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How to Wax a Car In 5 Simple Steps? (DIY Method To Follow)

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Car enthusiasts think nothing of spending a few hours cleaning their cars, removing all of the dirt and old wax. Applying new wax to give their vehicles a gleaming finish is a work of pure enjoyment.

There are many new wax products on the market that have greatly improved the process and reduced the time needed to get the job done, appealing to busy folks with families and time-consuming jobs.

Many car enthusiasts now feel that these new products are as good as the time tested car wax products available on the market.

5 Simple Steps on How to Wax a Car With Amazing Results

How to wax or apply car waxing paste on a vehicle or carThere are five basic steps for car owners to follow that provide amazing results to your cars finish. One of the most important is to wash your car thoroughly, removing all dirt, debris, and old wax before a wax application.

1. Start by washing your car for quick detail

Washing you car before waxing

The first step is the most important. Wash your car with soap and water. Remove dirt buildup. Don’t forget the crevices. Use a clay bar to remove surface dirt and remove wax residue from previous treatments. A clean car contributes to a great final result. Dry your car completely before waxing.

2. Move your vehicle away from direct sunlight

Move your vehicle away from sunlight

Washing a car or waxing it in direct sunlight causes the soap and wax to dry too quickly before you can rinse off or buff the wax. Park under a tree or in your garage to avoid direct sunlight.

3. Prep your car by polishing and removing defects

Prep car by polishing and removing defects

Inspect your car, checking for defects, blemishes, and old wax. Use a polishing applicator, polishing compound, a clay bar to remove the wax or detailing brushes as needed to minimize any defects.

4. Apply a coat of spray, paste or liquid waxes

Apply a coat of wax

Apply a coat of wax selecting small areas to work on, apply the wax, use a circular buffing motion to work in the wax, and bring out the shine. Paste, liquid, and detail spray on wax each requires slightly different methods.

  • Paste application: Dampen a foam applicator pad, apply wax to the pad, choose a small area, and apply using circular buffing motion. Use a really clean microfiber towel or cloth to wipe the surface and complete the polish.
  • Liquid application: Applying liquid wax is completed in the same manner as paste wax. Always select a small area to work on and avoid applying too much liquid and paste wax to the applicator.
  • Spray application: Spray the wax directly onto a small area, rub in the wax using a damp microfiber towel, and buff or clean the surface, removing excess wax with a clean towel.

5. Applying a coat of clear paint sealant

Apply clear paint sealant

Clean and dry the area completely. Wipe the car with sealant and allow it to dry. Use a soft foam applicator to apply an even coat of the sealant and give it time to dry as per instructions. Clear coats and wax provide dual action protection for your cars paint finish.

Auto detailing products you need to wax your vehicle

There are a variety of products needed to maintain your car and keeping the finish looking great: Wax, towels, pads, brushes, sealants, and polishers. We will cover these in a little more detail.

1. Different kinds of waxes

There are three basic kinds of car waxes, each with advantages and disadvantages. Paste wax is the traditional form of car wax. Spray wax and liquid wax are now available and preferred by many time-constrained car owners. There are also hybrid solutions, such as cleaner waxes and waxes, specifically for black cars.

A. Paste waxTurtle wax hard paste wax for cars with hand

Paste wax can be more time consuming to apply. Apply a small amount of turtle wax super hard shell to the applicator pad and buff the surface of your car by hand following a circular motion. Continue buffing until there is a shine to your car and all product has been removed. We recommend super hard shell paste by turtle wax .

B. Spray waxTurtle wax spray wax for cars

Spray wax is easier to use. Spray one area at a time and rub in the wax using a microfiber towel. Use the other side of the towel to complete the application and remove any excess wax from the surface. We recommend turtle wax T-477R ICE Spray Wax.

C. Liquid waxMenguiars liquid wax for car

Shake the liquid wax container well before using and follow the same steps used in applying paste wax. Apply a small amount to the applicator pad and buff a small area until the finish has a great shine. We recommend Meguiar’s G18220 Ultimate Liquid Wax.

2. Microfiber towel

Use microfiber towels to clean your car, to remove excess dirt and old wax. These towels can be used to dry the car before applying wax. You should have several towels on hand for cleaning and drying.

3. Foam applicator pad for proper waxing

Foam applicator waxing pads are used applying liquids and pastes in a uniform manner across the surface of your car. Applications should be completed using a circular motion.

4. Car Detailing brushes

Wax sometimes gets into cracks and crevices, which is difficult to remove with microfiber towels. Detailing brushes are used to buff the car in these areas and remove excess wax from these crevices.

5. Paint sealants

New cars come with clear coat sealants. However, our cars can become damaged from debris hitting the surface leaving small scratches. Sealants such as Wolfgang deep gloss can be added to the surface easily by wiping the area with a paint sealant. This type of sealant will protect the surface of the car.

6. Orbital polisher for car

An orbital polisher can be used with a special applicator placed over the buffer pad for car polishing. Use minimal pressure and allow the random orbital buffer to glide over the surface.

Pro tips to apply your wax product to your car

  • Clean your car thoroughly should be the first step before waxing
  • Allow it to completely dry
  • Use a clay bar to remove hard to remove dirt or wax buildup
  • Repair blemishes and defects before waxing my car
  • Apply clear coat sealant to repair blemishes prior to waxing
  • Never wax over dirt and blemishes
  • Choose one small area at a time and apply wax
  • Buff with an orbital pad or microfiber towel, avoid swirl marks
  • Paste, liquid, and spray-on waxes all work well
  • Work in a shaded area
  • Avoid using too much synthetic wax at a time
  • Use clean towels for a convertible top
  • Replace towels if you are not obtaining a nice clean, shiny finish
  • Waxing protects your cars finish from the elements
  • Next step is to perform interior cleaning of your vehicle
  • Read the product ingredient disclosure
  • Clean the wheels and tires before applying the wax

F.A.Q. On Waxing Your Car

There are many questions posed by our readers about applying wax to their cars and keeping the finish looking great. However, the most common frequently asked questions are as follows:

How to wax a car with dark color or black cars?

Cars with black finishes tend to show up imperfections, dirt, and even dried water spots more easily than some other finishes. This often means more frequent car washes and touching up to keep your car looking great.

The same procedures can be used on black cars with one important difference, which many car enthusiasts will appreciate. Car wax suppliers have perfected a full range of wax finishes for black cars. There are also specific polish products for black cars.

Apply wax in the same manner after first making sure that the car is spotlessly clean and all imperfections have been removed. Work on one section at a time. Use microfiber cloths to apply wax and also to remove excess wax to produce a glossy shine.

Should I get a ceramic coating on my auto?

Ceramic coatings provide an additional layer of protection to your cars finish. These coatings have been around for some time; however, many car owners found this approach to be expensive, especially when purchased through professional car detailing shops. D.I.Y. consumer kits are becoming available at much lower prices.

However, the results can be great provided the car is properly prepared, i.e., perfectly clean and all imperfections have been repaired. Once the coating has been applied following directions, the finish is more water, mud, and dirt repellant than traditional waxes. There is also improved durability for rust, oxidization, and U.V. damage.

What are the advantages of using carnauba wax?

The carnauba wax is derived from the carnauba palm tree leaves. Carnauba wax on the leaves protects the plant from water, U.V. rays, and from the heat in climates such as brazil where it can be very hot. Carnauba is yellow and a hard or sometimes flaky substance. The leaves are harvested in a manner to avoid harming the tree.

The same properties that protect the tree leaves, also protect your car. Not only does the wax give a great shine to your car when properly applied, but it also provides a protective layer and protects your cars finish from rain, U.V. rays, and causes water to run off the car rather than collect on the surface.

Last On Waxing Your Vehicle

Regular cleaning and applications of wax will keep your car looking great as well as protect the car paintwork. Regular car maintenance and applications of wax to the surface of your car, protect your cars finish from U.V. rays, dirt, and grit, keeping it looking great, and increasing your car’s value.

Remember to always clean your car properly, and thoroughly to achieve a clean finish before applying wax. Never apply wax on top of dirt or old wax to achieve the best results. Also, check out the Klasse Allinone products if you are looking for a clean finish.

Last Updated on: October 6, 2022

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