Application

Err, how do I apply the wax?
Waxes are easy to apply. Just make sure the paint surface is as clean and prepared as possible. (See Detailing your Car - The Way of the Dodo.) Then wipe the wax on, let it cure or 'dry' until it has hazed and gone a bit sticky, then buff it off. If you want a rough guide, allow 5-10 minutes for the 'normal' waxes and 10-15 minutes for Supernatural. Curing can take longer in colder or more humid conditions, and tends to speed up on dark paints and if the outside temp is hot. Always use the softest, cleanest applicator pads and buffing cloths.

Do I have to spread the soft waxes by hand?
No, not at all. You can spread the soft waxes with a foam applicator pad, but it is very easy to overload the pad by mistake. A small amount of Dodo Juice goes a long way. See Applying Dodo Juice Soft Waxes by Hand.

How do I maintain the wax layer? And replace it?
A basic wax layer will last 2-3 months, if washed with a wax-friendly pH neutral car shampoo like Born to be Mild. Your car won't need 'top up' wax layers or repolishing, just sympathetic washing and maybe a little Protection Detailer (like Red Mist). Once the beading tails off after a few months, it is a sign that the sacrificial coat will have absorbed dirt and contaminants and require replacing. You will then need to strip all the old wax off (use a strong detergent shampoo or traffic-film remover), clay the car, polish if necessary, apply a pre-wax cleanser and then the new layer (or layers) of wax. Do this every quarter and your car will love you forever.

After putting wax on my car, I notice little white specks. What are these?
Once again, it is the carnauba recrystallising. Just buff it off. It is a good sign as it show that the wax has a high carnauba content and that the carnauba is curing nicely.

I am finding a Dodo Juice product difficult to buff off... what can I do?
Products like our cleaner wax, pre-wax cleansers and waxes are generally buffable. Unfortunately, it is difficult to say exactly how long they should be left before buffing, as so much depends on the prevailing conditions. Hot bonnets on summer days can reach extreme temperatures and products cure in seconds. Sometimes, this leads to the product 'caking' on and being difficult to remove. If this happens, don't fret... just re-apply the product and buff again. Or get a water mist spray and damp microfibre, and the residue will come off easily. On waxes, people sometimes use a quick detail spray. (Note: Red Mist and Red Mist Tropical should not be used, as these are Protection Detailers.)

My foam pads and microfibres have changed colour when using a wax or detailing spray... how come?
The coloured oils in our colour-charged waxes and Red Mist protection detailing spray are quite strong. Although they should come out with a strong detergent in the wash, they sometimes mildly discolour microfibres and foam applicators. Please be aware of this side-effect and keep coloured wax and Red Mist away from your white 'Miami Vice' Armani linen suit.

What is layering? And what is the best technique?
Waxes like to go on thinly, because they cure better. This means that to improve durability and depth of shine, it is better to layer a wax, rather than trowelling it on an inch deep. After all, the wax in contact with the paint is all that can bond. the rest gets buffed off. With layering, the law of diminishing returns applies. So 2-3 is all you need; remember that the solvent in the new layer of wax can remove a little of the old layer. The main points are: 1) although you can layer immediately after buffing, it is advisable to leave at least 30 mins, to allow the wax to fully cure - or as long as 24 hours if the car is in a clean garage; 2) don't layer over old wax or wax that has been on a car for weeks as it will have degraded and you'll risk trapping dirt between the coats; 3) only use a compatible quick detailer between layers as they contain ingredients that could interfere with the wax - or use a water mist if you need to dust the bodywork.

I don't feel confident applying your products myself... can someone do it for me?
pj and I are quite busy farming dodos, otherwise we'd lend a hand. So we recommend that you use one of our Dodo Authorised Detailers (DADs). They are experts in the fine art of detailing, know and use our products and should do a very good job for you.