Preparing Your Car for Waxing

Make sure that your car has been washed prior to waxing it. See our How to Wash Your Car article.

Use wavex one step polishing compound to clean the surface of the paint before waxing. It will remove any dirt particles embedded in the paint surface which washing cannot remove. Also, wavex one step polishing compound will clean the surface of the paint to an ultra smooth clean texture ready for the application of wax.

The best temperature range for applying wax is between 15°C and 30°C. It is favorable to wax in cooler conditions than in warmer conditions. Never wax a car in direct sunlight. Make sure that the painted surface is cool to the touch as a heated surface will cause an abnormally quick drying of the wax and makes the buffing process more difficult.

Waxing Your Car

Wavex Carnauba Wax contains a superior amount of Brazilian number-one carnauba wax. This wax is renowned for its depth and visual appeal. The wax should be used sparingly and 200gms container of the wax will easily do five average sized vehicles if used properly. The use of a foam applicator ensures that only a small amount of wax is applied at any one time. Each application of wax is approximately 1/10000 in thickness. Putting on extra amounts of wax does not increase the result or effect. It will be removed in the buffing process. Only the portion touching the paint bonds directly with it. Successive applications of wax will build up and create a deeper and better finish. However it is highly recommended that at least a day or more between coats is recommended. The wax must thoroughly dry before another layer is placed over it otherwise you are just moving the previous layer of wax around with the layer being applied.

In applying the wax choose approximately a 1- to 2-foot-square area to apply the wax.

Use straight strokes in a crosshatch pattern to ensure coverage of all of the area being waxed. Allow a minute or two for the wax to “set up” before buffing. If the wax has dried out and is too difficult to buff, reapply wax over the dried surface to enable easier buffing action. If the wax smears by running your finger on it, then it has not set up yet and you should allow more time before buffing.

It is recommended to use either a very soft cotton cloth or wavex micro fiber cloth to remove the wax. If the polishing cloth starts to drag it means that the fabric is accumulating wax residue and you must turn the towel or the rag to a fresh area for continued buffing.

To enhance the result, after waxing a small area, spray a fine mist of clear cool water over the buffed area. Using a microfiber towel, again buff the area. You’ll find that this creates an even deeper gloss and result will be significant.

For best results and enjoyment, it is recommended that you do a small area of a vehicle at one time, not the entire car at one sitting. Repeatedly address the appearance of the car by choosing a panel to wax and then do a different section at another time. Of course, there is nothing wrong with doing an entire car at one time. A good wax job will last approximately 3 to 4 months, depending on whether it is garaged or kept outdoors. Obviously outdoor storage of the waxed vehicle will contend with sunlight, heat, rain and other adverse conditions to the preservation of a finally waxed vehicle.