kemPlink Auto Detailing / THE PADDOCK: Easy way to wax a car

It is good to get your car waxed every now and then. But you don’t really want to go to an auto spa. That could cost you well over $40 for one wax. Instead, learn how to wax a car yourself. Just need about an hour for time and your car can look just as good as if you took it to an auto spa.
Waxing gives your car natural shine and helps to protect the paint. When applied, the car wax forms a thin transparent layer over the car paint surface. The car wax covers minor scratches, stone chips and other damages, making them less visible. The wax also "seals" the paint, preventing water from contacting the bare metal exposed in deep scuffs, chips and scratches, slowing down the corrosion process.
For best results, a car wax needs to be reapplied regularly. From my observations, a good-quality car wax stays on the car for about three-four months.

If your car hasn't been waxed in a very long time, first, it make sense to take it to a local detailing shop, or you can visit your dealer (e.g. for an oil change) and ask for one of those detailing packages they offer. What they do, they buff the car with an electrical buffer using a special polishing compound with mild abrasive to remove light scratches, hard stains and other impurities of the paint finish. Then they wax the whole car. After your car has been detailed, you can simply re-apply wax every three months or so to keep it shiny.

Preparation

First pick out the right kind of wax. If you get a nonabrasive one, it is compatible with just about any kind of paint. And abrasive paints work for cars without shiny exteriors and dark surfaces.
After you got your wax, you’ll want to wash your car fully. Dish detergents should never be used for washing the exterior. They will strip your car of paint, leaving the outside naked.
You’ll want to use one of those commercial car washing products. Scrub carefully and make sure your car is thoroughly dry before using the wax you picked out.

Applying Car Wax

To know how to wax a car, you’ll need a high standard wax, a soft sponge, as well as a soft washcloth or towel. You might also want a cloth baby diaper for removing wax just in case. Waxing will go well so long as the surface of the car is cool. Make sure your car is parked in the shade. Before you begin, test your wax in a place that is not easily visible to make sure the substance won’t mess up the paint.
You’re going to start out with a little bit of wax on your sponge, and this is how to wax a car: start at the very top and work the sponge down. You’re going to do one part at a time, applying one thin layer of the wax on the cool surface in clockwise circular motions.
Try not to get the wax on places like the rubber door seals and black window trims. Wax will damage those places if you’re not careful.
Now you’re going to let the newly applied wax to haze. After that you’ll remove the wax. You’ll do this with an opposite, counter-clockwise motion using a dry washcloth.
Move from one section to the next and save the bottom for last. There is dirt left on the bottom parts. This is an essential part of how to wax a car.
When you’re finished, get rid of wax from the matte paint in places like the bumper and rubber door seals. With a new cloth, go over the car again to get any leftover wax.
To wax your car you will need some good quality wax (e.g. Carnauba wax), a small soft sponge and a clean soft cotton towel. Your car must be very clean and dry. I usually wax my car right after washing it at a coin car wash; the whole process of washing, drying and waxing takes about an hour.
Make sure to choose the right product - you need the wax with no abrasives. Read the product label and test it on some small area first.
Park your car somewhere in a shadow - usually it works better when the car surface is cool to the touch. Work on one section at the time, for example, on one fender or door.

If you use liquid wax, shake the bottle well before use. Apply small amount of wax to the sponge and spread it evenly on one section of the car. It's good idea to start from the top and do the bottom panels last because there is always some dirt left at the bottom.

You want to make a thin, even layer of wax. Try not to touch unpainted plastic and rubber surfaces (e.g. weatherstrips) with wax - it will leave white stains on them.

Allow the wax to haze (takes about a minute or two). Then buff it to a perfect shine with a clean soft towel, rotating it frequently - clean part of the towel works best.

After the whole car is done, clean the wax from unpainted plastic and rubber surfaces. A window spray cleaner will work well for this purpose.

I recommend to wax your car regularly - once in every three-four months. I tried many products and non of them stays permanently. Any car wax needs to be re-applied regularly.

Tips
When wax is applied regularly, the car’s surface is protected. The wax creates this thin coating that not only covers flaws in the paint, but protects the paint from wear. The effects of waxing generally lasts up to three months, so if you know anything about how to wax a car, make sure to keep it up every three months.
If you have to remove wax, use a different cloth so that you don’t end up re-waxing. This also helps to prevent streaking.
Be sure to cleanse out all your washcloths. It is a good idea to use fabric softener so that your towels and washcloths are soft for the next waxing.
One helpful tip to remember when you want to know how to wax a car is to bring your car to a detailer if the hasn’t been waxed it in a long while. After that you’ll be able to continue wax treatments at home.

Recommended product of Car Wax & Sealant to use :