Car wax and polish in Exeter
Professional car wax and polish services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£110
Typical Duration
1.5-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Car hand polished and waxed at your home. Paint corrected for swirls, protective wax applied, water beading like new. Looks amazing and stays protected for months.
Protect Your Paint, Look Brilliant
Proper wax job does two things: makes your car look stunning (deep gloss, smooth finish) and protects the paint from weather, UV, bird muck, tree sap, all the stuff that degrades paintwork.
💡 Pro tip: A waxed car is way easier to wash. Dirt doesn't stick as hard, water rinses cleaner, drying's quicker. Waxing now saves you time every wash for the next few months.
Hand Waxed vs Spray-On Stuff
| ✅ Proper Wax Job | ❌ Quick Spray Wax |
|---|---|
| Lasts 3-6 months | Gone after 2 washes |
| Proper paint protection | Surface shine only |
| Water beads perfectly | Minimal beading |
| Takes 2 hours done right | 10 minute bodge |
What You Get
🔧 Full Wax and Polish Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Wash | Clean car first (included in service) |
| Clay bar | Remove embedded contaminants (optional) |
| Polish | Machine polish to remove swirls and oxidation |
| Wax | Hand-applied carnauba or synthetic wax |
| Buff | Buffed to high gloss finish |
📦 What Gets Done
- Full exterior wash and dry
- All painted panels polished
- Wax applied by hand (not spray)
- Buffed to deep shine
- Glass and trim cleaned
- Wheels and tires dressed
Pricing
| Service Level | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Wash and wax (no polish) | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Polish and wax (standard) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Full correction and wax | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Larger vehicles cost more.
When To Get It Done
✅ After winter - salt and grime stripped off, protected for summer
✅ Before winter - sealed against salt and bad weather
✅ Pre-sale - adds value, makes car more appealing
✅ New car protection - seal that fresh paint early
✅ Every 3-6 months - maintain the protection
Why Choose Us for Car wax and polish in Exeter?
Paint protected from weather and dirt
Water beads off after waxing
Easier to clean in future
Looks brilliant for months
What to Expect
Step 1: Wash and Prep
Car washed properly to remove all dirt. Can't polish or wax over dirt - you'll just grind it into the paint.
Step 2: Polish (If Included)
Machine polish to remove light scratches, swirl marks, oxidation. This is what actually improves the paint finish.
Step 3: Wax Application
Wax applied by hand in small sections, working around the whole car. Left to haze, then buffed off to high gloss.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to wax your car yourself? Here's how to get good results:
🔧 What you'll need
- Car wax (carnauba or synthetic)
- Microfiber applicator pads
- Microfiber buffing cloths (loads of them)
- Clean, washed car
- Shaded area (not direct sun)
📐 Preparation
- Wash thoroughly: Can't wax a dirty car
- Dry completely: Wax won't bond to wet paint
- Clay bar (optional): Removes embedded contamination, makes wax bond better
- Pick your time: Overcast day or morning/evening - not midday sun
🧽 Waxing technique
- Small sections: Work one panel at a time (bonnet, door, etc)
- Thin layers: Less is more - thin even coat
- Circular application: Spread it around
- Let it haze: Turns from glossy to matt/hazy (usually 5 mins)
- Buff off: Microfiber cloth, light pressure, straight lines
- Check for streaks: Go over any hazed areas again
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Waxing in direct sun - dries too fast, impossible to buff
- Too much wax - harder to remove, wastes product
- Not letting it haze - won't buff to proper shine
- Using one cloth for whole car - gets clogged, just smears wax
- Waxing over dirt - scratches paint, terrible finish
💡 Pro trick: After waxing, spray the car with water. If it beads up nicely (water forms little balls), you've got good coverage. Flat water means you need another coat in that area.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚗 Keep it lasting: Wash with pH-neutral car shampoo (not washing-up liquid which strips wax). Gentle washing extends wax life significantly.
Carnauba vs Synthetic:
- Carnauba: Natural wax, warm deep shine, 3-4 month life, needs more effort
- Synthetic sealant: Man-made, sharper shine, 6 month life, easier to apply
Paint types: Modern cars have clear coat over color. Wax protects the clear coat. Old cars (pre-1990s) often have single-stage paint - still wax them but technique's slightly different.
Often combined with:
- Exterior wash (essential first step)
- Interior deep clean (full valet)
- Headlight restoration
Maintenance: Quick spray wax between proper wax jobs keeps it topped up. Not a replacement but helps extend protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between polish and wax?
Polish removes a tiny layer of paint to get rid of minor scratches, swirls, and oxidation - makes it smooth and glossy. Wax is the protective coat that goes on after - seals the paint, makes water bead off, protects from UV and dirt. You polish first, then wax.
How often should I wax my car?
Every 3-6 months depending on where you park. Cars parked outside in all weathers need more frequent waxing than garage-kept cars. You'll know it's time when water stops beading off the paint.
Will wax remove scratches?
No - wax protects. Polish can reduce minor swirls and very light scratches by removing a tiny amount of paint. Deep scratches need proper paint correction or touching up. I'll be honest about what's achievable.
Do you do it at my home or do I bring the car somewhere?
I come to you. Need decent weather though - can't wax in rain or direct sun. Morning or evening works best, or overcast days.
How long does the wax last?
Good carnauba wax lasts 3-4 months. Synthetic sealants can go 6 months. You'll notice when it's wearing off - water stops beading, paint feels rougher, dirt sticks more easily.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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