Apply Wax???

[Lynx131]

I have a two tone grey 87 mustang. And im curious how should i apply the wax. Small circles, or side to side? I heard that small circels makes swirlmarks, is that true? Thanks for any replys

[Boss_429]

Lynx131,

If the paint surface is cleaned and polished free of all contaminates (and it should be), and you are using good, clean, high quality applicators, it shouldn't matter which direction you apply your wax. As a matter of fact, some people recommend applying in a circular manner to work the product into the crevices in the paint.

[jfelbab]

When working by hand the basic rule I follow is; if the product contains any abrasives, like a cleaner, cleaner/wax, or most polishes, I use back and forth motions. If the product is a pure wax; like #16, #26 or NXT, I use a circular motion for a more uniform application.

[Marc08EX]

I don't think it matters when you apply it back and forth or in circular motions.. As Boss_429 said, you should have the paint cleaned and polished first... Then, have a good quality and CLEAN applicator pad.. If your application in circular motion causes swirls/scratches, it would probably create swirls and scratches moving it back and forth also.

[Lynx131]

well the paint is efinately clean, because it felt like sandpaper and i just got done buffing it out with heavy cut cleaner. I tried using side to side, and it didn't seem that it covered as well as if i used small circles. So when i apply the 2nd coat today im using small circles.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Lynx131
well the paint is definitely clean, because it felt like sandpaper and i just got done buffing it out with heavy cut cleaner.

You mean, M-04 Heavy Cut Cleaner? What kind of buffer did you use and what kind of pad?

As far as the straight-line versus circular motion question goes, Meguiar's teaches what Boss_429 wrote, that if your not using anything abrasive, such as your application pad and your product, then it shouldn't matter which direction you move your hand because nothing you are using is scratching the paint. If it is, then you need to stop and re-evaluate the situation.

Mike

[mikes maxima]

nxt have some minor abbersive in it

[Alfisti]

Originally posted by mikes maxima
nxt have some minor abbersive in it

I may be wrong but I'm not sure that NXT contains abrasives.

It contains a mild chemical cleaner, but nothing abrasive.

Mike, of course, reserves the right to correct me.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by mikes maxima
NXT have some minor abrasives in it

NXT Tech Wax contains a very sleight amount of some highly specialized cleaners in it. It contains nothing that would scratch the finish.

Next time you're using it, feel some between your fingers, you'll notice how smooth and creamy it is. Like all Meguiar's waxes and pure polishes, it is completely non-abrasive.

Also remember when you talk about abrasives, there are all kinds of abrasives, take water for example, it carved out the rock walls of the Grand Canyon, yet water doesn't scratch. We use it to remove dirt from our cars when we wash them.

The sleight amount of specialized cleaners in NXT Tech Wax enables you to create a more clear, rich-looking, high gloss and swirl-free finish like this,

The drivers side has had one hand application of NXT Tech Wax



Mike

[RamAirV1]

I think the reason that some say to use back and forth motions is that if you do create swirl marks, they will not be as visible from all angles. If you create swirl marks when using a circular motion, then they will be more visible from different angles.

I thinks it's better to avoid the swirl marks in the first place. Whenever I am using a new applicator pad, or if I change pads for any reason, I always stop and check my work after doing a small section to make sure I am not introducing swirl marks.

RamAirV1

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by RamAirV1
I think the reason that some say to use back and forth motions is that if you do create swirl marks, they will not be as visible from all angles. If you create swirl marks when using a circular motion, then they will be more visible from different angles.

The key work above in RamAirV1's statement is the word, if. If you do instill swirl marks, then it's time to look at your products, applicatoin material and procedure.

I like this advice,

Originally posted by RamAirV1
Whenever I am using a new applicator pad, or if I change pads for any reason, I always stop and check my work after doing a small section to make sure I am not introducing swirl marks.

Mike