Waxing Motion

[Carfire]

I was just curious about which direction people wax in. I have seen and heard about many people waxing in a back and forth motion as opposed to a circular technique. I understand the reasoning, I am just not sure if I agree with why however. This idea is that if there were any contaminants that would have happened to either get on the paint or the pad that it would not create swirls. Although if it isn't creating swirls it must be creating long scratches all over. Just looking for everyone's two cents.

[greg0303]

Re: Waxing Motion

I think circular motion is more popular one.

Some detailers like straight line motion, while applying some waxes/ sealants, as that way thin & uniform coverage is ensured and it also minimizes swirl appearance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVE7lBFrGNY

[greg0303]

Re: Waxing Motion

Oooops, sorry here's Part 1 of the video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4zXem8SxkI&feature=relmfu

[Mr Miyagi]

Re: Waxing Motion

Mr Miyagi says "Right hand, wax on. Left hand, wax off"

[ffboy]

Re: Waxing Motion

i use whichever works best for me circular? straight line it also dpends on the wax i use with nxt liquid i usually circularize my application techiniqu its easier to apply thin coats using circ. ,ption

[ethereal45]

Re: Waxing Motion

I find applying by small circular motion is the best way to get the wax really worked against the paint (when using a cleaner wax). When using a pure wax or a polish/wax I have found that it isn't as important, but circular motions help spread the wax more evenly than using straight motions.

[Murr1525]

Re: Waxing Motion

Yeah, I guess having all the scratches you cause from waxing line up is nice... but better not to cause any.

[ffboy]

Re: Waxing Motion

better to work clean than having to change application whether o not you create scrayches in straight linrs ot circle scratches are still scratches

[STRIFE]

Re: Waxing Motion

i use a circular motion...but I use a couple foam applicator pads....

[Tcwhite1980]

I always heard going from side to side. Some people have told me that doing the circle method causes swirl marks.

[a6l3i]

Re: Waxing Motion

if the circular motion makes swirls, so what about DA in which rotates and spins all the time??

[Murr1525]

Re: Waxing Motion

Same idea as by hand really.

If you get a stone, or whatever on your pad, or use rough pads, (or products) you will get swirls.

If you use good products, pads, and work clean, you wont get swirls, and can work in whatever direction you like.

[Andy M.]

Re: Waxing Motion

I go in circles and straight lines when I am working by hand. The main objective is to get an even coating and make sure all areas are covered.

Andy

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Waxing Motion

I always heard going from side to side. Some people have told me that doing the circle method causes swirl marks.

We hear this a lot and frankly we think it's a bit short sighted. If your application method is going to scratch the paint then no matter what direction you apply wax in you'll scratch the paint; but they'll either be straight line or curved. While some say that curved scratches can be seen from any angle and straight line scratches can only be seen from specific angles, the straight line scratches would be preferable. But again, we think that's pretty short sighted. Why not just apply the wax in such a way as to not put any scratches in the paint in the first place? Then you can view the vehicle from any angle without concern. And that is done by using a wax that won't scratch (which should be really easy to find since, off the top of our collective heads we can't really think of any) and an applicator that won't scratch. But you also have to make sure the surface is devoid of anything you can pick up that would scratch the paint, and that any badge edges, panel edges, etc are nice and clean too so that you aren't picking up any fine particulate matter from those areas. And you do that by properly and thoroughly washing and drying the vehicle first. If you're a proponent of routine QD wipe downs and haven't actually washed your car in a couple of months (common here in SoCal, by the way) you may still want to give it a proper wash prior to waxing.

Having said all that, go with whatever process works best for you and that you're comfortable with. That might even mean doing a combination of both, with the straight line application being used along panel edges, next to window trim, etc for a bit better control in those areas.

[Ultraman]

I do small circular motion on most panels, and the straight line near the edges and trims.