How to Apply Polish Or Wax Efficiently Without Wasting Material Using Latex Gloves

 

Using applicator pad or sponges I happily would apply polish and wax to surfaces and never gave any thoughts to improving my methods to save material. After all, my customers will pay for all materials and never complain? I was so wrong.

Today's market demands that you work smarter and better while saving customers the most and that includes time and materials. The old days of "the customer will pay for anything I sell him" will not do. We have to think in different terms because the times and market conditions demand it.

After much research and brain storming it hit me one day. The a-ha effect overcame me and I was shocked by how simple a solution it was.

LATEX gloves. There I said it. Why not use Latex Gloves to apply products on the surface paint or gel coat finishes? By applying a small amount in my palm and spreading it over the surface I need saves me from losing material in a sponge. Sponges can absorb more than 60% of my material which I can never recoup. Almost all the polish or wax gets on the surface and using the any latex glove it spreads out more evenly. Making as thin a coat as I can prevent clumping the material and helps in the buffing process. I never liked pouring polish and wax too thick since it makes it harder to buff out when dry.

Now some ask or will ask what kind of latex glove? My answer is whatever you feel comfortable with. I prefer getting the blue mechanics gloves because they feel good on my hands. Others have told me that under no circumstances will they wear latex gloves. For that statement I say this. If you need to use an applicator pad that badly and refuse to use the latex glove method fine. Stuff the applicator pad or sponge inside a latex glove and use it in the same manner as you are comfortable with.

The one method I will never recommend is using a buffing machine to apply polish or wax. If you use a buffer you might as well forget a good coat of material. Think about it for a second. A high speed machine will apply and remove your polish in one step. I use to call this cooking your polish. The heat generated with the buffer will cook off the polish and you will never have enough left on the surface to be of any protection.