Car waxing is an integral part of the car detailing process. It would not be an overstatement to say that an auto detailing process is simply incomplete if you don’t wax your car! Car waxing not just gives your car an added shine, it also creates an extra layer on your car’s paint – protecting it from UV rays, acid rain, dust particles, and other contaminants. In this post, we’re explaining everything there’s to know about car waxes. Keep reading to know more.
This blog has been updated on June 30, 2021
What is car wax?
Car wax is a blend of oils, waxes, and solvents. It is made from natural substances like leaves and synthetic substances like ethanol, mineral, crude oil, distillates, and other items. When applied onto a car’s body, the wax performs a dual role – it enhances the car’s exterior shine. Also, it protects the paint from UV rays, heat, pollutants, oxidation process, and various other environmental attacks.
Natural car wax
Most natural car waxes are made from carnauba – a waxy substance harvested from the leaves of Brazil’s carnauba palm trees. It is also referred to as the “tree of life”. The carnauba wax is used as the wax base for many car wax formulations. According to car wash and detailing experts, the carnauba wax gives an added shine and glossy look compared to other synthetic car waxes when applied to the car’s exterior. However, carnauba wax needs to be re-applied frequently since it tends to wear off very fast.
Synthetic car wax
Synthetic car waxes, also called paint sealants, are made out of chemical polymers. These chemical polymers bond together to form a protective coating. Synthetic car waxes provide more robust protection to the car’s paint than carnauba wax – but do not give the same shine. What’s more, synthetic car waxes are cheaper than carnauba waxes and need not be frequently applied on the car’s exterior.
Types of car waxes
Natural and synthetic car waxes are available in three types:
Paste wax
Paste waxes are often the go-to solution for most car enthusiasts. Paste-based waxes also give a better shine when compared to other types of waxes. However, the only downside of using a paste wax is the time taken to apply it. You will need a tremendous amount of attention and time while applying paste wax.
Liquid wax
Liquid waxes are easier to apply but dry out quickly. A word of caution; avoid pouring liquid wax directly onto the surface of the car while detailing. Doing this can damage your car’s color and cause uneven dark streaks on the paint finish.
Spray wax
Top car detailing experts do not recommend spray waxes while waxing the entire body of the car – if you must, make sure you know what you’re doing. Spray waxes can be used to add an extra layer on already existing car wax or when you’re just detailing a section of a car. You can read our step-to-step guide on how to wax your car here.
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