Auto Fella > Blog > Auto Detailing > A Guide On Getting The Best Car Wax

A Guide On Getting The Best Car Wax

Among the countless components that define a car, the paint job has the most aesthetic value. The caliber of your car’s paint can easily build or ruin its look. There are a variety of paint finishes, each with its benefits and visual appeal. Regardless of the option you choose though, the paint of your car is vulnerable to external factors, such as weather, insect splatter, and bird droppings.

The damage to your car’s paint is fixable, in most cases, but it is best that you prevent the damage in the first place. You can do this using car wax. Applying wax to the exterior of the car will seal in the paint and provide a shield against all exterior elements.

Do you want to get the best car wax? Here’s a guide you can follow to make the right choice.

Product namesQualityPriceOur Rating
Meguiar’s G7014J Gold Class Carnauba Plus Paste WaxA$$5 stars
Quick Wax Car Detailing Spray by KevianCleanA-$$4.5 stars
Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid WaxA$$4.8 stars
Chemical Guys WAC_201_16 Butter Wet WaxB+$$$4.5 stars
Car Guys Detail Spray WaxB$4 stars

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

What Is Wax Made From?

What Is Wax Made From?

Wax is made from natural ingredients as well as chemicals. Carnauba is the hardest natural wax available. Also popularly known as “Palm Wax” or “Brazil Wax”, Carnauba wax is available in the form of hard flaxes. It is a wax made out of the leaves of the carnauba palm. The process involves collecting the best carnauba leaves and then processing them to loosen the wax. The end mixture is then refined to make it suitable for cars and any other metal component that requires polishing.

Collectors favor this type of wax, as it produces a rather warn, opulent shine. Although it requires a lot of work after application, this wax changes the paint into an intensive, liquid pool that glimmers under varying light conditions. The more carnauba wax you apply, the better and brighter the shine. Some car owners even blend this natural wax with petroleum distillates, oils, and naphtha (solvent) for boosting the shine.

Where carnauba wax is made completely out of natural ingredients, there are alternatives made using chemicals. Known as “synthetic waxes”, these products give a longer and stronger shine, in comparison to their natural counterparts. They are also cost-effective, as you don’t have to apply too much wax to produce amazing shine. Since synthetic waxes are made from chemicals, their effect is immediate. This cuts the time and effort you need to invest in waxing and working the coat.

This wax will give you a good-looking and glossy appearance, which can easily last you for weeks. This is what makes synthetic waxes a preferable option for everyday drivers. However, vehicle owners with classic 60s, 70s, or 80s rides still prefer using natural carnauba wax. Some car lovers enjoy seeing the shine natural waxes leave, so they may even consider using both (synthetic and carnauba) by layering them.

Types Of Car Wax

1. Cleaner Waxes

Cleaner Waxes

Via autogeekonline.net

As the name implies, the main purpose of cleaner wax is for cleaning your vehicle. Cleaner waxes boast a one-step process, as compared to the traditional multi-step process the previous generation of car owners adhered to. These waxes come under the “synthetic waxes” category and contain chemicals that have three main objectives: cleaning your car, giving it a protective layer, and creating a good shine.

Cleaner waxes are available in the form of a liquid, hence they are suitable for quick fixes and cleaning. The wax works perfectly if you are in a rush and need to clean your car while at the same time, getting the exterior to shine. These waxes are not for cars with rust or paint oxidation, as the chemicals will only worsen the condition.

2. Finishing Waxes

Finishing Waxes

Finishing wax creates a durable and powerful shine. It works well on old cars as well as new cars that have a good paint job. The amazing shine you get from this car wax will make your paint appear brand new. Most finishing waxes are made from natural ingredients, like carnauba. In addition, they don’t contain strong chemicals that could damage the exterior, especially the areas affected by paint oxidation and rust.

Since you aren’t cleaning the car and applying the wax as a finishing layer, you don’t even need to apply much elbow grease. Although you have to keep working the coat until the shine appears, the simple rule, in the words of Mr. Miyagi, is “Wax on, Wax off”.

Forms Of Car Wax

Forms Of Car Wax

Spray

You can purchase car wax in the form of a spray. Spray waxes are liquid-based and have a nozzle for targeting the wax and specific spots. However, it is the least favorite option among car lovers, as sprays don’t exactly do well in changing weather conditions. For instance, if you live in New York, your spray wax may not be as durable as a Paste wax, due to the weather change.

Paste

This type of car wax is without a doubt the most popular. It isn’t difficult to apply, has a soft texture, and offers longer protection than liquid and spray waxes. Paste car waxes also tend to be less expensive and are available in a variety of scents, which ensure your paint not only looks good but emits a good smell too.

Liquid

Car owners looking to clean and shine their cars quickly love liquid car wax. It is easy to use, delivers a glossy-like appearance, and protects your paint from exterior elements. However, when applying the wax, you have to wipe seconds after, as the car wax in liquid form can be quite difficult to apply evenly.

Rubbing Compound

Rubbing compound is the oldest type of car wax and retains popularity among older car owners and those who own classic rides. With its hard yellow-brown flakes, this wax adds a lasting shine to your vehicle. It can even help restore the appearance and shine on areas that may be dented or damaged. You can use rubbing compound for covering up minor imperfections in your car’s paint. It even boosts the visual appearance of your car considerably.

Prerequisites To Using Car Wax Products

On average, car wax stays effective for about six weeks. Therefore, it is best to create a healthy habit of waxing your vehicle every 2 months. This goes for both old and new cars. Also, keep in mind these prerequisites to using car wax:

  • Clean the car thoroughly with car wash soap before waxing
  • Always start with a thin layer, then double or even triple it
  • ​Use abrasive compounds for cars with non-clear paint coats
  • ​Wax from the top and work to the bottom
  • ​Avoid waxing under the sun
  • ​Take your time with the prepping
  • Make sure you have all essentials, including applicator pad and microfiber towels

The 5 Best Car Waxex Reviewed

1. Meguiar’s G7014J Gold Class Carnauba Plus Paste Wax

Why We Picked It

This Paste Wax from Meguiar’s offers an old school way of waxing and polishing your vehicle. Once you apply the wax, it requires a lot of work to polish the coat completely on the paint, but it offers a strong and long-lasting reflective shine that no other liquid, spray, or paste wax can offer. This wax is made from Carnauba mixed with protective polymers and is safe for use on all paint types. The topnotch formula leaves deeper reflections and a brilliant shine. The package includes a high Soft Foam Applicator that enables you to work the coat efficiently.

Pros

  • Preserves the shine and finish of your paint
  • Brilliant reflective shine
  • ​Special heat protecting polymers
  • ​Improved hard wax formula
  • Easily glides on and off

Cons

  • There are no cons to this product. It delivers on its promises

2. Quick Wax Car by KevianClean

Quick Wax Car Detailing Spray by KevianClean

Why We Picked It

If you are looking for a reasonably priced car wax in spray form, there is no better option than the Quick Wax Car Detailing Spray. With a superior shine that lasts, the car wax brings out the beauty of your ride, regardless of how dull your paint has gotten over the years. You don’t need any special wax applicator and you can apply the car wax by simply spraying, polishing, and drying. The best part is that the product is made using a non-toxic formula that is eco-friendly. You get an unconditional money-back guarantee. This means, if the product doesn’t deliver the results, you get your money back!

Pros

  • Eco-Friendly Solution
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed
  • ​Perfect for headlights, rims, wheels, and windows
  • ​Impressive shine, easy and quick
  • Maximum protection in seconds

Cons

  • Does not stick to paint after applying

3. Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax

Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax

Why We Picked It

This liquid wax from Meguiar’s is one of the best synthetic car waxes available in the market today. Its remarkable formula provides for effortless application and wipe off, even if you are under direct sunlight. The product does not stain any area of your vehicle and its advanced synthetic polymers guarantee long-lasting protection from dust and debris. The product is safe and effective on clear coats and glossy paints and you can apply it via Dual Action Polisher, Hands, or even Orbital. Hydrophobic Polymer Technology increases surface tension so watermarks and beads don’t stay on the paint.

Pros

  • Reflectivity in easy one-step
  • Good depth of color
  • Excellent durability
  • Maximum synthetic protection
  • Yields superior shine that lasts long

Cons

  • Liquid can be difficult to apply
  • Streaking problem on some paint surfaces

4. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax

Chemical Guys WAC_201_16 Butter Wet Wax

Why We Picked It

With a new and improved formula, the Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax offers an incredibly appealing deep shine wet look. The product lasts longer, shines brighter, and is easier to apply as compared to its counterparts and competition. Its new blend of natural Carnauba with resins and polymers leaves your car shining, looking like you just gave your car a thorough wash.

The wax doesn’t just get weak within a few weeks. With its lasting blend, you can rest assured you won’t have to wax your car again for almost a month. The product is called Butter Wax for its ability to melt into any paintwork like butter. The smooth and protective layer offers 100% protection from road tar, water spots, and bird droppings. The improved formula also guards against the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA rays.

Pros

  • New formula for easier application
  • 100% Carnauba-Based Wax
  • ​More UVB and UVA protection
  • ​Improved level of protection
  • Deep wet look to any paintwork

Cons

  • Lack of protection against rain
  • Not suitable for areas with haze and fog

5. Car Guys Detail Spray Wax

Car Guys Detail Spray Wax

Why We Picked It

Offering high protection and enhanced shine, the Car Guys Detail Spray Wax combines the latest advanced nano polymer technology to stick onto the paint of your vehicle and offer a protective and shiny layer of coating that lasts for weeks. The great thing about this product is that it is a mixture of natural carnauba and synthetic wax. It is the liquid form of carnauba, which means you can leverage the same deep gloss paint shine as from old school carnauba products.

Pros

  • Beautiful and clear shine/reflection
  • A slick hydrophobic barrier to repel moisture
  • ​Protection against debris, dirt, and dust
  • ​Use on any surface minus worry about residue
  • ​Environmentally friendly product
  • ​No additives or coloring scents
  • A clear finish within 15 minutes

Cons

  • Streaking problem on some paint surfaces

Conclusion

Our choice: Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Paste Wax is the best car wax

Are you facing a tough time selecting the best car wax from the above five? Well, you don’t have to spend time contemplating. Just go for the Meguiar’s G7014J Gold Class Carnauba Plus Paste Wax. The product offers a beautiful and lasting glossy/reflective shine that is bound to make heads turn on the road. It also guarantees protection against exterior elements, such as road grime, dust, debris, and bird droppings. The best part of all: the product delivers on all its promises. This means you get the best value for your money!

About George Bradley

George is an enthusiastic blogger and an auto mechanic expert whose mission is to provide the readers with the best tips, guides, and recent events in the automotive industry. He has been involved in researching on various topics that are essential to the car owners, especially when it comes to an understanding, maintaining and handling their vehicles.

Leave a Comment