irregular shape bead means no protection?

[ktlimq]

On the bottle of Prestone Quick Shine Detailer (a spray wax), there are two pictures. One has irregular shape beads and the other has round beads.
According to the explanation on the bottle, the irregular shape beads means no wax protection.

However, I saw a picture at a forum (Meguiars Online or Autopia) with irregular shape beads on a car. The poster said he applied NXT Tech Wax.

[Murr1525]

Here comes the science.. well, not really.

A tight round bead means that the surface has a low surface-tension.

Now, some waxes have a low surface tension, some dont. For instance, the Meguiars Cleaner/Wax and the DC#3 are probably the Meguiars waxes that bead the most. Nxt isnt the best beading wax.

However, surface tension and protection are not related, and can actualy be opposite.

So if their wax beads water, and the beading decreases, then their wax is wearing off. If a wax doesnt bead well from the start, then it not beading well isnt the best indicator of protetion.

[Mike Phillips]

Water beading is sign of surface tension and with time and washing as well as exposure to the elements surface tension diminishes and water beading falls off. This happens to all waxes and is not an accurate indicator of wax left on the surface or protection left on the surface.

Instead of using water beading as an indicator, think of waxing your car like you do changing your oil.

Most people change their oil every 3000 miles for preventative maintenance for the internal components of the engine to insure the engine lasts a long time.

Most people understand that if they don't get to the oil change till 3300 miles or even 4000 miles the engine isn't going to fall apart or seize-up; the 3000 mile mark is just a measure or mark as an insurance policy, thus the term preventative maintenance.

Maintaining your car's finish, if it's a daily driver is kind of the same thing, you don't want to wait till the clear coat is flaking off to clean, polish and wax. A better idea is to wash and wax periodically, with claying, cleaning and polishing as needed or wanted.

This is why Barry Meguiar's has always been a proponent for teaching people about putting their car on a regular maintenance program. By doing this, your car always looks good and you can rest assured the finish is always protected.

[paranoid123]

That explains a lot, Murr!

Before I really got into detailing my car, I only used Meguiar's cleaner/wax. If there was a really stubborn I would use Paint Scrub prior to waxing. With the Cleaner/Wax I would see really good, tight water beads. They kind you would see in an advertisement.

Now I do the 5 step plan or very close to it, with NXT Tech wax at the end, I have noticed that water beading isn't nearly as tight and round. I wondered if I did anything wrong, or if (gasp) NXT wax isn't as good quality as Cleaner/Wax which is 1/3 the price.

Thanks for clearing it up, guys.

[98SS]

What exactly is meant by "surface tension" ?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by 98SS
What exactly is meant by "surface tension" ?

http://www.google.com/

[Don]

Originally posted by paranoid123

Now I do the 5 step plan or very close to it, with NXT Tech wax at the end, I have noticed that water beading isn't nearly as tight and round. I wondered if I did anything wrong, or if (gasp) NXT wax isn't as good quality as Cleaner/Wax which is 1/3 the price.

Thanks for clearing it up, guys.

Mike will tell you that the Cleaner Wax was intentionally formulated for that "high beading" look specifically for those people who want a wax that "beads tight." Many enthusiasts DON'T WANT a wax or sealant to bead water because tight water beads can:

A) act like miniature magnifying glasses concentrating sunlight on the surface of the car

and

B) in acid/alkaline rain situations, water beads, as they dry, allow the acid/alkaline to become more concentrated/stronger causing more damage to the paint.

Many enthusiasts prefer a wax or sealant that sheets water off...where water runs off the panel in one large 'sheet,' not leaving behind tight beads and minimizing the above dangers.

[Tim Lingor]

Well said Don.

I am of those that prefers sheeting rather than beading; especially when you have a large vehicle!

Tim

[atticdog]

Originally posted by 2hotford
I am of those that prefers sheeting rather than beading; especially when you have a large vehicle!

Tim

Which products are these?

[MandarinaRacing]

Originally posted by atticdog
Which products are these?

NXT Tech Wax is the example I know.

Alex

[RamAirV1]

Originally posted by atticdog
Which products are these?

Medallion Premium Paint Protection would do that also.

How about #21? Where does that fit on the beading/sheeting scale? Sometimes it seems to bead, sometimes it seems to sheet.

RamAirV1