Using QD/QW: When has the DA Wax Worn Off?

[Top Gear]

Sorry if this long question has been discussed before, as I couldn't find anything related...

I feel like I can sorta tell when a wax has worn off using the traditional weekly washing and monthly/quarterly waxing we all first learned. When the paint no longer feels smooth or beads water very well, you can presume it's long worn off, and you re-wax.

However, what If I've done 3-step correction?? Both Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish leave a similar feel and beading as the wax on their own. Even more confusing, what if I'm using QD/QW several times a week, even daily in some cases?? How do I know if the wax I applied with a DA (Gold Class Liquid, in this case) is still there or long gone?? Does it even matter, since GCQW is also by definition a version of Gold Class Liquid Wax, and leaves behind a very similar feel, beading and protection as the liquid wax??

Of course, there are lots of claims about how long GC supposedly lasts vs NXT, Ultimate, some other brands. Nevertheless, they will all wear off. It's been some 6 weeks since I corrected and I've only water-n-suds-washed it once (before the correction it would have weekly), although I've rinsed a few times and it's been rained on a good bit. There's only a minor reduction in that plush "velvety" feel of the paint after the correction, and in that inch-deep "liquid" look of the paint up close, but then, I'm using a lot of QD/QW for waterless washing and boost waxing...

So, just as a rule of thumb, and to get the maximum protection for my non-garaged black car, is the DA-applied wax 6 weeks back now long gone or sorta still there??

[Detailing by M]

Re: Using QD/QW: When has the DA Wax Worn Off?

I tell my customers 6-8 washes and you'll need to re-wax. Use a spray wax every once in a while to keep wax on your car. Or coat it and you'll never have this problem again.

[Murr1525]

Re: Using QD/QW: When has the DA Wax Worn Off?

I feel like I can sorta tell when a wax has worn off using the traditional weekly washing and monthly/quarterly waxing we all first learned. When the paint no longer feels smooth or beads water very well, you can presume it's long worn off, and you re-wax.

Beading can be a tough one at time... many of the newer waxes arent really meant to bead water. How the water rinses off after washing can be better for that it seems to me.

And having anything oils on the surface could cause beading... or having absolutely nothing on the surface can cause beading...

However, what If I've done 3-step correction?? Both Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish leave a similar feel and beading as the wax on their own.

These dont have wax. Any beading you would see is from the oils left behind. But these arent protective.

Even more confusing, what if I'm using QD/QW several times a week, even daily in some cases?? How do I know if the wax I applied with a DA (Gold Class Liquid, in this case) is still there or long gone?? Does it even matter, since GCQW is also by definition a version of Gold Class Liquid Wax, and leaves behind a very similar feel, beading and protection as the liquid wax??

Well, you can really only be adding wax or removing it. So washing or the QD sprays will be as gentle as possible, but still remove a little wax. So I always follow up the wash with a spray wax.

I find that over time, even with the UQW after washing, you can see the rinse water flowing off more slowly, or certain areas the water starts to cling to. The UQW itself also wont spread quite the same.

So I just kind of watch it deteriorate a few times, then look for a nice day on a weekend to re-do things a bit.

So, just as a rule of thumb, and to get the maximum protection for my non-garaged black car, is the DA-applied wax 6 weeks back now long gone or sorta still there??

Probably.

[Top Gear]

Re: Using QD/QW: When has the DA Wax Worn Off?

So, as I suspected, some number of washes/wipings, 4-6 weeks, or generally, the wax coating has probably washed off one way or another? I kinda figured that, of course, but wanted to get some views. I realize it can't be exact due to conditions. That's why I question those who say one wax/sealant blend lasts longer than another, or that coatings are somehow the solution to every detailing problem. It all depends on everything else.

Regardless, all of these are very subtle differences most people can't see or feel. That's why they laugh at us detailing in the driveway while they let their own paint go way too long with no attention and then wonder why it's oxidized and faded. Just like you, I actually know otherwise smart people who look at my car and say "Pfft, black cars! That's why I get a white car, so it never gets dirty!"