What is the safest car wax to use often?

Question

I don't want any more swirls, and don't want to damage the paint.

Answer 1

Forget about all of the fancy marketing of products as that is all it is. I have owned my own car waxing business, and today's paint is different than 20 years ago. Carnuba wax and such does not help any with clear coat paint.

Nu-finish is the best, (orange bottle) I have found, and will not harm your car at all. You can apply to the entire car and the longer it stays on, the easier it comes off. The only reason to not doing it in the sun, is it dries too quick on a hot surface, and you sweat too much, but the sun will not hurt it. It will also remove small scuff marks from the clear coat depending on how hard you rub, and will not leave any swirl marks or burn marks.

Do not use compounds or abrasives or high speed buffers. Your hand is sufficient if you keep your car washed regularly. And yes, Nu-Finish will last one year!!! The key to a nice shine, is a clean scratch free car! If an area becomes extra dirty, I clean it with mineral spirits to remove grease, and reapply Nu-finish, otherwise, nothing else is needed. Be well.

Answer 2

Any wax (or wax like polish is safe) since they have no abrasive in them that would damage your car's finish. HOWEVER, if you wax your car when it isn't clean, or wash your car improperly you will get swirl marks as you rub dirt around on your car. It is important to make sure you work from the top down when washing a car because it's dirtier toward the bottom. Keep your wash rag as clean as possible, rinsing it often while washing the car.

Now you already have swirl marks, from improper washing (or waxing) already. If the swirl marks are very shallow in the clear coat, they can be polished out using a mild polishing compound (most manufacturers of car wax make these too). This is a delicate job as you can easily cut through the clear coat and into the paint. I would recommend that you have this professionally done. Any wax that promises to get rid of swirl marks is just leading you on - they make swirl marks appear to go away by temporarily filling them. When the wax wears off, the swirl marks magically return.

Having the car professionally polished and then waxed should get you back in good shape where you can keep it up yourself. Then just about any good wax will work and you will have a mirror like finish on your car.

Answer 3

Actually, you shouldn't be waxing "often", it is not good for the protective coating or paint in the long run.

My dealer, when I purchased my car 4 years ago, said car manufacturers put a protective coating on most new cars to protect the paint. This can be damaged if you wax and wash excessively.

I have a neighbor that is always washing and waxing (nothing better to do I guess) and his paint looks uneven now. I warned him 2 years ago about the protective coating, but true to form, he didn't listen because I am female. Too bad for him, now his truck looks like it's much older.

I wax on average 2 times a year and wash when it needs it. I don't use a buffer, I do it by hand. My car looks brand new!

Answer 4

There are a lot of waxes out there that are good. I like to use Mothers' or Maguires.

If you have a black, or very dark-colored-paint car, wax in straight lines, not swirls. This should help some.

Always make sure that your car is very clean first, then dry it off with a clean chamois. Next, make sure to use a clean applicator pad. Put the wax on--not too thick--and let it "dry" to a haze. Take a terry cloth towel, and wipe the wax residue off. Then, take what they call a diaper and buff over where you just cleaned the wax off.

All of that stuff is in the same area of the auto-parts store...chamois, wax, applicator pad, terry cloth towels and the diapers.

Those diapers work great for your windows too. Use a paper towel to clear off the windex or whatever, and then go over it again with a clean diaper.

Answer 5

I like using Black magic liqiud was i have used nu-finish and turtle was on my cars and they area all the same. Having read this question im thinking of buying all other waaxes to test them out now. You made me a curious person now. I bought the new ICE wax it comes with a buffing towel already it looks realy easy to use and my freind says it doesnt take any effort to take the haze off. His car looks great. But I dont know about the swirls. Every wax i use leaves swirls.

Answer 6

As long as the wax doesn't contain abrasives (pure wax), it's save to use as often as you want. The one that say " Cleaner, remove swirls, contamination and marks" on the label usually contain abrasives. You only want to use pure wax when your car paint condition is contamination and oxidation free.

Meguairs Hi-Tech Wax and Mothers California Gold Pure Carnauba Car Wax are good and widely available pure wax, but if you want the best P21S Carnauba wax or Pinnacle Souverän is the one to go.

Remember to always clean the car first, use proper wax applicator and to wipe the wax off with microfiber towel.

Answer 7

O K. I read all the recommendations and here is a quick synopsis of 50+ years of caring for painted metal and fiberglass finishes:
1. No abrasives.
2. No electric buffers. Causes the swirls you mentioned.
3, Be sure the car and all cloths used are free of grit.
4. Do it in the shade.
5. Do it yourself. "pros" methods are contrary to all of the above. They want a quick easy buck and do not care about your vehicle like you do. If you are a good looking shapely lady, wash the car while you are wearing a Bikini and all the help you want will be forthcoming. That's how I met my wife of 30 years. Be sure to have cold beer on hand.

Answer 8

Now that you have tried all the rest try Liquid Glass. It is clear coat safe and contains No Abrasives. Also contains no silicones or waxes. Ultimate auto polish/finish. Great product and easy to use.......

This is the one that comes in a metal container with the picture of a Corvette on the front. May find ads for this in a Corvette magazine.

No hard rubbing or buffing. Read the label.

Liquid Glass Enterprises,Inc.

P.O. Box 1170

Teaneck, New Jersey 07666 U.S.A.

201-387-6755

Answer 9

Swirls are already a sign of damage to the paint or coating. You can try a very light scratch buff remover, and if that takes it out, then start using liquid spray on wax. It's much easier and you don't have to apply it or remove it by hand. But vanity is one of the seven deadly sins, so just drive your car and keep it clean, and focus on getting rich, so one day you can hire illegal Mexicans to wax your vehicles!

Answer 10

I work at a car wash, and MaGuires is awesome, better than the others mentioned or 'just' carnuba.
Dont do it tooooo often; that isnt necessary with a good wax that holds (doesnt rain much and its kept in shade etc)
4 times a year is ideal but many of my customers come every month for a detail.
That becomes personal choice and financial ability, how often you do it.


At home, I use Nu-Finish on my scooters.