Many beginner car detailers and regular car owners ask themselves whether or not they should remove old wax before waxing a car. This is a solid question. I mean, think about it. The old wax on the car might interfere with the new wax.
So, I wanted to find out more about this matter. I went out to a local detailing shop and talked to a detailing professional who has been working on cars for over 15 years. This is what he told me about removing old wax.
Key Takeaway
- Yes, it’s advisable to remove old wax before applying a new coat, as this ensures that the new wax adheres properly to the paint for optimal protection and shine.
- To remove old wax from a car, you can use methods such as washing it off with a degreasing soap made for automotive paints, using a clay bar or applying a pre-wax cleaner, or even wiping with a cloth dipped in an acidic liquid like cola or vinegar.
Should I Remove Old Wax Before Waxing Car?
Yes. You should remove old wax before waxing your car because adding a fresh layer on top of an older layer of wax will haze your paint.
The wax lasts for about three months and you want to add a fresh layer of wax that will protect your car paint.
Wax is an organic substance that’s put on the car paint and is designed to protect it from scratches and environmental elements.
Wax is used for protection on car paint. Compared to polish which thins the clay coats out, the wax actually sits on top of the clear coat. It provides more protection to the paint by adding that extra layer. Since it offers protection from the car paint, there is no reason why you won’t want to wax your vehicle.
Wax usually lasts for about three months and costs around $135 to get done by a shop, or about $15 if you do it yourself.
Since there is a big difference in the cost, more and more car owners tend to wax their cars by themselves. However, just because you have the will to do something, doesn’t mean that you know how to do it.
That is where the question should removing old wax before applying a new layer of wax arises. It is a fair question that, to be honest, not even I knew before.
So, I got up early and went to a local detailing shop. A professional detailer always removes the old wax before applying a new layer of wax to a vehicle. They say that adding a fresh layer of wax to an old layer of wax will make your paint look hazy. That is something that we do not want.
How To Remove Old Wax On a Car?
- Wash the car to remove any contaminants from the paint
- Dilute Meguiar’s hyperwash in a bucket of water.
- Using a hand mitten, scrub the old wax from the paint.
- Grab a hose and wet the paint down to see if there is any wax left.
Whether you are a professional auto detailer or just a DIY car enthusiast, you need to know the importance of removing old wax before applying a new layer of wax. Although there are many methods for removing old wax on the internet, I think this is the easiest and cheapest way.
Here is how to remove old wax on a car:
1. Required items for the job
- Car wash mitt
- Meguiar’s Hyper Wash (see the price on amazon.com)
- Bucket with water
2. Wash the car
Washing your car before removing old wax is very important. When you drive your car, a lot of dirt and debris get stuck on the actual paint. Some of them are large enough and you can see them, but some of them are very tiny.
So, if you do not wash your car and remove the dirt and debris, when you scrub your paint with a mitt to remove the old wax, you will scratch the car paint. So, wash your car and then proceed to the next step.
Before actually removing the wax, you need to spray water on the car. I normally go panel by panel. So, what I would do is I would spray the hood with water, then remove the wax and move it onto the side panels, doors, trunk, etc. Grab a hose or a bucket with water and get the working surface wet.
3. Add some of the soap to the wash mitt
The Meguiar’s hyper wash is a highly concentrated soap that many detailers use. It has 400:1 dilution or one ounce per five gallons of water.
Do not use the soap without diluting it because it might damage the car paint. So, dilute the hyperwash soap into the water and then soak the mitt in it. Make sure that the mitt is fully soaked. Do not worry about your car paint, this soap will only remove the old wax.
4. Scrub to strip the old wax
Using a polishing-like motion, apply pressure to the paint using the soaked mitt. If the wax on the vehicle is old and has begun falling by itself, you will be able to remove the wax easily. However, if you waxed your car about a month ago, you might need to add some elbow grease.
While you remove the old wax, this hyper-wash soap will also remove any swirls that may have been there for years from improper washing and drying.
Let me shed some more light on here. If the wax on your vehicle is very old and has begun falling by itself, you can easily remove it with an all-purpose cleaner (that has no bleach, no fragrances, and no abrasive chemicals).
This means that regular dish soap can remove the wax. However, if the wax on your vehicle is around three months old, you will need a stronger soap, like the one I mentioned above.
5. Test to see if the wax has been removed
When a surface is properly waxed, the water beads up and runs off very quickly. It has a very distinct way of doing that. However, when the surface has no wax on it, the water kind of sits and doesn’t run. That is how you can test each panel of your vehicle and verify that you have indeed removed the old wax.
So, grab a hose or a bucket of water and test each panel one by one. In the car panels where the water beads up, you will need to re-do the whole process and remove the old wax. On the panels where the water just stays, those are good to go.
FAQs
Q: Can I wax over old wax?
A: While it is possible to wax over old wax, it is not recommended. Over time, multiple layers of wax may build up, causing the new wax to appear uneven or create a hazy finish. It is best to start with a clean surface.
Q: Should I use a wax remover or a clay bar to remove old wax?
A: Both wax removers and clay bars can be used to remove old wax from the car’s surface. However, a wax remover is more effective in dissolving the wax, while a clay bar can also remove embedded contaminants. Choose the method that suits your needs.
Q: How often should I wax my car?
A: The frequency of waxing depends on various factors such as the climate, usage, and type of wax used. As a general guideline, it is recommended to wax your car every 3-4 months to maintain the protection and shine.
Q: Can I use a car wash soap to remove old wax?
A: Car wash soap may not be strong enough to remove old wax from the surface. It is best to use a dedicated wax remover or warm water with mild soap for effective wax removal.
Q: How long does it take to remove old wax from a car?
A: The time required to remove old wax depends on factors such as the amount of wax and the size of the car. On average, it can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour to thoroughly remove old wax from a car.
Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol to remove old wax?
A: Rubbing alcohol can be used in small amounts to remove stubborn wax residue. However, it should be used sparingly and in well-ventilated areas as it can damage certain types of car paint.
Q: What are the benefits of removing old wax before waxing my car?
A: Removing old wax before waxing your car allows for better adhesion of the new wax, resulting in a more durable and long-lasting finish. It also helps to remove any accumulated dirt or contaminants, giving your car a cleaner appearance.
Q: Can I wax my car without removing old wax?
A: While it is possible to wax your car without removing old wax, it is not recommended. The new wax may not properly bond to the surface, resulting in less effective and uneven protection. It is always best to start with a clean base.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, removing old wax before applying a new layer is a critical step in vehicle maintenance.
This process ensures that the new wax can properly bond with the paint surface, providing maximum protection and enhancing the overall shine of your car. Ignoring this step could compromise the effectiveness of the new wax.
Therefore, for optimal results and to keep your car looking its best, always make sure to remove any old wax before re-waxing your vehicle.