OK first of all should i be washing my car with some car wash soap or whatever first? I know it has to be dry before waxing, but very clean too? I did clean it before i tried waxing, and no dirst was really on the car when i waxed.

I got mothers wax, ok so you shmear it on and it leaves a horrible dull residue, and then you shmear it off, i only did half the hood and then stopped since i really so no difference, and no dirt was comming on my cloth, am i doing somthing wrong?? Waxing takes forever!!???

Also can you just wax the whole thing, thhhheeen clean the wax off at the end? Or will that leave streaks and stuff? Whats the advantage of waxing over just using regular soap and water (which i must say gets the car lookin nice in itself!) Thanks for the help.....



-Josh

 

Uh, washing a car with just soap and water will eventually remove any wax on the car, leaving just the clear coat. This means that the clear coat will be the only layer between the environment and your paint. Wax, or polish, adds an additional layer above the clear coat, which both helps improve the way the car looks, ie. shine and luster, and helps to protect the fairly fragile paint.

Your car should be absolutely clean prior to waxing, or you may just end up with particulate matter in or under your wax. At best, it will look bad, at worst, you will put swirl lines in your clear coat.

Your car is probably fairly new, it looks pretty good with just the clear coat. However, it should look much better with wax or polish on it. If you don't think it's improved, use a higher quality substance. Basically, you're doing it somewhat right. Remember Karate Kid? "Wax on, wax off?" Begin by covering the car with wax. Depending on the material, you may see a hazy layer. When the wax is ready, remove it with a clean towel. There should be no dirt, only wax, on your towel.

The results - a noticeably shinier car with better reflective qualities and a "deeper" color. There are many threads here on Zaino, Blackfire, or other polishes. I've tried Zaino and I'm happy with the results. If you're not sure if your wax worked, just put a little water on the car. A waxed surface will cause the water to bead and run off. Clearcoat alone doesn't do that as well.

If you want your car to last, I would suggest waxing it often.

 

Try Reading the Detailing Sessions.

 

And stop "schmearing" it on. Hint: The less the better.