Car enthusiasts visiting specialized car washes have heard suggestions for additional waxing of their car more than once.
Many agree, which, of course, they do not regret at all. The car becomes not only clean, but also extremely bright, especially in the play of sunlight.
Today we will talk about what the waxing process is, what types of wax exist, and also highlight their main advantages and disadvantages.
What does car body waxing do?
The main purpose of the wax coating is to improve the appearance of the car and create a special protective film.
During this treatment, the wax particles are heated quite strongly, as a result of which they are melted.
Due to this, the wax is able to fill all the microcracks in the paint layer. The surface is leveled.
In sunny weather, light rays are almost completely reflected from the car body, creating a spectacular mirror shine.
An important factor in the use of wax is and.
This is facilitated by the resulting water-repellent film.
You have probably noticed how, after waxing, water rolls off the surface of the car in tiny droplets.
This is precisely the result of the formation of a protective film. It protects the car body not only from harmful road chemicals, but also from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, as well as natural substances, such as resin.
It will be noticeably easier to remove it from the waxed surface.
In fairness, we say that any other dirt is washed off much better.
Types of car wax
In total, there are 4 main types of wax used for bodywork.
This wax is diluted with hot water before application. The process of its application is quite complicated.
The wax mass must be evenly sprayed over the entire surface of the car immediately after washing the car.
The main advantages of this type of wax are the creation of a dense protective layer that provides protection even against corrosion.
The effectiveness of this wax treatment lasts a very long time. The disadvantage is the laborious application process.
Cold wax.
A similar wax coating is applied by rubbing into the paint layer of the car.
This process is much easier. As a result, the body becomes mirror-shiny, however, the film formed during this method waxing, less resistant.
Hard wax.
Application hard wax the most difficult of all other types of processing.
It should be used on a cleaned body surface, after which it is necessary to additionally polish it.
The resulting coating is extremely resistant to washout, and the effect of its action will be the longest, up to 4 months.
Among the shortcomings, we single out the duration of the application process.
This type of wax is the easiest to use. It is sprayed on the surface of the car immediately after washing and rubbed with a soft suede or flannel cloth.
This creates a thin protective layer giving the car a brilliant shine.
Unfortunately, this film is easily washed off. Usually the protection is enough for one or two washes, after which it is necessary to apply the wax coating again.
Summing up
At the end of the article, we will say that waxing the surface of a car body must be carried out in conjunction with other preventive measures -, etc.
It is the paint layer that suffers during the operation of the car in the first place. The task of the car owner is to protect it to the maximum or at least minimize the damaging effects of harmful environmental factors.
How more driver will pay attention to this longer car will retain its original appearance, without the formation of microcracks in the paint layer and, as a result, without the formation of corrosion centers.
Sooner or later, but the painted coating on car body becomes cloudy and microcracks form on it, after a while becoming very noticeable and greatly spoiling the appearance of the car. If nothing is done, then moisture, dirt and sunlight will contribute to the expansion of cracks in the paintwork. Motorists are trying to fight the resulting microcracks with a polish. However, it gives a temporary effect. In order to completely eliminate them on the paintwork and prevent the spread of microscopic cracks, chips and scratches, you need to treat the surface with liquid wax.
What are the benefits of liquid wax?
Wax on the painted coating forms a reliable protective film. The result is:
Protection against water, snow, dirt and reagents;
Liquid wax neutralizes chemical residues after car washing;
Gives shine to the body coating;
Fills cracks and scratches and makes the surface smooth;
transforms appearance cars.
What are the types of liquid wax?
It comes in the following types:
Spray wax. Applying it is not very difficult, but its disadvantage is that it will not last long on the coating.
Liquid wax. Such wax is applied with a piece of cloth and rubbed over the entire surface. Such protection will last longer than the previous type.
Hard wax. It is difficult to apply, but it provides reliable protection up to half a year.
Synthetic wax. This coating is the most durable and reliable appearance protection. It can often not be applied, once every 5-6 months is enough. The composition of this wax includes compounds contained in shampoos.
Depending on what type of wax, the technological process of its application is also used:
Cold wax. Since this substance is liquid, it should be applied manually, then only after washing the car. It contains CAV and an emulsifier.
Hot wax. Such a transparent substance is very resistant to wear. This substance melts at a temperature of about 40-90 degrees. It needs to be melted down first. hot water, and then manually apply to the body of the vehicle and polish. Hot wax contains a corrosion inhibitor.
Wax foam composition. Such an emulsion should be applied with special equipment. The foam adheres strongly to the surface and creates a uniform polish.
How to apply liquid wax to a car?
In order for the wax to firmly grip the paintwork and protect the body coating, the body must first be washed and blown well warm air.
The wax must be applied evenly. Its excess, after a couple of minutes, must be washed off. Its application should begin from the roof with a gradual lowering down.
Advantages
LKP after processing shines well;
The protective wax film does not allow the coating to deteriorate;
A car covered with it washes better;
Dries faster.
Protects the paintwork well from pollution, chemicals and UV rays.
If you've ever used a self-service car wash, you've probably seen the waxing feature. It is carried out already at the final stage of cleaning. auto vehicle and is designed to give the car body shine and protect it from corrosion, small scratches and exposure to harsh chemicals. At the same time, the implementation of this procedure requires certain skills from the owner of the car, otherwise the coating will not be able to complete the task assigned to it. If you are not sure how to wax at a self-service car wash, the following information will be helpful.
Types of wax
Before talking about how to wax a car at a self-service car wash, you should understand what it is this coating. It is a fat-like substance, which, when rubbed over the body, forms a thin protective film on its surface. The main classification divides these funds into the following varieties:
- spray is a liquid mixture that is applied by spraying and has a low resistance (usually washed off after 1-2 washes);
- liquid wax has a thicker consistency and is rubbed over the surface of the body with a sponge, due to which it retains its protective properties for 4-5 washes;
- a hard coating is applied to a dry surface, this process is quite laborious, but the protective film is kept on the body for 3-4 months.
Car wash waxes can be of organic (animal or vegetable), mineral or synthetic origin. Artificial coatings are considered the most effective, since the film formed by them is kept on the surface of the car for six months. Another classification of such products is based on the application technology:
- cold wax is an aqueous emulsion of a fat-like substance applied with a sponge on the body and is characterized by low stability;
- hot wax has a fat-like consistency, is stirred into hot water for application to a car and forms a stable coating, often containing corrosion inhibitors;
- Foamy wax is prepared by blowing air into a mixture of product with water, resulting in an emulsion with good performance adhesion to the body surface.
Waxing technology at a self-service car wash
Dealing with properties this tool, you can now consider how to properly apply wax on. At such enterprises, customers can be offered all types of appropriate coatings, but the cost of the service depends on the choice of a particular one:
- so, wax-containing car shampoos and sprays are the easiest to use, which determines their affordable price;
- liquid and solid coatings are more difficult to use, moreover, they are more expensive, so the prices for their application are several times higher compared to the previous option;
- the most expensive coating is synthetic wax, its use in self-service car washes is quite rare.
The very same technology for applying a wax coating on a car is quite simple, but several conditions must be met:
- the surface of the body must be clean, and when using hard wax, it must also be dry;
- the procedure should not be carried out in the open sun, as its radiation prevents the formation of a uniform film on the case;
- before use, liquid wax or spray must be thoroughly shaken so that its particles are evenly distributed throughout the volume of the emulsion;
- wax should be applied to a clean and dry surface, after which it should be polished over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe body with a soft cloth or sponge.
Many car owners ask whether it is necessary to wash off the wax after application? In no case, because this will deprive the body of your car of a protective layer that prevents the appearance of small scratches and aggressive environmental influences. The coating will gradually come off the surface after each wash, so over time you will have to repeat this procedure regularly.
There are a huge number of different tools that are designed to treat the car body with its further protection. Some of these substances, such as wax, do have a protective function. Your attention is given detailed description types of wax. Also, it is told about the functions of this wax coating, and what technology is used for application. What is the best hard wax for a car? Rating and application technologies. More on this and more.
What it is?
Car wax is designed to protect paintwork. This tool creates a kind of film that allows you to maintain the integrity of the body from various minor damage and cracks.
And at the moment when it was applied to the paintwork, where there was already damage, it is able to hide the defect and protect the body from further destruction. Since the wax prevents water, salt and other chemicals from reaching the metal, it does not corrode. Based on this, it becomes clear that wax is an excellent protection for the body from ultraviolet rays, rust, minor scratches and chips.
How does he protect?
Applying wax to the car body after washing the car makes the appearance of the vehicle more attractive, the paintwork becomes shiny. Wax allows you to protect the car from drops of water that fall on the vehicle, flow down and gradually dry out, leaving no trace behind.
Types of wax
It must be divided into several classifications:
- Solid.
- Liquid.
- Spray.
- Synthetic.
Wax in the form of a spray is not popular, as it does not protect the car paintwork well and is washed off after several washes. That is why drivers most often refuse this type of protection. But, despite this, wax in the form of a spray is simply applied to the car.
Liquid wax, due to its properties, resists various influences well compared to spray. The application technology is not simple: it is necessary to apply it on the body with a soft cloth and gradually rub it.
With regards to hard wax, it has distinctive application properties. It must be applied to a completely dry surface of the body. This process takes too long, but the result lasts much longer: protective wax enough for 3-4 months.
But synthetic wax is the most resistant, it allows you to protect the coating for six months. Synthetic wax is applied very simply: it can be spread evenly. This product is an ingredient in certain special car shampoos.
Rating
In the first place is the products of the American company Meguair. It is, of course, quite expensive. But its quality is top notch.
Second place is Turtle Wax. Ease of application and duration of effect are the main trump cards.
Third place Black Magic. Low price but excellent quality.
Fourth place is occupied by Zymol. And although it should be used with caution, the result lasts for a long time.
Fifth place occupies several positions at once. Mothers, Sonax, Karcher, 3M and Armor All Car are all good enough in terms of price and performance.
Classification by application method
It also has its own classification according to the method of application.
- Hot.
- Foamy.
- Cold.
Is special liquid, which contains a large number of cationic components, as well as a wax emulsion. Such an unusual coating for a car is applied manually. But it has significant disadvantage Unfortunately, it doesn't last very long. To fix the effect after each car wash, it is necessary to re-apply it.
Hot wax in its composition is a liquid substance that is of natural or artificial origin. This substance melts at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. This type of wax is considered the highest quality, since it is absolutely transparent, no traces remain on the car.
Hot wax lends itself well to various weather tests. The material retains its working ability for a long time. For six months, the owner may not remember that the body needs to be protected from corrosion or any other influences. The method of applying hot wax is that it must be diluted with hot water, and then rubbed over the entire body with a soft cloth or sponge. The only drawback of such a substance is the high price.
Foamy wax, in its characteristics, is completely similar to hot wax, but the only difference is in the application method. It is not possible to spread this substance on the vehicle coating by hand, as this requires special equipment. This device should create a foam emulsion with the help of air and water. Application this wax makes it possible to provide a high degree paint protection.
Origin Classification
Car wax has several types of origin:
- Bee.
- Mineral.
- Synthetic.
- Vegetable.
In terms of composition, each of these types of wax has a general similarity, so you should not pay attention to the type of origin when choosing a coating to protect the body.
Depending on the type of hard wax for the car, it has its own characteristics.
When choosing a wax to apply to the car body, it is necessary to take into account the fact that too much low price says that it will be unstable and will not last long. Liquid and solid materials are often worked out only by those cars that have been in use for no more than five years.
And for those vehicles that are a little older, abrasive polishing is ideal. Wax provides ideal body protection, polishing makes the appearance attractive due to the fact that the top layer of varnish will be removed.
Wax with abrasives is similar to traditional polishing, so this parameter must be taken into account when choosing a composition. Abrasive wax is necessary in order to improve and refresh the appearance of the car and remove any defects.
For new vehicles that do not have defects on their coating, pure wax without any additional components should be used.
Some features of hard wax car coating
It is necessary to cover the car with wax in the garage so that direct sunlight does not fall. Before applying the working composition, it is necessary to mix everything thoroughly. After polishing the car, you should dry it and wipe the surface with a rag or napkin so that it is dry.
It is worth noting the fact that often the application of hard wax to the car is included in the cost of washing the car.
When using shampoo, which contains wax, the car must be washed with warm water. When applying a coating to a car body, the same movements should be made from top to bottom. When washing the car, it is recommended to wash the wheels with another sponge. Also, try not to use silicone products or shampoos that have alkali or acid in their composition. This will negatively affect the condition of the car.
It often happens that technical condition vehicle is on high level, while the appearance leaves much to be desired - the paintwork loses its original luster, fades, microcracks appear on it, which eventually transform into scratches. Modern market offers many products to improve similar situation, but many of them provide only a short-term effect. To completely get rid of small defects and prevent their aggravation, liquid car wax is used - a very effective and at the same time affordable tool for most car owners.
What effect to expect?
The main useful property wax products- this is the formation of a protective film on the paintwork surface, which will reduce the negative impact of moisture, dust and dirt, chemicals on existing microcracks. In addition, car waxing:
- refresh its appearance;
- will add shine to the coating;
- due to the difficult penetration of dirt and dust particles, it will facilitate washing;
- promotes rapid drying;
- Provides protection from UV rays.
Varieties
Types of wax for the car are classified according to the following parameters:
- By properties:
- spray - the most convenient in terms of speed and ease of application, but also the least durable. Ideal for emergency vehicle preening;
- liquid - quite stable and easy to use - just apply and rub the product on a pre-washed surface;
- solid - differs in the method of application, which is carried out only on a completely dry surface. The process itself is long and rather laborious, but the effect will last from 3 to 6 months;
- synthetic - is considered the most durable and most resistant to external adverse factors. Apply no more than once every six months.
- Depending on the application method, there are:
- cold wax - the main components of such a product are emulsion wax and cationic surfactants. The use of this substance is within the power of any car owner. The cold wax composition fills all micro-damages, gives the car a well-groomed appearance and protects the surface of the body. The only significant disadvantage is the fragility of the wax coating, so it is recommended to apply it after every second wash;
- hot wax is a very persistent transparent fat-like substance, consisting of natural or artificial ingredients. Very often they include chemical compounds slowing down corrosion processes. This agent is melted in hot water (from 40 to 90 ° C), after which it is manually applied to the car and polished. The cost of hot wax for a car is quite high, but quite justified, given that the application is made every 6-12 months;
- foamy wax - very similar in quality to hot wax. One of significant differences is the need to apply special equipment for applying a foamy type, which, by creating a foamy emulsion, ensures a uniform distribution of the composition over the surface of the car and durability.
- According to its composition, wax can be:
- animals;
- vegetable;
- mineral;
- synthetic.
However, the components do not affect beneficial features substances are therefore very rarely taken into account when choosing.
How to apply wax?
For high-quality car waxing, you must adhere to the following rules:
- you can apply the product only after washing;
- do not apply wax at very low or very high temperature, as well as at high humidity;
- do not use hard cloths or sponges for application;
- you should not try to cover the entire body in one fell swoop - it is much more efficient to process it in parts, while making sure that there are no pronounced transitions between the polished elements.
Application of hard wax
This rather laborious process is performed in the following sequence:
- Dry the car thoroughly after washing.
- Evenly apply the composition to the body. To do this, it is convenient to use a dry soft cloth or sponge.
- Thoroughly rub the product over the entire surface of the car.
- Next, you should let the wax dry - this will be evidenced by the appearance of a matte coating.
- We remove the excess.
- Polish the surface with a soft cloth.
Application of liquid wax
Allow the washed car to dry slightly (but not completely). In the meantime, dilute the wax in warm water in the proportions indicated by the manufacturer. Spray the resulting solution evenly over the paint surface, leave for a few minutes. Wash off excess with water. To eliminate excess moisture, you can blow the vehicle with warm air, and then polish the body with a soft cloth.
cold wax application
Due to the fragility of the coating, cold wax is applied after 1-2 washes. Fortunately, this process does not take long. The composition is simply sprayed on the car, and its excess is washed off with water.
Hot wax application
When buying such a vehicle, you should first of all ask what color of the vehicle it is intended for. car wax diluted in hot water, applied to the car with a soft sponge and polished with a napkin. At the same time, you need to ensure that direct sunlight does not fall on the car.
Waxing does not require special skills and knowledge, therefore, if it is not possible to do it at a car wash, then the procedure is performed independently and takes no more than 30 minutes for experienced motorists.
