how long to leave a wax?
 

so how long do people leave their waxes to cure before buffing off? i'm using zymol atlantique at the minute and found if i leave it to long it makes it a right pain to get off.

or am i missing any tricks the pros could let us in on !!

All depends on the wax and the weather & if in direct sunlight or not !
Normally do one panel at a time and the wipe off - can do a quick test on a small patch if it wipes off with no pressure then its cured !
If have left it on too long then quick detailer often works

Try here - A world for detailers... someone might have the answer for you !

Richard

The Zymol waxes are a lot fussier than most in their application and use I've found.
Keep turning the cloth to present a clean surface to buff off and you will have better luck, also you will probably need a few MF's.Atlantique is a high grade Z wax so will be harder to use due to the carnauba wax content.
Time wise I always ask the manufacturer what they recommend in terms of curing times.
When I use the mid range Dodo Juice waxes and Swissvax I know 10 mins will be fine, but equally I wont get into trouble if I leave the waxes on all night!
Best wishes
Tim

one other thing to look at is how much of the waxes you're putting on?

i'm only using a small amount, ever since i brought my first tub of titanium when i didn't really know how to use it and spread a good handfull all over the bonnet!!!!

i think the tub says leave for 5 mins but i'm sure i've read some of polished bliss write ups and they have left waxes for a lot longer but as i said above it becomes a right snot to get off.

i take it then the best time is just as it starts to dry?

made the same mistake myself when i first applied some of the Z waxes by hand rather than with an applicator. i now apply with the red side of a gap.

PB generally leave the pukka Z wax overnight to cure.

how do i find out what all this z wax stuff is about i've never heard them called that before?

i put Z instead of the full name of Zymol as they can be quite ar$ey when talking about their products. think they have a whole team that search out on the relavent forums looking for people that say they use their waxes commercially without being authorised etc.

Very good waxes and products though. although can be very expensive. especially when you move up to the top waxes.

Chances are its temperature related. If its cold and you let the wax fully cure it will be a pig to remove, but if the temperature is maintained at 15-20 oC or more it will buff of easily even if left on overnight. When working in cold and damp conditions leave it no more than 5 mins before buffing off. :thumb: