For many people, their car is their pride and joy but even if the majority of car owners wash their vehicles regularly, not many wax them. Yet, applying wax is a great way to protect your car’s colour and shine. If we have to be honest, waxing a car takes some elbow grease but once you see the results, you’ll realize that all of that work was worth it.
So, if you:
Keep reading!
In this article, you will learn how to wax a car like a pro and find some extra tips that will make the process even easier.
If you are going to wax your car, you’ll want to do it properly. The final result will highly depend on the materials you are going to use. That said, make sure that you have the following before starting:
Note: If you are still wondering whether you need polishing or waxing you can check our dedicated article on the differences. Or if you want to know how to polish your car before going to the waxing process, we have guide on that subject too.
Several types of car wax are available on the market, however, you will want to make the best decision for your automobile. Here are the three main types of car wax, along with their specifics:
As boring as it may sound to read the instructions, it’s important. Different brands typically suggest different ways of approaching the task. So, to make sure that you are doing it right and to achieve optimal results, check the steps that come with your wax.
A dry, clean vehicle is important in order to achieve the best possible results. If any dirt is left on the car’s surface, there is a chance that the finish or paint can get scratched during the process. Make sure the entire exterior has been thoroughly cleaned and the surface is completely dry. Don’t forget to clean the door handles, door jambs, and the area where the side transitions to the underside. You can opt for washing your car on your own, going to a car wash, or getting a mobile car wash.
When you are waxing your car, especially if you are doing it for the first time, it’s always better to work in sections. Car wax shouldn’t stay on for too long, because it will harden, making it very difficult to remove afterward. A good place, to begin with, is the front fender panels, which are located on each side of the car, above the front wheels. From there you can work your way to the hood of the car and then move to the other parts.
As we’ve already mentioned, the car wax application will depend on the type of product. If you’ve purchased a paste wax, it should come in a tub with a waxing pad. When you open it, you will see the pad first and underneath it, there should be a second lid. Remove the lid to reveal the wax. If you are using liquid wax, you will have to add a small amount of product directly to the waxing pad. While working, you will see that the pad becomes saturated with product, so there won’t be a need to apply much more wax.
We’ve come to the most interesting step – applying the wax. Use small, circular motions to distribute a thin layer. You can work in either vertical or horizontal rows to ensure that you cover the entire surface. Avoid using too much wax, as it will be harder to remove it afterwards. You should be able to see the paint colour through the wax during this process. Once applied, the car wax will dry within minutes, appearing somewhat matte and chalky.
With a soft cloth, such as a microfibre towel, remove the majority of the wax. Again use circular motions to clean the surface, applying only a small pressure. When you have removed the visible wax, you can try to buff your car, using fast circular motions this time. At the end of the car waxing, your vehicle will become nice and glossy.
Find a professional to take care of your vehicle.
One important thing we should mention is that you must always wax your car in shade. On very sunny days, the car surface can become hot and when you apply the wax, it will dry right away. This will make the removal process extremely difficult. We also advise waxing under cover specifically, because if it starts to rain, the wax won’t be able to stick to the surface and it will runoff.
No matter how hard you try to keep wax away from mouldings or small gaps, some of the product will inevitably get inside. When you are applying wax around small gaps and mouldings, keep that in mind and watch out for any wax getting inside. It’s important to remove the product straight away – you can use the soft detailing brush for this job. If you leave the wax, it will harden, and once that happens, it will be almost impossible to remove. Those spots will be visible in the light and can also leave permanent stains on the paint.
Are wondering how to wax a car with a buffer? Most importantly, make sure you buy a random orbital buffer to ensure even application without damaging your car. Orbital buffers are safer for the paint and finish because they spin in a randomised pattern and not in circular, like the rotary buffers, which can leave burnt marks and scratches.
Find a professional to take care of your vehicle.
If you don’t have the time, skills, or materials to return your car’s appearance to its initial good look, then you can take advantage of Fantastic Services mobile car care services. The service is easy on the budget, done by professionals, and can be booked completely online. How great is that? The insured experts will come on-site at the appointed date and time, wash and dry your vehicle, and perform the mobile car detailing service with utmost care and quality materials. You can also take advantage of a comprehensive package which includes a mobile car valeting too. And the best part is that you don’t need to provide anything other than access to your vehicle. So, what are you waiting for? Book our professional mobile car care services today!
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We hope you found this article useful! If you have any questions or suggestions for us, feel free to leave a comment below!
Image Source: Shutterstock / Gargantiopa
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