Carnuba over Paint Coating?

[PS90]

Hi. Noob here, and I apologize if this is a stupid question. My search failed to find an answer.

Just have a quick question: Is it possible/smart/effective to apply a carnuba wax over the top of a Paint Coating (McKee's 37/DP in particular)?

Will this help with protection/shine? Or will it just be counter-productive? Thanks.

[Jaretr1]

That is an excellent question. I have heard it both ways, that in general applying a wax over a coating wont hurt the coating, and then I have also heard it can actually reduce the coatings longetivity over time. So basically I have completely failed to answer the question. I am sure others will chime in.

[trekkeruss]

Welcome to AGO, noob.

Some people top; waxes on top of sealants, waxes on top of coatings, sealants on top of coatings. Does it help? Some people think so. I just topped my coating with sealant, because it seemed like water beading was diminishing. Then again, maybe my coating was mostly worn off (it's been over a year and I don't have a garage). Anyway, even if topping does nothing, I doubt it can hurt anything. So try it. If you think it looks better, keep doing it. If it does nothing, no harm done.

[Kamakaz1961]

IMO I don't think it will hurt. I am in the category of a sealant topped off with a wax person. Can I tell the difference....IN MY EYES yes. Now for a coating I would GUESS it should be ok. But if you are going to apply wax over a coating....as I am assuming you enjoy waxing...why not strip the coating and apply wax? I enjoy applying sealant/wax over my ride especially now that we are coming close to detailing season. That is me.

[BadgerRivFan]

Optimum Gloss-Coat indicates in the product description that it can be topped with a wax if desired. Each coating manufacturer is different however, with many suggesting that "topping" is unnecessary. I agree with Kamakaz1961 that it most likely will not hurt, and is more a personal taste decision. The characteristics of your coating will be changed by topping it with a wax or sealant so that is really the consideration. Will it improve your level of protection? Likely not.

Nick is the "product expert" for the new McKee's 37 line so maybe he could give us his two cents worth on the specific question of topping McKee's 37 paint coating...

[Mike lambert]

It is no problem, however you will see the characteristics of the product that is on top. You also won't get any durability as not much tends to stick to coatings

[parshooter]

I wouldn't use a cleaner-wax, cause it has cleaning abrasives that might take some coating/sealant off. Just a thought.

[FUNX650]

Yes, OP, IMO:
You should be able to apply a (Finishing) Wax
over Coatings without causing irreparable
damage(s) to said Coatings.

{Just look at "all the other stuff" that you
can throw at them that is supposed to not
damage, degrade, deteriorate, or otherwise
significantly diminish their characteristics
during their defined/designated life-span.}

Here's a few to choose from:

Finishing Waxes

Pinnacle Souverän Paste Wax
Pinnacle XMT 180 High Gloss Carnauba Paste Wax
Griot's Garage Best of Show Wax
Griot's Garage Carnauba Wax Stick
Finish Kare 2685 Pink Paste Wax
Collinite Paste Fleetwax # 885
Collinite Marque D’Elegance Carnauba Paste Wax #915
Collinite Super DoubleCoat Auto Wax #476
Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wax Liquid
Dodo Juice Supernatural Wax
Dodo Juice Supernatural Wax Machine Stick
Dodo Juice Banana Armour Hard Car Wax
Dodo Juice Blue Velvet Hard Car Wax
Dodo Juice Diamond White Hard Wax
Dodo Juice Hard Candy Hard Wax
Dodo Juice Light Fantastic Soft Wax
Dodo Juice Orange Crush Soft Wax
Dodo Juice Purple Haze Soft Wax
Dodo Juice Rubbish Boy’s Juiced Edition Carnauba Wax
Dodo Juice Austintacious Soft Wax
P21S 100% Carnauba Wax
P21S Concours Carnauba Wax
S100 Carnauba Paste Wax
Mothers California Gold Pure Carnauba Car Wax
Poorboy's World Natty's Paste Wax
Poorboy's World Natty’s Paste Wax – BLUE
Poorboys World Natty’s Paste Wax – Red
Dodo Juice Supernatural Wax, 250 ml. Refillable Hardwood Pot
Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845
Mother's Power Wax

Bob