I ask because I assume having a layer of wax (however thin) should help as there is a barrier inbetween the paint/wash,dry towels?

BTW I put down some Opti-Seal and some Optimum spray on wax. They say this wax lasts 5 months but seriously doubt that. Anyone have a more realistic figure? I mean this stuff goes on like Meguires quick detail.

 

Both optiseal and OCW are highly touted on autopia.org, and should give you ~3months of protection. They won't really prevent swirling though because the layer is just way too thin. The only thing they may help with is by adding slickness to the surface so the amount of friction between the towel and paint is less

 

Nope, not a chance......they definitely won't give you any protection against swirl marks. I use OCW as well and from what I have experience, it lasts 2-3 months tops.

 

Just an update. Garnet and Redlude are right. I applied the Optimum Car Wax about when I posted this thread. Around the beg of Nov, I noticed the paint didn't feel as smooth/soft. So I assume the the wax was wearing off. So 2.5months is just about right. It wasn't completely gone but better to apply more before it's gone. Duing the winter months here in the NW, it's damn hard to have a dry car for any length of time. So it's nice to be able to dry the car and apply this spray wax in 10-15 mins. Helps keep the dirt from sticking too.