[wasup1357]

hi
how do i tell if my car needs wax again (i waxed about a month and a half ago with the NXT synthetic wax) I tried the water sprinkling method but i dont really know how big the water beading has to be for it to tell? (I sprayed some water, and it beads nicely but i think it would also bead like that because the car is still relatively new) Also when im washing my car sometimes the beading is not very strong is that normal or does it mean i need re-waxing?
When i re-wax with NXT, can i just clean the car (wash throughly) and then apply the new layer on top (I am trying to avoid claying as much as possible i did that a couple of months ago) thanks
also how long does the NXT last usually? (just looking for a ballpark)

thanks

[Detailed Image]

Most waxes will last between 4 - 8 weeks, so your probably getting close to needing another application.

You could simply wash and apply a second coat. If you wanted to start fresh use a shampoo that would strip off protection or go over your car with some isopropyl alcohol and water (50/50 mix). Another option is to use a paint cleaner prior to re-applying the wax. Properly prepping the surface before adding the coat will ensure maximum durability.

Hope this helps.

[BK]

NXT is an OTC sealant, isn't it? I bet it lasts 8 weeks or more. But yeah, it can be hard to tell just from beading. Eventually, it will be obvious that the beading is not like it was before. In the meantime, I completely agree with George. Just wash and top with another layer of the same wax sometime within the next couple of weeks and you're good. You only need to clay about twice a year, even if you are OCD like most of us are.

[wasup1357]

ok thanks!
im not very OCD about how the car looks at this point (not much time around to do everything) but just want some protection on the paint
thanks everyone

[cfabluenose]

Is there any type of wax that will last 4 - 5 months? It's kind of hard to wash and wax the car in the middle or winter. Or should take it to a detailer at least once during the winter for a complete cleaning and wax? Thanks.

[jopa489]

Originally Posted by cfabluenose

Is there any type of wax that will last 4 - 5 months? It's kind of hard to wash and wax the car in the middle or winter. Or should take it to a detailer at least once during the winter for a complete cleaning and wax? Thanks.

That would be a sealant. They typically last 4-6 months, depending on conditions, and can still give a very nice shine. Some use just a sealant, and skip the wax entirely.

[BK]

Originally Posted by cfabluenose

Is there any type of wax that will last 4 - 5 months? It's kind of hard to wash and wax the car in the middle or winter. Or should take it to a detailer at least once during the winter for a complete cleaning and wax? Thanks.

No, but there are sealants that will last that long. Zaino Z-2, Jetseal 109, Poorboys EX-P, Opti-seal... there are several options -- try a search for "sealant."

EDIT - jopa489 beat me to it!

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by BK

No, but there are sealants that will last that long. Zaino Z-2, Jetseal 109, Poorboys EX-P, Opti-seal... there are several options -- try a search for "sealant."

EDIT - jopa489 beat me to it!

He has a tendency to do that .......

OP: Also maybe try the Menzerna FMJ (my favorite sealant).

[jopa489]

Originally Posted by ToadHollow

He has a tendency to do that .......

OP: Also maybe try the Menzerna FMJ (my favorite sealant).

This place is addicting, what can I say?

FMJ is my favorite sealant too. It's at the lower end of sealant durability, but looks fantastic. I only get 3-4 months out of it. Because of this, I'll use it in the nicer weather when it's easy to re-apply more frequently. For winter, I switch to Collinite since the stuff lasts a very long time. A couple of coats in October easily lasts to April.

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by jopa489

This place is addicting, what can I say?

FMJ is my favorite sealant too. It's at the lower end of sealant durability, but looks fantastic. I only get 3-4 months out of it. Because of this, I'll use it in the nicer weather when it's easy to re-apply more frequently. For winter, I switch to Collinite since the stuff lasts a very long time. A couple of coats in October easily lasts to April.

Tell me about it.

I forgot about the fact that you actually have Winter season up there .....

I generally apply the FMJ once per month since there is no worry of build up & it seems to layer nicely.
Still haven't tried the Collinite yet .......

[cfabluenose]

Thanks. Hopefully I can apply a coat of sealant before the snow flies. Would you consider that Meguiars NXT Techwax would provide any sealant properties? That's what is on the car now.

[BK]

Originally Posted by cfabluenose

Thanks. Hopefully I can apply a coat of sealant before the snow flies. Would you consider that Meguiars NXT Techwax would provide any sealant properties? That's what is on the car now.

Yes, NXT is a sealant. At least, if it's the "NXT 2.0," which came out sometime last year, it definitely is a sealant. Not sure about the earlier version. People who use it seem to like it. I've never tried it, but I've read generally favorable reviews.

Since you've used it already, you know -- sealant is basically like a synthetic wax, you apply it, let it haze, then buff it off. It lasts a lot longer than and looks a little different from a traditional wax.