Wax/Sealant Longevity?

Are there other ways to tell how long wax/sealant lasts other than water beading?

 

Good question. I can't answer that directly, but I do have a suggestion if you're really into this sort of thing. Next time you polish, do a diluted IPA wipe-down when you're done (diluted with distilled water). Then note the feel of the surface (with your hand AND with a dry/wet towel). Commit it to memory. Then you'll know what an un-protected, clean virgin surface feels like. You can compare that feeling/texture to the feel of your paint as your wax or sealant ages. Ha, Not very scientific, but that's about all we've got other than visual characteristics (beading/sheeting). The ease with which dust/dirt wipes or rinses off is another good indicator.

With that said, I've read that manufactures of sealants actually add ingredients to enhance beading (in addition to the "protective" component). The conclusion folks them jump to is that maybe the beading isn't necessary for protection- it's added because "we" like it. And so maybe the beading characteristic can go away, but it's still well protected. I don't know if this is true. I do have confidence that my paint is probably protected to a good degree even when beading seems diminished. Ha but I rarely make it that long before the detail bug hits again.

So, beading/sheeting alone isn't "necessarily" the best indicator of longevity. Beading/sheeting can diminish and your paint may well still be protected (which is why you ask the question, I hear ya).

Also, I often see beading diminish greatly, and it makes me think I need to re-apply. But if I really think back to what the paint looked like wet before any sealant-- in reality, it's probably not as bad as I think yet.