If having your car freshly waxed is your endgame, be prepared to put in the time to do it properly, as multiple steps need to be taken before you apply the liquid or foam. So how can you wax your car from home successfully?

Pressure Wash The Exterior

A simple garden hose will suffice, but using a pressure washer to pre-soak your vehicle is recommended. The reason for this is because the power from these machines will be twice as effective at removing bugs and surface level dirt. Plenty of hoses can handle this, but since you will be waxing eventually, it is going to take you a longer period of time to spray because the body needs to be debris-free.

“Polishing your car will get rid of things like scratching and greasy patches that using water will never be able to solve. Why is this important? Because wax is a sealant, if the surface is not completely smooth, it will literally trap the unwanted components under a layer of film”

Polish Your Car

Wait! If you want to wax, why do you need to polish? The reason is simple: a car wash is just for rinsing, not a thorough cleaning. Polishing your car will get rid of things like scratching and greasy patches that using water will never be able to solve. Why is this important? Because wax is a sealant, if the surface is not completely smooth, it will literally trap the unwanted components under a layer of film. This means that you are not protecting your car, but the dirt on it instead. To polish your car effectively, make use of a microfiber cloth, or buffing apparatus. The goal is to make the paint smooth and exposed to fresh air so the wax can bond with it effortlessly.

Cooler Setting Is Preferred

You will know your car is ready for wax when your exterior is free from everything you do not want encased in the product. When you are ready to proceed, put your vehicle in a cool, covered environment, if possible. In extremely hot temperatures, wax dries almost instantly, which is not advantageous because you do not have time to spread it evenly. The result is a disjointed shine, with half of the car reflecting more light than the other. Waxing in sunlight can also leave unwanted residue on the surface, which will completely undo all the work you put in polishing the vehicle.

Choosing The Right Wax

There are plenty of opinionated car owners on this subject, but the science behind each type of wax will let you know the proper fit for you. For starters, if you are waxing with a spray, this is much easier to apply, but it will not last as long. If you only need a temporary fix, this liquid is fast and easy. Cleaner based waxes are the cheapest on the market, and you get what you pay for. They can be worthwhile, but if you apply too much it will disrupt the clear coat on your automobile. Waxes with carnauba in them are more forgiving to a car’s exterior, and will create a solid barrier to withstand damage from the elements.

Wax By Section

Using an applicator pad, rub in the wax by section on your car. Breaking your vehicle down to smaller areas will make sure you are more controlled in how much wax you are applying overall. It also makes how you disperse it more even. Once the entire car has been serviced, wait the allotted time the wax manufacturer recommends, then use a microfiber towel to wipe away any excess residue that built up too much in a particular region. Voila! A fresh, shiny, and most importantly protected car, is your result.

Conclusion

Waxing is integral to car maintenance, but being uninformed in its application can ruin the primer on your body as well as eventually the paint job’s integrity. Because of this, using an experienced auto detailer is in your best interest to make sure your wax job is long lasting and efficient. Get in touch with our dedicated team of professionals in St. Louis, MO to learn more about how a professional detail can benefit your vehicle.