After compounding and polishing, it’s necessary to apply wax to seal the finish and protect it from rain or sun exposure. Any car wax will do, but we like using Meguiar’s Gold Class Liquid Wax for its carnauba-polymer formula that delivers an intensely reflective, brilliant shine that lasts.
Unlike compound or polish, wax must dry on the surface to deliver the best results. Pour a few drops of wax on a foam applicator pad, apply over the paint, and dry for five to ten minutes before buffing off the excess using a microfiber towel.
However, do not apply wax to freshly painted surfaces. If you had to sand, prime, and paint to restore the faded surface, do not apply wax after polishing. Doing so will prevent the paint solvents from gassing, curing, or achieving the desired hardness.
It’s better to wait 60 or more days for a freshly painted surface to fully cure before applying a protective layer of wax. On the other hand, it’s okay to compound and polish a newly painted surface to remove orange peel and bring out the glossy shine.
