Okay... a write up.
By today's standards, the multi-layered finish on your car is only .004 to .006 inches thick (primer all the way to clearcoat) This finish will deteriorate and dull over time.
Choosing a wax:
Carnauba based waxes add an element of depth and warmth.
Synthetic polymer sealants containing silicon add brilliance and sparkle.
CARNAUBA PROS:
Carnuba waxes tend to produce a deeper, darker, richer shine that is often described as "three-dimensional" Many show-car owners prefer the shine of carnauba waxes, especially on black, red, or other dark colors. They bead water nicely, absorb acid from rain, and hid minor swirls in the paint.
CARNAUBA CONS:
Not as durable as synthetic waxes(actually a sealant) Depending on climate, they can last up to 2 months. Some carnauba waxes can be much more difficult to apply or remove than polymers. They can also streak under certain temperature or humidity conditions... haha.. a temperamental liquid!
CARNAUBA SELECTION
Meguiars No.26 Pure Wax
One Grand Blitz Wax
P21S Paste Car Wax
and Pinnacle Paste Glaz
Pinnacle Souveran is a true show-car wax.
SYNTHETIC SEALENTS:
PROS: Made from acrylic resins, sealents 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.
SYNTHETIC CONS:
Many enthusiasts feel that sealants lack depth and richness. Black cars can look a little sterile or silvery in the direct sunlight. And, mirror-like polymers can collect minor swirls and highlight paint flaws.
Synthetic Selection:
Blackfire*
Klasse*
Autoglym*
Meguiars No.20 Poly Sealant and Zaino.
* A multi-part product. 1st being cleaner/polish and base sealant. 2nd being a top coat sealant that is layerable to produce more depth and shine. Meguiars is unique in that it combines polymers and waxes. Zaino and Blackfire compete head-to-head as the best "car-show polish" systems. Zaino is different from its competitors in that it doesn't make an abrasive polish or cleaner to prepare the paint for sealant. This must be done with another detergent concentrate, or paint cleaning clay. (clay bar)
Now.. on to Applying the wax.
1. Work in shaded area out of direct sunlight.
2. Use a foam applicator pad to apply your wax. When the pad becomes caked with wax, switch to a fresh pad
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 wax residue does not buff off easily, switch to a clean wipe towel (100% terry cloth, or microfiber)
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 buffing towels.
The car should feel slick and smooth; free of streaks and smudges.
If you work tirelessly and you still have streaks and areas that don't want to buff out perfectly: park your car in the sun for 10-15 minutes. Let it get warm, but not hot, then take it back in the garage(shade). Next, use a good spray bottle and DISTILLED WATER (not tap/hose water), spritz the area and buff with a clean terry towel. The warmth of the sun softens the wax and allows it buff out to a clear, high gloss. If you don't have distilled water, use a detailing spray, such as Meguiars Final Inspection, or Eimann Fabrik Clear Pearl. If you are using a more "enthusiast" product such as Zaino, or Blackfire, use the detailing spray that was formulated for that product.
SHOW CAR TRICKS:
When preparing a SHOW CAR shine, I often layer a Carnauba wax on top of synthetic wax. The synthetic acts as a gloss layer, and the carnauba adds depth and a wet looking appearance. One combination that works well is an initial coating of Klasse All-in-one followed by one or more coats of Pinnacle Paste Glaz or Souveran wax. The latter two waxes are super-rich and can be layered (like a polymer) without yellowing effects.
Start with a cream wax. Most are designed to go on and buff off easily.
Apply and buff the first coat of wax, as normal, and allow it to cure for 12-48 hours. Follow with a second coat. Note that the first coat of wax must have time to cure. 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 the second coat. Additional layers are subjective to most people, though concours winners use many layers to produce the desired depth.
Most people think that polishing and waxing are synonymous. The fact is, however, that they are totally different. Polishing is what is done to the paint surface BEFORE waxing is performed. If the paint surface is dirty, rough, or contaminated, then the wax/sealents will only provide a temporary gloss to a dull paint. IF you would like to make a lasting shine, you have to have something decent to work with. Polishing lotions, and liquids contain cleaners to strip acid, dirt, and oxidation from the surface of the paint. The line is somewhat blurry between "polish" liquids, and "wax" liquids, however, as both have manufacturers who have added SOME key actions from both sides of the fence. (A wax that slightly polishes, or a polish that slighty waxes, etc)
Use a good polishing lotion, or clay bar before waxing, and the clean paint should feel like silk (with NO wax on the car)
Good luck in your future efforts.. and don't hesitate to ask any questions.
Ray
Once I polish and wax you can't see any of that. Probably the one thing that made my car look better over the many years was sanding the headlights. 