Dumb question time, waxing hot surface?

hsvhobbit · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2005, 02:41 PM

I haven't made my quota of stupid questions yet so I've got to work on that. Here's one. I've real on every wax label the caution to only apply on a fairly cool surface (max of maybe 80 degF). Other than the obvious good point of being able to work in cool weather and not worrying about burning yourself on a hot car, what happens if you apply wax to a car's surface when it's hot on a sunny day?

This weekend I did just that, washed and waxed my '03 in the middle of the day here in Alabama. It was easily in the 90's and sunny and the surface was hot enough to burn if you were careless. I used NXT and it went on and came off just fine leaving a nice shine. It DID set up awefully fast but have I done something terrible? I know in the old days you'd never get the old wax off of a hot surface (been there, done that) but what about now?

Normally I'm pretty carefull to wax in the shade on a cooled down surface but this day, there WAS no shade and this was the only chance I'd had in several months and the only chance I'd have for probably a couple more to get some protection on the surface.

JaredPointer · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2005, 05:18 PM

Depending on what wax/sealant you use, use on a hot surface may not allow for proper bonding (in the case of polymer or acrylic sealants), may hinder the removal process, may evaporate carrier solvents (reducing the ability of the product to spread evenly or easily), product streaking, etc.

I doubt you would ever "harm" the paint applying wax/sealant or polish in the sun, and even some products are advertised as being "sun friendly" (Poorboy's World products for one). It's normally just a lot easier to not do it in direct sunlight or on a hot surface.

hsvhobbit · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2005, 10:06 AM

Ok, thanks for the opinion there. Believe me, putting this stuff on in direct sunlight wasn't a happy choice. In this situation it'd been several months since the truck had even been washed, let alone waxed and this was the only chance I expected to have for several more to get some protection back on it.