Waxing is one of the most important car paint protection procedures that follow polishing. Here’s a helpful guide to understanding these variations. The auto detailing market is full of numerous brands and types of car wax. How do you select the best wax to suit your vehicle’s needs?
There are two main wax types that come in different forms. Although they have different qualities, applying both products on a car produces great results.
Types of Car Wax: Natural and Synthetic
1. Natural Carnauba Wax
Carnauba is a substance that is derived from the leaves of a palm tree endemic to Brazil. It is processed and prepared for consumers by being combined with a substance like turpentine or beeswax. Carnauba wax gives a beautiful, warm and deep shine to the vehicle. This is the recommended wax for black or other dark-colored car paint. It is great for protecting the paint from contaminants and offers great water beading. However, carnauba wax does tend to wear off quickly when compared to synthetic wax. It can last up to four months. Another point to remember is that it comes in two main colors – yellow and white – which is a way to distinguish between different grades. Yellow is made of pure carnauba wax and also the most expensive.
2. Synthetic Wax (Paint Sealant)
Synthetic wax is more commonly known as paint sealant. It is made of polymers that can bond with the paint. A lot of car owners prefer synthetic wax because of its durability. It lasts up to 12 months depending on the brand you’re using and the weather conditions in your area. Synthetic wax also offers good paint protection from the elements but the shine it provides is no match for that provided by carnauba wax. This is why it is the preferred product of high-end car owners and showroom managers.
Different forms of wax
Both carnauba wax and paint sealant come in the following forms. There are distinctive differences in the way each form of wax works. Understanding these differences will help you select the best one.
1. Paste Wax
Paste wax is the oldest form among the different types of car wax. It has a very hard texture which is why working it into the surface can be a challenge. You may need to warm the surface first by keeping the engine running for a while to facilitate application. Natural carnauba paste wax is great for achieving that beautiful glossy shine you have always wanted. This shine is due to the addition of other substances like natural oils to the wax. There are many brands with their own paste wax such as Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax and Griot’s Garage Premium Carnauba Paste Wax.
2. Liquid Wax
Liquid wax has a smooth texture compared to paste wax. Many prefer this to paste wax because it’s easier to apply and less time-consuming whether applied by hand or with a machine. Liquid wax, even if it is natural carnauba wax, is augmented with synthetic polymers to enhance longevity. We recommend products such as Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax and Mothers California Gold Pure Carnauba Wax.
3. Spray Wax
Spray waxes are quick detail waxes. They are good for a quick wax job, especially if your wax layer is wearing off and needs an extra boost. However, these are not substitutes for paste wax or even liquid wax as they tend to wear off quickly. It is, however, always good to keep such a product (Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax, Turtle Wax Express Shine Spray Car Wax, etc.) at hand.
4. Colored Wax
Colored wax is a pigmented wax that is designed to match different paint colors. The general idea is that this wax will fill in paint defects such as scratches and swirls. However, many professional detailers and vehicle owners are dismissing this product as just another marketing gimmick, because most modern vehicles have a transparent clear coat on top of the base coat which carries the color. So applying a colored wax to the clear coat is pointed out to be useless. Moreover, those who tested the product are not happy with the results.
A good waxing is always the result of great preparation of the surface and the use of an effective product. Don’t forget to steam clean and clay bar the surface to remove all contaminants before applying car polish. You can choose from the different types of car wax that best fits your needs and desires.
Have you been on the lookout for a service that will give your vehicle that ultimate detailing experience? Then schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts today!
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