Technique For Waxing Black Cars

[dab]

Is the technique for waxing a black car different than cars with other colors? I heard using a circular motion was not a good idea. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Wolf-Strong]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

Unless we are talking about a single stage paint, typically we are working on a 2 stage paint job with the pigment coat on the bottom, than clear coat on the top, which means that we are working on the same type of surface, so there should be no difference.

My philosophy is that no, there is no advantage to doing it one way or another so long as you are using the proper materials.

[Murr1525]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

You have a couple ideas running together.

1. Clear coat is just paint with no pigment in it. So no matter what, you are working on paint. As mentioned above, the same techniques would then apply to any paint.

2. The idea of circles vs straight lines comes from the fact that if a product is going to scratch the paint, it would look better if all the scratches were in nice neat rows. Obviously though, the better option would be to not scratch the paint. Using high quality pads to apply your products, high quality cloths/towels to remove them, and of course products that dont leave scratches means you can move in any direction you like.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

The "circular motion is not a good idea" line of thinking stems from people looking at swirl marks under a harsh, direct light. All the tiny scratches appear to be in a circular pattern so folks immediately assume that they are, indeed, circular. But if move the light source (or move your position if said light source is the sun - sorta tricky to move the sun on your own) you'll see that the circular pattern moves with the light source!! This should tell you that those tiny little scratches aren't actually in a circular pattern, hence applying/removing wax in a circular pattern is not the issue. Technique, tools and materials used are what matters, regardless of color or paint system.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

If you’re using a non-abrasive product with a high quality, clean, soft foam or microfiber applicator pad, and you’re working on a clean surface, then it shouldn't’ matter which direction you move the applicator pad over the finish because nothing you’re using will be instilling any scratches or swirls into the finish.

The above was taken from the below article which can be found in our Hot Topics

Circles or Straight Lines?

With black paint and any dark colored paints, because these colors show swirls and scratches to your eyes easier than light colors it's always vitally important that you always work clean, that means make sure the car is clean and your applicators and wiping cloths are all clean.

It's also vitally important that you always use good technique as well as include the human elements of care and passion.

Polishing paint is an art form, if you do the above you'll get great results.

[dab]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

OK,

All of your suggestions were great. I prefer a circular motion and used it for both the cleaner wax and carnuba coats and it worked perfect with no noticeable swirls.

Thanks,

Dave

[mlc]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

Okay I will be the one to take the bullet on this one!



When you hang out here enough you do learn somethings!

Show us your work!

mlc

[KidDetailer]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

Sorry for the bump, just wanted to give my thought on this.

If you're washing the car with a wash mit or claying the car, I would use a Snake Pattern wipe.
Reason being is in those steps you're still cleaning the paint from dirt and contaminants.

Once at the compounding step, polishing step, and waxing step; it shouldn't matter if you wipe in straight lines or circular motions.

[Blueline]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

Sorry for the bump, just wanted to give my thought on this.

If you're washing the car with a wash mit or claying the car, I would use a Snake Pattern wipe.
Reason being is in those steps you're still cleaning the paint from dirt and contaminants.

This is such an old post I would not bother to put in my 2 cents, however when I see incorrect information, it needs to be corrected. When washing a black car (or any car for that matter) it should be washed in straight lines. I have no clue what a "Snake Pattern" is but I would not want anything referencing a snake on my two black cars. I would rather have one long scratch to remove from my hood than a "snaky" scratch all over over it. However is is not my car, so wash yours as you see fit.

[ffboy]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

If your applicator and paint is perfectly clean, it really won't matter. To me (ok, maybe I'm wrong), if the conditions aren't ideal (dirty paint or applicator), a scratch is still a scratch. The only difference is that with circular motion, you get circular scratch. If you do straight line, you'll get straight scratches (but it will be much easier to remove straight line scratches vs. circular scratches)

[KidDetailer]

Re: Technique For Waxing Black Cars

Snake pattern is essentially where you wipe in straight lines but circle back to the next line ; like "S pattern"