I know the topic of what brand of products to use has been posted over and over. But how about techniques? I've never waxed my cars before (they were always pos cars until now) so I don't really know how to do it correct. My dad got me an MVP 6" palm style buffer/polisher for Christmas, and the instructions in it aren't too clear. It comes with two polishing bonnets. If anyone has any input on this, feel free to post on how you wax your car! Cuz I don't know how.

 

i personally do it all by hand...buffers make a mess. Use small circular motions. I usually have three cloths at hand, the applicator, the initial buff and then the pre-final buff. I then do a final buff once it's all done. I have used the meguiers 3 step process, cleaner, polish, wax. So it's a good work out for the arms.

Do small sections at a time, door, fender, hood, etc...

 

Watch Karate Kid.

Excellent technique. Also see chapter 2 if you wanna learn how to paint!

 

I use Meguiar's 3 step system. Polish, Glaze and Wax. I usually use a Random Orbital buffer for the Polish and Glaze and do the Wax by hand.

The polish will get rid of some of the swirl marks and scratches. The Glaze will fill in any remain scratches which are deeper, and the wax - well you know what that does.

The only thing I warn about using any machine buffering system is it can cause burn marks on your paint if you are not careful. Always make sure you are moving the buffer around and always make sure the pad is moist.

 

I use Zaino Car Polish System, a multi step formula with about 10 steps to do it right and results so much better than any other WAX/POLISH single step formulas out there.
It takes about a full day of on and off work with it, right temp/humidity outside, right towels and protection for 6-12 months (windows, and all body along with all plastics (except coarse plastics).
The car looks like a mirror and car washing is much easier and it does not have to get washed so often.
I can see myself like in the miror, great wet looking surface.
There is about 3-6 different products used in this process.
The results are well worth it.
the whole set will run you about $60, which should last for 3-4 years or so.
The trick with Zaino Polish is that the: hood/windshield/roof/rearwindow should be applied in straight up and down vertical motion and side of the car/windows should be done in horizontal side to side motion.
www.zainobros.com
good luck

 

I too am a Zaino user. However the straight stroke technique works well with other waxes/polishes as well. Apply in circular motion to ensure even application but wipe off in a linear motion.

 

I use mothers california gold original formula carnauba cleaner wax.