Applying Paste Wax with the DA Polisher

[BJClarke001]

This is a “Helpful Hint” that I use when applying Paste Wax (opposed to liquid) with the DA Polisher. I can’t say I invented it but I tried it, and it works for me.

When using the DA Polisher for applying paste waxes. First, prime (if it is dry) the polishing pad by taking a foam applicator full of the wax (from the can) and swipe it onto the pad. Make sure to cover the entire polishing pad with the wax and work it in. Now, dip the foam applicator into the wax and get a liberal amount of wax on the applicator (you will see in time how much you’ll need) and wipe it on a fender (or what ever area panel your working) in 5-6 different spread out areas on the same panel (I usually do it in vertical lines so the DA picks up fresh wax on each row while working in a horizontal method of application).

Take your DA polisher, place the pad flat against your finish in an area that has smeared on wax that you just applied and turn on the DA and work the entire panel. Of course this may not work on very hot days because the smeared on wax may dry faster (hasn’t done it to me yet). In that case, you just work in smaller areas instead of the entire panel.

This works for me fantastic using Gold Class Paste Wax. I can do my entire Explorer in less then an hour (including removal of the dried on wax). And for some reason, I think it looks better then the liquid wax. But that is just my thought even though in theory, it should make no difference, paste or liquid.

[Don]

I use a similar trick when I use my rotary. I apply the product to a foam applicator and cover an area of the panel I'm about to buff with the product. I have found that this greatly minimizes sling and keeps the product 'workable' over a slightly larger area for a more consistant amount of time.

[3Dog]

I "warm" the paste wax and then apply to pad with plastic knife.

[jared_irl]

Just curious....

What's the advantage?

When using the PC to apply a LSP, the only advantages I can see are speed and uniform application, right?

With all of the extra prep that comes along with this, is it really that much faster? Whether it be warming the wax, prepping the panel with wax, or finding a way to get the wax on the larger pad, don't you actually lose time? I mean I could be a few panels deep by the time you get the pad ready...

As far as uniform app, I do see the point here, but are there pastes that are *really* that finicky to remove that makes this a requirement?

Besides Klasse SG, which is a liquid, what other LSP's do you use that makes this so critical? I know with NXT paste, if you let it haze, it comes off extremely easy, no matter how think you put it on...

Not trying to knock you guys, and i'm sure i'll go home and try this later tonight, just wondering why you do it...

[BJClarke001]

Originally posted by jared_irl

Not trying to knock you guys, and i'm sure i'll go home and try this later tonight, just wondering why you do it...

Hello Jared_irl,

If I understand correctly, your wondering about the benefits of using a LSP (Wax) and a DA Polisher opposed to the old fashioned method of applying it all by hand.

Well, I use the DA for a couple of reasons.

1) The biggest reason is that I can wax my whole Explorer in about 45 minutes (including removing the wax).

2) I find that the coverage is assured by use of the DA machine.

3) My arm doesn't feel tired when I am done. And even sometimes, I may go and put a second coat of wax on.

4) I have better control of putting a thin coat of wax on by use of the machine. Thus, saving $$$ and not wasting product.

5) To me, it looks a lot better.

In all, I don't see any prep time unless your refering to the warming of the paste wax, which I don't do. Granted, there is an extension cord that has to be un-wrapped and re-rolled when done. But to me, that is minor. I hope you went home and tried it out as you stated in your post and you are now a believer.

BTW: I typically use liquid wax (with the DA) but also have several paste wax cans laying around and therefore, was the reason this helpful hint was created to show others how I apply it.

Let the Shine be with you.

[Accumulator]

A few reasons why I do it:

The motions are different from hand-application. I first used a machine to apply LSP when suffering from shoulder problems that would have prevented me from detailing. This worked so well I found I liked it better than doing it by hand so I stuck with it after the shoulder issues abated.

The machine helps with products like #16 in a functional sense- it really does a great job with the "turn it liquid" technique that contributes so much to a thin and uniform application.

With some products (e.g. #16) but not others (e.g., Klasse SG) I get more coverage out of less product when applying by machine.

Some LSPs seem to look better when they're "worked" a bit as opposed to merely wiped on. Not sure just why this is, or why it applies to some products (primarily carnauba-based as opposed to synthetics) but not others, but I've seen it so I accept it. All those orbits-per-minute beat anything I can do by hand when using these types of products.

And lastly, I enjoy using the Cyclo so much that I almost look for excuses to get it out

I dunno about *speed* though. I can apply a LSP mighty fast by hand and it takes a bit of time to get the machine out and put it away. I can probably do the job in less time by hand unless it's something really huge or otherwise problematic.

[matt colvin]

Maybe jared_irl was wondering why you use paste wax with the pc rather than a liquid variant, as it seems to need special preparation.

Some people just seem to think it looks better. I've never done it before, so I really can't add any thought here. But it does seem, for me anyways, that I'm more apt to buy paste wax than liquid. So I guess that if that is the case for most, if would be in part that people already have the wax handy.

That, and everyone says it much easier to put on a thin even coat using the PC.

I might try this for myself using #16 when I get off for summer break. Sound interesting. Although I will say that I do "enjoy" applying a good paste wax by hand, even if I am getting a little tired, just makes me appreciate the end result more, lol.

[sneek]

isn't the first part of that tip in one of the meguairs videos?