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Wax Your Car's Exterior Finish

All current paints are subject to the effects of sunlight, water, and air. All three eventually cause the paint to loose its shine. A paint that is unprotected and uncared for will eventually develop a chalk-like appearance. Paint in this condition has oxidized. This process can be slowed by cleaning and protecting the car's paint with products such as cleaners, polishes, and wax.

A cleaner is a material used to remove the top layer of oxidized paint. Cleaners have abrasives in them to remove the old paint. Polishes, which have no abrasives or waxes, cause a surface to shine by adding an oil. Polishing is generally done by expert technicians in a body shop.

Wax is a hydrocarbon material typically found in a Brazilian palm called the Carnauba. A vegetable wax taken from this plant is used to make a very durable car wax.

The wax is applied over the paint surface.
The film of wax minimizes the effects of water, light, and air on the paint. You can tell if there is enough wax on the paint surface by pouring water on the hood or top; water will form little beads as shown below.
In places unprotected by wax the water will appear to soak into the paint.

You can minimize the need to wax by rinsing the car instead of scrubbing it with soap. Never apply wax to a dirty car. The dirt will mix with the wax and scratch the paint as you rub it on. Never apply cleaners with abrasives to painted plastic surfaces without following manufacturer's precautions.

The first step in protecting the car's paint is to get the car in the shade and allow the paint to cool down. Wash the car to remove all dirt and dust. Then decide if a cleaner is necessary to remove the oxide and old paint layer. Check manufacturer's recommendations before using any cleaner. If you need to use a cleaner, follow the recommendations for use on the cleaner container.

Wax can be applied as a liquid or a paste. Read the directions and precautions on the container. Follow the recommendations for application to avoid any paint damage. Pour a small quantity of the liquid or smear a small amount of paste on a very soft cheesecloth rag or the applicator that comes with the wax. The rag or applicator should be slightly damp. Apply the wax in a straight line or rotary motion, as directed, to a part of a body panel. The wax should be allowed to dry slightly before it is removed. It will dry to a dull haze when it is ready to be removed. Then use a soft cheesecloth rag to hand buff it off the paint. Work on one small area of the body at a time.

Some cleaners, polish, and wax can be machined buffed. A machine buffer is powered by air or electricity. The motor rotates a pad on which a soft cloth bonnet is attached. Most bonnets are made of soft lambs-wool and are attached to the pad with a drawstring.

Be careful of how hard you push on the buffer or how long you buff one spot. A power buffer can quickly buff through a layer of paint. Practice on a scrap hood or body panel before you attempt to power buff a customer's car.

Follow the directions on the cleaner or wax container you are using for power buffing. Carefully buff the material off the paint. The rubber sidewalls on the tires and the vinyl on roofs are also affected by the elements. Smog in the air is especially bad for these materials. First, wash the tires and vinyl roof with soap and water . Then you can protect them with one of the commercial rubber preservatives like Armor All. Older cars had many trim parts plated with decorative chrome. Newer cars have replaced chrome with decorative plastics. Chrome can be cleaned and protected with chrome polish. Follow the directions on the container of chrome polish.

Notes of Caution:

• Never use a wax, cleaner, or polish on a paint surface until you check the owner's manual for recommendations. Some wax and most cleaners have abrasives that can damage some surfaces. Never use a cleaner on a paint surface unless it is so badly oxidized that wax will not cause it to shine.
• Wax is removed by frequent washing, especially with soap, hot water, or strong brushes in an automated car wash.
• Like rags, bonnets must be clean or they can damage the paint.
• Always wear eye and face protection when using a power buffer to protect against flying polish, wax, or buffer parts. Avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught in the rotating buffer.

Washing
Exterior Dressing
Interior Care
Waxing