How to Apply Carnauba Wax

What follows is a guide on how to apply a carnauba wax paste wax like Rubbish Boy's Original Edition.

First make sure your paintwork is well prepared, you will not achieve a satisfactory finish if the paintwork you are waxing is not in the best condition. So wash the car carefully preferably using a sheepskin wash mitt and the "Two Bucket Method".

Once washed the next step would be to remove bonded contaminents, if there are any, using a clay bar. This step should only be performed occasionally when needed.

The next step would be to either apply a pure polish such as Poor Boy's Pro Polish, or a pre wax cleaner such as Dodo Juice Lime Prime Pre Wax Cleaner. This will remove any last contaminents, remove oxidised paint and prep the surface.

The next few steps are down to personal preference.

Apply a glaze, you can acheive an even wetter, glossier finish by applying a glaze. Something like Meguair's #7 Show Car Glaze or Clearkote Red Moose Machine Glaze (this product can be used instead of a polish too). This will add another dimension to the paint.

Some people like to apply a sealant at this stage, it will seal the paint and make the finish more durable. Chemical Guy's Jetseal 109 works well and is very durable.

Now you're ready to start waxing!

You can apply wax by using your hands, an applicator or microfibre cloth, or if you have one, a machine such as Porter Cable 7424. I personally like the feel of applying a wax by hand. You can feel what the wax is doing and can ensure even coverage, however I find you can apply a thinner layer using a microfibre cloth or applicator.

Apply using your hands.

Make sure you remove all metal work from your hands and wrists, rings, watches etc. Take a small quantity of wax from the pot and place it in the palm of your hand.

Massage the wax into the palm of your hand, to get the oils flowing, and then rub your hands together and make sure there is thin coating all over your hands.

Next massage the wax into your clean and freshly polished paintwork, make sure you cover all the areas, but also be very careful you spread it very thinly. Too much wax will be hard to buff off and may leave wax holograms.

Cover the whole area carefully, oh and did I mention, make sure you spread it very thinly.

Applying using a microfibre cloth.

This is a good method to use, it allows you to get a very thin layer of wax and even coverage. Remember thin is good! Fold the cloth into a rectangle and rub the top into the pot of wax to get some of the oils flowing and to get a small amount onto the cloth. I am using quite a shallow pile cloth.

Rub into the paintwork using small circlular actions, making sure you cover the whole area and be very careful to apply only a thin layer. I'm sure I already mentioned this!

Applying using a foam or microfibre applicator.

Same as above really, work the applicator (some people like to use a damp applicator) in the wax in the top of the jar until you get a nice amount on the applicator. Apply to the car in small circular motions, working the wax into the paint. Keep the coating thin and make sure you apply it evenly to the whole panel.


Curing.

When the panel is completely covered, move onto the next, you need to leave the wax some time to cure and bond to the paint. Depending on the wax this usually takes between a couple and 15 minutes, read the instructions for the wax you are using. If the weather is particlurly hot or you are in direct sunlight, you may need to buff off sooner.

Removing the wax.

Using a deeper pile microfibre cloth, wipe the excess wax off. If you have applied a nice thin layer and the wax is ready to be removed, it will come off in one or two wipes. If it is taking several wipes then you may have applied too much product or not left it long enough.

Once all the excess wax has been removed turn your cloth over and buff the paintwork to a high gloss finish.

You can apply another layer to make the finish even more durable, if required. I would recommend leaving 24 hours between coats to ensure the first coat has fully cured.