Warmer days are just meant for cruising in your car! It’s time to get your ride cleaned up and looking it’s best. A good wax job is one of the best ways to take your car to its next level. If you want to take matters in your own hands and wax your car yourself, this article will explain how to wax a car to achieve the best shine and protection.
Today, there are multitudes of car wax products out there to choose from, but they all boil down to:
- Liquid Wax
- Paste Wax
- Spray Wax
- Wipe-on, Walk Away Clear Sealant
The car wax you choose is really a lifestyle choice. It really depends on how much time and elbow grease you want to put into the job. For car lovers, the pursuit of waxed perfection will lead them to an all-day process. This may seem extreme for some, but it’s pure enjoyment for car enthusiasts. On the flip side are car owners who wish to care for their vehicle, but they simply don’t have the time to put into an all-day affair. For these people, a faster solution is the better solution. Regardless of where you fall in these categories, it all has to start with a clean car.
- Start with a Squeaky-Clean Car – Never wax your car with dirt still on it. You would only be sealing in the dirt and that is not the look you should be going for. A good deep clean is necessary whether you run it through a car wash or do it yourself with a bucket. Just get it clean.
- Polish Before You Wax - If you have fine scratches, swirl marks, water spot etching and stains or burns from bird droppings, etc., now is the time to remove these by using an abrasive polish on your vehicle’s paint. Waxing alone won’t fix these blemishes. Waxing may temporarily cover-up some blemishes, but it will not make them go away. If your car’s paint needs reconditioning, do it at this point before you apply the car wax.
- Applying Automotive Spray Wax - Automotive spray waxes are by far the easiest protection products to apply. Nowadays, the spray waxes include polymers and they offer the same level protection as liquid and paste waxes. You can also apply them in a matter of minutes and some of them can even be applied in direct sun. Although, a shade is always better to receive the best results. To apply a spray wax thoroughly wash and dry your car first. Then, with a microfiber buffing towel in one hand and your spray wax in the other, spray and wipe a small area at a time. Distribute evenly, then use a clean dry cloth for a final buff. It’s really that easy.
- Applying Liquid & Paste Waxes - Paste waxes were typically preferred in the past because they offered better results. However, nowadays, manufacturers offer liquid and paste versions of the same car wax formula so it’s really up to your own personal preference. For both liquid and paste waxes, a basic rule applies: less is better. With modern polymer waxes, it’s not necessary to slather on a heavy coating; a thin coat dries faster and wipes off easier. For all liquid and paste wax products, follow these basic instructions:
- Work in a shaded area out of direct sunlight.
- Use the applicator recommended or provided by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer does not make a recommendation, use a foam applicator pad to apply your wax.
- Work on one area at a time covering 3 to 4 square feet. Some products may allow you to coat the entire car before buffing off, but most do not.
- Follow the wax manufacturer’s instructions on whether or not to allow the wax to dry to a haze before buffing out.
- Use only a small amount of wax at one time, and rub it in well. If you use too much wax, you’re wasting the product and your time.
- If the waxy residue does not buff off easily, switch to a clean wipe towel.
- Apply your wax in a back-and-forth motion, not in circles. If you are creating swirls, you need to replace your applicator or towels.
What do you do if, after all this work, you still have streaks and areas that don’t want to buff out? There are several tricks, but the easiest is to park your car in the sun for up to 15 minutes. Let it get warm, but not hot, and then park it back inside the shade. Next, use your favorite detail spray and a fresh buffing towel to wipe down the areas in question. The warmth of the sun softens the wax, allowing it to buff out to a clear, high gloss.
- Clear Paint Sealant Application - The newest line of clear sealants has a completely new method of application. You literally wipe the clear sealant on, then walk away and let it dry. Do not wipe after application. Simply allow the sealant to dry for 20-30 minutes. When the sealant finishes drying, it will be as gloss as it is going to be without buffing or wiping, and the surface has the best protection possible.
Regular waxing is necessary to protect your car’s paint from the elements of nature. In addition to sealing and protecting, waxes and sealants also improve the appearance of freshly washed and polished paint. If you use the right products, you can successfully layer waxes and sealants to make your paint look richer and showroom perfect.
