You've evaluated the condition of your SUV's paint, washed your SUV, cleaned your SUV and polished your SUV (if needed). Now, it's time to protect that perfect surface with a good coat of wax.

A coat of wax can protect your SUV by creating a barrier to dirt and other contaminants. When you apply wax to your SUV, you are literally putting a protective shell on your paint. The clearcoat protects the basecoat, but the clearcoat needs the added protection of wax in order to do its job.

The bond between the wax and clearcoat isn't permanent. Wax wears away, or can be removed with chemicals and detergents.

There are a couple of easy ways to determine whether or not you need to add a fresh coat of wax to your vehicle. First, look at your paint. Does it look shiny and glossy? Next, touch your paint. Is it smooth, or can you feel imperfections and dirt? Finally, spray a little bit of water on your paint's surface. If the water beads up and wipes away easily with your hand, your wax is still doing its job. If the water doesn't bead up, it's time for new wax.

Two Types of Wax in Two Formulations

Waxes are made in two basic formulations: Carnauba and Polymer/Synthetic. I grew up believing that carnauba wax was the best -- I'll bet that a lot of you did, too. Well, Polymer/Synthetic waxes are good, too. It's really a matter of preference. Manufacturers make claims about each type of wax, but the truth is that what's more important is how you care for your SUV. If you wash it frequently with a gentle car wash, keep it clean and don't allow dirt to remain on the surface long enough to bond, either kind of wax will give you great protection.

The two basic formulations of wax are liquid and paste. Once again, it's a matter of preference. I used to be a paste wax guy -- I was convinced that the thickness of the product going on meant that it was a better product. I've since been converted to a liquid wax guy. Liquid wax goes on easier, buffs out easier and is much less likely to leave residue, in my experience. Your results may vary, and the experts don't render an opinion.

What's a Carnauba, Anyway?

Carnauba wax is a natural product that is harvested from the surface of the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree, the Copernicia prunifera to be exact. According to About.com's Guide to Chemistry Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., "Carnauba wax has a very high melting point of 82-86 °C (180-187 °F). It is harder than concrete and nearly insoluble in water and ethanol. It is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. The combination of properties leads to many applications, including use in food, cosmetics, automobile and furniture wax, molds for semiconductor devices, and as a coating for dental floss." Wow. That's some versatile wax.

How to Apply Wax

After you've washed, cleaned and polished your SUV in the shade, it's time to get a coat of wax on it. Applying wax is a little different than other processes; instead of working in small areas, applying and then buffing and removing product, you want to apply wax to the entire vehicle before buffing and removing product. Wax needs a little bit of time to set up in order to work effectively. Don't overdo it -- if you let the wax entirely dry and crust on the surface, you'll have a hard time removing it and getting to the shine. Just a few minutes rest is what we're talking about here.

Use a fresh, clean foam applicator pad, and apply a thin coat of wax, rubbing it into the paint's surface with a circular motion. If you have a dual action (DA) polisher, you'll be able to wax an entire SUV in about seven minutes -- and it's fun. Remember, let the wax set for a few minutes before you buff it out.