Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

[Expertcarpetcare]

I see countless videos of detailers applying expensive waxes with their bare hands. Something about the enzymes activating is the most I've managed to pick up.

Can anyone give some more insight on the difference from using your hands to using a sponge, to using a D/A and your opinion of what provides the best quality finish, if any?

Is there a scientific explanation that justifies why applying wax by bare hands enhances the product's effectiveness?

And lastly, can this bare hand technique be used with Meguiar's waxes? Or does it matter?

[Tuck91]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

I wouldnt want the oils from my hands on the paint.

Streaking will more than likely occur.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

I wouldnt want the oils from my hands on the paint.

Streaking will more than likely occur.

Thats how Paul Dalton applies wax.

[Tuck91]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

Thats how Paul Dalton applies wax.

Well, thats the way he does it.

I tried it once and when it came time for removal, some light streaking occured.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?


It prolly depends upon the type of wax being used.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?


I have applied Pinnacle Souveran paste by hand, and had absolutely no issue at all.

I don't know if it is a good idea to be handling the stuff with bare skin though

[JaguarXj6L]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

I know a few people who will do that on occasion, but I find a perfectly fine microfiber to be sufficient. If I'm tired, I'll normally switch to my cheapo Walmart buffer.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?


I prefer a small, round, foam pad, as cloth will absorb, and thus waste product.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

Myself personally, can not figure out any advantage of applying it by hand.

[nothelle]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

It'll make you look cool and make people think you know what you're doing, other than that i haven't been able to see significant difference in result. Plus i waste more product using bare hand and kinda hard to make thin application

[Fly Bye]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?


The Pinnacle Souveran paste wax can be hard. What I have done in the past is: Pop the whole piece, or pieces from the container, then rub/glide it across the finish. When an adaquate amount of wax is on the finish, put the piece back in the container, and then go back over the finish with a small, round, foam applicator.

It can be hard to get the Souveran paste wax onto a foam applicator, so removing it from the container (and rubbing the product directly onto the paint) makes it really easy to get it onto the finish. I use a rubber glove when handling the stuff, as I don't know if the stuff is harmfull when it penetrates the pores of my skin.

In my case, applying Souveran paste wax by hand has absolutely nothing to do with the end result, but allows the product to be easily applied.

[Expertcarpetcare]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

I've been applying paste waxes to the soft foam pad of my 110 with a butter knife and spreading it on like butter, then applying it to the car at a speed of around 3.5

So far, nobody sees any benefit to using bare hands hm?
I can see benefit to using the D/A, it applies the right amount, and does it faster and
even helps clean up the paint while doing it.

We used to have streaking problems with dark and black cars after applying wax by hand with foam pad. Since we started using the DA polisher to apply, we have never had a streaking problem. No more frantically wiping down the hood in the lot minutes before the customer arrives because you still see those streaks! Those days are gone

[FRS]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

Nothing wrong with hand application imo.

Waxed many cars in the past using bare hands, all good.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

So far, nobody sees any benefit to using bare hands hm?

I've been applying paste waxes to the soft foam pad of my 110 with a butter knife and spreading it on like butter...

You are obviously not using a "hard paste wax".

I guess you didn't read my post.

The Pinnacle Souveran paste wax can be hard.

It can be hard to get the Souveran paste wax onto a foam applicator

In my case, applying Souveran paste wax by hand has absolutely nothing to do with the end result, but allows the product to be easily applied.

[nothelle]

Re: Applying wax by hand, does it make a difference?

I've been applying paste waxes to the soft foam pad of my 110 with a butter knife and spreading it on like butter, then applying it to the car at a speed of around 3.5

So far, nobody sees any benefit to using bare hands hm?
I can see benefit to using the D/A, it applies the right amount, and does it faster and
even helps clean up the paint while doing it.

We used to have streaking problems with dark and black cars after applying wax by hand with foam pad. Since we started using the DA polisher to apply, we have never had a streaking problem. No more frantically wiping down the hood in the lot minutes before the customer arrives because you still see those streaks! Those days are gone

Now this i agree, D/A enables uniform and thin application, but it waste even more product for me: bigger foam pad, kinda hard to squeeze that wax from the pore, coz of the thickness. As long as we can get it thin, uniform layer: bare hand, applicator pad, D/A shouldn't matter though, whichever makes you feel good...