by David W. Bynon
Copyright (c), 2003, Autopia Car Care -- All Rights Reserved
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Waxing and Sealing |
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"Waxing provides an easily renewable, transparent barrier between the finish and a hostile environment."
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It was European coachbuilders that first applied coatings of animal fats and wax to protect the custom paint
on their horse-drawn carriages. This tradition has endured over 100 years and is still a great way to protect
the paint on modern-day coaches.
Today, the multi-layered finish on your car, from the primer through the top (clear) coat is only .004 to .006
of an inch thick. Regardless of how fine the finish is now, it will deteriorate and dull. Radiant and
ultraviolet energy, acid rain, salt, atmospheric pollution, insect fluids, and bird droppings wage a constant
war on your car's finish. Waxing provides a transparent barrier between the finish and a hostile environment.
Waxing also makes your car, new or old, look better. Quality waxes now combine enriching oils that "wet" the
surface with protective formulas of Brazilian Carnauba or modern polymers for a high gloss shine. This brings
us to the subject of selecting a wax. Waxes can be made from a natural wax, usually Brazilian Carnauba, or
synthetically made of polymers and acrylic resins.
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Waxes and sealants make the surface of a car reflect more light. As a result, the car looks vibrant.
When I saw this Porsche Carerra GT, it was hard to tell which reflected more, the water or the paint.
It looked alive. Carnauba based waxes add an element of depth and warmth to a car. Polymer sealant
formulas containing silicon add brilliance and sparkle.
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CARNAUBA WAXES
Carnauba comes from the fronds of the "Tree of life" (Copernicia Cerifera) native to Brazil. It is
nature's hardest, purest and most transparent wax. Carnauba car waxes tend to produce a deeper, darker,
richer shine that is often described as "three-dimensional".
Many enthusiasts and show-car owners prefer the shine of Carnauba waxes, especially on black, red and
other dark colors. Carnauba waxes bead water nicely, absorb the acid content in rain and hide minor
swirls in the paint.
On the minus side, Carnauba waxes are not as durable as synthetic waxes (sealants). Depending on your
climate, they typically last up to 60 days. Some Carnauba waxes can be more difficult to apply and
remove than polymer sealants. Additionally, Carnauba waxes can be temperamental, occasionally streaking
under certain temperature or humidity conditions.
SYNTHETIC WAXES (SEALANTS)
Made from modern polymers and acrylic resins, sealants offer excellent durability and ease of application.
Quality sealants can last six to nine months or longer and typically wipe on and off very easily. Sealants
create a very bright shine and are resistant to clouding and streaking.
On the down side, many enthusiasts feel sealants lack depth and richness. Black cars can look a little
sterile or silvery in the direct sunlight. And, the mirror-like polymers can collect minor swirls and
actually highlight paint flaws.
APPLYING WAX
Once you've selected a good wax or sealant, here are some tips to make waxing easier:
1. Work in a shaded area out of direct sunlight.
2. Use a foam applicator pad to apply your wax. When the applicator becomes caked with wax, switch to a
fresh applicator.
3. Work on one area at a time covering two to four square feet. Some products may allow you to coat the
entire car before buffing off, but most do not.
4. Follow the wax manufacturer's instructions whether or not to allow the wax to dry (haze) before buffing.
5. Use a small amount of wax at a time and rub it in well. If you use too much wax, you're wasting the
product and your time.
6. If the wax residue does not buff off easily, switch to a clean wipe towel.
7. Apply your wax in a back and forth motion, not in circles. If you are creating swirls, you need to
replace your applicator or towels.
After waxing, your car's paint should feel slick and smooth, and be free of streaks and smudges.
What do you do if, after all this work, you still have streaks and areas that don’t want to buff out
perfectly? There are several tricks, but the easiest is to park your car in the sun for 10-15 minutes.
Let it get warm, but not hot, then take it back inside the garage. Next, using a good spray bottle and
distilled water, sprits a small area and buff with a clean terrycloth towel. The warmth of the car softens
the wax, allowing it to buff out to a clear, high gloss. If you don't have distilled water, use a detailing
spray. If you're using an enthusiast wax or protectant system, use the quick detailer made for the product.
SHOW CAR TRICKS
Detailers that prepare show cars will often layer a Carnauba wax on top of a synthetic wax. The synthetic
wax acts as a gloss layer while the Carnauba wax adds depth and a wet-looking appearance. An enthusiast
combination used by many Autopia members is a coat of Klasse All-In-One followed by one or more coats of
P21S Concours Wax. It is necessary to allow 24 hours of cure time between wax coats. If the wax does
not cure (harden), the second coat will not improve your car’s appearance or protection.
Properly applied, you will see a noticeable improvement in depth, richness of color, and gloss with multiple
coats of a good show car wax. Concours winners will all tell you they use many layers to produce the
desired paint gloss and depth.
SUMMARY
Regular waxing is necessary to protect your car's paint from the elements. In addition to sealing and
protecting, waxes and sealants also improve the appearance of freshly washed and polished paint. If you
use the right products, you can successfully layer waxes and sealants to make your paint look deeper and
almost liquid. In the The Perfect Shine, I discuss my secrets for preparing an award winning show car finish.
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