How to Restore the Shine after Rubbing Compound Dulls the Finish of a Car? Proper car maintenance can prolong the life of your car for years, but sometimes it feels like you are fighting an uphill battle. For example, the application of polishing compound can fix scratches and oxidation on the surface of a vehicle but usually leaves the finish looking dull or cloudy. The experts at Turtle Wax advice that applying a wax coating to your car after using such a compound can restore shine and also seal and protect your car against future damage. Things you will need •
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Non-abrasive wax Car sponge Clean towels Paper towels Window cleaner Park your vehicle in a shady area where it is shielded from direct sunlight. Intense light or heat can cause the wax to dry unevenly, causing streaks or swirls in the finish. Shake the bottle of nonabrasive wax to mix all the contents thoroughly. If you use a wax that is solid instead of liquid, it will be well mixed. Always be sure to use non-abrasive products to avoid scratching the surface of the car. Apply a few drops of wax to a soft body sponge. Apply only enough to work on a small section of the car at a time (a door, the fender) to prevent wax buildup. Rub the wax on the surface of the car in a thin and even coat. Keep wax away from window trim, door seals, and other black or rubber areas, as wax can leave stains. Allow the wax to sit in the car until opaque fog forms. It will usually take one to two minutes. Polish the wax on the surface of the car with a clean, soft towel or terry cloth. Work in small circles on the surface to restore the brightness. Fold the towel every 30 seconds or so to make sure you are using a clean section on the surface of the car. You can also change the sheets if necessary to make sure the towel is always clean. Repeat the waxing and polishing on the entire surface of the car. If you arrive at the wax where you do not want it, such as adjusting the window, clean it immediately with a clean cloth or paper towels and window cleaner. Allow all the wax to dry before moving the car in the sunlight again. Follow the specific instructions for wax products about the drying time. Tips & warnings
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Adequately applied wax last for three to four months.