Some good posts here, Whatever you do, do not wax in circles in creates swirl marks . I prefer to wax in a side to side motion or up and down fashion because that way when direct sunlight hits it, you dont see these circular patterns, you would have to **** your head sideways to see any minor scratches and even then, they'll be harder to notice.

I usually use meguiars step 3 carnuba wax and been doing it on my car, my parents car for the past 12 years. It's the only wax that i've been satisfied that doesn't cost an arm and leg. I've also wax atleast 2-3 a month. Waxing not only helps with the protection of your car, it also keeps your car cleaner longer because things are easily wipe off a wax car + water beads off, leaving very little water marks behind the next day.

Whatever you do, make sure the surface your going to wax on is prep right and well. That means washing, clay barring, using a paint cleaner if you have to, and using a polish to clean up any minor defects in the paint......then using the wax to finalize everything and all your hard work.

The polish should be used maybe once a year or twice, once before winter, once in the spring to get rid or reduce any paint imperfections. Polish is used to brighten things up, not really used to protect. But i've been waxing all my life, haven't really notice anything but i have neighbors like your friends saying i'm going to take the paint off if i keep waxing it. Years later, i still have the shiner car and they have the rust spots

 

You should just be able to use your mind powers to get someone to do it for you...

 

This is a question that so many of us have our own opinion on (myself as well).

I would agree that back in the day, natural waxes were the best option and they still remain a very good option today as well.

For me, synthetic or polymer sealants are better mainly because they can outlast any natural wax simply because the elements can't destroy them as fast as a natural wax can be destroyed.

A sealant is not to be confused as a polish. Both are very different and both have special uses. I use a polish every time I strip the protection off of my car in order to give the finish a "new" shine.

For me, my main goal with a wax/sealant is to use it to protect the paint's finish (while adding some shine as well).

Also you will hear some of us speaking of "layering" our favorite product (some as many as 50 coats). I too believe in layering the correct products, but honestly the molecules of the paint/clearcoat can not handle that much on top of them and eventually all you really end up doing is removing the product that you just applied a step earlier.

The rule of thumb is that a polish enhances the finish of a car (polish = shine) and a wax/polymer or sealant protects the finish of the paint (seals the paint so that it can no longer release gasses and the elements can no longer enter the paint/clearcoat).

Detailing your car shouldn't be a chore. Make it as easy as possible so you have more time to admire your efforts.

 

i have always used the 3 step meguiars deep crystal system... this includes the paint cleaner, polish, and carnuba wax... i use the paint cleaner and polish 2-3 times a year, and wax whenever i have time... i try not to take 2 months off though.. but i do use the cleaner wax in a few times a year as well... paint is still looking good besides the little rock chips

 

I like it when my wife waxes ... makes things nice and smooth!














The car ... guys, the car! The paint is nice and smooth when she waxes it.

Sheesh, you guys are a bunch of pervs ...

Seriously, you should wax. Clearcoat is simply paint without pigments and when exposed to the sun, rain, road grime, salt and god knows what else, it will pit and oxidize unless protected. Wax provides that protection. I wax my car monthly. Keeps the paint sparkling and shiny and smooth and slick. But most of all, protected.

The wife? Every 3-4 weeks ...

 

I paste wax it one good time, then use the spray wax until it needs another coat of paste wax.

 

Hey if i use clay bar do i have to use pre-wax cleaner to remove the old wax? and is there non abrasive pre-wax cleaner?

 

You don't have to strip the wax prior to clay bar (remember to use a lubricant, such as a detailing spray, with the clay bar). However if you want to strip it, Dawn dishwashing soap will safely strip it all off. I tend to strip the wax prior to an annual claybar, orbital polish and wax. The rest of the season I use the Mr. Clean system and Ice synthetic wax, with Ice detailer spray frequently between washes. However, given my black cherry Shinka, I end up washing/Ice'g often anyway.

btw: regarding swirls - always use clean microfiber towels and you'll greatly reduce swirls. And of course innitally dry with a clean shammy (natural or synthetic). Toweling with other materials is the primary swirl-inducing culprit.

 

I know I'm here but I've got to ask the question on those avatars....


...where on earth does Mazda Maniac get his stash of hot ladies from?

 

The wax wont mess up the clay bar?

 

Better yet...

 

.. Did u visit the site i sent you? no?