First time waxing

[JuMpMaN6235]

Ive never waxed a car before, so i really dunno what proper procedures i need to go through....
What basic products do you guys recommend?
How do i wax my car without ruining its clearcoat or the paint itself?

[2loud2k2xd]

wahs really good with soap. out of the sun.
then use a clay bar (rewash the car and use the soapy water to clay the car.
dry the car with a chamois.
use any good quality wax with a good wax applicator.
like the old karate kid movie "wax on/ wax off" in circular motions.
remove the wax, after it dries to a haze with a MICROfiber cloth. (NOT A BATH TOWEL!!)
then step back and look at the beautiful shiny elantra

[cclngthr]

If you can afford it, get the Porter Cable polisher and an assortment of pads made to apply wax. Does a fine job of putting wax on the paint.

[f1guy68]

If you can afford it, get the Porter Cable polisher and an assortment of pads made to apply wax. Does a fine job of putting wax on the paint.

Good Advice CC ;)

It's the Porter Cable 7424 that you would want to purchase.


It's a dream machine and offers incredible results and WILL NOT BURN your paint unless you lean on it in one spot and crank it at full speed for a 24 hours..lol (Even then I doubt it will burn)

Serious..it's a very safe machine. It's not just for waxing, you can use it for polishing as well! Will remove 90% of normal swirls and minor scratches, with the correct product and pad combo.

Read more about it here:

Dual Action Polishers (http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polishers.html)

[carbonbluerocks]

like the old karate kid movie "wax on/ wax off" in circular motions
I thought circular motions were a ":nono:" since doing so would potentially leave swirls on your paint? :confused:

[f1guy68]

I thought circular motions were a ":nono:" since doing so would potentially leave swirls on your paint? :confused:

You're right actually!

I didn't want to seem like I was jumping all over 2loud's suggestions. If it works for him than so be it.

You should try to apply and remove waxes in a linear motion (back and forth). Circular motion can and will add swirls. (cobwebs as they should be called) Back and forth is preferrable! (especially on dark colors, just in case you get some grit into the wax pad or buffing towel, straight line scratches are easier to remove than circular ones.)

;)

While we are discussing process, I also do not suggest the use of leather chamois. They remove wax as well. A synthetic chamois would be better and better yet, a waffle weave drying towel would be best. There are several makes, but this one is available wherever most off the shelf detailing products can be found:

http://meguiars.com/estore/products/product_X2000.jpg

Meguiar’s ultra plush Water Magnet absorbs up to 3X the water of traditional terry towels to reduce drying time and create a spot-free finish. The extra large 22” x 30” waffle textured towel wrings out effortlessly and is trimmed with premium satin edges to prevent scratching.

[cclngthr]

Although I'm not a detailer, I do paint cars regularly and have worked with paint for about 17 years. The PC is good to apply wax, but I would not remove wax with the machine, I would do it by hand.

On using chamois, I prefer not to use them at all. A drying towel or better yet, blow drying the car with compressed air or a leaf blower (make sure it is clean).

[f1guy68]

The PC is good to apply wax, but I would not remove wax with the machine, I would do it by hand.

Is that a suggestion because of any potential risk? Or is it just a personal choice?

:confused:

[cclngthr]

The PC is good to apply wax, but I would not remove wax with the machine, I would do it by hand.

Is that a suggestion because of any potential risk? Or is it just a personal choice?

:confused:

This is part personal choice and part suggestion for those unfamiliar with the proper use of the machine. For me, I could use the PC to remove wax, but I notice as the wax is removed, the pad tends to get a bit flaky.

[hyunelan2]

As for applying by hand, I'm also against circular motions. Linear is much better. I apply 3 coats - 1 horizontal, 1 vertical, 1 diagonal to the first 2.

[f1guy68]

This is part personal choice and part suggestion for those unfamiliar with the proper use of the machine. For me, I could use the PC to remove wax, but I notice as the wax is removed, the pad tends to get a bit flaky.

CC....PC Owners should not use a foam pad by itself to remove the wax. You should get the m/f bonnets or terry bonnets that cover a foam pad and use that instead.

Here is a link where they can be purchased (or looked at so you know what I'm talking about) for those interested:

Bonnets For The PC (http://www.autogeek.net/temibo.html)



I agree the wax will flake when using a pad, so I use the bonnets. Problem solved! Safe, easy, quick and they do a great job!

As for applying by hand, I'm also against circular motions. Linear is much better. I apply 3 coats - 1 horizontal, 1 vertical, 1 diagonal to the first 2.

That's a very good way to do it! You get better and more even coverage and better shine!

:D

[cclngthr]

CC....PC Owners should not use a foam pad by itself to remove the wax. You should get the m/f bonnets or terry bonnets that cover a foam pad and use that instead.

Here is a link where they can be purchased (or looked at so you know what I'm talking about) for those interested:

Bonnets For The PC (http://www.autogeek.net/temibo.html)



I agree the wax will flake when using a pad, so I use the bonnets. Problem solved! Safe, easy, quick and they do a great job!



That's a very good way to do it! You get better and more even coverage and better shine!

:D

I have also been using the m/f or terry bonnets to apply the wax. I think the bonnet makes the wax application more uniform and easier, and keeps the foam pad cleaner and it lasts longer that way. I also can wash the bonnet in the washing machine, which is easier to get it clean.

I have a variety of bonnets/pads when I do a car and change over when I want to apply and remove wax. I move the machine in a linear fashion and change directions if I'm adding a second coat or applying a topper.