Polishing compound is less abrasive than rubbing compound, making it better suited for pre-wax treatment. Use a damp microfiber cloth to rub the polishing compound lightly over the entirety of the car and then another microfiber cloth to remove the compound.
“Cleaner wax” is generally a little less expensive, but also proves to be harsher. Cleaner waxes often remove clear coat from your car. [2] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source If you’re using this kind of wax on your car, consider removing the polishing step from your pre-wax maintenance. Spray waxes go on easier, but of course there’s a downside: They don’t last nearly as long. Tested varieties of spray waxes tended to last only a couple weeks before succumbing to the elements. [3] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
How much wax should you use? Err on the side of less, not more. Applying too much wax is a common mistake. It creates more waste, is harder to remove, and leaves gunky buildup. A thinner layer of wax actually bonds better with the surface of the car. [4] X Research source If your car wax didn’t come with a foam applicator, try a damp sponge. It’s not the greatest applicator, but it’ll do the job in a pinch. It should go without saying, but if you decide to use a sponge, don’t use it to clean dishes afterward.
Here’s a good way that you can tell whether the wax is ready to come off. Make a swipe in the wax with your finger. If it smears, the wax isn’t ready to come off yet. If it’s clear, you’re ready to take the wax off.
Manufacturers have a financial incentive to overestimate how much you’ll need to use your wax product. They’ll often err on the side of applying more often, because it means you’ll go through product quicker, and ultimately spend more money. On the other hand, some waxes won’t have a long half-life on certain cars and may need to be reapplied with greater frequency.
