Proper way to wax a car?

[xorcst]

from what i know, you have to remove the existing wax. like with Down detergent soap or something...then rewash, and apply new wax.what you guys think?

[headhunt3r]

To remove the existing wax, you want to clay your car. Just google keywords like car claying, claybar system, and you'll find lots of information on what it is, how it works, and how to use it. You don't always have to remove the existing wax before you apply another coat. Claying will take away much of the contaminants on top of the paint including wax, tree sap, and some sealants.

I would strongly recommend against using Down detergent soap for your car.

[xorcst]

Thanks for the input.

[Rmuth25]

It would also help to use a paint cleaner after you clay bar it. I used to have this mothers product but for some reason autozone/walmart does not carry it.

But the product is this: http://www.autobarn.net/mot07100.html

relatively cheap and works well. With that and with most paint cleaners you put it on a small area then take it off immediately. Otherwise if you let it sit you will have one hell of a time trying to get it all off.

[xorcst]

sounds bad for your paint..LOL. so put it on, spread it around the take it off? doesnt sounds like it would clean it in that much time.

[Blackmobile]

i use meguires clay bar kit, it comes with 2 clay bars, meguires quik detailers (lubrican to help the clay move around), a micro fiber cloth and a small bottle of wax.

claying a car is kind of a pain and takes a while, but it's well worth it, you can tell the difference by running your hand over an area that has been clayed and a part that hasn't. after that, i used an orbital buffer to apply and remove the wax. turned out quite nice, i was long overdue to wax my black car, it had too many unsightly scratches and now it looks brilliant.

[marlin29311]

from what i know, you have to remove the existing wax. like with Down detergent soap or something...then rewash, and apply new wax.what you guys think?

Unless you're waxing the car every week, this is not necessary. The wax breaks down over time, and honestly, as long as you are washing every week and keeping after it, just wax it once every month or two, and clay 2-4 times a year. You don't need to strip anything.