Directions for Polishing a Car

Polishing your car is an important part of its exterior maintenance. By adding a coat of wax, you can protect your car's paint and improve its appearance. You should wax your car at least three times a year or more if exposed to harsh weather. While polishing your car may require some elbow grease, it is a necessary step to protect your car's finish.

Things You'll Need

• Car wax
• Chamois
• Cleaning cloths
• Tire cleaner
• Window cleaner
• Automotive soap
• Touch up paint

Instructions

1. Choose the polish or wax of your preference. Select a paste wax for polishing, and avoid spray waxes or waxes with abrasive compounds in them. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully regarding application and drying time. Park the car away from direct sunlight before washing or waxing.

2. Rinse the car with a water hose or pressure washer nozzle. Apply car wash soap using a soft scrub brush. Remove all dirt from the car's surface, including the underside of the car, windows and wheel wells. Apply a generous amount of soap for a proper lather.

3. Rinse the soap from the car. Dry the car using a chamois or terry cloth towel. Inspect the car's paint, and clean any individual spots of dirt you may have missed using a small scrubber or cloth. Repair any chips or scratches using touch up paint that matches your car's paint color and allow it to dry.

4. Apply wax onto a sponge or terry cloth. Rub the wax into the car's finish using a circular motion, starting at one side of the vehicle. Add new wax to the cloth or sponge, as necessary, to keep it moist. Wax all painted or metal areas of the car, but avoid rubber bumpers, tires, emblems and glass. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying time.

5. Buff the wax using a clean terry cloth when dry. Rub the dried wax using a firm circular motion until you remove all traces of the wax. Apply a second coat if necessary.

6. Polish the car's glass and lights using window cleaner. Apply the window cleaner, and then scrub any streaks or dirt them using newspapers or a soft cloth.

7. Polish the car's tires with a tire cleaning solution. Spray the tire cleaner onto the wheel and wipe away any excess using a cloth. Apply the tire cleaner to rubber bumpers, emblems or wheel wells as well for a professional look. Re-wax the car when the water no longer beads on the surface, or every two to three months.

Tips & Warnings

• Buff the wax in the same order you applied it for best results.

• Avoid using abrasive cloths as this may scratch the car.

References

• Samarins: How to Wax a Car