[AbitaFan08]

I have been getting places in my town to wax my car for the last year or so, but have hated the job they have done. At the end of the day, I think I will only be satisfied if I either get a true professional to do it once a month or I learn to do it myself. Seeing as how I don't feel like paying that kind of money, what tips could y'all give me to do it myself?

I am thinking about getting Pinnacle Souveran. Am I at least in the right direction here? Any help would be much appreciated!

[PINeely]

Try Dodo Juice waxes. Cheaper than Souveran for the most part and just as good, if not better.

Souveran is still great though. Can't go wrong with Autogeek!

[jopa489]

You should be able to handle waxing, it's pretty straightforward. Make sure your surface is properly prepped, then apply thin coats with a foam applicator - less is more when it comes to wax. Follow the instructions of the particular wax you're using and allow it to haze. Then wipe off carefully with a quality microfiber. That's it. Watch for crevasses, plastic, and rubber - don't get any wax on those parts.

Dodo Juice is a great choice - what color is your car? As PINeely said above, Souveran is awesome too. Whatever you end up with, get some foam applicators (they're cheap, buy a dozen) and good MFs.

[F32Fleet]

Maybe this for your self-waxing --> http://www.folica.com/Waxing_Kit_344_1.html

[Envious Eric]

HAHAHAHA SOCOM!!!!!! nice one!

souveran is a little pricey and only use it if you plan on waxing bi weekly, there is very little protection in that wax as its more of a beauty wax.

for protection, go with a sealant - BFWD, M21, collinite 845
for looks, go with a carnuba - nattys blue, pinnacle souveran, wolfgang fuzion (WGF is a hybrid, but pricey as well)

as always...if you are only going to wax it yourself, have someone else polish it twice a year for you. You need to rid the car of any dead paint, oxidation build up, bonded contaminants, etc from the daily grind of driving.

[Gig103]

Agreed that polish is where it's at for protection. I use JetSeal, but have considered OptiSeal and Blackfire as well.

Then I put a carnauba wax on top. I have tried Natty's Blue and Chemical Guys 50/50. For the price difference, I think I prefer the Poorboys, although the CG does bead nicer.

[UncleWede]

Rub that wax on your baby with your hands (remove rings/bracelets/watches)

[twinturboa51]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

Rub that wax on your baby with your hands (remove rings/bracelets/watches)

quoted for truth!

[Envious Eric]

Originally Posted by Gig103

Agreed that polish is where it's at for protection. I use JetSeal, but have considered OptiSeal and Blackfire as well.

Then I put a carnauba wax on top. I have tried Natty's Blue and Chemical Guys 50/50. For the price difference, I think I prefer the Poorboys, although the CG does bead nicer.

polish is not for protection, just to make that clear....

there was an interesting read on autopia regarding topping a sealant with a carnuba...something along the lines of the chemical make up of the carnuba will slightly impede the protection capabilities of the sealant by degrading it and "eating" it away in a sense. so your sealant goes from 3-4 months to 2-3 months when topped. best bet is to either layer sealants, or layer the carnubas, but not expect the sealant to last under the nuba...interesting read

[Molos 2003]

I have enjoyed the Wolfgang concour series.

[HPFREAK]

LOL I was thinking the same thing when I saw the subject line.

Originally Posted by Socom

Maybe this for your self-waxing --> http://www.folica.com/Waxing_Kit_344_1.html

[Fresh330]

for protection, go with a sealant - BFWD, M21, collinite 845
for looks, go with a carnuba - nattys blue, pinnacle souveran, wolfgang fuzion (WGF is a hybrid, but pricey as well)

as always...if you are only going to wax it yourself, have someone else polish it twice a year for you. You need to rid the car of any dead paint, oxidation build up, bonded contaminants, etc from the daily grind of driving.

^good advise. Just to add to what 'Envious Eric' and 'jopa489' said, when applying a sealant or wax on your car, it's best to prep the surface of the paint. This involves a quick detailer and clay bar. The items cost next to nothing and they make the results 10x better! Just wait till you see how much crap is embedded in your paint.