Just curious as to how you guys wax your car. Really this is to help me out because i suck at waxing my car, I always leave wax marks and i can never really get all the wax off the car. So please explain in GREAT detail how you wax. Thanks

 

im somewhat partial to this question too...i only put ONE coat of wax, is that fine???? or shold i put a couple coats on????? where in IL do you live?? i just moved from algonquin if you know where that is.

 

come on someones gotta know!

 

First of all....what type of wax are you using? Is it carnauba or synthethic.

The basic answer to your question for now is that if you are waxing for the first time this year, you will have to deep clean your paint. You will need to start with a good wash using a ph balanced car wash soap (some people use Dawn dish washing liquid).

Next is the paint cleaning. A lot of people use and rave about the clay bar. My advice to you is to first examine your paint to see if it is rough and has particles on the surface. If it does, then you can use a claybar to strip the rough dirt off. Whether you use clay or not, you will need to clean your paint with a buffing paint cleaner. This is usually the first step of a 3 step wax system like mothers or meguiars. The paint cleaner you would apply similarly as wax. Apply with a clean applicator, then buff off with a clean terry cloth of 100% cotton.

Next, you should use a polish to clean up and smoothen your paint (this is often called a gloss or the #2 step). It is good to use, and it is important. However if your paint is in really good shape, and you are pressed for time, you can skip this step.

Third, and most important, apply your wax (or finish polish in the case of a synthetic). I cannot stress this enough....that you must make sure that you are using a quality product, whether it is pure carnauba wax or a synthetic polish. Using cheap or inferior products will look cheezy, and you will not get the best finish quality that you can get. You will notice this most when you compare your car to a well waxed example. The wax you should apply with a clean applicator (depending on the brand......some high end wax brands actually insist that you use your finger tips...but read the instructions carefully). In general, you should begin your wax routine with two coats of the final wax. Apply each coat sparingly, but also making sure that you cover all areas. Take your time in buffing the wax off. I like to go over the wax at least two times with two different cloths. One cloth will be a soft terry cloth to actually work off the haze of the wax. The other cloth will be a smooth finishing cloth (a microfiber cloth is very good at this....or cotton polishing "diapers", and also 100% chamois cloth. If you use chamois, then that should be the final wiping cloth. Make sure the chamois is clean and free from particles).

Your following steps after the first big cleaning and waxing will just consist of applying the pure wax or finishing polish in layers of one or two coats. Continue to do this until you are satisfied with the build up of layerings and the resolution of your finish. If you live in a temperate climate or you have cold winters, you should leave your build up of wax on until the following spring, then re-clean and start over (a yearly basis is a good stretch of time, but at least give your layerings 6 to 8 months time to stay on your paint).

Very important, develop a routine that you can stick with and follow, and with a proven wax product you will see results.

 

how much do you think it would cost for me to supply the wax, and claybar, bring it to a place, and have them do it???? then after that i can just wax my car after that?

 

Please don't do that......unless your paint is in such a state that you want to have it wetsanded. Most finishes, even if its neglected, will come out with a moderate amount of effort using a paint buff cleaner and wax.

However, if for some reason time is a factor in you not being able to do the first big step, then you should seek out a professional detailer, and one that will do what you want at a reasonable price.

It is something that I personally wouldn't do because this process can be done yourself (it does take time, however).