessary to wax more then once a month.

a have a 20 year old single stage black paint job. i have used the meguiars nxt and it came out awesome and really had a mirror like shine. what i want is a deeper wet high gloss shine. car is only driven 15 times a year or so and is garaged all the time. never sees rain. what would the best product be for a black, deep , wet shine?

I wax my cars once a year after cleaning the surface with detailer spray....I never voluntarily put water on one of the restored cars, makes more of a mess to clean up.

X2. A good detailing spray helps to protect the finish as well. Personally, I like to wax every six months and use detailer spray in between.

a have a 20 year old single stage black paint job. i have used the meguiars nxt and it came out awesome and really had a mirror like shine. what i want is a deeper wet high gloss shine. car is only driven 15 times a year or so and is garaged all the time. never sees rain. what would the best product be for a black, deep , wet shine?

A good glaze like Megs #7 and then follow up with Pinnacle Souveran. That should make your jaw drop. I don't think you could get black any blacker than with that combo.

Here's the hood of my Corvette after an application:

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii382/REMIX1968/Corvette/IMG_1648b.jpg

RMX

I second the pinnacle souveran. Its pricey( around 100) but it gives the best shine I have seen yet. Its also very easy to put on and take off. I would also suggest some wolfgang deep gloss 3.o sealant. Last around 6 months and is a great protective. You can wax over top of this as well. Ever wanting to get into detailing and polishing check out autogeek.net

I second the pinnacle souveran. Its pricey( around 100) but it gives the best shine I have seen yet. Its also very easy to put on and take off. I would also suggest some wolfgang deep gloss 3.o sealant. Last around 6 months and is a great protective. You can wax over top of this as well. Ever wanting to get into detailing and polishing check out autogeek.net

Autogeek is awesome. They have all kinds of cool exotic detailing stuff, too.

If someone is looking to clay their car, buy the Griot's clay...it's supposedly the best available.

RMX

I'll have to give the Megs #7 glaze a try on my Grand National. Paint is only 4 years old.
I am a big fan of 3M's Imperial Hand glaze.