Hi guys, I just bought my 07 tC. I have been searching for old threads, but I could not find one about how to apply wax correctly.

Should I apply wax like drawing a circle? or Should I apply wax back and fro, like drawing a line? I am not sure what the best technique is.

Some said waxing in a circle would cause swirls, but I watched a MEGUIAR'S demo video about wax technique. The demo guy applies wax in a circle. so not sure if that is correct.

Thanks a lot guys

 

circles.

i dont know where people came up with the idea of side to side anyways. The reason that th epaint scratches is because it has dirt on it, and then you rub the dirt across and into the paint. the clear is really soft, and the dirt cuts in, and a swirl mark is left. If there's dirt on the paint when you wax, it's going to scratch regardless of how your moving the applicator pad.

 

Use a random orbital buffer.

 

thats actually what i use. porter cable ftw!

 

I'd like a PC, but picked up a Craftsman ROB for $20 at Sears. Woot woot! :D

 

is there any risk to using one of those ROBs to wax?

 

A lil bit, just make sure your car is clean before you start and make darn sure the bonnet is on properly. The random orbits make it almost idiot proof.

 

"wax on.... wax off"

 

excellent ive been looking for this stuff aswell!

 

To make sure that you don't get any swirl marks CLAY YOUR CAR. Washing gets the visible dirt off but there is dirt that has bonded to your paint. That will needs to be cleaned off or when you wax you will pick little pieces of the contaminants up and cause swirls. Also when removing the wax either use high quality microfiber towel, plush towels or go to a store like Bed Bath and Beyond and get 100% cotton towels that are MADE IN AMERICA. Sorry that this is a little of topic but there is more to preventing swirls than which way you apply wax.

 

very good information thanks!

 

Yes orbital buffer to apply or small circles overlapping 50% each pass till covered. Then remove by hand with microfiber towels after it is fully dried (about 10 mins.). Never in direct sunlight either only shade or indoors. The sun bakes the wax and dries it too fast or unevenly and leaves smudges and other bad stuff.
My current wax of chouce is the Eagle Nano wax. Easy on and easy off and leaves hella shine with no uneven spots.

 

FTW!

 

Just make sure you do wax off! I have seen 2 cars now with wax still on them!! (though, the longer you keep the wax on, the better it will turn out...but don't leave it on while you are out and about!! That's just silly!)

~Stephanie

 

lol at people driving around with wax still on the car.

 

I see stupid people try that all the time. They figure out later that it's a B to remove after it's baked on a few days later. Plus it will hold dirt and then let it grind into the paint when they try to remove it with road dirt all into the wax.

 

Really East Waxing... I waxed my car for the first time yesterday.. BEAUTY!

 

living in the keys, you should be waxing more often. That salty air kills paint

keep that undercarriage clean too.

 

the best was to get it done is by having the local car wash homies hook it up. otherwise u can make a real big mess

 

Check out THIS PAGE for more detailed info.
Waxing in lines is fine as is circles - depending on the panel, etc.
One thing circles can do over time is to "spiderweb" the paint.
But most importantly, wax immediately after a good wash/dry.

Scott