How to Wax a Black Car

Co-authored by Chad Zani

Last Updated: February 23, 2023 References

Once they are waxed, cars with black paint are more likely to show blemishes, swirls, streaks, and other imperfections compared to cars with other paint colors. Black cars require a special type of wax referred called black car wax. Pick up some pointers, and learn how to wax a black car to the best of your ability so that the car looks as good as new.

Steps

1
Find out which type of black paint your car has, and buy a cleaner that is designed specifically for your car's type of paint. The different types of paints used on automobiles are Acrylic Lacquer, Acrylic Enamel, and Urethane based paints.^{[1]
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2
Wash and dry your black car before you begin waxing. A thorough wash and dry is very important to allow the wax to be applied smoothly.^{[2]
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3
Purchase black car wax. Use the wax if your black paint has hairline scratches or other minor blemishes or if it needs its shine restored. Colored wax can restore the shine of fading paint only if the paint is oxidized.^{[3]
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4
Apply black car wax by hand. Use a damp terry cloth or cheesecloth, and squeeze or scoop out a small amount of wax onto your cloth. Apply the wax with moderate pressure, and use circular motions that overlap. Moderate pressure ensures that the wax can get fully worked into scratches and other blemishes.^{[4]
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5
Buff out the recently applied wax after it has dried to a glaze. This ensures that all the excess wax is removed and the new shine is revealed.^{[5]
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6
Use a lamb's wool buffing pad to buff an extra dose of "wet look" shine if the previous step didn't create a shine that satisfies you.^{[6]
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Community Q&A

Question

My car is metallic black and has minor scratches that really irritate me. What exactly can I use to remove the scratches?

Silkyslim

Community Answer

Buff the car.
Question

What are some places where I could purchase buffer compound and pads?

Community Answer

Any auto parts store, like NAPA, Harbor Freight Tools, etc. should have them.

Warnings

It is always best to wax a black car in a garage unless the temperature outside is below 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). Never wax your car in direct sunlight if the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

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Make sure the wax is fully dry, but not too dry, before you buff it out, otherwise, you won't get a brilliant shine. Adequate dry time depends upon environmental factors, such as humidity levels and temperature. If the temperature is below 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius) wait until the temperature rises to ensure adequate dry time.

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If the paint on your car has crazed (this is a combination of fading, cracking, and discoloration) or if scratches go through to the primer, wax and rubbing or polishing compounds are not going to help you. In this case, you will need to use touch-up paint or have the paint touched up at an auto body shop.

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