Showcar Detail

Detailers that prepare show cars will often layer a carnauba wax on top of a synthetic wax. The synthetic wax acts as a gloss layer while the carnauba wax adds depth and liquidity. One combination that works very well is an initial coating of Klasse All-In-One followed by one or more coats of Pinnacle Paste Glaz or Souveran wax.

For the concourse shine, start with a coat of cream wax. Most cream waxes are designed to go on easily and buff off with little effort. If you have an exceptional glaze, such as Pinnacle Souveran or Zymol Concourse, apply two lite coats of your high quality wax.

Apply and buff the first coat of wax, as normal, and allow it to cure for 12-48 hours. Follow with a second coat. Note that the first coat of wax must have time to cure. If the wax does not cure (harden), the second coat will not improve your car’s appearance or protection. Properly applied, you will see a noticeable improvement in depth, richness of color, and gloss with the second coat of wax. Additional layers are far more subjective to most people, although many concourse winners use many layers to produce the desired depth.

What do you do if, after all this work, you still have streaks and areas that don’t want to polish up? There are several tricks, but the easiest is to park your car in the sun after waxing for 10-15 minutes. Let it get warm, but not hot, then take it back inside the garage. Next, using a good spray bottle and distilled water, schpritz a small area and buff with a clean terrycloth towel. The warmth of the car softens the wax, allowing it to polish to a clear, high gloss. If you don't have distilled water, use a detailing spray, such as Meguiar's Final Inspection