How to Apply Car Wax?

Car wax is one of the ways to shine a vehicle, but its advantages go much further; and it is that it is applied on the paint of the car and other components with the aim of protecting them against external aggressions, such as sunlight, bird droppings or other atmospheric agents.

Its properties go beyond increasing the gloss of the varnish; And it is that they are one of the best ways to take care of the car in winter, since they repel water and facilitate cleaning of the bodywork. This is because it prevents dirt from becoming embedded, which will make it easier when you wash a car by hand to leave it spotless.

Car wax is a product that is rarely used in workshops, since when the vehicle or a particular part is polished, it is the polish that gives shine and protection to the paint layer. However, for longer-lasting protection and to improve the appearance of your car, it is best to learn how to apply car wax.

Types of car waxes

Before explaining how to apply car wax, you should know that there are different types of them, which can be classified according to their composition, format and function.

Classification of car waxes according to their composition

According to its main compound, we can classify car waxes into the following types:

• Carnauba or natural face. It is obtained from palm leaves, a product that offers a great capacity to enhance shine; and that also provides a greater sense of depth in the painting.
• Synthetic or sealing waxes. These are synthetic-based products that are made up of alcohols and polymers, characterized by having a greater durability of protection.
• Special coatings or coatings. They are coating products that provide a highly resistant and durable layer of protection to different substrates.
• Polishes and brighteners with protective functions. They are commonly used in workshops so as not to have too many consumables, speeding up the polishing and waxing process by using the same product and tool.

Classification of car waxes according to their format

Depending on its presentation, we can find two types of car wax formats:

• In the form of paste. It is a type of car wax that is focused on being applied manually. It is the traditional format and the one that requires more work.
• In liquid state. They are waxes that are applied both manually and by spray, facilitating the process of waxing the car.

Classification of car waxes according to their function

Over the years, many manufacturers have decided to choose to launch their specific car care products; and wax manufacturers have released some products with some specific functions and properties. In this way, we can find a classification of waxes according to their function, some of them being:

• Hydrophobic wax that repels much of the water.
• Specific waxes for colors.
• Specific waxes for some types or brands of vehicle.
• Hybrid wax that obtains a balance between durability and shine.
• Premium wax that offers maximum shine.
• Specific waxes for rims, matt paints, plastics…
• Waxes with cleaning effect.
• Polyfunctional wax for the protection of different substrates.

Instructions for applying car wax

Once you know the different types of waxes that you can find, we are going to explain the generic process so that you know how to apply car wax. It is a simple procedure in which you just have to follow these steps:

1. First of all, you must clean the car thoroughly, removing any trace of dirt that may be embedded in it.
3. This cleaning must be done with soap and water, as well as with specific cleaners or degreasers.
4. Once the car is clean, it will be time to dry the vehicle if the wax to be applied cannot be applied with the car being wet.
5. Once the previous preparation is done, it will be time to apply the wax on the car. Depending on the format you have chosen, you will have to proceed in one way or another. If it is a paste wax, you will have to place the product on a polyfoam applicator to distribute it over the entire surface of the piece to be waxed. If it is liquid and applied manually, a few drops will be deposited on the surface; and if it is an aerosol, the surface is sprayed and then the product is spread, trying to distribute it evenly throughout the piece, with light pressure and circular movements.
6. Once the wax has been applied to the entire surface of the vehicle and once the wax has dried, it is time to polish the surface. To do this, use a microfiber cloth and without practically exerting pressure, proceed to polishing. The drying time will depend on the type of wax and the manufacturer.

What do you need to apply car wax?

• car wax
• microfiber cloth