Layering Polymer There is a lot of discussion about whether or not it is possible to layer polymer sealants on a paint surface. To my knowledge most polymer sealants are based on silicone and an emulsion system containing petroleum distillate solvents. As a result, even the mildest petroleum distillate solvent will remove polymer sealants. Heavy pressure and / or friction will also remove an underlying polymer. Zaino Show Car Polish and Klasse, an acrylic resin coating that as it dries it forms a hard solid shell, are the only polymer sealants that I'm aware of that can be successfully layered as neither contain petroleum or water-based solvents or silicone. I prefer the word ‘film’ (1-0.5 µ (0.004 – 0.02 Mil) as opposed to ‘layer’, a film more accurately describes a thinly applied sealant or wax, were as a layer tends to describe a thicker covering. Some specialty paint coating systems can have subsequent film added to increase protection and paint appearance, systems must set-up or cross-link prior to application of subsequent coats. One thing that will negate the applied product density is lack of clarity, the base coat (that contains the vehicle’s colour) is covered / protected by a clear coat of urethane paint, which as well as providing protection is clear to enable the paint colour to show through and provide the colour with depth. Any product applied on top of the clear coat needs to be optically clear (transparent) otherwise both the paint colour and its depth of shine will be muted. One of the problems with ‘layering’ some waxes and polymers is that they tend to occlude (become less opaque) as the thickness increases Apply your coating in thin layers; not heavy coat; ensure the first layer is thoroughly dry before you apply the second.
OK... this is probably a dumb question so I apologize in advance. If Zaino and Klasse are the only two sealants that can be layered, does that mean that other sealants like Collinite 845, Optiseal, JW Acryllic Jett, etc should not be layered or, better said, layering is of no benefit as the second layer removes the first? The reason I ask is that you hear of many people putting multiple coats of, say, Collinite 845, etc. Is that just a waste of time?
I would not say it is a wast of time but you will ensure that you are getting even coverage and have not missed a spot. You may have small areas that may be missed and doing the second layer will give you a higher percentage of coverage and ensure a even and full coverage of the paint. That is why I like to do two layers of any LSP I am working with.
I agree with agpatel. I don't know if it's just me, but 845 looks better after a second coat. It really makes the flakes pop on metallic vehicles.
I assume that can be attributed to the second coat leveling the film such as if you started on one end of a panel with fresh wax its going to be thicker than say the end of the panel where there is hardly any wax (i think that make sense). Kind of like spreading peanut butter on bread or crackers:crasy:
LOL ...There are going to be a lot of scratched vehicles if you start using this analogy with people that don't understand correct detailing. I can only imagine telling my buddies this and getting asked "so which knife do you recommend for spreading wax". I understand your point and it makes sense to me. I'm not trying to make fun of you in any way.
i know btw in before someone mentions peanut butter on trim and for the record peter pan smooth peanut butter lasts the longest!
(reminder in SmartPhone to pick up such "butter" on way home) I kid I kid... I have heard that using peanut butter/oil may help remove excess wax/sealant on plastic trim.... Always worth a shot, and it available locally.
