How to Apply Wax or Sealant in High Humidity

Waxing a car keeps it looking new and shiny.

Waxing a car helps protect the paint from nasty weather and enhances the natural shine of your paint. Once you have cleaned the dirt from your vehicle and given it a little time to dry, the next step is applying a thin coat of wax. Waxes react differently to diverse climates, so the exact method for applying wax depends on the current environment in which you try to apply the wax. High humidity waxing requires a special touch and the right supplies to turn out as successfully as you hope.

Things You'll Need

• Microfiber towels

Instructions

Wax

1. Apply the wax to your vehicle with a clean microfiber towel. Some waxes recommend working on one panel at a time, while others allow for a full coat on the vehicle. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Leave the wax on the car for the amount of time designated by the manufacturer. Some waxes require immediate removal, while others must be left to haze over before removal.

3. Modify the required curing time based on the current humidity. For example, wax that needs to sit for 15 minutes to haze, may actually require 30 minutes due to the moisture in the air. Wax that must be removed immediately will not suffer from humid conditions, as it is not left to cure.

4. Remove the wax with another clean microfiber towel. Gently buff the surface of the car until the wax shines and the excess is removed. Waxes need frequent replacement in high humidity environments; re-wax your vehicle when you notice the finish starting to look dull.

Sealant

1. Spread the sealant over the surface of your car with a clean microfiber towel. Sealants are designed to go over the entire surface before being removed.

2. Read the instructions on the sealant to determine how long it takes to cure. Sealants are slower than wax and generally require around 30 minutes of curing time.

3. Increase the cure time based on your humidity. High humidity will require you leave the sealant to cure for an extra 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Remove the sealant by buffing it to a fine shine with a microfiber towel. Sealant holds up much better than wax in high humidity areas, though it offers a less impressive shine. Use circular motions across the surface of your car until all excess sealant is removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an orbital buffer to remove wax from your car, but using a power device comes with the risk of paint burns or other damage. In most cases, hand buffing provides the safest, most even shine.

References

• Paint Care N’ Detailing: Wax/Sealant
• Wolfgang Car Care: Car care: What’s the goal? What’s the bottom line?
• Meguiar’s: Car Care FAQ