Well this may seem like a wierd question to many but i am serious. Ive never waxed a car or before now had a car worthy of being waxed. What i need to know is everything. What it does how often to do it and how to do it, as well as some good brands.

Thanks alot.

 

Taro,
there are several different schools of thought when it comes to waxing your car. I use a regular Meguiars cleaning wax because that what my old man used and I like it. Waxing your car will give it a nice shine and will also help with bug remains if you do alot of hiway driving.

First thing you need to do is wash and clean the car well. Then I move it into the shade to wax it. Occasionally I will wax the whole car, but usually I just spend most of my time and effort on the upper areas that get hit the most with water. Take the wax and firmly apply it in circular motions on the car. Use a little elbow grease, the pressure is what gets the crap off your car. Then wait like 10 min. for the wax to dry to a white haze. Then use a clean cloth, like an old undershirt, to wipe all the dried wax off and viola!

Also, be careful with the wax around any plastic moldings, if you get wax on them it can stain the molding, wipe it off immediately. If you aren't sure at first, then just try it on your hood before you try to d the whole car.

I hope this helps

 

Do electric buffers help or hinder the waxing process? I am hearing that they don't really work at that well and they leave circular marks on the paint becuase of the high velocity of the spinning head? Thanks

 

you havta know what youre doing with those, or else you can do some damage

 

Funny you should mention this. 2 weeks ago, I was at a buddy's house. He has an Arrival Blue '05 Cavalier. I have an Arrival Blue '05 SS/SC. He has an electric buffer, I use the old hand wax method. We both washed and waxed our cars together. he used electric buffer, I used karate kid style wax on, wax off manual approach!

When we were done, I had a slightly better shine. It seems like the buffer is adequate, but you can do a better job by hand. That's probably true about most machined tasks though. The buffer didn't seem to leave any scratches. That probably depends on the pad you're using. I still prefer by hand. It only took me a few minutes longer by hand anyway. It doesn't hurt to burn those calories off either.

 

For sure. That's why I enjoy hand washing cars. It's the only exercise I have time for these days

 

If you have a car that's older than 3-4 years and the paint is starting to fade and there are small scratches. Use a buffer it'll bring the paint back to life. If you got a brand new car. Get some of that meguiars nxt gen wax. It dosn't leave a major white residue and it comes off really easy by hand. That's what I use on my SS.

 

I'd have to dissagree with you I've been a Professional detailer for 7 yrs. now and an orbital buffer with a CLEAN pad will do a better job than by hand. The best way to get rid of the haze left behind by waxing is to get some of that showroom shine it takes the haze away and is ideal for thoes inbetween times of waxing.

 

Thanks for all the opinions, tommorow will be waxing day for me ill let everyone know how it goes.

 

This what you want http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...41d+1079089426 , I bought a couple of extra white foam pads when I ordered mine.

 

Ok.. give me some supporting reasons though. WHY do you think the buffer will do a better job? I am certainly open to the pad making a huge difference. I'm sure the pad used alters the likely hood of not scratching as well as the finished product quality. What I'm looking for from you though the buffer does a better job. Is this just based on observation?

 

A buffer can and will leave swirl marks if used improperly. My mom had a product that did great for waxing a car, it was called "Elbow Grease".

Bob

 

I have always done it by hand.... I use Meguiars Cleaner Wax, Then I use Eagle 1 NanoWax... I haven't found anything better so I use it! The Nanowax is smaller "molecularly" so it is applied in a back and forth motion rather than circular that creates swirl marks.... but it is the easiest to remove that I have found... and I don't know about you guys... but MICROFIBER towels are the way to go! They make taking off wax a breeze, and there is no leftover dust!

 

I use that nano wax as well. Best stuff ive ever used...no residue and it does fill in some swirll marks. Comes off easy as well...when you use the right tool to take it off(microfiber).

 

wax on-wax off

 

Hehe, I loved the throwback there Brian.

I recommend that you always use clean pads and towels when cleaning, polishing, or waxing (or when doing all 3!). I never re-use a dirty pad or towel; I make sure that they're cleaned first. Also 100% cotton or a good quality microfiber is best for removing the residue. Good luck man!

Remember, just don't rush the job and you should be fine.

 

I really like Meguiars Nxt wax...it comes off very easy. I use Zymol cleaner wax first

 

I use a porter cable with Sonus pads/wax. It's pricey, but well worth the money. I can appy a nice coat of wax in about 30 minutes on my Armada with it. Additionally, a good pad will put the wax on thinner...meaning less waste and easier buff out. For removal I use the elbow grease/micro-fibre towel combination.

Check this websight for EVERYTHING you wanted to know about detailing your car.

www.autopia.org

 

Oh, one other thing...you want a great shine...claybar your car. It removes alot of contaminants regular washing/waxing doesn't. The down side? You have to wax after you clay.

 

pick up a bottle of IBIZ. i get it once about every 2-3 years at the NY auto show. great deal and by far the best wax ive ever used. i think the website is still up so check it out probly www.IBIZ.com or something

 

What ever you do
wash it first!!!
And use a terry towel or micro fiber towels to take it off with "walmart"
I use meguiers or collinite #885 it's $15 a can but leaves no dust and
has a great shine!

 

Am I the only one who claybars? Why is it no one has mentioned it?! Claybarin is the way to go before you apply any wax. Makes things easier and omg looks great. I have a highspeed makita and i have been doin detailing for years so it all comes out great.

Wash
Claybar
Whipedown
Wax
Polish

=

bling

 

get this kinda newer stuff called Nanowax thats what ive been using on mine, check out my pics page to see it

 

Meguiars cleaning wax is the best to use... well at least on black i agree with everthing he said.......

 

isn't it :

Wash
Claybar
Wash
Dry
Whipedown
Wax
Polish