A question for the Carnauba lovers in here.

[VickMacky]

I've been in a carnauba binge lately, buying several different handpoured, small batched, boutique waxes, and I'm wondering about removal of old wax and application of a new coat. From reading here it looks like most everyone is in agreement that an IPA wipedown will not remove wax or sealant, just dull the beading. Then I thought about getting something like P21S paintwork cleanser to use prior to a new application of wax. But now I'm curious, since most waxes diminish after a month or so is it really necessary to completely remove a prior layer of wax before applying a new one? What say the hive?

I also searched the forum and didn't quite get what I was looking for.

[Belair]

...is it really necessary to completely remove a prior layer of wax before applying a new one?...

Unnecessary.

[yakky]

Just put whatever on top. Stripping isn't going to change the look much. It might change durability. If you put a more durable product on top of a less durable product is the only time it might matter. Once you get bored of it all, Collinite 915 FTW.

[hoyt66]

I would definitely use a cleanser. Dirt and dust will stick to carnauba more so than any other lsp. You will be surprised how much contamination you pull off a freshly washed car when using a paint cleanser .


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[Dr Oldz]

Necessary.... No
Recommend.... Yes

If the paint is in great well maintained condition and you just want to try another wax or layer then go for it.
Use your judgement.

[Kamakaz1961]

Necessary.... No
Recommend.... Yes

If the paint is in great well maintained condition and you just want to try another wax or layer then go for it.
Use your judgement.

IMO he is Correct. That being said I use a dedicated wax remover. I am using Polish Angel Escalate Lotion. It does have some very minor scratch removing capabilities and it cleans the ride for you to wax. Any dedicated wax remover like Pinnacle Wax remover,Polish Angel or any other quality brand should do. I am a waxaholic like you. What I have come to find out with using so many waxes is soon you will be using only a couple of brands no more than 5 as some wax brands really aren't that great. But either way, IF IT WERE ME I would use a wax remover. But if you don't want to no worries but Dr Oldz states it perfect!

BTW, I forgot to mention one thing. If you use a dedicated wax remover or IPA wipe down and you want to use a sealant instead that will be fine too!

[VickMacky]

Thanks guys. I went ahead and ordered some P21S paintwork cleanser. I have been using sealants for a while, WG DGPS looks the best but beading is less than stellar. IDK why but I prefer the look and feel of a good carnauba. The paint is soft but smooth, the look has character, and soul, whereas most sealants (save WG) do not.

[Kamakaz1961]

Thanks guys. I went ahead and ordered some P21S paintwork cleanser. I have been using sealants for a while, WG DGPS looks the best but beading is less than stellar. IDK why but I prefer the look and feel of a good carnauba. The paint is soft but smooth, the look has character, and soul, whereas most sealants (save WG) do not.

FYI I use Wax for my ride. Additionally, I use wax for darker colored cars. For White and silver I use sealant. IMO a wax has more depth, warmth and a wetter look. So I am in agreement with you. Again, THAT IS MY OPINION! Others may think otherwise and that's OK.

[VickMacky]

FYI I use Wax for my ride. Additionally, I use wax for darker colored cars. For White and silver I use sealant. IMO a wax has more depth, warmth and a wetter look. So I am in agreement with you. Again, THAT IS MY OPINION! Others may think otherwise and that's OK.

Yeah the WG does look really good on my white truck but it's a glassy, flat shine (to me) so I usually top it with a carnauba. I think for a while I'm just going to go straight carnauba and see how it goes. I wash one or twice a week and use a good detail spray to reinforce the protection so durability is not super important to me.

[MarkD51]

I would definitely use a cleanser. Dirt and dust will stick to carnauba more so than any other lsp. You will be surprised how much contamination you pull off a freshly washed car when using a paint cleanser .


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I agree with your take if using a carnauba that has little in the way of any "dope". Meaning cleansers, detergents.

Carnaubas will "cut" through greases, oils, prints, and will probably cut right through past existing paint protectants, but not so good at getting out dirts from a paint.