Why is it important or necessary to wait that long before you can polish the car?

[vencome]

Hello everyone! Just a simple question. I’m still fairly new to car cleaning and stuff and I’ve just learnt about the importance of waxing and polishing the car. So, the question is, do I have to wait around 12 hours to a full day before I can polish the car after waxing it? Most articles I read online advise doing so but personally, I think it’s too bothersome to wait that long (sorry, impatient person here). Why is it important or necessary to wait that long before you can polish the car? What if I polish the car and the wax hasn’t settled in for 12 hours yet? Will that negatively impact my car?

[BlackHawk]

Why do you want to polish your car after waxing it? Your supposed to polish before you apply a wax.

[dorkiedoode]

I think you're a bit confused. First you polish the car, you apply sealant, then wait 8-12hrs for it to cure (longer is better). After that you then either apply another layer of sealant or wax. Not wax then polish.

[Pureshine]

I think you're a bit confused. First you polish the car, you apply sealant, then wait 8-12hrs for it to cure (longer is better). After that you then either apply another layer of sealant or wax. Not wax then polish.
:iagree:

[theblob640]

Like what everyone said, you've gotten the order a little mixed up. Here is a flow chart of the order of steps to guide you to detailing your car.

Auto Detailing Facts, auto detailing Tips, How to detailing Guides, how to polish, how to wax, DIY detailing, do it yourself guides (http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html)

[mwoolfso]

I think you're a bit confused. First you polish the car, you apply sealant, then wait 8-12hrs for it to cure (longer is better). After that you then either apply another layer of sealant or wax. Not wax then polish.

8-12 hours ASSUMING you are using a sealant that requires this much cure time......

[VP Mark]

Guys I believe when he says polishing he means buffing or removing the wax.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using AG Online

[Mike Phillips]

Guys I believe when he says polishing he means buffing or removing the wax.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using AG Online


If that's the case, and it probably is...


To the OP, For whatever wax, paint sealant or coating you choose to use, read the manufacturer's recommendations for applying and removing the products.

I can't think of a single manufacturer that states to leave their product on for hours. The normal waiting time is to allow a product to dry to a haze. Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant states to allow the product to dry for 30 to 45 minutes and I think that's the longest time period I can remember for any product to stay on the paint.

The point is, you apply the product, allow it to dry if the manufactures states it is supposed to dry before removing and then your remove it.

NOW you wait for a WINDOW OF TIME to pass before you do other things to this layer of protection to give the "protection ingredients" whatever they are, and the magic they do, whatever it is, to do their thing, be it polymerize, crosslink, cure, harden, fully dry, bond, adhere, etc. WITHOUT BEING DISRUPTED.

You disrupt a layer of "stuff" by touching it or getting it wet.

So you don't leave the product of your choice on the paint for 12 hours, you try to let around 12 hours go by before anything else happens to the car.


For some people this is not possible, for example after wiping the wax off they need to drive to the store and it's raining. So be it.


Don't turn something simple, that is washing and waxing your car into rocket science. It's not that complicated.


Make sense?


I think I touch on this topic in this article...


Topping - Definition - How to Top also called Topping (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/40089-topping-definition-how-top-also-called-topping.html)




:D

[Mike Phillips]

See these articles too, all from my article list...

Sacrificial Barrier Coating = The purpose of a wax or synthetic paint sealant (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/28566-sacrificial-barrier-coating-purpose-wax-synthetic-paint-sealant.html)

Which products need to dry – The Car Wax Mentality (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/28593-products-need-dry-car-wax-mentality.html)

The Difference Between a Cleaner/Wax and a Finishing Wax (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23263-difference-between-cleaner-wax-finishing-wax.html)

3-Categories: Waxes, Paint Sealants and Coatings (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/34185-3-categories-waxes-paint-sealants-coatings.html)



:D

[ExpertCarWax]

Like what everyone said, you've gotten the order a little mixed up. Here is a flow chart of the order of steps to guide you to detailing your car.

Auto Detailing Facts, auto detailing Tips, How to detailing Guides, how to polish, how to wax, DIY detailing, do it yourself guides (http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html)

That link is great, thanks.