hey guys i just want to make sure im not wasting my time waxing improperly first i wash and dry the care completely and thouroughly then i apply wax and press it from the application pad firmly into the paint in a swirling motion and once i get to half of the car i start wiping it off from where i started it like 15 minutes ago with a normal terry cloth and make sure the residue is off..... now is that proper or should i be taking the applied wax off with a buffer of some sort or so i need to let it sit longer...btw im using nxt meguiars wax..

 

Washing and drying it is good. You don't need to be too firm with it. As long as it coats the paint then you are fine. Stay out of the sun and dont worry about taking the wax off until you're done. This shouldn't take more than 15 minutes to completely wax the car, let it dry, and then take it off.

 

yes but what im trying to say is would the results be significantly better if i used a buffer to remove the wax other than using a terry cloth by hand.....

 

Taking it off by hand will always yield better results. However you might want to ditch the terry cloth towels, get yourself some nice microfiber towels that are dedicated for waxing.
While there isn't anything technically wrong with using terry towels, many people find that using the softer mf towels yields better results and reduces the amount of swirling and marring to the paint surface.

Also like GunnerGod said, you dont need to press wax into the paint. Literally the less force the better, wax sits on top of the paint, it does not penetrate so you can just glide it on. Just don't apply it to heavily.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LastDetail &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Taking it off by hand will always yield better results. However you might want to ditch the terry cloth towels, get yourself some nice microfiber towels that are dedicated for waxing.
While there isn't anything technically wrong with using terry towels, many people find that using the softer mf towels yields better results and reduces the amount of swirling and marring to the paint surface.

Also like GunnerGod said, you dont need to press wax into the paint. Literally the less force the better, wax sits on top of the paint, it does not penetrate so you can just glide it on. Just don't apply it to heavily.</TD></TR></TABLE>That's true but it depends if he's just using a regular wax like mother's. If he's using anything of a compound the buffer is king because the compound is design to cut into the clear and you can't accomplish that by hand. Please, stay away from the sun. Do little areas at time. Foot or two is just enough otherwise you can damage the finish if the wax stays on the car too long. Read the label, its your best friend.

 

This is true, but he said waxing his car, not buffing. Wax is completely different from a compound.

 

My bad I most missed that. Your correct

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LastDetail &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Taking it off by hand will always yield better results. </TD></TR></TABLE>

With some waxes, I've had great luck applying with a random orbiter, then removing with a loaded waffle pad. Remove excess with a microfiber and call it a day.

 

I always apply wax in a back and forth motion to avoid any swirling in the paint.

IMHO the best practice for a good shine is the following:

1. Hand was car with Microfiber sponge using liquid dish soap. This will assist in removing any of the current wax and polish on the paint.
2. Dry with microfiber or terry cotton towels
3. Pull car into freshly swept garage to avoid dust on the ground
4. Using Mother's Clay Bar Paint Saving System I apply just as the directions state. Spray the Showtime Instant Detailer ("spray") in a small 2' x 2' area and lightly press the clay bar on the wet area in a back and forth motion. Wipe off excess clay and spray. Repeat if area still looks a dirty, dingy, etc.
5. Wash again but this time, with Zaino Z7 soap
6. Dry with a waffle-weave, microfiber towel
7. Shake the bottle of Zaino Z2 and squeeze it into the smaller, mixing bottle, filling it 1/3-1/4 full (1/4 full is enough to do four coats)
7a. Do not use any old Zaino Z2 that has been treated with Zaino ZFX
8. Add four drops of Zaino ZFX (blue liquid in a small vial) to the mixing bottle
9a. Zaino ZFX allows the Zaino Z2 to cure faster (fifteen minutes versus an hour)
10. Shake the mixing bottle for a minute or two and be sure to shake it in different directions
11. Apply a small amount of Zaino Z2 (treated with Zaino ZFX) to a cotton applicator (preferably a pad)
11a. No larger than a dime otherwise, it will be absorbed into the pad and be wasted
12. Choose a section of the car to work on
12a. Zaino is very different from carnuba waxes and you must keep the following in mind:
13i. Rub the pad in horizontal or vertical motions, NOT circular
13ii. Your goal is to apply the thinnest coat possible
13iii. When properly applied, there will be a very light haze, if any at all
14. Do the rest of the car and apply a little extra Z2 to any blemishes
15. Allow 15 minutes for the Zaino Z2 to fully cure
16. Remove the dried Zaino Z2 with a terry cotton towel
17. Mist a section of the car with Zaino Z6 and dry it using a different terry cotton towel; repeat until the entire car is done
17a. If the Zaino Z6 dries before you wipe it off, spray the area again and wipe
18. Repeat Steps 8-13; I typically put four coats on at a time
19. For best results, apply a coat of Zaino Z2 that has not been combined with Zaino ZFX and leave it on overnight; remove and follow with Step 13
20. When washing but not sealing, spray the car with Zaino Z6 after being washed with Zaino Z7; it will restore the gloss and “wet” look

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WinningNinja &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I always apply wax in a back and forth motion to avoid any swirling in the paint.

IMHO the best practice for a good shine is the following:

1. Hand was car with Microfiber sponge using liquid dish soap. This will assist in removing any of the current wax and polish on the paint.
2. Dry with microfiber or terry cotton towels
3. Pull car into freshly swept garage to avoid dust on the ground
4. Using Mother's Clay Bar Paint Saving System I apply just as the directions state. Spray the Showtime Instant Detailer ("spray") in a small 2' x 2' area and lightly press the clay bar on the wet area in a back and forth motion. Wipe off excess clay and spray. Repeat if area still looks a dirty, dingy, etc.
5. Wash again but this time, with Zaino Z7 soap
6. Dry with a waffle-weave, microfiber towel
7. Shake the bottle of Zaino Z2 and squeeze it into the smaller, mixing bottle, filling it 1/3-1/4 full (1/4 full is enough to do four coats)
7a. Do not use any old Zaino Z2 that has been treated with Zaino ZFX
8. Add four drops of Zaino ZFX (blue liquid in a small vial) to the mixing bottle
9a. Zaino ZFX allows the Zaino Z2 to cure faster (fifteen minutes versus an hour)
10. Shake the mixing bottle for a minute or two and be sure to shake it in different directions
11. Apply a small amount of Zaino Z2 (treated with Zaino ZFX) to a cotton applicator (preferably a pad)
11a. No larger than a dime otherwise, it will be absorbed into the pad and be wasted
12. Choose a section of the car to work on
12a. Zaino is very different from carnuba waxes and you must keep the following in mind:
13i. Rub the pad in horizontal or vertical motions, NOT circular
13ii. Your goal is to apply the thinnest coat possible
13iii. When properly applied, there will be a very light haze, if any at all
14. Do the rest of the car and apply a little extra Z2 to any blemishes
15. Allow 15 minutes for the Zaino Z2 to fully cure
16. Remove the dried Zaino Z2 with a terry cotton towel
17. Mist a section of the car with Zaino Z6 and dry it using a different terry cotton towel; repeat until the entire car is done
17a. If the Zaino Z6 dries before you wipe it off, spray the area again and wipe
18. Repeat Steps 8-13; I typically put four coats on at a time
19. For best results, apply a coat of Zaino Z2 that has not been combined with Zaino ZFX and leave it on overnight; remove and follow with Step 13
20. When washing but not sealing, spray the car with Zaino Z6 after being washed with Zaino Z7; it will restore the gloss and “wet” look</TD></TR></TABLE>

Lots of repetitive labor here. Why not use a more user-friendly product and get the same, if not better results? Washing the car twice? Even after a clay bar prodcedure? You're running around in circles while that car is making you its bitch. You could find better stuff that doesn't make a simple detail project last all weekend. Wash, clay, dry, buff where needed, use your OP if you want, and wax. Why make it so complicated? You're using good materials, but your labor needs to be simplified.

 

i found a really good site a couple of days ago because im going to be buying some stuff to polish and wax my own car, this video is from wash to wax i feel like this would be good for beginners like your self.

http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/pinnacle.html