A friend of mine and I had a discussion regarding waxing cars. 3 days ago I waxed my GTI with a simple Meguiar's Hand applicant and was amazed at how the car looked. I decided to go out and buy a clay bar kit and figured what the heck, I'd give it a shot. He claimed that waxing or using clay often times would hurt the clear coat. I can understand the clay, but I cannot see how waxing would hurt the car, especially a wax like Mequiar's or Mothers.

I have heard of people waxing once a month to maintain a factory-like, out-of-the-box finish. Just looking for some input.

 

once every 2 or 3 months is enough usually. More than that is probably overkill but shouldnt hurt anything if applied by hand. Claying shouldnt need to be done more than once a year I would think.

 

no it just gets glossier and shinnier.

 

Good question. I clay 2x a year and wax with Zaino every couple months and have no issues.

 

Compared to everyday wear and tear waxing is nothing. I would think you could wax a car 1000 times and be OK. The danger would be actually wearing through the clear coat. Not very likely with 1,000 coats of wax as a lubricant.

 

Just a suggestions, but you may want to post this in Wash and Wax. There are some really knowledgeable people in there!

 

Be careful, you'll grow hair on your palms...

 

Waxing doesnt hurt the surface, It the media you use that causes swirls. Dont leave out the polishing step in the process for ultimate car care.
I would say more then monthly is a little excessive, and probably not necessary unless your using mediocre products. And why would you want to use products which would require excessive reapllication? If you feel the need to have a fresh coat of protectant on once a month, consider using spray sealants which can be applied while drying. You have to dry the surface anyway, you might as well avoid "dry" waxing and give a few squirts to each panel, and dry traditionally.
Heres a few:
Protectall
Duragloss AquaWax
Optimum Spray Wax
Four Star Spray Wax
Freedom