How do you prevent contamination with canned waxes?

[99GrandTouring]

Just curious on this one, I have a can of cleaner wax I've used quite a bit since I haven't had alot of time for keeping the cars up.
This was basically just wash the car then wax with cleaner wax but my question is this, I always just rubbed the applicator in the can and went to town, as with any cleaner wax some contaminates get onto the applicator then back into the can when I re-dip...

So is my procedure wrong? Is there a better way to use canned waxes to prevent the can from getting contaminated?
Thanks!

[onawrxhigh]

Re: How do you prevent contamination with canned waxes?

Just curious on this one, I have a can of cleaner wax I've used quite a bit since I haven't had alot of time for keeping the cars up.
This was basically just wash the car then wax with cleaner wax but my question is this, I always just rubbed the applicator in the can and went to town, as with any cleaner wax some contaminates get onto the applicator then back into the can when I re-dip...

So is my procedure wrong? Is there a better way to use canned waxes to prevent the can from getting contaminated?
Thanks!

when I am done using a canned wax I will take a clean terry cloth and wipe over the wax to remove any contaminates from the wax's surface then reseal the can. You do loose some wax by doing this but I would rather loose wax than scratch my paint from contaminates.

Andrew

[Wolf-Strong]

Re: How do you prevent contamination with canned waxes?

What I have found to be the best thing to do is to remember to work in small areas at a time. This will help slow you down enough to where you will make sure you get an even, thin coat down and not miss anything. Also just as important, I always carry a clean, dry microfiber with me when I wax so that I can quickly dust off the area I am about to wax. This will ensure that you won't dirty the canned wax, and you will also not scratch the paint from the dust.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: How do you prevent contamination with canned waxes?

So is my procedure wrong?

Make it a habit or best practice to look at the working face of your pad periodically and even often before re-introducing it into the can of wax. Light colored pads work best because then you can see any dirt particles and either pick them off or switch to a new/clean applicator pad.


Not the perfect solution but a solution that is easy to implement and solves the problem at the root cause besides making sure you're working clean in all aspects of the job, i.e. clean work environment and washed and thoroughly rinsed off car.

Hope this helps....

[Mosca]

Re: How do you prevent contamination with canned waxes?

Get a clean popsicle stick, or a tongue depressor, or liberate a butter knife from your kitchen. Then, instead of putting the pad into the wax, use the tool to spread wax onto the pad. With a little practice, you can get pretty good at figuring out the right amount for a thin coat.