Whether you use a wax buffer or a couple of cloths, the best way to wax your car is by knowing what to do. By putting in the work and having the knowledge at hand, you will be able to wax your vehicle pretty quickly.
We have composed a list of six steps you can use today to give your car a perfect wax. Starting with finding a high-quality car wax, you will be able to use this process to get excellent results every time.
Step One: Wash Your Car
The first step to any good waxing is a proper washing. After all, waxing is meant to improve the longevity of the paint underneath your car. Since you don’t want to preserve a layer of dust, washing is a necessity.
Pay specific attention to hard-to-reach areas. These include areas beneath the door jams, handles, and underneath spoilers. Make sure you use a combination of water and soap that will not harm the paint on your car.
Given that washing can be a process to follow by itself, you can use the below video to remind yourself of some detail spots. Try and be as detailed as possible when washing.
Step Two: Read The Instructions That Come With The Car Wax
When you buy car wax, a valuable to-do list already comes with your purchase. These are the instructions that will come with your tub.
Many times, the instructions may be limited to a couple of lines on the side. The most useful information typically informs ou on the amount of wax you are expected to use and ways you can clean it.
At this point, you may notice that some tubs specify that you need a wax buffer. If they don’t offer “by hand” instructions, check with their customer service department to see if they can be used in either case. If there is any uncertainty, you may wish to find a wax with more specific instructions.
Step Three: Cover The Pad (or Car) With Wax
The first step on any of your instructions will involve coating your pad in a layer of wax. This should be thick enough that you can amply cover a portion of the car, like 1/4th of the hood.
Of course, look at your instruction to define whether or not they have different measurements to place. Some waxes have higher strength levels of different purposes.
If you are using a wax buffer, you will likely want to see if the instructions specify with or without a buffer. Given that wax buffers work faster, you may want to use slightly more wax than suggested for hand use. This is because they tend to go through wax a bit quicker since they operate faster than human hands can.
If using spray waxes, you will want to limit your wax covering to the car.
Step Four: Pick A Corner Of The Car To Start From
Waxing your car is a bit of a process, so try and focus on a specific location. For example, you can start from the front right portion of your car and work diagonally. You can also start from the front and work your way to the back.
Whatever the case is, don’t decide to randomly switch between different corners or sides. This will result in an uneven coating of wax. It will also allow you to be more efficient, whether you do this from the front of the back.
This can apply regardless of what style of wax you use, such as a spray or tub of jelly.
Step Five: Apply The Wax Using Circular Motions
Circular motions of whipping allow you to control the areas you clean with direct precision. It provides you with greater control, especially when hand-waxing your car.
When using a buffer, circular motions are already made for you. The advantage of the wax buffer comes from this, as it requires a bit more precision.
The strength also will do well to remove minor defects from a car’s surface. This will make it more accessible during the last step.
Step Six: Remove The Wax
Once you let the wax coating for maybe a minute, you will be able to remove this by using a soft cloth or a microfiber towel.
Again, you will want to follow the same typical process for applying the wax. If you use small, circular motions on the surface of your car, it will give you greater control of its removal.
When using a buffer, those circular movements are already accounted for. Do this until the wax is entirely removed, and the car is shiny and clean. If you prefer a visual version of this, we suggest looking at the below video.
Now that we have our waxing steps out of the way, we can get into some other essential tips behind waxing the car.
Is A Wax Buffer Necessary?
A wax buffer provides you with a more considerable amount of strength and detail when applying wax. Unless you feel infallible when making mistakes on waxing a car, a wax buffer offers an extra level of detail. It gives you a professional-level cleaning appearance that you can get without going to a car detailer.
When purchasing a buffer, you can choose between rotary buffers, which are the standard style that is just a motor attached to a spinning disc. Your other option is the dual-action buffer, which combines the spinning action with oscillation. This provides a random orbit, kind of luck when you see an oscillating fan that spins and turns. The second option is typically more expensive, generates less heat, and provides more excellent coverage.
What Are Different Types of Car Wax?
There are three different types of car wax you can purchase.
Spray Wax
Spray wax is the quickest version of your waxing process. You simply spray it on the surface of your car and follow the remaining procedures usually. Spread it using the original cloth and remove it using the other fabric.
Liquid Wax
Liquid wax is the happy medium between sprays and paste wax. The first coat will go on your cloth or buffer so that it may spread. The other cloth or buffer process will be to remove this. It implies medium effort and medium difficulty.
Paste Wax
The most familiar type of wax is paste wax. It is the thickest type of wax that has the most amount of detail to it. As a result, These are made for heavy-duty projects that are best associated with wax buffers.
Conclusion
Regardless of your favorite type of process and preferred type of wax, this step-by-step waxing process will provide you with a robust framework in which to begin. Start your process with a thorough washing, which is a process by itself, depending on how filthy your car can get.
The most important aspect of a good wax is small, circular motions. This is proven by the usage of a wax buffer, which is built to provide short, circular motions. Use your instructions as a base for this, but this cleaning process should help to fill any gaps.