Do you think the more layers of wax you have the appearance degrades

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DM101

New member
I have about ten coats of Pin. Sov. on my Red RX8. It's just habit to add a coat after washing. But I am not so sure the "looks" wettness, depth and clarity get any better. It still looks awesome. What do the pros think?
 
I don't think the appearance degrades...but after that many layers I bet it's extremely difficult to see the difference between 10 and 2-3 layers...It's still fun to do
 
I'm not a pro, but isn't there a question whether carnuba can really be layered. I think I've read that the process of applying carnuba tends to 'cut into' the existing layer and actually replaces it rather than building layers.

I think you can layer polymer LSP's, but only if they don't contain cleaners.
 
I've read that you can layer carnuba to about 3 coats, of course allowing curing time between. Anymore than that won't help. I haven't layered before so I don't know from experience...
 
abbeysdad said:
I'm not a pro, but isn't there a question whether carnuba can really be layered. I think I've read that the process of applying carnuba tends to 'cut into' the existing layer and actually replaces it rather than building layers.

I think you can layer polymer LSP's, but only if they don't contain cleaners.
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If you allow the wax to cure...it should be able to layer
 
I think once the pores of the paint have been filled or overcoated,you will have diminishing returns on your subsequent layers.Obviously you let your eyes be the judge when that point is reached,but i don't think there is anything wrong with adding further coats,because any coating is always wearing away anyway,and i myself like to reapply my Lsp after every wash,regardless of whether it is needed or not.
 
I'd probably put at most 4-5 layers of wax. After that, I personally believe the difference is not that great, if not the same. Instead of rewaxing after each wash, how about using some QD to "freshen" up the paint and restore the slickness and gloss? In my opinion, that may be a better alternative.



In terms of whether carnauba can be layered, I think it's all about the curing time in between. Give it at the very least 2-3 hours to fully cure (may not be the same for all waxes), though.
 
I would say you are not really layering as much as you are maintaining. I don't know if you keep your car indoors and what your wash method is like, but chances are you aren't constantly building an evergrowing layer of wax on your paint. My bet is that for whatever amount of wax comes off as a result of normal conditions or washing, you are simply replacing that lost amount when you wax after washing.
 
Im trying to remember which Autopian demonstrated this earlier, but I remember reading a post where a fellow autopian layered almost 13 layers of carnuba? He was doing this for a concours vehicle (only time I could see this being usefull) and he put something like 3 layers of the left side of the hood, then continued to layer the right side of the hood and see if he notice anymore depth / clarity after the 6 or so layer, apparently he couldn't :/



I know for SG & FMJ the most gloss your going to get is after about 5 layers.
 
Once you get past 2-3 layers of carnauba, any appearance improvement is because of the slight distortion in the finish all that wax gives, which gives the illusion of greater depth.
 
Scottwax said:
Once you get past 2-3 layers of carnauba, any appearance improvement is because of the slight distortion in the finish all that wax gives, which gives the illusion of greater depth.
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I agree, however, to me, its not worth more than three fresh coats.



Now if you only wash your car once a month and add a coat, you're really not doing anything but replenishing the worn layer.
 
mblgjr said:
I agree, however, to me, its not worth more than three fresh coats.



Now if you only wash your car once a month and add a coat, you're really not doing anything but replenishing the worn layer.
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First 2-3 washes after the initial waxing, I usually alternate between OCW and a carnauba. Seems to work very well.
 
I'm no expert but I thought I read somewhere that Carnuba can't be layered because after the first application, the solvents in the carrier of subsequent applications 'cut into' the previous, somewhat replacing it rather than building on it.

The same is likely true of most polymer sealants if they contain cleaning agents. Glazes may layer after curing.
 
The carnauba wax layering issue seems to be debatable. Some say that as long as you wait a day or two before putting on the new layer, you will be able to add protection, gloss, and depth onto the paint. Also, make sure that you don't purposely put so much pressure on your applicator that you risk the chance of disturbing the orginial wax layer. Of course, you would have to make sure that your wax is pure carnauba, not a cleaner wax with some carnauba wax added into it. I've always layered Collinite after 1 hour, but after reading the following thread (below), I think I'm going to wait at least two days before layering it the next time. Layering too fast in between will 1)Render the second coating almost useless, 2)Cause hazing (no wonder I saw oily hazes after 2 days :))



Hope that clarifies your question.



http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41988&highlight=carnauba+layered+layer
 
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