Key highlights
1
Polishing removes the scratches and imperfections from the painted surfaces
2
Wax coating creates a hydrophobic layer that helps is preserving the paint shine
3
Wax coating acts a complimentary to polishing and helps maintain the paintjob
- Key Differences Between Car Polish And Car Wax
- The Best Time to Use Car Polish and Wax
- Can Polish and Wax be Used Together?
- What is Car Polish?
- What is Car Wax?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Key highlights
1
Polishing removes the scratches and imperfections from the painted surfaces
2
Wax coating creates a hydrophobic layer that helps is preserving the paint shine
3
Wax coating acts a complimentary to polishing and helps maintain the paintjob
Akash Vashisth
Maintaining the exterior of your car is essential to keep it looking fresh and like new. Besides regular cleaning, special items such as car polish and wax can make your vehicle appear impressive while protecting the paint. But what separates them? How would you decide which one to use? We explain the purpose of car polish and car wax and the best time to use them for optimum results.
What is Car Polish?
Car polish is a substance that removes surface flaws from your vehicle's paint, such as tiny scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation. Because it is abrasive, your car's paint will appear more even and glossyer by levelling the top layer. Polishing your car can improve the lustre and remove flaws from the paint.
How Car Polish Works
Car polish employs tiny abrasive particles to make the uneven surface of the paint even. It removes a thin layer of clear coat or colour, exposing a clean and flawless layer beneath it. Doing this makes the surface smooth, preparing for a shielding coat like wax to lock in its finish.
Thus, it is advised to get the polishing done only when required. Unnecessary polishing can erode the clear coat and drastically reduce the thickness of the colour coat. A colour coat can only be replenished by repainting your car which is an expensive affair.
Types of Car Polish
There are different types of car polishes depending on the level of correction needed:
- Compound polish: This is the strongest type with the largest abrasive particles. It's applied for intense scratches or serious oxidation.
- Cutting polish: Slightly less abrasive, ideal for correcting moderate imperfections
- Non-abrasive polish: It is the option with minimal erosion of the clear coat, excellent for new cars that have mild swirl marks and imperfections
What is Car Wax?
Car wax is a type of protective coating used to preserve the paint job on your vehicle. It covers the paint with a protective coating but does not eliminate blemishes or scratches. In addition to improving the car's shine, wax shields it from UV rays, impurities like road debris and environmental contaminants.
How Wax Protects your Car’s Paint
As you apply the wax, it creates a fine hydrophobic layer that causes water droplets to roll off the surface. It also protects the paint from environmental contamination and damage caused by UV rays, which can lead to colour fading. Wax is not like polish; it doesn't change the texture of paint but only works as a paint protector.
Types of Car Wax
There are several types of wax available for cars:
- Natural wax: It is usually made from carnauba wax, which originates from a Brazilian palm tree
- Synthetic wax: Synthetic wax is engineered to last longer than natural wax and also offers extended protection
- Liquid wax: Liquid wax is easier to apply than a paste wax but does not offer longer protection
Key Differences Between Car Polish And Car Wax
Below are the differences between car polish and waxing:
| Polish | Wax | |
| Functionality | It corrects and smoothens the car’s surface by removing imperfections. | Waxing adds a protective layer to preserve the paint and enhance its shine. |
| Application process | Polishing is done after washing the car to eliminate scratches and prepare the surface. | It is usually performed after polishing to seal the corrections done by polishing. |
| Impact on appearance | Polishing restores uneven surfaces by making them smooth and even. | Waxing adds a glossy finish to the painted surface, restoring your car's natural lustre. |
| Frequency | Polishing removes a thin layer of paint. Thus, it should be used rarely, depending on the condition of the pain.t | A layer of wax can be applied after washing your car in about 2–3 months. It helps maintain paint protection and gloss. |
The Best Time to Use Car Polish and Wax
It is essential to know when to polish and wax your car, as it will help properly maintain it. Polishing is done only when the car’s exterior appears old due to multiple visible scratches, paint defects, or oxidation. It is performed once a year or so because polishing multiple times will reduce the thickness of the painted layer.
Wax coating, on the other hand, can be applied after a thorough washing to safeguard the painted surface and shield it against environmental and UV damage. The wax coating can be applied every two to three months as it doesn’t last long and isn’t expensive either. Wax is the most affordable way to protect your car’s paint job, and it is a part of FourDoor’s Exterior car spa package.
Can Polish and Wax be Used Together?
Yes! It is recommended that as you get your car polished, the quickest and most effective way of protecting the polished work is to apply a coat of wax. This will deliver the best results and maintain the lustre of your paint.
The process of using polish and wax together is also easy to follow. First, wash and dry the car thoroughly, then polish to correct the imperfections. A layer of wax is then applied to protect the newly smoothened surface.
Conclusion
Ultimately, car polish and wax play an essential role in keeping your car appear new and well-maintained. FourDoor’s detailing services can restore your car’s lustre with specialised washing and spa packages.
FAQs
Q. What is better, car wax or polish?
Car wax and polish serve different purposes. Polish removes surface imperfections and restores the paint’s smoothness, while wax protects the paint and adds shine.
Q. Do I need to polish or wax my car?
You should polish your car if the paint has imperfections like scratches or oxidation. Adding a wax coating can protect the car’s paint and maintain its shine.
Q. Is wax a car polish?
No, wax and polish are different products for car detailing. Car polish is used to remove imperfections, while wax provides a protective layer on top of the paint. Wax enhances shine and helps shield the paint from environmental damage.
Q. What is the use of car polish?
Car polish is used to remove scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation from the paint. It smooths out the surface, making the paintwork look refreshed. Typically, paint protection coatings such as wax, teflon, and ceramic are applied to add a shielding layer over the paint.
