How to Wax a Car With a Bad Paint Job

To get the best wax results, wax your car in the shade.

When waxing a car, the goal is to strengthen the paint's finish, which helps produce a shinier surface. However, when the car's paint has been applied poorly or has faded out, simply applying wax will not give you the results you desire. Waxing is a finishing procedure, and doing so before the surface is ready results in the imperfections in your car's paint being locked in. Thoroughly washing and polishing your car, in addition to the application of a clay bar, before waxing will maximize the benefits and improve the look of a bad paint job.

Things You'll Need

• Car wash soap
• Car polish
• Clay bar kit
• Car wax
• Multiple clean cloths

Instructions

1. Move your car into a shady area if possible. When you wash your car in sunlight, water spots can form when the car dries quickly. Waxes and polishes can also dry too quickly.

2. Thoroughly wash and dry your vehicle using clean cloths and car washing soap. This process removes any impediments and bumps from the car's surface, better preparing it for a polish and wax.

3. Apply car polish to a clean cloth and gently rub the polish onto your car's paint. Polishes differ from waxes in that they are slightly abrasive. Polishes gently remove any stuck debris while also enhancing the car's previously poor paint appearance.

4. Use a clay bar to bring out the best in your car's paint job. Spray the lubricant included in your clay bar kit onto a panel of your car. Use a portion of the clay and gently rub it over the lubricated area. A clay bar does not hurt your car's paint; instead, more dirt sticks to the clay and is removed from the surfaces requiring waxing.

5. Apply wax to a soft, clean cloth and rub the substance onto your car's body. Evenly apply the wax all over your car to produce the best-looking paint job.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to touch up any chips in your car's paint job, do so before applying wax, as paint will not adhere as easily to a waxed surface. Always read the labels of your polish and wax products to ensure that they are safe to use on your car. An electric polisher can be used in place of cloths to quicken the process. The downside is the electric polisher can be more abrasive than cloth if used improperly.

References

• Popular Mechanics: How to Clean, Wax and Detail Your Car - Expert Tips
• Torque Cars: The Difference Between Car Polish and Wax