Maintaining the appearance of your vehicle is a point of pride for car enthusiasts. Cleaning your vehicle with cleaner wax can help keep it in top condition. But it is not the end of the process. Knowing what to use after cleaner wax will help you maintain your vehicle’s shine.
After cleaning your car with cleaner wax, what can you do to maintain its luster? Trim detailers or dressings can be used for moldings and trim. Hard, shiny plastic can benefit from wax. Touch-up paint may be necessary for scratches that are intense. The best option is to repaint if the paint is incorrect.
Discover the best options for achieving a long-lasting, glossy appearance that will make your car stand out. Let’s know, what to use after cleaner wax?
What is Cleaner Wax?
A cleaner wax also polishes your vehicle as a one-step process. Cleaner wax removes all other debris (which car wash soap couldn’t reach). It is a one-step process that cleans and shines at the same time.
Cleaner waxes serve a dual purpose: offering protection and effectively eliminating minor surface defects. The best cleaner wax for cars;
- Meguiar’s G7016 Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Liquid Wax: Best Overall Wax.
- Mothers California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Liquid Wax: Best Carnauba Liquid Wax.
- Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Pro Graphene Spray Wax: Best Spray Wax.
- Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax: Best Soft Wax.
What’s The Difference Between Cleaner Wax And Normal Wax?
Cleaner wax is basically a normal finishing wax with abrasives and cleaning agents added to polish away surface defects and remove paint defects.
Unlike typical polishes, it leaves a protective paint sealant behind after polishing and removing contaminants.
When Should You Use a Cleaner Wax?
It is only necessary to use cleaner waxes when light contamination or light scratches on the clear coat need to be removed. Using a cleaner wax is pointless if your vehicle doesn’t have many defects and the finish is glassy smooth.
Wax cleaners remove a thin layer of paint from the surface. When you make paint thinner unnecessarily, you reduce the amount you can polish it later when you may need the extra thickness.
Is Cleaner Wax the Same as Polish?
Cleaner waxes are similar to polish, but not quite the same. A cleaner wax contains a polishing abrasives and chemical cleaners in addition to a finishing wax or sealant.
The cleaner wax will leave behind a layer of protection after polishing your car or truck, eliminating the need to apply a wax or paint sealant afterward.
How Do You Use Cleaner Wax?
- With a dual action polisher or by hand, cleaner wax can be applied. A bit of liquid product is applied to the polishing pad, then dabbed around the area you’re polishing.
- When polishing by hand, use circular motions.
- When using a DA polisher, work in sections of 2 feet by 2 feet and move the polisher horizontally. Be sure to overlap with the previous path to ensure that no area is missed in the opposite direction.
- Repeat the process vertically after polishing the horizontal area.
- Once you are done, you can buff away any remaining cleaner wax, and you should now have a high-gloss finish once again.
How Often Can You Use Cleaner Wax?
There is generally no problem with polishing a car or truck 4 to 5 times over its factory paint’s useful life. It is possible to compromise the integrity of the clear coat by applying more than this because the clear coat contains UV inhibitors that protect the paint from fading and oxidation.
Although you may have enough paint thickness to polish several times, you may have purchased your vehicle second-hand and do not know how many times it has been polished. You can use a paint thickness gauge to determine if you need to polish again if you’re concerned that you have less paint than is acceptable.
What To Use After Cleaner Wax?
Yes, if time and budget aren’t an issue, you can apply another layer of wax after the Cleaner Wax. However, it is essential to ensure that this wax does not contain any cleaning agents or polishing oils.
For some time, a debate has been raging on the internet about whether you should use after-cleaner wax. People have been taking both sides of the argument, so let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why it might be beneficial.
What are the Enhancers to Apply After Cleaner Wax?
Applying a cleaner wax to your car is a great way to keep it looking shiny and new. However, for an even deeper shine. You can apply many methods of enhancers after the cleaner wax.
Remove Contaminants Using a Clay Bar
Apply a lubricant to the car’s paint and rub the clay bar over it. By sliding over the paint, the clay bar will begin to pick up contaminants. Clean the car with a microfiber cloth after removing all the contaminants.
Benefits of Clay Bar Application
Clay bars are useful for removing contaminants left behind by cleaner waxes. Surface contaminants like rust or tar can be grabbed and removed by clay bars.
Furthermore, applying wax or sealant to the surface afterward provides an added layer of protection, safeguarding the paint from the elements.
Refine The Finish With a Polishing Compound
Using a microfiber cloth, apply a small amount of polishing compound. In order to achieve the desired polished finish, repeat this process a few times.
To achieve a glossy finish, buff off the polishing compound after it has been applied. As a result of buffing, the paint becomes smoother.
Benefits of Polishing Compound
The polishing compound not only helps to shine the paint but also seals and protects it from future harm. This helps to ensure that your car retains its beautiful appearance for longer.
It helps to remove any remaining surface imperfections. Also, helps to protect against further damage.
A Shinier Finish With Carnauba Wax
Before applying carnauba wax to your car, prepare the surface properly. Wash your vehicle with soap and water, then dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.
Once the car is completely dry. Apply a small amount of the wax with a foam applicator pad or cloth. Spread it over the surface in a circular motion. Allow the resin to cure for several minutes.
Benefits of Carnauba Wax
When applied after a cleaner wax, Carnauba wax can give a vehicle’s finish an extra shine. It also helps to protect the paint from the sun’s UV rays. It protects against smudges, streaks, and other environmental contaminants.
Regular car washes can help preserve the car’s paint and keep it looking attractive.
So, carnauba wax is a great way to enhance the shine of a finish. The car can look stunning and show-worthy with the proper application and care.
Apply quality Sealant
Apply a quality sealant onto the car’s exterior surfaces. Apply the cleaner wax with a soft foam applicator after washing the vehicle. The sealant provides a protective layer between the car’s exterior and the outside elements.
It helps prevent the paint’s fading and decay and makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
Benefits of Sealant
The sealant helps protect the paint from contaminants such as road salt. It can make removing dirt, grime, and road film easier. It further helps to give the color a glossy and vibrant finish, making it look better for longer.
And so, the glossy finish can be achieved with no issues.
Apply Synthetic Wax
To apply the wax, use a foam applicator pad and a microfiber cloth. First, apply the wax in a thin, even layer on the entire vehicle, covering every surface. Once the wax is dry, buff it out with a microfiber towel.
This will help to work the wax into the paint and create a glossy shine. With the right approach, you can achieve a clean car or complete detail with a thorough wash.
Benefits of Synthetic Wax
Synthetic wax is a superior protective layer to cleaner wax. As it is more durable and offers a longer-lasting shine and protection for the paint.
By using a combination of cleaner wax and synthetic wax, your vehicle’s paint stays protected. This is for a more extended period and is more resilient against dirt, debris, and harsh weather conditions.
To properly wax your car, start by washing the surface with soap and water and drying it with a clean cloth. Then apply a light coat of cleaner wax, spread it, and let it dry to a haze. Repeat this step with synthetic resin. Finally, buff the car’s surface with a clean cloth to shine.
What To Use After Cleaner Wax: Importance of Using Enhancers
Using an enhancer after a cleaner wax helps to add an extra layer of protection and gloss to your car’s finish. Enhancer works in various ways, such as:
Restoring shine: Enhancers help restore shine by adding depth and clarity to the paintwork. They provide a glossy finish that enhances the overall appearance of the car.
Masking minor imperfections: Even after using a cleaner wax, some minor scratches, and swirl marks may be visible on the paint. Enhancers contain fillers and polishing agents. That can help mask these imperfections.
Protection against environmental factors: Enhancers often include protective ingredients like polymers, waxes, or sealants. The protective layer helps prevent further damage or fading.
Prolonging the lifespan of the cleaner wax: Enhancers can extend the durability and longevity of the cleaner wax applied previously. By adding a layer of protection and enhancing the shine, they help preserve the results achieved from the cleaner wax.
5 Reasons Why You Can Apply Another Layer Of Wax
Your car will look better and be protected more if you apply a second layer of wax after the initial cleaner wax. Paint blemishes, scratches, and swirls should not be concealed by cleaner wax.
Neither will it give you a glossy look, nor will it provide lasting protection. A number of scenarios need to be considered here, and the application would depend on the reasons.
Reason 1: For The Moldings And Trim
In areas such as the dashboard and door panels, textured plastic is commonly used on the exterior of cars. This plastic should be treated with a trim detailer or dressing to keep it looking new and prevent discoloration.
This can be accomplished with Meguiar’s Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer. Besides protecting plastic from UV rays, this product gives it a glossy finish. A longer-lasting shine is also achieved with the product because it helps repel dust and dirt.
Reason 2: For Preserving The Paint Job
The finish of a car takes on a glossy and hard appearance after applying a cleaner wax. To help preserve the paint job of a car, you can also use shiny plastic wax.
To treat the entire car, begin by using Swirlx, a mild-abrasive compound. It is important to seal your car’s finish with a sealant in order to prevent dust, dirt, and UV rays from damaging the finish. In addition, it can improve your car’s appearance by reducing the appearance of minor scratches and blemishes.
Reason 3: For Removing Visible Scratches And Swirls
Meguiar’s ScratchX can be used on smaller areas if scratches remain visible. You can then move on to Ultimate Compound if this doesn’t work.
The Scratch X and ultimate compounds are great for removing visible scratches on the exterior of your car. You can then buff out the scratch with a clean cloth after you rub the product on the scratch.
You should also avoid using purple power paint on autos due to a few drawbacks.
When used on automotive surfaces, purple power paint may result in decreased visibility, sunlight fading, and chipping or peeling. Therefore, if you are advised to use this approach, be careful!
Reason 4: For Removing The Deeper Scratches
It may be necessary to purchase some good quality touch-up paint and use a fine-tip paint brush to repair deep scratches. It should be invisible and last for many years without rusting if the repair is done correctly.
A touch-up paint job can be a great way to repair your car’s paintwork. Cleaning and removing dirt or debris must be done before starting the repair process.
It is best to use a mild car soap or scratch remover for this. Once the area has been prepped, apply the touch-up paint with a small brush. You may need to add an additional layer if needed after letting the first one dry completely.
Applied properly, the repair should be seamless and protect the exterior from rust and other problems.
Reason 5: For Safeguarding Damages From Severe Scratches
In cases where the scratch is too severe, it is best to respray. As a result of the job, the scratch must be removed by sanding down the area. In order to give it a fresh new appearance, primer, a base coat, and a clear coat are applied.
Before repainting, the area must be thoroughly cleaned and all dirt, oils, and other contaminants must be removed. It is then necessary to apply a primer so that the paint has a consistent and even base, followed by a base coat to restore the color.
It is essential to apply a clear coat to protect the paint, and as mentioned previously, such outlining gives a glossy finish.
Tips & Tricks for Using Enhancers After Cleaner Wax
To prevent scratches, use a microfiber cloth and gentle car wash soap. UV damage and other environmental factors can be prevented by doing this.
Apply a sealant or clear coat to your car. Apply a quality sealant or clear coat designed for automotive use.
Scratches and chips can ruin the look of your car’s paint job. Wash and wax your car carefully to avoid scratching the paint.
Keep your car looking great by maintaining a durable paint finish. A long-lasting paint job requires proper cleaning, waxing, protection, and avoiding scratches.
What are the Disadvantages of Cleaner Wax?
Is the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none” familiar to you? The same can be said of most products that attempt to do several things at once. Cleaning waxes aren’t the best waxes or polishers, neither will they give you the best results. A big job can be cut in half with this method.
80% of the outcome results from 20% of the input, according to the 80-20 rule. This is an example where focusing on 20% of the results can yield 80% of the results.
Purchasing two separate products to shine and protect your vehicle will give you an extra 20% of results, but most people will be happy with the outcome of a good cleaner wax.
Is cleaner wax bad for your car?
Using cleaner waxes on a regular basis isn’t recommended, but they aren’t harmful. Designed to remove paint contaminants and imperfections from your car’s clear coat, it’s formulated with powerful cleaning chemicals and harsh abrasives.
Over time, minor surface defects and environmental contaminants will accumulate on your daily driver. A cleaner wax removes a thin layer from the surface of clear coats. It also removes bonded microscopic road grime and environmental fallout that normal car care and washing can’t remove, such as light swirls and scratches.
By removing these defects and surface contaminants periodically, you can restore a high gloss to your paint and leave a layer of protection on the surface.
Conclusion: What To Use After Cleaner Wax
When you are wondering what to use after cleaner wax. Ensure maximum shine and protection by using a finishing wax. By sealing the cleaner wax and adding a finishing wax, you can achieve a long-lasting glow.
Cleaner wax provides some level of protection for the vehicle’s paint. But, it is less durable and long-lasting than synthetic waxes. Using an additional product after cleaner wax can enhance and extend the protection of the vehicle’s paintwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it necessary to use something after cleaner wax?
Cleaner wax provides some level of protection for the vehicle’s paint. But, it is less durable and long-lasting than synthetic waxes. Therefore, use an additional product after cleaner wax to enhance and extend the protection of the vehicle’s paintwork.
When should you use a cleaner wax?
When the paint is heavily oxidized or needs a deep cleaning use cleaner waxes. This removes contaminants from the surface.
How often should I apply these products?
The frequency of application depends on various factors such as the product used, driving conditions, and climate. Ceramic coatings provide long-term protection, lasting two to five years. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific product you choose.
What is the difference between cleaner wax and polish?
Wax that is cleaner is not the same as wax that is polished. Cleaner wax combines wax and cleaner and is best used to protect and clean the paint. While the polish is best used to remove defects and restore shine.
How often should I use cleaner wax?
You should use cleaner wax on your vehicle’s paint every 3-4 months. This will help eliminate any contamination or buildup accumulated on the color. Cleaner wax will provide extra protection if done.