Polish and wax are not the same. Waxing protects your car’s finish from environmental elements, while polishing removes imperfections like scratches and swirls while enhancing the shine. While it is not always necessary to polish a car before waxing it, it is highly recommended. By removing scratches, and minor blemishes, it makes the waxing process smoother and easier.
Types of Polish
There are many different types of polish. Abrasive car polishes contain particles that remove small scratches and imperfections from the vehicle’s paint. This type of polish is ideal for vehicles with patchy or damaged pain jobs.
Non-abrasive car polishes are gentle on the paint. Ideal for use on newer cars with less visible imperfections, non-abrasive polishes provide a smooth finish and enhances the shine of the paint.
All-in-one car polishes contain both abrasive and non-abrasive particles, making it ideal for use on a wide range of paint finishes. All-in-one polishes have the ability to remove minor imperfections while also providing a smooth, glossy finish.
Spray-on polishes are easy to apply and dry quickly. Spray-on polishes are ideal for touch-ups between washes and gives cars a glossy finish.
Ceramic car polishes contain ceramic particles for a durable, water-resistant layer. It provides long-lasting protection while enhancing the shine of the paint
Types of Wax
Car wax works best when applied after washing and polishing. There are many types of wax to choose from, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Natural car wax is made from natural ingredients such as carnauba wax or beeswax. Natural waxes are best known for its durability and glossy finish.
Synthetic car waxes are made from materials such as polymers and silicones. They are known for its long-lasting protection and water-repellent properties.
Spray-on car wax is easy to apply and dries quickly It’s ideal for minor touch-ups between washes and provides a brilliant, glossy finish. Spray-on wax is good for cars that are regularly cleaned and waxed, or are fresh off the lot.
Liquid car wax is the most popular is the most popular wax in the industry due to its higher quality and longevity compared to spray on waxes. While it requires more work, it’s still relatively easy to apply and provides a high gloss finish.
Paste car wax provides a durable, long-lasting finish. While it might be more labor intensive than liquid and spray-on waxes, it is used by car enthusiasts and car show competitors. It is known to last longer and is what most professionals use. It’s ideal for use on surfaces with heavily oxidized paint jobs to restore their shine.
