How To Wax Your Car

Hand Application

1.  Apply car wax, like Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax, Wolfgang Füzion Carnauba Polymer Estate Wax, BLACKFIRE Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax, or paint sealant, like Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant or BLACKFIRE Paint Sealant, in the shade. If the product dries too quickly or sits on the vehicle too long, it may be difficult to buff off.

2. Always apply car wax or paint sealant to a dry vehicle. Droplets of water on the paint will cause the product to streak and it will be unnecessarily tough to buff off.

3. Thin, thin, thin! Apply the thinnest coat you can. If you want more shine and depth, you're not going to accomplish it in one thick coat. It just makes the wax or sealant difficult to remove and streaky. Buff one coat off before applying a second extremely thin coat. Check the label to see how long one coat has to cure before applying another (usually 12-18 hours).

4. Poly foam wax applicators are the best for achieving a thin, even coat. They're absorbent, durable, washable, and reusable. They're also inexpensive, so don't be afraid to throw them away when they get really soiled.

5. Buff the haze away with microfiber. A quality microfiber towel, like the Miracle Towel or the Cobra Gold Plush Jr. Microfiber Towel will buff your paint to a stunning shine as you remove the wax residue. The static-charged, woven fibers grab wax residue so there is less dusting, if any. Microfiber does not shed lint and the tiny, manmade fibers polish the paint while you buff. Rotate your towel frequently to reveal a clean side. Keep an extra Miracle Towel lying around in case the first one becomes caked with wax.

6. If you do get streaks or an uneven shine, it's easily corrected with a quick detail spray. Mist the surface with Wolfgang Instant Detail Spritz, Pinnacle Crystal Mist Detail Spray, or BLACKFIRE Instant Detailer and buff away the problem.

Machine Application

1. Select a foam finishing pad  to apply wax. This pad is soft and absorbent, but firm enough to withstand the pressure of the machine. It's perfect for any type of wax, even paste wax. A black foam finishing pad is shown to the right.

2. If you are using a paste wax, like the Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax, spread it onto the pad like you're buttering a piece of bread. You can turn the jar of wax upside down and slide the wax out into a plastic sandwich bag to rub it onto the pad, or you can use a clean putty knife. If you're using a liquid wax or sealant, dispense three 3" lines of wax around the edge of the pad.

3. If you're using a liquid wax or sealant, press the polisher to the paint and spread the wax over a panel before turning the machine on. This will lessen the likelihood of splatter.

4. Set your dual action polisher to a maximum speed of 3. Check the label of your particular wax for specific directions, but generally this is the fastest speed you need to apply wax. Spread the wax over the panel until it is evenly covered. Turn off your machine before lifting it off the paint.

5. Buff with microfiber. Again, the Miracle Towel is your best friend. Some products allow you to apply wax to the entire vehicle before buffing, but many do not. If your wax does not, buffing by hand may be most efficient. If your wax can be applied to the entire vehicle before buffing, you might prefer to buff by machine using a microfiber or terry cloth bonnet over a lambswool pad for cushioning.

Concours Tip

If you really want to amplify the shine, apply a layer of carnauba over a layer of sealant. The sealant will create a glossy, hard coating while the carnauba wax will enhance the depth and dimension of the paint. A popular combination is Klasse All-In-One under Pinnacle Souverän Wax and Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant under Wolfgang Füzion Carnauba Polymer Estate Wax.

Glossary of Terms

1. Wax – a protective coating usually made from natural carnauba wax and polymers that provides a deep, reflective shine.

• Spray wax - super easy to use, perfect for keeping that gloss poppin' between full waxing sessions, but it doesn’t last as long. 
• Liquid wax - strikes a sweet balance of shine and protection, spreading evenly and lasting longer than spray. 
• Paste wax - might need more elbow grease, but it delivers a deep, killer shine and top-tier long-lasting protection.

2. Sealant – a completely synthetic blend of polymers that provides long-lasting paint protection and shine.

3. Bonnet – made from terry cloth or microfiber, it fits over a lambswool pad on a dual action polisher for buffing purposes.

4. Dual action polisher – the head moves in two ways; it spins the pad and the pad orbits around an eccentric offset. The motion is often described as jiggling. A DA polisher, like the Porter Cable 7424XP or FLEX XC 3401 VRG Orbital Polisher, will greatly improve the appearance of paint imperfections with minimal risk of burning the paint.

COMMON Q/A's ABOUT CAR WAX

1. What is car wax, and why should I use it?

Answer: Car wax is a protective coating applied to the exterior of your vehicle to enhance shine and protect the paint. It forms a barrier against environmental contaminants like UV rays, road salt, bird droppings, and tree sap, which can cause paint damage over time. Waxing also helps to maintain your car’s appearance, making the paint look shiny and well-maintained.

2. How often should I wax my car?

Answer: The frequency of waxing depends on the type of wax you use and your driving conditions. Generally, paste and liquid waxes last longer (3-6 months) compared to spray waxes, which might need reapplication every 1-2 months. If your car is frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions or parked outside, you may need to wax more often.

3. Can I wax my car in direct sunlight?

Answer: It's not recommended to wax your car in direct sunlight, as the heat can cause the wax to dry too quickly, making it difficult to remove and potentially leaving streaks or hazy spots. For best results, wax your car in a shaded area or during cooler parts of the day.

4. What’s the difference between car wax and a sealant?

Answer: Car waxes are typically made from natural substances like carnauba, and they provide a warm, deep shine with good protection. Sealants, on the other hand, are synthetic and offer longer-lasting protection, often up to a year, with a more reflective, glossy finish. Some car enthusiasts use both, applying a sealant first for durability and then topping it with wax for added shine.

5. How do I properly apply car wax?

Answer: Start by washing and drying your car thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Apply a small amount of wax to an applicator pad or microfiber cloth and work it onto the paint in small, circular motions. Allow the wax to haze (dry slightly) before buffing it off with a clean microfiber towel. Work in sections to ensure even coverage and avoid letting the wax dry too much before buffing.

6. Is it possible to wax my car too much?

Answer: While frequent waxing can keep your car looking great, over-waxing can lead to a buildup of wax layers that may cause haziness or discoloration, particularly on darker vehicles. Waxing every 2-3 months is usually sufficient to maintain protection and shine without causing issues.

7. Do I need to remove old wax before applying new wax?

Answer: It's not always necessary, but removing old wax can help ensure the new application adheres properly and provides maximum protection. You can remove old wax with a dedicated wax remover, a clay bar treatment, or by washing with a dish detergent designed to strip wax.

8. Can I wax a car with a matte or satin finish?

Answer: No, you should not use traditional car wax on matte or satin finishes, as it can add unwanted shine and ruin the matte effect. Instead, use products specifically designed for matte finishes, which protect without altering the appearance.

9. What are the signs that my car needs to be waxed again?

Answer: If water no longer beads on the surface, the shine looks dull, or you can feel roughness when you run your hand over the paint, it’s a good indication that the wax layer has worn off, and it’s time to wax your car again.

10. Can I use wax on the plastic or rubber parts of my car?

Answer: It’s best to avoid applying traditional car wax to plastic or rubber trim, as it can leave a white, chalky residue that’s difficult to remove. Instead, use products specifically formulated for plastic and rubber, or tape off these areas before waxing to prevent accidental contact.