first time using wax...what's wrong?!

[newcar2009]

I have just purchased a new car and have decided to wash and regularly wax it. I washed it with Gold Class Car Wash. I waxed it with Gold Class Liquid Wax. The finish on certain parts of the car is smooth as a mirror, however on other parts of the car, when I swipe my finger over the paint it leaves a white milky smudges. This is after I have removed the wax with a polishing cloth. I applied some ultimate quick detailer and wiped that off with a polishing cloth, which restored the luster. If I swipe my finger over the finish the same milky white smudge shows up. Did I put to much wax on, or let it dry to much? Any help or guidance would be appreciated. My other questions are:

How long can I go before waxing again? Is there some way I can tell? How many car washes can the wax take?
Should I be using a polish before I wax, like colorx?

I am only a weekend driver by the way. My car stays in the garage for the rest of the week.

thanks in advance for all the help....

[Zuke]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

Try using a microfiber towel to remove the wax, how long did you leave it on...others will chime in, and also Welcome to MOL

[trailblazer295]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

How long the wax last depends on alot of factors. Spraying water to see how it beads is a good way to see how its holding up. Usually 2 times a year spring and fall is common but its not a weekly thing. If it only sees outdoors 2 days a week your wax will hold up for quite awhile. Keep in mind the more you touch the paint you will end up causing swirls etc. For other layers it depends on paint condition and what look your going for. For a flat paint VS metallic paint you would most likely aim for different outcomes.

Scott

[Maserati Mario]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

Hum...I'm thinking the paint is dirty and a thin layer of wax is sticking to it and leaving a haze.
Most likely the paint is dirty from sitting outside.
I would suggest claying it to remove some of the surface contaminates.
Then re-wax.

[Benzboy280]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

Im sure the veterans will give you a better answer to your 'milky' problem, however to start of with I would suggest reading this:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2409

Thats the 5 step paint car cycle which Meguiar recommends.


Oh btw.....

[newcar2009]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

I brought the car home on Friday and washed and waxed it on Sunday. I left the wax on for about 20min. Should I maybe remove the wax and start all over? How do I remove the wax if that's what I decide to do.

[Murr1525]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

I agree, there is a good chance it may have been applied a little thick, and that the paint may have some contaminants on it. Like Mario said, you can:

1. Wash
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. ColorX
4. Wax - A thin coat of your Gold Class will finish it off nicely.

[newcar2009]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

Is there a good how to on how to use the smooth clay kit?

[Maserati Mario]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

I brought the car home on Friday and washed and waxed it on Sunday. I left the wax on for about 20min. Should I maybe remove the wax and start all over? How do I remove the wax if that's what I decide to do.

20 mins should be fine.
Claying the car will remove some wax from your paint.
But I think you need to concentrate on cleaning your paint, imo.

[Tim Lingor]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

Hey,

If you have not clayed and cleaned the paint as the others have suggested, then it possible that is the cause. However, it sounds like the wax is streaking. If that is the case, it was caused by either applying it too thick and/or not allowing it to set up properly before removal.

If using Quik Detailer does not fix the problem, then I would suggest applying another coat of the GC Wax as the old expression goes: "Like dissolves like". But this time, make sure to apply it in a very thin coat. Then perform the Swipe Test. After waiting ~ 15 minutes, take your finger and do a quick swipe across the residue. If it the swipe is clear and smear free, then proceed to wipe off the remainder with a good quality MF towel. If it smears, then allow the product to set up a little longer, then do the swipe test again.

Just to note, many believe that you can leave the wax set up as long as you want before removal and that is not the case. Wax can streak if removed too soon as well as leaving it on too long! So, using the swipe test should help a person gauge the correct amount of time for residue removal, just in case surface temperatures or humidity is affecting the removal.

Give that a try and then report back!

Tim

[akimel]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

Newcar, the two most common mistakes that we make waxing our cars is (1) applying the wax too thick and (2) not allowing it to dry sufficiently before removing it. I'm not saying that you made these mistakes, but I think we need to rule them out first before exploring other possibilities.

What I'm not sure, though, is how to proceed at this point. Since you haven't clayed the car yet, that is certainly a good suggestion. Check out this video: How to Claybar Your Car. Claying will remove the wax you have applied and give you a clean, smooth surface on which to apply a fresh coat of wax. I bet you'll be surprised by how much dirt the claybar picks up.

Remember to apply the wax thin--think whisper-thin. Allow the paint to haze before removing. Use the Swipe Test. When it has dried sufficiently, use a clean microfiber towel to remove. Be sure to get yourself some good quality microfiber towels. Meguiar's Ultimate Wipes are particularly good for removing waxes.

EDIT: what Tim said.

[akimel]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

My apologies: I accidentally double-posted.

[TH0001]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

I, like typical, think Murr is on the money. When you apply any wax or sealant, LESS is MORE. You should apply the coats so that they are extremely thin, and lightly visible after application. Since most of the product is wiped off in the removal of the wax (only the thinest sub-micron film remains) any over application not only wastes product but makes the process take longer and the residue removal harder.

The streaking can be from an excess of product on the surface that wasn't allowed to fully cure. Now you have an oily film that gets pushed around, streaks, and in some cases re-hazes.

To cure this problem you have a couple of options.

1) Wash the car again, normally. If this doesn't work
2) Try using pure water and misting it on the paint, then wiping clean, likea quick detailer. If this still doesn't work...
3)Apply an additional coat of Gold Class, very thinnly, and give it plenty of time to haze.

To check to see if the wax is ready for removal, swipe a section of with a clean finger or towel and make sure no film remains and it wipes away 'clean'. If some film or streaks remain behind, give the wax more time.

[newcar2009]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

Ok,

I will wash with Gold Class Car Wash
I will Clay with Smooth Surface Clay kit
How do I clean the paint? Do I use ColorX?
I will wax again using Gold Class liquid Wax.

I'll report back. Thanks for the guidance.

[Maserati Mario]

Re: first time using wax...what's wrong?!

ColorX will clean it just fine.
You should see some great results.