When it comes to achieving that showroom-quality shine on your vehicle's exterior, using a power waxer can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of car detailing, understanding how to use a power waxer effectively is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the steps to ensure your car's paintwork gleams with brilliance. From preparation to application and finishing touches, we'll cover it all. Read on to learn more in this article of shine armor blog!
Related car detailing products:
- Fortify Quick Coat
- Car Upholstery and Interior Cleaner
- Odor Eliminator
- Performance Booster Oil Additive
- Spray Wax Quick Coat
- Nano Glass Coating
Why Wax Your Car?
Waxing your car might seem a little extra to the casual driver: Is it really worth it? While it is a little extra work, it definitely pays off if you don’t want your car to look faded and worn, which we’re guessing you probably don’t.
Small scratches are inevitable, and they can get everywhere on your car, but waxing helps avoid these accumulative damages.
Wax also shields your paint from dirt and water damages, especially that nasty layer your car might pick up when the snow turns into slushy mud.
Above all else, though, waxing your car keeps it looking brand new. Essentially, it’s a thin coat on top of the paint that keeps away scratches, dirt, and even sun damage.
Why Use a Power Waxer?
As we mentioned, waxing your car by hand can definitely be empowering, and it looks sweet in the movies, but it’s also super tiring to go through and wax every inch of your car.
Here are a few reasons you should consider using a power waxer if you’re not already on board:
Get More Done, Faster
Nobody likes wasting time, and using a power waxer helps cut down on the overall time it takes to get the job done. Working by hand could take you hours while the power waxer will get you out of the garage in a fraction of the time.
Unless you can spin your hand at 2000 RPM, of course.
Reduce the Amount of Effort
Have we mentioned how exhausting it is to wax your car? Especially when you have so many other things going on already, it’s nice to take a shortcut once in a while.
Goodbye, sore shoulders. Hello, power waxer.
Get a Smoother Finish
Like we mentioned, you probably aren’t spinning your towels by hand anywhere near the speeds a power waxer can reach. The amount of rotations per minute depends on the actual waxer, but the high speeds mean that you’re getting a much smoother finish on your ride than if you were just using your slow, human arms.
Different Types of Power Waxers
If you’ve decided to opt for the power waxer approach instead of just using your hands, you might notice that there are a few options when it comes to power waxers.
There are several different versions, and they all generally do the same thing, but some are certainly better than others, in our opinion.
Dual Action
Dual action power waxers are generally considered a bit safer for waxing and get a smoother finish. This is because of the two ways that it simultaneously moves—it rotates as you would expect, and it also oscillates the position of the pad.
This dual action creates a high-paced, random movement and reduces the amount of friction that other waxers might have an issue with.
The drawback of the dual action waxer is that they tend to be more gentle tools, which does mean that they’re safer to use but do take a bit more time than their rotary counterparts.
Rotary
Rotary waxers only focus on the spinning of the pad, meaning there are no oscillating movements. This allows the device to focus more energy on the spin and can be a bit more aggressive.
This definitely means you can cut down on the time you spend waxing, but you really have to know what you’re doing.
What Type of Pad Should You Use?
Choosing and buying the right pads for waxing is critical- You definitely don’t want to use anything built for paint removal, for instance. While that might seem obvious, pads can seem fairly similar on the shelf, so make sure to read what their intended use is.
You always want to work with the softest pads you can find when waxing. This will protect your paint job and apply the wax coat in an even manner.
How To Use a Power Waxer
The process of waxing your car with a power waxer is fairly simple, but you definitely want to read and follow all instructions before doing anything to your ride.
Read the manual on the waxer and the products you’re using to ensure you get the end result that you’re looking for.
Otherwise, here’s what you do:
Clean the Car
Before you start with the power waxer, you’re going to want to make sure that your vehicle is squeaky clean. Make sure to wash every inch of the exterior to make sure that you aren’t running over any dirt or debris.
We suggest using a high-quality car soap like Ultra Concentrated Car Wash Soap, which penetrates and removes any gunk you don’t want on your car.
Apply the Wax
You want to apply the wax directly to your power waxer pad. We recommend making several small dots around the perimeter of the pad and then a single, larger dot in the center. This provides you with total and smooth coverage.
Take it slow and smooth with the power waxer once you start. Make gentle, long, straight strokes across the body of your car so that you aren’t piling up the wax too much in particular areas.
Take your time working around the car; make sure to cover each area at least a few times to make sure you get enough on. But don’t overdo it, we want a fine, even coat.
Clean and Wash Again
Once you’ve applied the wax and followed the directions (they typically have different wait times before you move forward), clean off any excess dried wax with a clean microfiber towel.
Give your car one last rinse, step back and appreciate the beautiful shine you’ve just given your car.
Advice for the Best Results
As we’ve said, waxing can really bring your car back to life if it’s starting to show some signs of aging, and with regular attention, you can keep it looking fresh and new.
Make sure to use gentle, straight lines with the power waxer to get the best results. You don’t want swirls or any chaos in the wax. Long, straight strokes will get the job done.
You also want to pay attention to your equipment; only use clean towels and clean surfaces. You certainly don’t want to be waxing your car if it’s still a little dirty.
Lastly, wax your car when it’s an appropriate temperature- You shouldn’t burn your hand if you touch the hood, nor should you need to be wearing gloves for the cold.
What Wax Should You Use?
At Shine Armor, we’re obsessed with developing the best products for your car, inside and out. Our Spray Wax Quick Coat is a majorly affordable, high-quality choice for anyone who cares about their vehicle's exterior.
It’s a Brazilian carnauba wax that will get you head-turning, show care shine that not only looks good but will defend your car's exterior from the worst of the worst.
We’re confident that this wax is the best available option on the market, and if you’re considering using a power waxer to get the best look for your car, then this is the product for you.
How Often Should You Wax?
While the wax that you choose will have a recommended schedule for how often you should use it, we generally suggest applying a coat of wax on your ride every three months.
You can certainly do it more often than that—we won’t stop you. But if you want your car looking ready to pull up at all times, then the three-month mark is about as long as you’ll want to wait between waxes.
Make sure to take your time and use the right products, and you’ll be checking yourself out in the reflection of your exterior in no time.
Step 1: Gather Supplies
Before diving into the waxing process, gather all the necessary supplies. You'll need a power waxer (also known as a buffer or polisher), a high-quality car wax suitable for your vehicle's finish, microfiber or foam applicator pads, and clean, lint-free microfiber towels. Ensure that your car is parked in a shaded area or a garage to prevent the wax from drying too quickly during application.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle
Proper preparation is key to a successful waxing job. Start by washing your car thoroughly to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants. Use a pH-balanced car wash soap and a soft sponge or mitt to avoid scratching the paint. Rinse the car and allow it to dry completely.
Step 3: Inspect and Address Imperfections
Before waxing, carefully inspect your car's paintwork for any imperfections like swirl marks, scratches, or oxidation. Address these issues with the appropriate products like polish or scratch remover. It's essential to start with a clean and smooth surface to achieve the best results.
Step 4: Apply Wax Sparingly
Apply a small amount of car wax onto the applicator pad. Avoid overloading the pad, as excess wax can be challenging to buff out and may lead to uneven application. Start waxing one section at a time, working in a back-and-forth or up-and-down motion. Be sure to overlap your strokes slightly for uniform coverage.
Step 5: Buff the Wax
After allowing the wax to haze (typically 1-2 minutes), it's time to buff it to a brilliant shine. Attach a clean, soft, lint-free microfiber or foam buffing pad to your power waxer. Using the machine on low to medium speed, buff the waxed area in a gentle, steady motion. Keep the pad flat and moving to avoid swirl marks. Repeat this process for the entire vehicle, working systematically.
Step 6: Final Touches
Inspect your car's finish in natural light to ensure even coverage and a mirror-like shine. If you notice any areas that need additional attention, reapply wax and buff as needed. Use a separate clean microfiber towel to gently remove any remaining residue.
Conclusion
Using a power waxer can significantly enhance your car's appearance and protect its paintwork. By following these steps, you'll achieve professional-grade results and enjoy the satisfaction of driving a head-turning vehicle. Regular waxing not only keeps your car looking stunning but also helps shield it from environmental contaminants. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't achieve perfection on your first attempt. With time and experience, you'll become a master of power waxing, ensuring your car maintains its lustrous shine for years to come.
Related blog posts:
