i waxed my car with mothers wax (the one that comes in the claybar kit) and its shiny and stuff but when u look at it with direct light overhead you can see a bunch of smears. (looks like a bunch of finger prints).

i applied using a swirl method.

my question is how can i remove these smears next time i wax (will clay work?)

also how can i prevent those smears from coming back? (perhaps a side to side or down and up method?)

thank you

 

sounds like two problems:

1. wax was applied to thick and not removed before it hardened

2. not sure what you mean by applying the swirl method, but you do not want swirls!! do not apply in circular motions- always apply and remove as the air flows over the car.

you can try a detailers spray to get the paint back to new
if you clay, you will remove the wax... no need to clay just to remove the smudges.

i would dust the car off (with a duster), or rewash it... then use a detailers spray and a high quality micro fiber towel - buff the car again front to back (or you could use a porter cable with an mf bonnet over lambswool pad)