What is car wax?
Car wax is a clear layer of wax that is applied to the paint surface of your car, truck or SUV and allows the water to roll off. It also helps protect paint from dirt, chemicals and ultraviolet rays.
Although the term “wax” refers to a specific group of car care products made from organic materials, there are several other products – paint sealants and ceramic coatings – that serve the same basic purpose.
When it comes to car wax, most people think of “carnosaur” wax. This favorite among car enthusiasts is made from a tree native to Brazil, the “Tree of Life,” which secretes the waxy substance from its leaves.
Carnauba wax is very hard, non-toxic, hypoallergenic and has very high heat resistance. Due to its high hardness, carnauba is mixed with other waxes. Oh yes, and the higher the cost.
Carnauba wax is a natural product that is relatively easy to work with and gives a deep, moist and warm shine. When someone mentions car wax, they usually mean carnauba.
Car wax Many automatic car washes also use “wax” type sealants such as Armor All ® Extreme Shine Wax. Armor All ® Extreme Shine Wax contains carnauba wax and is applied to the surface of your vehicle.
Hand applied carnauba wax provides much longer protection than even the best automatic car washes. And since many drivers can’t (or aren’t interested in) waxing their cars themselves, applying Armor All ® Extreme Shine Wax at a car wash is a great option.
Wax vs paint sealant
Carnauba may be the favorite of car enthusiasts, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option for “wax”. And it’s not for everyone. Polymer paint sealants are similar to varnishes, but are made from synthetic materials instead of organic.
Paint sealants have a crystal clear sheen than carnauba wax (which is believed to have a deeper, warmer sheen – that’s why it’s so popular with car enthusiasts), but paint sealants are considered more durable.
They are just as easy to apply but last longer than wax. If you’d rather spend less time waxing your car, paint sealants can be a good option for your paint.
What about ceramic coatings?
Another wax-like option for paint protection is ceramic coatings. These sealants, also called quartz or glass coatings, come from silica, a naturally hard mineral Car wax.
The technology was originally developed by NASA for use in space shuttles. Automotive aftermarket companies have jumped on the nanotechnology bandwagon and have developed coatings that can be applied to your vehicle’s paintwork.
These inorganic products withstand significantly higher temperatures than carnauba wax or paint sealants, provide better resistance to aggressive chemicals and environmental dirt and are more scratch resistant than varnish.
Unfortunately, ceramic coatings are more difficult to apply and significantly more expensive than wax. And ceramics often require professional use.
Wax vs Polish
A class of color treatment products often confused with wax. Although car wax is a protective layer applied to your paint, polish is not.
Polish is basically a liquid that contains microscopic abrasives designed to work on your car’s paint surface. Polish sands the paint clean and restores the shine.
A more aggressive form of polishing is rubbing – essentially a step down from liquid sandpaper. Typical polish is not nearly as aggressive as rubbing compound, but will still change the surface of your paint.
Car wax polish (and compound) can help repair and restore a dull and scratched surface and bring a shine back to a dull car, but it also leaves swirl marks that need to be removed (usually with a softer paint polish).
Polish should be used before waxing, not after. When polishing a car after varnishing, remove the wax that was just applied. And since the polish doesn’t leave any residue, it won’t help protect your paint.
How often should you wax your car?
A general rule of thumb is to wax your car three to four times a year. If you really want to take good care of your car, you should treat it more often. It’s okay.
You really can’t wax a car too often. Depending on your driving conditions, more frequent waxing may not be necessary. If you choose a synthetic paint sealant, a few applications are enough.
Ceramic coatings last significantly longer when used correctly. Some even years. But if you use good old carnauba wax, do it at least three times a year.
Will waxing my car in sunlight damage my car’s paint?
Wax or other products containing wax should not be applied in direct sunlight. Also, do not apply wax before washing your car and make sure it is sparkling clean and dry.
Waxing your car can be a mess.
Today’s cars have many black plastic parts (as opposed to the chrome of the past). When wax comes into contact with certain types of upholstery in your car, it leaves stains and is very difficult to remove.
Wax can also build up in crevices, styles, around decals and handles, etc. It is possible to wax a car in about an hour, but spend several hours cleaning up the mess in and around every nook and cranny.
Should I have my car professionally waxed?
Wax is not a complicated product to use. You wipe it up, let it dry and wipe it off. Okay, there’s a little more to it than that, but it’s not rocket science. (Actually, ceramic coatings are rocket science…).
But just because something is simple doesn’t mean it’s easy or that there aren’t downsides to doing it yourself.
If you decide to use a waxing machine buffer, we recommend that you watch some instructional videos on how to apply car wax with a polishing machine.
Otherwise, you may damage the surface of your paint.
Professionals have the experience and product knowledge to prevent messy applications and damage to your vehicle.
A professional may also have the training (and certification) to apply ceramic coatings if that’s what you’re looking for.
Of course, you can also wax your car yourself, but investing in professional preparation, which may also include minor touch-ups before applying wax, sealant or ceramic, can be worth it.
Note: If your vehicle has had a recent paint job, do not apply wax or sealant for 90 days (longer in some climates) or the paint may not fully cure.
Columbia Car Care & Car Wash | Author:
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