Ask A Pro: Layering of a Paint Sealant
by Eric SchusterI’m relatively new to detailing. I’ve taken all of the steps to correct the paint on my daily driver, and now I’m in the process of applying several coats of sealant.
I’ve read that after waiting the appropriate “cure time” for the sealant used, another coat of sealant can be applied provided the car hasn’t gotten wet.
Since this is my daily driver, I may not be able to avoid getting the car wet (we’re in the summer time where afternoon rain is pretty common). What steps do I need to take in the event my car gets wet in between coats of sealant?
Thanks for the help. DI has greatly increased my knowledge of detailing and I’m afraid its coming a bit of an obsession !
Best regards,
Keith Hotard
Hey Keith,
Congrats on taking the time to properly show your car some love. Hopefully it will do the same in return to you with years of trouble free car use!
Now that you have polished and perfected the finish, its best to keep it that way and as you already know, a sealant will last longer and protect better, so good call on that product choice. As for the layering of a sealant, a 12 hour cure time is necessary with some, while some others can be layers with less than an hour cure time. Seems like you have chosen the type with a longer cure time.
In regards to layering without getting the car wet…
In a perfect world, there would be no rain, no dirt, and an always maintained perfect finish to our car’s paint. Well, we don’t live in a perfect world, so other processes must be taken. You already have one layer protecting the finish of the car, that’s good! Now your car has seen rain, driving, etc and you want to add another layer of sealant for more durable protection and you are wondering if its possible. Rest assured, it is. Just re-wash the car, dry it, and add another layer of sealant to it. Sealants do not have to be back to back to back in order to be layered. If they did, and there was a 12 hours cure time, people would have to go without their car for a few days waiting for the sealant to cure and bond.
I would however recommend you use a car wash WITHOUT any waxes or polymers in it as that will inhibit the new layer from completely bonding to the previous. If by chance you have to wait a month and several car washes later, I would suggest stripping the car and doing the sealant prep all over and starting fresh.
Hope that helps clear the air for you. Happy detailing!!!
Eric Schuster
Envious Detailing
Your closing comment suggests “stripping the car”. How would I do this and what products can you recommend?
Also, I’ve read some articles the suggest applying a sealant followed by a quality carnuba wax. Is this another form of “layering” and how many layers should we ideally shoot for (all sealant or sealant/wax mix)? Finally, is there a point where too much buildup might occur and detract from the look of the finish?
Thanks
Stripping the LSP ( sealant or wax layer – last step product) is as simple, or hard as, washing with something like dawn or chemical guys citrus wash and clear, followed by a couple rounds of an alcohol wipe down. at this point the paint should be relieved of all slickness and not bead when washed. At that point, its fairly certain to say the protection is gone.
Layering of a carnuba over the sealant is purely for a looks reason. carnubas tend to last about 4 weeks at most, some a tad more, some less. they are more wet and glossy compared to the typical reflectiveness in a sealant. (of course there are some exceptions)
you can over saturate the finish with too many layers so to speak, just like over loading the finish with QD right after applying a sealant. Figure that after the 3 layers, you are not doing too much for the paint. You might see subtle changes, but there comes a point in diminishing return.
My favorite combo is actually two layers of blackfire wet diamond. slick slick slick and protected!!!!
https://www.detailedimage.com/Blackfire-M32/Wet-Diamond-P205/16-oz-S1/
Great info, thanks!
Will applying more layers of sealant give the paint a deeper almost 3D glossy wet finish?
If not, would you recommend.
Thanks Russ
Apply more layers of sealant will help add more gloss, depth and protection, however you have to remember that sealants only enhance the way the paint already looks. If you are looking for the highest amount of gloss and depth you want to polish the paint first to remove any imperfections. You can then protect the paint with a paint sealant. If you are looking for something that makes your car look like it is coated in glass, I would recommend checking out the 22ple VX3. This coating is super easy to apply and it adds an amazing layer of gloss. Take a look at the product review here: https://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/product-review-and-application-22ple-vx3-signature-glass-coating/. You can then top the coating with a sealant for added gloss and protection! If you have any other questions, concerns, or simply need some recommendations please do not hesitate to contact us here: https://www.detailedimage.com/Contact/
Hi Reese, thank you for helping w/the demo.
I have been reading and looking @ “Wolfgang fuzion polymer estate wax”, Have you any experience w/this product and how does it compare w/22ple-vx3 signature-glass-coating.
Thanks again Russ
Russell – In general waxes will give you 3-4 weeks of protection, sealants 3-4 months and coatings anywhere from a year to even 5 or more. I think either one will work great on your paint and make it look fantastic, however the 22ple VX3, in my opinion, will give you more gloss and protect your paint for much longer.