Americana Problems

[Cornhusker]

I have been using Adam's products for 4 years so I'm pretty familiar with the processes. I have a black vehicle that I have been trying to wax lately. The first few attempts last one wash and were gone. However I did the application on a cool humid day, so thought that was my problem.

 

Fast forward, I got a day off that was 75 and much less humid. Decided to strip wash (I used Dawn, and always have an never had issues). Got a really nice coat of wax with some good gloss and slickness. Washed it a few days later and topped off with H20 G&G. Washed a week later and didn't seem to have any sort of beading and the wax seems to be gone.

 

I have a brand new tub of Americana with a brand new applicator and Double Soft towels. I can't for the life of me figure out what I'm doing wrong. I use the car shampoo through a foam gun and a bucket with Adams wash mit.

 

The only thing I can even think of is the hard water is causing me issues. I use a good sized power washer that we use for the farm, and use a little heat with it. Could it be something along those lines? I'm just getting frustrated of going to the work and not lasting long at all.

[TheWolf]

When you say "heat", how hot is the water? High temp water will strip a wax.

[Cornhusker]

140 absolute tops. I was having issues before starting to use heat. I figured it could strip it, but even cold water has yielded the same results.

 

I was just trying to cover all my bases of what I have done/tried.

[Cornhusker]

I even tried a "pay and spray" just for something different and it's the same thing. I'm not sure where to go. It needs polished anyway to get some swirls out...just about to the point of taking it to a shop and having it polished and machine sealed/waxed.

[TheWolf]

That's too hot. When I use warm wash water in the winter, I only go to 100F.

 

Have you tested your water to see how hard it might be?

[Cornhusker]

So even maybe the water I'm putting in the bucket from a sink is too warm then...

 

I haven't tested the water, it's a rural farm well. Hard enough that it clogs up faucets/shower heads.

[Cornhusker]

Might be a stupid question...but do you need to let the wax "cure" for any amount of time before the first wash? Basically does washing it too soon after waxing remove it?

[Tim]

Americana is a wipe on/wipe off wax, there is no "curing".  Just to make sure, the shampoo you are using isn't the Strip Wash is it? lol.

 

Is the water sheeting off?  How does the paint react in rain, do you get beading then?

 

I know I'd be frustrated too!

[Dwhite0960]

If the car needs to be clayed that can have adverse beading and sheeting on any wax or sealant imo. Also of the vehicle is black and stays outside all the time in the sun the wax will not last as long due to the temp of the car in the sun making the wax "melt". I think liquid paint sealant might be the better option if that is your case, you could still top it with wax when you felt like it.

[Cornhusker]

Positive I'm using the Car Shampoo.

Paint was clayed before the last coat of wax and still no luck.

 

Only time it is outside is when it's driving, it's a shop queen.

 

After using a thermometer to find out the water temps I've been using I think I may have found the culprit to my issues...going to give it a try today and see what happens this time. Atleast my arms are getting strong lol.

[Cornhusker]

The water sheets off slowly, not the nice beading and running off like a fresh coat should do. Like I said I've been around it enough to know haha. I can't comment on the rain because it doesn't get driven in the rain...