The most common question we get asked by clients is ‘How often should a vehicle be waxed?’ There are several factors that go into answering that question. The durability of the wax would dictate the frequency of the application.

Before we continue, I’d like to highlight the importance of having a clean, well prepped surface, prior to the application of any type of coating (wax etc). The clay bar process is critical in prepping a painted surface for wax. Please check out our other blog post, “Clay Bar Myth Debunked” for details on that.

As far as options go for waxes, there are three distinct varieties. Traditional carnauba wax (liquid or paste form), Synthetic wax (liquid or paste form), and Spray wax (liquid form).

In this post we are highlighting the benefits of utilizing spray wax. Spray wax is a relatively new technology that was designed as a much faster, much more efficient means of getting wax onto a vehicle’s surface, therein providing it a layer of protection, and a greater shine/deep luster.

For those among us who desire the protection and shine that a wax offers without the time commitment and physical exertion, spray wax is the clear winner. Taking about 5 mins to completely wax a vehicle start to finish, it can even be applied in the summer’s heat, or on wet paint, while drying the vehicle.

With the benefits of utilizing spray wax being so evident, you may ask, why would anyone choose to go back to the traditional waxes?

Traditional wax, such as a carnauba (paste or liquid), or the newer more durable synthetic variety, may offer more in means of durability, but if the user never applies it in the first place, or applies it very rarely due to difficulty of application and time commitment, you have to ask yourself is there a clear benefit?

As a professional detailer, I apply spray wax after every wash, both to customers vehicles, and my own personal ones. With the ease of application, it ensures a a fresh uniform coat of wax after each and every wash, which ultimately equals peace of mind.

The application process is as follows:

Spritz a small amount of spray wax onto the vehicle’s surface, proceed to wipe into the paint with a fresh microfiber towel, a little goes a long way. It will be evident when the wax has uniform coverage, run your hand over the surface until all painted panels are slick to the touch.

We recommend the Meguiars Synthetic X-Press Spray wax (comes in gallon jug), it provides the durability of some of the synthetic waxes with the easy-on of a spray wax. This product can be found on amazon, or the like.

For microfiber cloths, we recommend the Kirkland signature high pile, found conveniently at your local Costco retailer.

Feel free to Reach out to Us with any questions you may have, regarding this or any other topic in regards to the detailing of autos.

We Appreciate You.

- Sheldon Lycan

If you’ve been a do it yourself detailer for awhile now, you’ve probably heard of the clay bar. What is a clay bar you ask? It is just that a bar of clay, like play dough, except designed specifically to be rubbed over your vehicle’s paint without scratching or marring the finish. The sole purpose of the clay bar is to remove contaminants above the surface of your vehicle’s paint finish. How do you determine whether your vehicle needs a clay bar you’re wondering? Simple, grab a plastic bag ziploc bag, put your hand in it, then rub it softly over the surface of your paint. If you feel any so called grittiness, then your paint could most likely benefit from a thorough clay barring.

Plastic Bag Test

From my personal experience as a professional automotive detailer, the clay bar is one of the most vital overlooked steps in the process of detailing one’s vehicle. Time and time again we hear our customers request for a simple coat of wax to be applied after a thorough cleaning of the vehicle’s exterior. Upon doing the plastic bag test, we find that approximately 75% or more of these vehicles are in average to above average need of a clay barring, and so we advise them. To apply wax without prior claying, whether it be a basic spray wax or a high end carnauba paste variety, would mean to trap debris and contaminants beneath the wax. Therefore, the newly applied wax is not able to properly adhere, and hence the existing contaminants are still penetrating your vehicle’s paint finish.

In summation, the clay bar is one of the most vital overlooked steps in the detailing process, and an especially important step when it comes to prepping for application of a paint protectant or coating, like a paste wax or sealant.

Feel free to give the clay bar a try on your own, or, if you’d rather have us take care of it, feel free to reach out to us!

Schedule online at Bellinghammobiledetail.com/scheduling

Or Call Us at 360-393-6963

We appreciate you.

-Sheldon Lycan