Simple question really. Just wondering how often I should wax? I have Collinite 845 on there right now, and plan to continue to use it unless I decide to try something else.

Should I do it every time I wash (time permitting?) Usually wash once a week unless the weather is bad and I can't.

Thanks

 

845 is good for 5 months according to the manufacture. I've never used it but just yesterday so I can't tell you. I usually do a full detail every 3 months and wax every month. A good habit to get into is waxing a side every time you wash.

 

I usually wax about once a month, and use a detail spray after washes in between waxing. If I take a road trip and get grime on it, then Ill wax no matter when the last time was. I like detailing my truck, so I dont think you can wax too much really. I just bought some Pinnacle Signature Series II, so I cant wait til I get a warm day so I can try that out.

 

I agree with what the others have said. I like to get a coat of wax on about once a month. I'll try to wash my truck once per week or two weeks depending on what the weather is going to do. If rain is in the forecast then I'll usually hold off on washing until there will be better weather. No point in washing it just to have it get rained on the next day (somehow that seems to happen a lot anyway). Also, if the weather is good for awhile after I wash, then I'll just keep up with a QD until it gets dirty enough for a wash. I know there are others here that will wash every week no matter what.

Bottom line, I would guess most of us put on a fresh coat of wax about once a month.

 

I think this is somewhat a preference....I will give you my answer, which is more what I do and prefer.

I don't like to stack or layer after a detail. If I think it needs a waxing 1-4 months after a good detail, I think its time for a wash, clay, light (light) polish and re LSP.

The potential problem that you can run in to is product build up...when you get that you can see really funny things on your paint. So when i see Micro marring, light, again really light swirls, I would just start over.

This is an example of product build up

this is what , marred product buildup looks like....rather this is what funky looking stacked waxes can look like….. (on my color)



Net is, wax as often as you think is right, but I think you may be wasting product waxing over wax after the fact. As for me, what I do at the time of the LSP is what I do. You could be waxing over contaminates and embedding them by adding layers.

Man I hope this made sense, i am in spreadsheet hell right now and using 3 PC's....

 

RR, that's what I was worried about. Thanks for the info.

That's your truck? I don't remember seeing that.

 

You didn't see it b/c I have corrected that and learned a lesson about product build up.

Like I said, my opinion is, if you need wax, its prob also time to take care of the surface.

Broken down product stacked with new product can yield results that look similar to rotary trails if that makes sense.

 

What is 'marred product'?

 

Yeah prob my bad choice of words there. I tried using a disclaimer on the note.

That second picture shows what appears to be micro marred paint when in fact its not...its old product stacked up and stacked up and showing some strange effects that look like marring or holograms, deflections, pits, prisms, light fraction, running out of adjectives....

 

That 'smeary' look is what I've always called it... just wanted to clarify... I do know the condition - my truck has had it several times - but wanted to make it a tad clearer...

 

Smeary is the new marred product.

 

It's also a really simple answer -- as needed.

Assess your paint regularly and use good methodology, products, and techniques when maintaining your finish (washing, QD'ing, drying, etc...). When you maintain your finish using good products and techniques, your 'wax job' will actually last longer, you'll induce less swirls/micromars, scratches, etc... back into your finish and thus, you're not having to polish to remove that type of thing.

As times goes on, you'll start to see the wax's properties break down. In short, it'll stop beading (or sheeting - as the case may be), it'll be a tad more difficult to wash your vehicle as it'll spot more frequently and show more crud than before, and it'll be more difficult to dry after a wash because, if you're using the sheeting drying method, more of the water will adhere to the paint versus running off.

So, I know that's a goofy answer back to your question but, it's the truth. So many things go into determining what will cause a 'wax job' to break down that we couldn't really touch on all of them here in a 10-page book... the long and short of it is to simply assess/assess/assess.... when it's time, in your eyes, to re-wax -- then jump to it (with all of the necessary and proper preparation steps, of course).

Enjoy.

 

One thing I'd like to add to my previous post is that my truck sits outside 24/7. I think this is a big factor in determining how often to re-wax. I'll assess my paint after every wash and apply a coat of wax when it's time.

 

Thanks for all the good information. JP - Thanks for all the adjectives... Awesome!

My truck is outside ALL the time as well.

Can't wait for Saturday and 60s.. Perfect truck washin weather in North Texas, folks.

 

I've washed my truck every weekend weather permitting but I've only waxed my truck one time in the year and half that I've owned it. lol