How to Wax a Car
When it rains, does the water bead up on your car's surface and run off the sides in rivulets when you drive, or does the paint just get wet, displaying few collected droplets? If the latter is the case, it is definitely time to wax your car. However, before you can apply a coat of wax to restore your car's luster and shine, it is important to learn how to wax a car.
Start with a Clean, Dry Surface
Before you can wax your car, you must wash and dry it. Start from the top down, saving the wheels for last as they tend to be the dirtiest part of the car.
Rinse your car completely, hosing off surface dirt. Using a car wash solution designed specifically for use on vehicle paint, or just plain water, as well as a non-abrasive wash mitt designed specifically for use on car finishes, thoroughly wash your car's exterior with the car parked in the shade. Remove as much surface contaminant as you can see, including bugs, tree sap, bird droppings, etc.
Dry the car in the shade to avoid creating water spots. Use a microfiber towel or a chamois, if possible, to avoid damaging the finish.
Clay the Car
Modern cars have a layer of clearcoat over the base coat of paint, which takes the brunt of the damage inflicted upon it by the elements. If you haven't waxed your car in a while, and your paint looks faded, dull and old, you will want to rub the surface with a clay bar to remove embedded clearcoat contaminants before applying wax.
Clay bars usually come in a kit that contains a spray-on surface lubricant. Knead the clay bar to soften it up, spray the lubricant on the paint a few square feet at a time, and then rub the clay bar across the surface of paint. Frequently turn the clay bar to expose a clean surface, and be sure never to drop the clay bar on the ground. Once your clay contacts the ground, it has likely picked up grit that can damage your paint.
Once you've finished claying your car, you will need to wash the car again before you can wax it.
Wax the Car
There are three main types of wax that you can apply to your car's surface: liquid spray wax, soft synthetic wax and hard paste-style wax. Modern synthetic waxes are easier to use than traditional paste wax such as carnauba, and are just as effective at protecting your car's finish.
Apply the wax to your car's finish using the applicator pad that came with the wax, or using an electric orbital polishing tool. Use a light touch when applying the wax, rubbing in a circular motion and covering one section of the car at a time. Painted wheels can also be waxed.
Take extra care when applying wax near badges and emblems, as the wax can build up around these trim pieces. Some wax manufacturers sell a black wax for black cars, which makes it much easier to hide build-up around badges, emblems, cracks, etc. Also, keep the wax off of black plastic and rubber trim, because it can discolor it.
When the wax is dry, remove it using a microfiber lint-free towel. Use an old toothbrush to remove wax build-up in cracks and crevices, and wash any wax overspray from the car's windows. If you got wax on any black plastic or rubber trim, use a black trim restorer to remove the wax discoloration, and be sure to wear gloves while using it.
Start with a Clean, Dry Surface
Before you can wax your car, you must wash and dry it. Start from the top down, saving the wheels for last as they tend to be the dirtiest part of the car.
Rinse your car completely, hosing off surface dirt. Using a car wash solution designed specifically for use on vehicle paint, or just plain water, as well as a non-abrasive wash mitt designed specifically for use on car finishes, thoroughly wash your car's exterior with the car parked in the shade. Remove as much surface contaminant as you can see, including bugs, tree sap, bird droppings, etc.
Dry the car in the shade to avoid creating water spots. Use a microfiber towel or a chamois, if possible, to avoid damaging the finish.
Clay the Car
Modern cars have a layer of clearcoat over the base coat of paint, which takes the brunt of the damage inflicted upon it by the elements. If you haven't waxed your car in a while, and your paint looks faded, dull and old, you will want to rub the surface with a clay bar to remove embedded clearcoat contaminants before applying wax.
Clay bars usually come in a kit that contains a spray-on surface lubricant. Knead the clay bar to soften it up, spray the lubricant on the paint a few square feet at a time, and then rub the clay bar across the surface of paint. Frequently turn the clay bar to expose a clean surface, and be sure never to drop the clay bar on the ground. Once your clay contacts the ground, it has likely picked up grit that can damage your paint.
Once you've finished claying your car, you will need to wash the car again before you can wax it.
Wax the Car
There are three main types of wax that you can apply to your car's surface: liquid spray wax, soft synthetic wax and hard paste-style wax. Modern synthetic waxes are easier to use than traditional paste wax such as carnauba, and are just as effective at protecting your car's finish.
Apply the wax to your car's finish using the applicator pad that came with the wax, or using an electric orbital polishing tool. Use a light touch when applying the wax, rubbing in a circular motion and covering one section of the car at a time. Painted wheels can also be waxed.
Take extra care when applying wax near badges and emblems, as the wax can build up around these trim pieces. Some wax manufacturers sell a black wax for black cars, which makes it much easier to hide build-up around badges, emblems, cracks, etc. Also, keep the wax off of black plastic and rubber trim, because it can discolor it.
When the wax is dry, remove it using a microfiber lint-free towel. Use an old toothbrush to remove wax build-up in cracks and crevices, and wash any wax overspray from the car's windows. If you got wax on any black plastic or rubber trim, use a black trim restorer to remove the wax discoloration, and be sure to wear gloves while using it.
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