Which spray wax did you use?
Generally, non-streaky, high lubrication Spray waxes and QDs are good for drying aids. A lot of spray sealants fit this mold. In my experience, heavier, older carnauba Spray waxes may not be the best drying aids due to the thick waxy nature that causes streaks (Pinnacle Souveran Spray Wax, Megs GC Spray Wax). However, others such as Fuzion Spray Wax (which may streak but is easily wiped off after, consistent with its dry application) Optimum Car Wax and Mckees Fast Wax do well as drying aids. I feel that the newer spray waxes are all made to do well as drying aids due to demands being higher today. Often spray waxes with lower solid content (less thick and “waxy”) are your best drying aids.
If you’re not sure about a specific spray being a good drying aid, first check the online description. If not mentioned, ask on the forum and someone has probably tried it, or you can try yourself and see:
I won’t speak much to SiO2 Spray Sealants or SiO2 QDs being good or bad as drying aids because I rarely use them in this matter. They are expensive and so I prefer to use them as oral performance: dry.
Using a spray as a drying aid generally adds less protection because the product is being diluted by water. This doesn’t mean less shine in all cases, but generally means less-than-maximum protection laid down. On a positive note though, the dilution and the large absorbent drying towel used to wipe make drying aids to be the easiest application for good drying aids. Add in the fact that the rinse water soaks up easier due to the hydrophobic properties of the drying aid thinning out the water droplets, and using a drying aid after a wash can become a win-win if you don’t mind the drying aid properties being on top of your LSP.
People using a spray as a drying aid often use it after every wash which is fairly often and the reduced protection layer down becomes no problem. Dry application takes a bit longer but applies more evenly and zero additional dilution with water means full strength.
