Do you like waxing by hand or machine...

[rider9195]

when using a paste wax?

Just want to see how others prefer to apply a paste wax.


I have used my Porter Cable with different finishing pads to apply both Midnight Sun and Max Wax. It just doesn't compare to applying them by hand to me. It feels like I am doing something magical to the paint because the wax goes on smoothly like butter. You just don't feel that when applying by machine. It's kinda hard to explain fully, but even if it takes longer by hand, I enjoy it so much more.

What about you guys?

[bmwgalore]

By machine always! (blue finessing pad)

But under the hood, trunk and door jambs, I simply remove the blue pad from the polisher and finish those areas by hand.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Machine, NO QUESTION!!!

[loudog2]

Hand always

[Dugdug]

Both. Depends on the job. If I really like the car and I'm doing an extensive detail then I'll do it by hand.

[mwoolfso]

95% by hand for the same reasons already mentioned.

[hondacare]

It is a workout. If you are able and have the luxury of time hands win. It is more of a personal experience. Gives added appreciation for a job well done.

Sent from my cm_tenderloin using AG Online

[glen e]

3 inch orbital.....every time

[bmwgalore]

Some waxes/sealants must be applied super thin, a machine is ALWAYS better to get a thin even coat.

[PPLd]

I do both.

As mentioned by other forum members, a machine work better at laying down a thin even layer of product.
But it is a enjoyable experience to put down a layer of quality paste wax by hand.

So if I have time I will do it panel by panel by hand. Otherwise I may use a DA and apply, whether it is paste or liquid, carnauba or synthetic doesnt matter.

[Eddie 70]

It is much easier for me to do it by machine. I have only waxed two cars with my machine so far but it is easier to put on that thin layer of Collinite 845 by machine.

[Alvin]

By hand

[RoadRageDetail]

If its liquid, machine.

If its paste, hand.

Reason behind that for me: Liquids are a lot faster to detect once they've dried if they have gotten stuck in a crevice or seam or badge, etc. I can be a lot more liberal as far as where they go so a machine does pretty well for me. I can do a lot more precision application by hand, so buildup that may not show up in a tight spot for a couple days is a lot easier to avoid in those areas of the car.

[Buckskincolt]

Machine 95% of the time, much more of a thin even coat and I'm done in 1/3 of the time, always remove by hand that's when you get the smooth slick feel!

[SonOfOC]

Machine 98% of the time. 2% is via an foam applicator in hard to reach areas like door cups.

DA with wax/sealant + crimson foam pad is almost sinfully easy. I one arm the entire process and don't even work up a sweat.