Waxing is an essential step to maintaining its appearance if your car is a daily driver, providing extra shine and protection from bird droppings, bug splatters and environmental contaminants.
Before applying wax, make sure your vehicle is clean by washing with high quality car soap, rinsing thoroughly and drying its paint surface thoroughly.
Choose the Right Wax
Quality wax not only adds shine and depth to the paint on your car, but it can also serve as an extra shield against UV rays, bird droppings and other environmental threats. Regular waxing can save both time and money in repairs in the future.
Waxes come in all forms and textures, each offering different advantages and drawbacks. Natural waxes made from plant resin (such as carnauba wax) offer deep shine but may not last as long. Spray waxes may be easier to apply than paste or liquid options but typically don’t provide as much protection against UV radiation.
As with any product, reading and following the instructions that come with your chosen product are vital in order to get optimal results. Before waxing your car, thoroughly clean it to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants; using a clay bar may also help. Doing this will ensure that wax will fill all “pores” of paint evenly before applying wax and form strong bonds with it.
Once you’ve selected an appropriate wax for your vehicle, it’s time to begin application. Choose a shaded or indoor location in order to prevent excessive drying time; work in small sections before using a microfiber cloth instead of foam applicators (if available). Apply in circular motions while overlapping each stroke for the best result and adding more as necessary.
Apply the Wax
Waxes not only add aesthetic value to your car; they provide invaluable protection from UV rays that cause its clear coat to oxidize and dull over time, as well as acidic contaminants like bird droppings and tree sap. Furthermore, waxes help repel water for easier cleaning and maintenance – and with proper application techniques can give a showroom-worthy shine that will stand the test of time!
Before waxing your vehicle, make sure that it is thoroughly clean and dry. Use quality car wash soap to remove all remaining dirt, oils, and bugs, then rinse the vehicle and dry it using either forced air drying or microfiber towels. A careful look from different angles will allow you to spot any contaminants or defects that need addressing; if water spots or other imperfections remain after applying Chemical Guys VSS Scratch and Swirl Remover (VSSSR), or a clay bar could help.
For proper wax application, a high-quality foam applicator pad (preferably constructed of durable material that can be washed and reused) and clean microfiber towels will be essential. Work in an area with ample shade and at a comfortable temperature; waxing in extreme hot or cold temperatures could leave streaks on your vehicle’s paint. Begin at the bottom and work your way upward, covering every visible inch with wax. Allow it to haze over for several minutes, before using one of your clean microfiber towels to buff it away – working section by section until your entire vehicle has been polished and protected!
Buff the Wax
Once the wax is set (you can tell by testing an inconspicuous area to verify it’s no longer sticky), buffing with a soft, clean cloth produces a higher sheen than simply washing and drying the paint; polishing also helps smooth out swirl marks and scratches; just make sure it doesn’t damage the clear coat!
Once your buffing session is over, you can admire your newly polished car for several weeks. Just remember to wash it regularly without using mechanical car washes as they will strip any remaining wax from its paintwork and apply new layers of wax at least annually for optimal results.
Waxing can be a tedious job, but following these tips will make the experience faster and simpler. Be sure to choose the appropriate product, apply it correctly and buff out your wax properly for a beautiful shine. Also avoid chemical car washes – touchless car washes are always recommended! Lastly, regularly moisturize with hydrating lotion – this will keep skin silky smooth as well as help prevent ingrown hairs between waxing sessions! Lastly, stop exfoliating as soon as possible prior to an appointment since this can cause skin sensitivity that makes hair removal harder to accomplish.
Maintain the Shine
After buffing off the wax, you are left with an incredible looking and feeling surface. In addition to providing glossy shine, wax also forms a protective shield between your car’s paint and harsh UV rays, acidic rain, bird droppings, pollution and harsh sunlight. Additionally, this shield makes cleaning much simpler as dirt and dust cannot adhere as easily to its smooth finish making removal simple with damp microfiber towels.
Be consistent in washing and drying your vehicle regularly is one of the best ways to preserve its paint job. Always use high-quality pH neutral soap, paired with either a microfiber wash mitt or towel, for best results. Once your car has dried completely, check it carefully for water spots or swirl marks using either an instant detailer or soft microfiber cloth; these should then be removed using instant detailer instantly or soft microfiber cloth respectively. Ideally you should dry your vehicle either indoors or in shade as this will prevent overheating which could prematurely drying out its wax coating quickly.
Lords of Detailing offers solutions and products designed to maintain your car’s showroom luster, so if you want yours to look as stunning as ever, give these tips and products a try! With proper care, your vehicle will become an impressive work of art on wheels – drawing admiration from everyone who passes. Visit their website now to find a location near you!
