How to Wax a Car

General steps to wax a car by hand

1. Pick a Cool Day and Wax in the Shade

   Don’t wax on a hot day so the wax doesn’t bake in the sun. Wax in the shade with the car cooled. You don’t want to wax in the heat, because even if you’re waxing in the shade a hot car will melt the wax. If the wax is melted, it will be harder to buff off. Otherwise, the wax will remove easily.

2. Wash the Car

   Wash the car with soap and water and clean the car of any debris.
   
   

3. Spread the Wax in Circular Clockwise Motions

   Read and follow the directions on the bottle.
   
   Apply the product to the paint and spread it in small circular motions, creating small circles in a counterclockwise motion with a microfiber wax pad.
   
   There are different kinds of wax, such as paste and spray wax. With spray wax, you just have to spray in different directions, but, generally, you’ll spray the wax on and spread it with a microfiber towel, let the wax dry, and then buff it afterwards.
   
   

4. Wax Close to the Edge of Trim but Do Not Get Wax on Trim Pieces

   Pay attention to any trim on your car if you’re waxing near it, and especially if you’re using paste wax. Don’t get wax on the trim or pieces of black plastic, and if you do, wipe it off immediately. The wax will turn the trim white and it will not come off.
   
   When adding the wax, you don’t need to go up to the seam of the trim, but you can get as close to the edge as possible without touching any trim pieces. You can also protect the trim during this job by laying painter’s tape over it.
   
   

5. Remove the Wax with a Microfiber Towel, Wiping in the Direction of the Wind

   Remove the wax with a microfiber towel. Don’t make circular motions, but move in the direction of the wind.
   
   

6. Test the Wax By Tossing Water on and Seeing If It Beads Up and Rolls Off

   Once the wax has dried, to test if you need to wax your car, toss water on the paint. If it beads up and rolls off, no more wax is needed. If it absorbs into the paint or sits on top of it, it’s time to wax.
   
   Water beading up and off will prevent rust and corrosion. It will also prevent the paint and clear coat from chipping and peeling.