Best way to apply wax/sealant?

[1LEHAWK]

Is there a proper technique for applying wax? I know this sounds like a newbie question...but here's the reason I ask.

I have always heard it is best to apply it in the same direction that water would drain off the vehicle. (Doors = apply downwards, Hood= apply towards front of vehicle). I also heard that this helps prevent swirls.
However, today when I was reading the Pinnacle detailing guide it said to use firm side to side motions when applying the Cleansing Lotion.

So long story short...is there a proper technique for applying wax?? Up/down or side to side or circular motion??

See ya on the road,
Matt

 

[DS Detailer]

The cleansing lotion is a little different. But you're right about the water draining.


When i get the Charger Supercharged... I'm going to race you.

 

[Mike T]

I'm intrigued.

 

[justin_murphy]

I've always applied and removed wax one way only:
The direction that the wind would flow over the car.

So basically back to front. I also do this when I use my PC to lay wax down and remove.

Justin

 

[ScottB]

I've always applied and removed wax one way only:
The direction that the wind would flow over the car.

So basically back to front. I also do this when I use my PC to lay wax down and remove.

Justin

:iagree:

The circular motion can increase swirls. One direction as wind would travel across each panel is my preferred method of attack. I took right to it ... still occassionally need to remind the wife, as I do the same when washing, polishing, drying also.

 

[1LEHAWK]

Ok so when applying and removing it, go front to rear instead of roof to tires?

See ya on the road,
Matt

 

[Darren F]

SO if you use an orbital buffer to apply and remove the wax you are going in a circular motion which is really not the best way to do it?

 

[BILL]

SO if you use an orbital buffer to apply and remove the wax you are going in a circular motion which is really not the best way to do it?

Unless your doing multiple cars and want to save time BUFF AWAY :cheers:
But if its your own ride.......WHY? use a buffer?? todays wax's are so easy and fast......especially the WOWO waxs........

 

[Darren F]

I thought the Orbital was the best way to do it..Is there a down side to using an Orbital?

 

[Surfer]

I thought the Orbital was the best way to do it..Is there a down side to using an Orbital?

Are you talking about a Porter Cable Random Orbital or one of those cheapo orbitals at Autozone etc? I always apply sealent and wax by hand, EX-P and Natty's Blue are so easy to use plus there are certain spots you'd have to redo that the orbital missed.

Plus, especially on my suv, I'd have to use a lot more product on the PC to do so. Pointless, unless your a pro detailer doing multiple cars daily and time plays more of a factor.

 

[Jonboy]

I use the PC for prep but the sealant and wax is always by hand with a german applicator and go front to back movement if that makes sense

 

[BILL]

Are you talking about a Porter Cable Random Orbital or one of those cheapo orbitals at Autozone etc? I always apply sealent and wax by hand, EX-P and Natty's Blue are so easy to use plus there are certain spots you'd have to redo that the orbital missed.

Plus, especially on my suv, I'd have to use a lot more product on the PC to do so. Pointless, unless your a pro detailer doing multiple cars daily and time plays more of a factor.

:iagree:

 

[BILL]

I use the PC for prep but the sealant and wax is always by hand with a german applicator and go front to back movement if that makes sense

Back to front on the hood, roof, and trunk.....up, and down on the sides

 

[jforget1]

I use the PC for prep but the sealant and wax is always by hand with a german applicator and go front to back movement if that makes sense

When you are applying the sealant or wax by hand, how long are you spending on each section, is it just a matter of applying it evenly in a circular pattern or are you really working it in for a long time. I did a coat of WGDG sealant over the weekend with my PC and it did not take long, seems like doing the same by hand would take a lot longer.

Still trying to take all the best processes in at this point.

 

[Jonboy]

When you are applying the sealant or wax by hand, how long are you spending on each section, is it just a matter of applying it evenly in a circular pattern or are you really working it in for a long time. I did a coat of WGDG sealant over the weekend with my PC and it did not take long, seems like doing the same by hand would take a lot longer.

Still trying to take all the best processes in at this point.

Never found the need to work sealants and waxes in so i put an even coating over the car then buff off.
I don't use circular motions either, front to back strokes only (that sounds rude)

 

[BILL]

Never found the need to work sealants and waxes in so i put an even coating over the car then buff off.
I don't use circular motions either, front to back strokes only (that sounds rude)

:iagree:

 

[Darren F]

So does that mean that using an orbital buffer or machine is not the best way to go because they work in a circular motion? Or do you use the buffer or machine but go front to back on the hood top and trunk and then up and down on the sides? Or am I totally off? Help!!!!!!

 

[BILL]

So does that mean that using an orbital buffer or machine is not the best way to go because they work in a circular motion? Or do you use the buffer or machine but go front to back on the hood top and trunk and then up and down on the sides? Or am I totally off? Help!!!!!!

ORBITALS are the best way to go for removing swirls, and applying polish.....

I'm not sure about anyone else , but i use the back, n, forth, and up, n, down, applying my wax's and/or sealants or both by hand .......

 

[ScottB]

I only apply the wax/sealant via hand. Always use a foamy and remove with a microfiber. I always follow the same pattern as I wash, and thats following the panels the way the wind would cross them. NO circles ...

 

[BILL]

QUOTE:

NO circles


But sometimes i have to catch my self