SSII....Strike 2!

[galaxy]

So if you guys recall the other threads I started, I my first was a disappointment with SSII but turned out to be because I used in the winter with no prep and put it on top of other stuff.

After using it following a norma spring cleaning, it performed awesome. Completely outstanding performance in every way and loved the look.

So here's the next chapter...

I wouldn't even label the car a DD...it gets driven when we run errands, or when she goes places while I'm at work and things of that nature. Completely garaged. Since my spring cleaning which had one coat of SSII on it, it had been driven normally and washed three times. Even on the third wash, water beading was excellent to outstanding and the towel across the surface was still really slick. Towel slid across very easily with no resistance. The fourth wash, which still performed as I just stated...no signs of performance dropping off, I was simply in the mood to throw on another layer. So I did.

Well, today was about two weeks after that second layer and the first wash after that layer. Water beading on the top surfaces had degraded from borderline outstanding down to a very good at best. What got me the worst was the towel just didn't glide across the surface. My towel actually left lint in places. Very annoying and unexpected. Was worse on the upper surfaces and not as noticeable on the sides, but still.

So...what am I missing?? Is this just not the type of wax you can throw on a top coat throughout the year to maintain? Starting to think this just isn't the wax for me. I don't want a product I have to completely clay/clean/prep every time I feel like throwing on another coat because this car just doesn't need it.

I may try a mild clay like Pinnacle Poly on the top surfaces before a coat, but even that should not be necessary on this vehicle IMO.

Oh well, just felt like sharing...I'll see what the next wash has in store for me.

If it matters, the surface still looks phenomenal...no decrease in appearance. I also used nothing on the surface between the waxes like other spray waxes. Just dusting and QD spot detailing when necessary.

[rwright]

What are you washing with - soap/mitts etc.? What qd are you using?

[BobbyG]

I've found Pinnacle Signature Series ll to work nicely leaving a glossy wet shine. I'm not sure how durable it is as I use it for a summer wax. If I'm looking for durability there's little that competes with Collinite 845....

In reading your post to me it sounds like the wax is just not staying or bonding properly to the finish...I'm wondering if the finish wasn't clean enough thus causing the wax to prematurely degrade?

Wash

Just as a test, prepare 1/2 the hood. Wash thoroughly with a solution of Dawn and all purpose cleaner; 1 - 2 ounces of Dawn + 4 ounces of all purpose cleaner in 2 gallons of clean water. Wash the panel then rinse completely..

Clay

Clay the entire panel to ensure that embedded debris and contaminates are completely removed.

Paint Cleaner

Use a pre-wax cleaner to prepare the finish. This will removes any last contaminates that might still be left.

I recently tried a Griot's product that others have had allot of success with....

Griot's Garage Paint Prep, Griots Paint Cleaner, Prewax cleaner

Once the panel is dry it's now ready for a coat of wax according to directions and go from there....

[galaxy]

Originally Posted by rwright

What are you washing with - soap/mitts etc.? What qd are you using?

Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo w/microfiber mit. Mother's Showtime QD, but not for like a full vehicle wipedown, just spot cleaning.

[galaxy]

Thanks Bobby, but that's basically already been done. If you re-read my first post, surface was properly prepped the first time and performance of the wax was phenomenal. This second coat is what didn't hold up for some reason and degraded the performance of the first coat. Re-doing all those steps defeats the purpose of what I'm looking for...a touch up throughout the season without having to do all that.

[diablojota]

You may want to try a different wax for in-between touchups. SSII, in my experience, works best on freshly prepped paint.

[galaxy]

This may be a stretch, but does the application/removal time have any bearing on this performance?? Its been pretty warm, so the WOWO method doesn't always work out. By the time you get the hood covered, it's dry! Comes off super easy still, just didn't know if the wax hazing up on the surface could be a factor?

One other thing I may try next is to apply it with a DA just to see.

[galaxy]

Originally Posted by diablojota

You may want to try a different wax for in-between touchups. SSII, in my experience, works best on freshly prepped paint.

Yea, maybe. If four wash jobs on a practical garage queen isn't still considered 'prepped' paint, this may not be the one for me. If I have to switch, guess I'll be giving BFMS a try.

[Trevor]

After a good prep job including a paint cleanser, (which you have done already), I like to throw Wolfgang Sealant down first, THEN use the sig II as a topper. Doing this I have never had a problem putting new layers of sig II on every few weeks with no more prep than simply a good wash. The sealant lasts 3 months or so for me before I strip and start again.

But sometimes a particular brand just doesn't suit your fancy and that's OK too. Poorboys Natty Blue is touted by a ton of people as being great for black vehicles. I've done it multiple times now, it just does nothing for me. There are too many great choices out there to try, you could always keep trying more til you find "the one" you really like.

Of course my problem is I want to try everything even though I'm happy with what I have.

[rwright]

Originally Posted by Trevor

But sometimes a particular brand just doesn't suit your fancy and that's OK too. Poorboys Natty Blue is touted by a ton of people as being great for black vehicles. I've done it multiple times now, it just does nothing for me.

I agree 100% except I don't care for Liquid Natty Blue, haven't tried paste.

Other than the possibility of the qd changing the characteristics of the wax, at this point I think it's time to move on. Sorry it's not working for you.

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