Long lasting Wax effect

[BAIKAR]

Hi

I like most enjoy keeping the car clean.

I got a tub of autoglym wax to try out and even though it gets a good review from the likes of autoexpress only being marked down by its high price I find its long term effects pretty weak. Correct me if i'm wrong but I've heard lots of people saying that waxing a car should last 5 months before needing done again. I'm pleased with the results after the wax as water beads really well but after a few weeks it stops which sort of defeats the purpose.

I've used the dreaded fairy liquid to wash my old cars before but had started to buy turtle wax platinum series and found it to be good at shifting dirt.

Any suggestions or am I expecting too much from the wax?

[serkie]

No - you are not expecting too much for a wax to last 5 months.

There are a number of elements that should be taken into consideration.

1. Preparation:
Before you apply any wax make sure the surface is well prepared. This is achieved by using either a Car Polish or Paint Cleaner (i.e. Dodo Lime Prime, Zaino AIO etc). If the surface is covered in contamination i.e. tree sap, tar then use a Clay Bar product.

2. Application:
Apply the wax thinly and in most cases allow the wax to sit/cure for a little while (i.e. 10-20 minutes).

3. Layering: Most waxes response well to being layered. Buff off the 1st coat of wax and leave (depending on the wax) for either a few hours or a day. Then apply another thin layer. In most cases a few hours between coats will be fine.

4. Maintenance: Do not use harsh TFR based cleaners when washing as these will strip the wax, also don't use washing up liquid! Get a Ph Neutral Shampoo and top up the finish with a detailing spray after each wash.

[Spiney]

Is this for real? I've never used a wax that will last so long, sealants maybe but never a wax.

I'm no expert in these things so feel free to say I'm talking bull though

[BAIKAR]

i did clay the car from new but didn't polish as theres no need.

think the turtle wax is neutral but i'll check.

As for detailing spray after washing maybe thats it. If you stopped doing this would the wax eventually stop beading?

I wasn't sure if it was ok to spray products on top of the wax or not without stripping it away?

[chr15]

It depends on the product. I use Dodo Juice Red Mist after washes. It leaves a protective layer and helps to keep the wax on for longer.

[serkie]

As above - it really is product dependant. Some of the cheaper waxes looks good initially but just don't last i.e. most Meg's Paste waxes etc.

A 'decent' wax will easily last 3 - 4 months. For example I've put 2 layers of Victoria Concours wax on my wife's Rav4 and after 3 months it's still beading and looking good. I wash the car every 2 weeks.

My current favourite is not a wax but a Sealant, if you want something that's going to give a great shine and last then you'd be hard pressed to find anything that can match Finish Kare 1000p. Exceptional value.

[BAIKAR]

hard to know if the wax is lasting though if its getting a detail spray over the top. I could have not bothered waxing and just used detail spray after every wash and it would look far better plus the water would just run off.

whats the benifit/point in wax?

[serkie]

What detailing spray are you using?

Wax is often referred to as a LSP (Last Step Product) and as the name suggests is the last product you put on i.e. prior to the wax, you've washed, clayed and polished. Essentially the wax is meant to protect the finish underneath it hence the importance of preparing the surface prior to waxing. Cleaning and Claying will remove grime and contamination on the paint work and polishing will add depth to the finish whilst removing/masking minor swirls and scratches. Wax then adds a protective layer to the finish and in most cases adds shine to the paintwork. The whole idea is to effectively seal the finish achieved.

If your using a decent detailing/sealant spray you should be able to maintain the waxed finish and see tight beads whenever the surface is wet.

As already mentioned Red Mist is a good choice, so are the products offered by Chemical Guys, Zaino and Finish Kare.

[BAIKAR]

i havent been using a detailing spray, maybe i need to

[serkie]

Yes - I would definitely consider some detailing spray. Also if you haven't got any already invest in some decent microfibre drying and polishing/buffing towels. Makes life a lot easier.

Check out some of the detailing retailers online for some ideas i.e. http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;