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The Benefits of Car Wax
Does your paint job look duller than it should? Maybe you just got a new car and you want to protect the paint. If either of these statements pertain to you, then you should be in the market to purchase car wax.
Before you buy some and get started, there are a few things you may want to know about car wax. Although there are quite a few good brands of wax to use, the best kinds are made of carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is more expensive than other kinds because it is shown to be superior at sealing in your finish and it is easier to buff on and off.
Another tip is that it is best to avoid waxes containing granules or anything abrasive unless you are a professional. Granular car waxes can cause damage to your paint if not used on the correct colors and finishes. When in doubt, always go with smooth.
A good car wax is usually stiff and relatively hard to buff on and off the vehicle. If you feel your arms getting tired, that usually means you have some quality car wax on your hands! Soft waxes are easier to put on and remove, but they usually do not protect as well.
Car wax comes in a few different forms, those which you rub on from a tub, and others which you spray on. In the case of someone who has arthritis or hand sensitivity, spray wax can be wonderful. Since these kinds of waxes are softer, however, you will have to apply them more frequently for maximum results. Hand waxes in small tubs yield better paint protection and need to be used less often, although they are harder to apply.
Since you know which car wax to pick for your needs, we can get to the waxing process. First of all, you need to wash your car and make sure that you dry it thoroughly. Be sure to park your car in a shady and cool spot next. Picking a cool day is optimal so that the wax does not dry too quickly for you to remove it effectively.
A damp sponge, and a soft terry cloth rag are all you will need for waxing. You will have to dip your sponge into the wax, and get a dollop the size of a half dollar coin on it.
Starting on one side of the car, rub the car wax on in small circular motions. Work your way around the entire outside of the car using these circular motions, reapply wax to your sponge when necessary. Be careful to avoid cracks between the doors, hood and trunk. If you get some wax in these seams, you can use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently remove it.
Once you have worked your way completely around the car, the wax will be dry where you started and you can begin removing it. Remove wax with the terry cloth towel from where you began, using the same motions. Once you are finished, look for any spots you missed. It is important to make sure all of the wax is off in a couple of hours max, because it can damage your paint job if left on.
