Butter wet wax is a popular car care product used by detailing enthusiasts to protect and shine their vehicle’s exterior. But many wonder just how long does butter wet wax last once applied? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the durability and longevity of butter wet wax, best practices for application and maintenance, and tips to make your butter wet wax last as long as possible.
What Is Butter Wet Wax?
Butter wet wax is a spray wax that contains carnauba wax, polymers, and other ingredients that provide a wet, glossy look to painted surfaces. It goes on thin like a spray detailer, but leaves behind light wax protection.
Butter wet wax is known for being easy to apply and remove, with a slick, lubricating formula that won’t stain trim or plastic. It’s popular among hobbyists and enthusiasts looking for quick wax protection. Brands like Meguiar’s and Chemical Guys offer butter wet wax products.
How Long Does Butter Wet Wax Last?
So how long can you expect butter wet wax to last on your vehicle? Here’s a look at the durability and longevity you can expect:
1-2 Months Under Normal Conditions
For most users under regular conditions, expect butter wet wax to last 1-2 months on your vehicle’s paint. This assumes you apply it properly (more on this later), and the vehicle is subjected to normal driving conditions.
Of course, “normal” driving conditions vary greatly. If your vehicle is stored indoors and not driven daily, you may see 3-4 months of protection. But for a daily driver exposed to the elements, plan on reapplying every 1-2 months.
Up To 4-6 Weeks On Daily Drivers
On vehicles that are driven frequently or sit outside, you may see butter wet wax start to degrade in 4-6 weeks. Daily drivers, work trucks, and motorcycles will fall into this category. The wax simply wears off faster under regular use and exposure.
For maximum longevity on these vehicles, apply a base coat of traditional paste or liquid wax first. This will provide a few months of protection, while the butter wet wax adds a layer of gloss and water beading.
Washing Affects Durability
How often you wash your vehicle will impact durability. Each wash slowly degrades and removes wax. For maximum life, use a soap that is wax-friendly and avoid detergents. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
Temperature & Environmental Factors
Warmer climates will cause butter wet wax to degrade faster. The same goes for environmental factors like snow, ice, road salt, tree sap, and industrial fallout. These all work to break down wax more quickly. Vehicles in colder climates may see a bit more longevity.
Tips for Making Butter Wet Wax Last
Here are some best practices for getting the most life out of your butter wet wax:
Tip 1: Prep Paint Properly
Any wax or sealant will last longer on paint that is properly prepped. Make sure to wash, clay bar, and use a paint cleanser on the surface first. This removes contaminants that can shorten the life of butter wet wax.
Tip 2: Apply Thin, Even Layers
Avoid applying butter wet wax too thick. You want a thin, even layer across the entire surface. Buff off any excess completely. Too much product can lead to streaking and poor adhesion.
Tip 3: Work In Sections & Buff Promptly
Work in small sections of 2ft x 2ft when applying butter wet wax. Use a crisscross motion to spread evenly, then immediately buff off. Don’t let large sections or whole panels dry before removing.
Tip 4: Use a Quality Microfiber Cloth
A quality microfiber towel is key for removing excess butter wet wax and leaving a crystal clear finish. Softer towels work better than terry or generic microfibers.
Tip 5: Apply to Cool Surfaces Out of Direct Sun
For best results, apply butter wet wax in a shaded area when surfaces are cool to the touch. This helps the product bond properly so it won’t wash away as quickly.
Tip 6: Avoid Automatic Car Washes
Automatic washes with brushes or harsh cleaners will quickly strip away butter wet wax. Use touchless washes or hand wash yourself to preserve the wax.
Tip 7: Apply a Base Wax Layer First
For maximum protection, apply a coat of traditional wax first – then use butter wet wax as a booster layer on top. The base wax provides a few months of protection.
Tip 8: Reapply Every 1-2 Months
Plan on reapplying butter wet wax every 1-2 months for best results, especially on daily drivers. This maintains that “just waxed” look and protection.
Is Butter Wet Wax a Good Wax?
Yes, butter wet wax is considered a good wax option, especially for hobbyists and enthusiasts. It goes on and buffs off easily, leaves a wet glossy shine, and provides decent short-term protection. While it doesn’t last nearly as long as traditional carnauba waxes, butter wet wax is perfect for those who want an easy wax that can be applied and removed quickly.
It’s great for use in between full wax jobs to maintain protection and gloss. Just keep in mind longevity is only 1-2 months, so more frequent reapplication is needed. Overall, butter wet wax balances ease of use with good short-term results.
Can You Apply Butter Wet Wax in the Sun?
It’s not recommended to apply butter wet wax in direct sunlight. The heat can cause the product to cure too quickly and not bond properly with the paint surface. This can lead to poor durability and streaking. For best results, apply butter wet wax in a shaded area when the painted surfaces are cool to the touch.
Working out of the sun allows the wax to adhere and bond correctly for maximum longevity. If you must apply in sunlight, work in small sections and buff off immediately before drying occurs. Avoid letting large panels or whole sections dry before removing, as this causes adhesion issues. Overall, shade is best for proper butter wet wax application.
Does Butter Wet Wax Damage a Car’s Paint?
When used properly, butter wet wax will not damage a vehicle’s paint. It’s safe for use on all clearcoat paint types. However, you want to avoid applying too thick of a layer, as excess product can be difficult to remove and may require harsher buffing. This excessive buffing and friction can inflict minor swirls or spider webbing in the clear coat over time.
To prevent this, apply butter wet wax thinly and evenly according to the instructions, and promptly buff off with a high quality microfiber cloth. As long as you use a light hand and don’t allow it to over-cure in the sun, butter wet wax will not harm the paint when applied correctly.
What Is the Disadvantage of Car Waxing?
The main disadvantages of car waxing are the time and effort involved. Applying wax properly takes significant time – especially traditional carnauba waxes which require multiple thin layers. Removal and buffing must be done carefully to avoid swirls or scratches in the paint. Waxing also requires proper paint prep including washing, claying, and potentially polishing for flawed finishes.
The process requires learning proper technique. Wax also wears off over time, meaning it must be reapplied every few months for continued protection and shine. For these reasons, waxing is a labor of love that requires a time commitment to do correctly. The results are worth it, but the process itself can be seen as a disadvantage.
Does Butter Wet Wax Protect Against UV?
Butter wet wax offers minimal UV protection due to its thin, temporary formulation. Traditional carnauba waxes with higher natural wax content do provide UV protection by reflecting and absorbing UV rays. But the synthetic polymer formulas in butter waxes offer very limited UV resistance.
You’ll get 1-2 months of very minor UV protection before it wears off. For better UV defense, apply a coat of carnauba wax first, then layer butter wax on top for added water beading and gloss. The carnauba base layer will provide the UV protection, while the butter wax offers quick shine. Butter wet wax alone has minimal UV blocking ability over the long term.
Conclusion
In the end, butter wet wax balances quick and easy application with decent – but temporary – paint protection. Under normal conditions, plan on 1-2 months of longevity before reapplying. With care and maintenance, some users see up to 3-4 months of life. Just don’t expect the 6+ month durability of a traditional paste wax.
Used properly and regularly, butter wet wax provides a cost-effective way to boost gloss and protection between full wax jobs. It’s easy enough for hobbyists to tackle in their garage while still providing professional level results. Just be sure to prep properly, apply thin even layers, and remove promptly for best durability.
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