seeing wax and polish on a white car

[KidDetailer]

I was wondering if there is a technique to seeing leftover wax or polish on a white colored car. I think someone said if you use a xenon light you can see the left over residues, but I want to know if anyone has this type of experience.

[1994Gen1L]

Re: seeing wax and polish on a white car

I put my Oxford White F150 in the garage, it makes it a lot easier to see the wax vs. direct sun light.

[Detailing by M]

Re: seeing wax and polish on a white car

no real tricks, just keep looking and wipe, wipe, wipe.
Yes a light will help but I always double check my work in the sun, no matter what color it is.

[jarred767]

no real tricks, just keep looking and wipe, wipe, wipe.
Yes a light will help but I always double check my work in the sun, no matter what color it is.

That system requires sun though...not an option for all of us

[STRIFE]

Re: seeing wax and polish on a white car

I have 2 white cars and yea...no real tricks, i'd just concentrate on buffing each panel several times after a wax session...no matter how detailed I am...several days later I'd see a spot i missed...usually on a sunny day.
No biggie...I have a MF towels with me where ever I go

[s word]

Re: seeing wax and polish on a white car

I often end up polishing/waxing at night. What works for me is a MaxFire Dual Xenon light. Like Mario that always checks his work in the sun, I alway check my work with the MaxFire Dual Xenon. For lighter color cars it can be better to hold light at 30 or 45 degree angle from paint surface sometimes even less than 30, where as medium and dark colors can be shined directly. I also use this for spotting streaking in my windows. I am not good at getting windows perfect without the light.

[Tuck91]

Re: seeing wax and polish on a white car

Put your head against the side and look down the panels and you should see the film/residue stick out. A good final wipe always helps as wel.

[Nica_21]

I just bought my 1st light colored vehicle and went thru the same predicament. Working on the car in the garage with door open and sunlight in the back worked great. I definitely had to look at angles standing from close distance and slowly step backwards, using the backdrop of sunlight to help cut angles. I also noticed the before/after impact of polish/wax was less noticeable vs a darker color but it is what it is with lighter colors.

[ffboy]

Re: seeing wax and polish on a white car

I'd just go over the car, work slowly to allow yourself sufficient time to see if you have leftover wax. I would go over the car, wiping the panels slowly and gently with a soft, clean Microfiber and if needed, a quick detailer, depending on the wax/sealant used since some may require that the car be untouched by anything during that all important cure time.