Car waxing is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle’s appearance and protecting its paintwork from the elements.
One popular and effective option for car waxing is liquid car wax.
In my experience, using liquid car wax can provide long-lasting protection and maintain your vehicle’s shine, ultimately enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of using liquid car wax, from preparing your vehicle to choosing the right product.
How To Use Liquid Car Wax
Preparing Your Vehicle for Waxing
Before you apply liquid car wax, it’s crucial to prepare your vehicle’s surface properly.
This ensures that the wax bonds well with the paint and provides the desired level of protection and shine.
If you want to become an expert on liquid car wax, make sure to check out my ultimate guide on everthing you need to know about liquid car wax!
Here are the steps you should follow:
Washing the car properly
Start by using a high-quality car shampoo to remove dirt, dust, and grime from the surface of your vehicle. This will help prevent any particles from scratching the paint during the waxing process.
Use the two-bucket method to minimize the chances of transferring dirt back onto your car.
Fill one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean water.
Dip your microfiber wash mitt in the soapy water, wash a section of the car, then rinse the mitt in the clean water before returning to the soapy water.
Make sure to use microfiber cloths or towels to clean your vehicle.
These materials are gentle on your car’s paint and can efficiently remove dirt without causing damage.
Decontamination stage
After washing the car, it’s time for the decontamination stage.
This step involves using a clay bar or a chemical decontamination spray to remove any stubborn contaminants that washing alone couldn’t eliminate.
These contaminants may include tar, iron particles, and tree sap.
Washing a decontaminating the paintwork already leaves you with a well prepared surface to apply liquid car wax on.
But if you want really great results, make sure to include the next two steps into your car waxing routine:
Polishing the car
If your car has noticeable swirl marks or scratches, you might want to consider polishing the car before applying the wax.
Use the least abrasive polishing compound possible to smooth out the surface without causing further damage.
This will ensure that your vehicle’s paint is in the best possible condition for the wax to adhere to.
Cleaning the car with an isopropyl solution
Finally, wipe down the entire surface of your vehicle with an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution.
This step will remove any residual oils, fats, and polishing compounds from the paintwork, ensuring that the liquid car wax bonds effectively with the surface.
By following these preparation steps, you’ll create an ideal surface for the liquid car wax to adhere to, ensuring the best possible results for your vehicle.
In the next sections, we’ll discuss how to apply liquid car wax, maintain your vehicle’s wax, and choose the right product for your needs.
Applying Liquid Car Wax
Once your vehicle is properly prepared, it’s time to apply the liquid car wax. You can apply liquid car wax either by hand or with a machine.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply liquid car wax using both methods:
Choosing the right applicator
For hand application, use a soft foam or microfiber applicator pad.
Make sure it’s clean and free of debris. If you’re using a machine, attach a foam or microfiber finishing pad to your dual-action (DA) polisher or orbital buffer.
Applying the wax in small sections
Pour a small amount of liquid car wax onto the applicator pad or finishing pad. Spread the wax evenly over a small section of your vehicle, usually no larger than 2×2 feet.
Work in straight lines or small circular motions, ensuring that you cover the entire area with a thin and even layer of wax.
Buffing the wax to a shine
Allow the liquid car wax to haze or set for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
This typically takes a few minutes, but it may vary depending on the specific product.
Once the wax has set, use a clean microfiber towel or a buffing pad on your machine to gently buff the wax to a high gloss shine.
Make sure to remove all the wax residue and avoid applying too much pressure, which can cause swirl marks.
In my experience, both methods can yield excellent results when done correctly. If you’re new to car detailing or prefer a more hands-on approach, hand application may be the better choice.
However, if you’re comfortable using a machine and want to save time, machine application might be the way to go.
Regardless of the method you choose, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take your time to ensure the best possible results.
Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Wax
After applying liquid car wax, it’s essential to maintain it properly to ensure long-lasting protection and shine.
Here are five tips to help you increase the durability of the liquid car wax and maintain it correctly:
Wash your car regularly: Keeping your car clean is crucial for maintaining the wax. Make sure to wash your car using a gentle car shampoo and the two-bucket method every two weeks or as needed. This will help prevent dirt and contaminants from accumulating and damaging the wax.
Avoid harsh chemicals: When cleaning your car, always use pH-balanced car shampoos and avoid harsh chemicals that can strip the wax. Also, avoid using automatic car washes that use strong chemicals or abrasive brushes, as these can damage the wax and reduce its lifespan.
Park in a covered area: Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or under a carport to protect it from harsh weather conditions and UV rays. This will help prolong the life of the wax and maintain its protective qualities.
Use a quick detailer or spray wax: Between full wax applications, consider using a quick detailer or spray wax to maintain the shine and protection. These products are designed to be used after washing your car and can help keep the wax in top condition.
Avoid excessive heat and sunlight: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight can cause the wax to degrade faster. Try to park your car in the shade when outdoors for extended periods to help protect the wax.
As for reapplying liquid car wax, the frequency depends on several factors, including:
The amount of driving: If you drive your car frequently or over long distances, the wax may wear off more quickly.
Parking conditions: If your car is parked outdoors, it will be more exposed to the elements, which can affect the durability of the wax.
Climate: Extreme temperatures, heavy rain, or intense sunlight can all impact the longevity of the wax.
Type of liquid car wax: Some liquid car waxes are more durable than others, so the specific product you use can influence the reapplication frequency.
Quality of the initial application: If the liquid car wax was applied correctly and in the right amount, it will generally last longer.
As a rule of thumb, liquid car wax can protect your car for up to a year if applied properly.
However, you should reapply the wax once the water beading and sheeting are no longer visible.
This will ensure that your vehicle remains well protected and maintains its shine throughout the year.
Using liquid car wax is an excellent way to protect and maintain your vehicle’s paintwork.
By following the steps we’ve discussed, from properly preparing your car’s surface to applying the wax either by hand or with a machine, you can achieve a long-lasting shine and protection for your vehicle.
Remember to maintain your vehicle’s wax by washing your car regularly with gentle car shampoos, avoiding harsh chemicals, parking in covered areas, using quick detailers or spray waxes, and avoiding excessive heat and sunlight.
By considering factors such as driving habits, parking conditions, climate, the type of liquid car wax used, and the quality of the initial application, you can determine when to reapply the wax for optimal protection.
In conclusion, liquid car wax is a valuable investment in your vehicle’s appearance and protection.
By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this article, you can ensure that your car remains in great condition and looks its best for years to come.
Happy waxing!
