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Welcome to the world of automotive waxing. In this comprehensive guide we will discuss the quality products and expert techniques that will turn your paint job into a vivid, metallic reflection of the world around it. Though different products can create a multitude of final results, the principle application methods are by hand or machine. Below, you will find ample guidance for either method.
Applying Wax by Hand
Working with your hands can be gratifying, especially when dealing with fine automobiles that require and deserve the admiring touch of car enthusiasts. When making the decision to embark on your waxing expedition using your hands, it is paramount to treat yourself to many of the finer waxing applicators and pads. Wolfgang German Polish N’ Wax Applicators are but one of the lavish tools that will make your coat sparkle with an ageless finish. Another addition to your arsenal could be the Pinnacle Foam Wax Applicator, which is praised for its ability to deliver wax and paint sealants. Another option is the Pinnacle Polishin’ Pal equipped with a gray 4” pad. Pay careful attention to the following information to wizen yourself in the field of waxing.
1. Avoid Evaporation. If you experience the same tropical climate that we do at Superior, you may already be aware of the plague known as product evaporation. The intense Florida sun constantly pelts our vehicles with high temperature heat and results in a premature drying of product. To reduce the chances of your product evaporating before you can apply it, make sure you perform your work inside a garage or another shaded area.
2. Apply Dry. As with any process, it is simply good, concrete advice to ensure that the area to be applied is wiped dry. Applying wax to a vehicle drenched in the tiniest water droplets can create a problematic experience during the buffing phase. This is because the water might create unfavorable streaks that will be tough to remove. Cobra Microfiber Towels are perfect for drying your vehicle without leaving behind any lint, and are good investment in general.
3. Thinner is the Winner. Experts agree that wax jobs utilizing the thinnest coats are often times the ones that capture the greatest color and depth. Instead of applying one heavy coat, lay multiple thin coats on top of each other after the previous one has cured. It is actually possible to create spectacular layers of reflective transparency, furthering your shine to new levels. Pinnacle Foam Wax Applicators are the professional’s choice for creating the thinnest, sharpest coats of wax for optimum presentation. You can often times find these applicators bundled, and shouldn’t be afraid to get rid of them once they get particularly grimy. After all, if you treat your vehicle to high quality wax, why would you apply it using a filthy, overused tool? Be sure to stock up on your favorite foams and fibers to stay on top of the game.
 4. Spot Treatment. Despite your best intentions, you may sometimes notice an uneven difference in your wax job. To err is human, but luckily enough, there are plenty of products that promise to correct inconsistencies without requiring you to re-wax your entire vehicle. Detail sprays are available to remedy common problems like streaks and smears. One of the best sprays for the job is Pinnacle Crystal Mist Detail Spray, and should work out the kinks when followed up with a quick buffing. DP Final Gloss Booster Spray Wax can also be the finishing touch you are looking for to resolve any imperfections.
5. Finish the Job. Haze and streaks are an eyesore that should not be tolerated by serious hobbyists and entry-level appreciators alike. These unsightly blemishes are inexcusable, but easily treated. Cobra Microfiber Detailing Cloths come into play once again, this time, because of their lint-free performance. Using these towels will buff away the haze and won’t leave any undesired fallout behind.
Applying Wax With a Polisher
It is easy to say that waxing with an orbital buffer just might be the best way to achieve the proverbial ‘perfect wax job’. The evenness offered by a machine is a crucial asset in perfecting your vehicle with a prize-winning regularity throughout. Also, the orbital machine’s spinning motion reduces the amount of work needed to get the job done. However, an orbital buffer cannot fit everywhere, nor is it practical to use on heavily curved surfaces. Regardless, pay close attention to the following tips to learn the secrets of machine waxing.
 1. Careful with the Cords. When dealing with any kind of electrical tool, one must exhibit caution to avoid accidental damage. Power tools are just that: powerful. If used improperly, that power can be unleashed in a dangerous manner. One of the most important things to pay attention to are the power cords themselves. Unorganized cords can become troublesome trip wires if you carelessly hook your foot under them. Always use safe extension cords, preferably slung over your shoulder to prevent the wire from running across the vehicle while you work, potentially marring the paint.
2. Prepare your Pads. Finishing pads are perfect for applying wax to your treasured automobile. Both soft and absorbent, they are excellent at withstanding the pressure of orbital machines and deliver a consistent, even application of wax across your paint without fuss or smears. Use a Gray Finishing Pad or a BLue Finessing Pad to apply any kind of natural or synthetic wax. Apply your paste wax to the pad with a putty knife as though you were buttering a piece of bread. For liquid wax, distribute around the pad’s edge.
3. Not so Fast. When using wax sealants of a liquid consistency, it is advised that you gently press the polisher onto the automobile’s body before turning your orbital buffer on. Neglecting this can result in an erratic sling of product that could stain your clothes or soil your windows and trim. Play it safe and start the machine at a low speed while keeping it resting on your vehicle, then, tune your tool to a medium setting (4500 to 5000 OPM for a dual action polisher, 1200 to 1500 RPM on a rotary). This is the highest setting you will need to evenly spread the wax. It should also be made clear that you should turn your orbital buffer off before raising it away from the vehicle. This can prevent streaks as well as the aforementioned dangers.
4. The Cure. Remember that waxes require time to cure. Think of it as allowing a rose to blossom, or a savings bond to mature. No matter what mental imagery you choose to embellish it with, a cured coat of wax will shine with an angelic brilliance that is without equal. Good things will come to those who wait. While you do that, start planning how you will go about displaying your enviously decadent automobile once the wax cures.
5. Handy Tips. There are plenty of relevant tactics mentioned in the ‘applying wax by hand’ section that shouldn’t be overlooked. Refer back to that guideline even if you plan on using your orbital buffer as much as humanly possible – After all, there are some spots on many vehicles that will require hand work.
6. Wax jobs are like Onions. They have layers. And when you are applying an additional layer you should always make sure you are using a wax that does not contain cleaners. If it does, you might end up cleaning off the previous wax job as you apply the second one. To avoid this, use Wolfgang Pre-Wax Cleaner before you begin waxing, and then follow up with quality products that do not contain cleaning agents, like P21S Concours Carnauba Wax or the DP MAX WAX and Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant.
7. A Genuine Car Buff. Buffing with a machine is fast and efficient. There are plenty of bonnets to use with your machine, but one that outshines the others is the Cobra Microfiber Bonnet. Providing excellent absorption while leaving behind no residue has become the widely recognized standard of Cobra. Using 2 to 4 bonnets during your final buff phase is the greatest way to reveal your coveted showroom shine.
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