Some cars on the street look very dirty and worn, everyone can see that the owner does not take good care of his car. Of course you don't want other people to think that about you. Fortunately, you can keep your car looking neat without much effort, by performing some maintenance every now and then.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: The preparation
Step 1. Wash your car
Thoroughly clean your car with a mild detergent and water in preparation for waxing. The car must be completely clean and dry before waxing. Wax does not adhere well to dirt and moisture, but it does to clean car paint.
Step 2. Treat your paint with polishing paste
If there are unsightly spots, scratches or other damage on your paint, you can treat those spots with scratch remover or polishing paste before waxing. These agents are slightly abrasive, so that a thin layer of paint is rubbed off the car. The sanded paint is spread until a new layer with an even color is formed.
Polishing paste is less abrasive than scratch remover, making it more suitable as a pre-waxing treatment. Carefully apply the polishing paste with a damp microfibre cloth, all over the car, then remove the paste with a second microfibre cloth
Step 3. Wax your car when the temperature is between 13°C and 30°C
It gets better when it's on the cold side. If it is very hot, the wax dries immediately when it touches the car, and then you can hardly rub it. If it is colder than 13°C it is very difficult to make the wax flexible and spread it on the car.
Step 4. Wax your car indoors, in a garage and out of direct sunlight
It's best to wax your car indoors to avoid direct sunlight (for the reason we described in the previous step). Sunlight heats the paint, if you wax in sunlight a thin residue will remain on the car and that is very difficult to remove. Ideally, waxing should be done in your garage, where the temperature is more constant and where the sun doesn't shine. If you don't have a garage, you can find a spot in the shade of a tree or building, or you can do it on a cloudy day or early in the morning or evening.
Part 2 of 3: Waxing your car
Step 1. Choose the wax you will use on your car
The types of wax that contain carnauba wax work the best, but they are usually a bit more expensive. There are also other types of wax that we can tell you about:
- Some types of wax clean your paint and leave a wax layer at the same time. These products are often cheaper, but also a bit rougher. Cleaning wax products remove a clear layer from your car paint. If you're using a product that falls into this category, it's best not to polish first as a preparation.
- Wax in an aerosol is easy to apply, but there is a disadvantage: it does not last as long. A test showed that different types of wax from an aerosol only lasted a few weeks on the paint.
Step 2. Put some wax on the sponge that comes with the wax
For a 60 by 60 cm section of paint, put a drop of wax with a diameter of about 4 cm on your sponge. read the instructions for use first for more information about the specific amount.
- How much wax should you use? Use too little rather than too much wax. Many people make the mistake of applying too much wax. You then waste more, it is more difficult to remove and a dirty layer remains behind. A thinner layer of wax adheres better to the paint of your car.
- If the wax does not come with a sponge, use your own damp sponge. It may not work as well, but it's fine. It may be redundant information, but don't use the sponge to wash dishes after waxing.
Step 3. Moving gently and in a circular motion, spread the wax evenly over a small section of the paint
Divide the car into different sections and wax one section at a time, adding more wax if needed. Smooth, overlapping movements work best, with a pressure of about 1 to 2 kg.
Step 4. Use a polisher (optional)
Use an eccentric polisher to apply more wax to your paint, this will make it easier to rub unevenness out of the paint. Set the machine to low speed, apply wax to the machine or car, and wax the car with the polisher by applying even pressure. Apply more wax if necessary.
Step 5. Leave the wax on the paint for a few minutes, or follow the instructions
After waxing by hand and by machine, you have to let the wax sit for a while, keeping the time specified by the manufacturer. You may have to wax, wait and remove section by section.
This is a good way to know if the wax can be removed already: swipe your finger through the applied wax. If you can still smear it, don't remove the wax yet. If it is clear you can remove it
Step 6. Remove the wax with a microfibre cloth to give it a nice shine
Wipe the wax from the paint in a circular motion with one side of the cloth. If the cloth becomes more difficult to move over the paint, there is now too much wax on it. Turn the cloth over and continue wiping for a smooth finish.
Step 7. Keep rubbing the paint until the paint has a nice shine
Wipe the excess wax off the paint. You are done!
Part 3 of 3: Getting the most out of your wax
Step 1. Always wash your car with a cleaning agent that is suitable for cars that have been treated with wax
You can also clean your car with a mild dishwashing liquid if you want, but then your wax layer will not last as long. If you use a cleaner intended for waxed paintwork, your paintwork will last much longer, and you can apply new wax as needed.
Step 2. Use two types of wax for best results
Some people go even further and use two types of wax to make the paint even more beautiful. They start with a synthetic wax and use a polisher to give it a nice shine. They wipe that off and then they apply a second coat of carnauba wax. That is also nicely polished and the end result would not look out of place at a car show.
Step #3. Eliminate swiping
If you still see smudges after removing the wax, we've got a great tip for you. Fill a spray bottle with distilled water. Add a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and mix well. In the places where you still see smudges, lightly spray some of the mixture, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
Step 4. Understand that the wax layer can stay longer or shorter than the manufacturer indicates
That's another way of saying that every car is different, and you should use your eyes and fingers to know when to get back to waxing. Do not rely solely on the interval indicated in the instructions.
- Most manufacturers want you to use the product more often than is actually necessary. If you wax your car more often, you will sooner need a new bottle, which is of course beneficial for the manufacturer, but unfavorable for your wallet.
- On the other hand, it can also happen that you have to re-wax much more often than prescribed.
Step 5. Never wax a car with a matte finish
Matt painted cars should not be waxed with agents that should make the paintwork shine.
Tips
- Several thin layers of wax give a nicer shine and offer better protection than one thick layer.
- Waxing your car will make your car look nicer and retain its value for longer.