Before you start putting on the first coat of wax, run your hand across the paint’s surface. It should feel very smooth, almost like glass. If it feels at all rough, or gritty, you’ll want to wash the paint before beginning. As with polishing, it’s always best to wax your vehicle immediately after washing it.
If there are any noticeable scratches in the paint, you’ll want to take care of those before applying any wax. Small scratches can usually be taken care of with a little rubbing compound or touch-up paint. As always, be sure you read all directions carefully before using any abrasives on the surface of your vehicle. Large scratches or dents will probably require the attention of a specialist.
Make sure you’re vehicle is parked out of the sun. If its surface is too hot, leave it in the shade for a while before starting. As before, if you can’t hold your hand comfortably on the hood, it’s too hot.
The Process
Using a soft, clean terry cloth towel, apply the wax to a small section of the car using the same small, even, circular movements that you used to apply the polish earlier.
Wait for the wax to dry to a slight haze. The approximate drying time should be printed on the manufacturer’s label.
Wipe the haze away with a fresh, clean terry cloth. Wipe in both directions with the same small, circular motions. Tip: When you’re wiping the excess wax off the surface, shake your towels often to remove any accumulated residue.
Repeat the process for the rest of the vehicle, working only on small sections at a time until the entire surface has been waxed and buffed.
If you’re really ambitious, repeat the whole process again, adding a second coat of wax to the vehicle. It’s not necessary, but it will give your car additional shine, along with another layer of protection.