Relying on the best car wax can help you maintain the shine on your vehicle. However, it can be tricky to settle on a product that will bring out the shine in your car's paint. Also, you need to consider the types of car waxes, the age of your vehicle and the state of its paint job.
The paint on a brand new vehicle always looks brilliant and shiny. The finish on cars has three layers where the bottom part is the base primer, followed by the color coat and the clear coat last. Because a new ride has not been affected by the elements, the extra smooth top layer shines brilliantly.
As you use your vehicle regularly, you will be exposing your paint job to bird droppings, UV rays from direct sunlight, smears, stains, hazing and the brushes from getting the car washed. These elements will cause your paint surface to lose its shine because of making tiny scratches to it. Eventually, the clear coat on the car will lose its twinkle.
We have put together a list of 5 of the best car waxes to ensure that you have an impeccable buff on your ride.
5 of the Best Car Waxes
1. Carnauba Wax P21S 12700W
P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax
- Deepest shine
- Package Dimensions: 6.807 L x 9.194 H x 9.194 W (centimeters)
- Package Weight : 0.249 kilograms
- Country of Origin : United States
The Carnauba Wax P21S is a popular natural paste wax. The product's manufacturing process includes mixing the carnauba extracts with beeswax to achieve a soft and smooth consistency. Additionally, the inclusion of the P21S formula allows this car wax to be as durable as its synthetic counterparts.
Some people shy away from using paste wax because it requires plenty of elbow grease. Nevertheless, the Carnauba Wax P21S will quickly dry up without any residues. Also, it offers excellent protection against water damage to your car's paint.
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2. Carfidant Ultimate Liquid Wax Kit
Carfidant Premium Liquid Car Wax Kit - Ultimate Liquid Wax Paint Sealant - Easy to Apply -...
- THE EASIEST CAR WAX TO APPLY - Ultimate Liquid Wax is...
- NEW NANO-POLYMER TECHNOLOGY - Specially blended nano-polymers...
- ULTIMATE MIRROR SHINE & LONG LASTING PROTECTION - Give your car...
- FULL WAX KIT - We include everything you need for full paint...
- MADE IN USA - CARFIDANT 100% SATISFACTION - Don't take our word...
If you want a car wax that will deliver a deep wet shine to your vehicle, the Carfidant Ultimate Liquid Wax Kit is the best choice. This synthetic product uses a polymer formula to make it a long-lasting clear coating suitable for any vehicle color. Thus, users can enjoy an incredible shine and UV rays protection for 6 to 12 months.
Moreover, the Carfidant Ultimate Liquid Wax Kit comes with all the garage accessories you will need for waxing your car. Buyers will receive a foam applicator pad and a soft towel for when you wash and detail your ride.
Whether you want to use the applicator by hand or with an orbital, the Carfidant brand ensures you enjoy a shiny finish even on the rubber trimmings of the car. Plus, its gloss capability will rival the carnauba wax.
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3. Meguiar's G200416 Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax
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Meguiar's G200416 Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax, 16 Fluid Ounces
- Contains the latest advanced Hybrid Si02 technology
- Seals paint for long-lasting protection against the elements
- Delivers an extreme water beading action
- Applies like a traditional liquid wax & is easy to use
- Non-whitening on non-painted trim and rubber gaskets
The Meguiar's G2000146 Hybrid Ceramix Liquid Wax uses the advanced formula of silicon dioxide. Hence, this car wax is capable of providing hydrophobic protection through excellent water beading on your vehicle's surface. If you want a long-lasting and shiny solution to your waxing needs, this is one of the best car waxes for you.
On the other hand, the liquid consistency of Meguiar's wax makes it easy to use with an applicator. Also, the brand manufacturer has ensured that the product will not make your plastic and rubber trim hazy or cloudy.
If you are a car care fanatic, you can use Meguiar's liquid car wax on top of any other clear coat on the vehicle. Additionally, you do not need professional equipment since you can use a foam applicator with your hands.
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4. Griot's Garage 11097 Spray-On Wax Gallon
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Griot's Garage 11097 Spray-On Wax Gallon
- Get a just waxed look quickly and easily
- Enhances existing coat of wax
- Use while drying your car after washing for quick paint...
- Provides gloss and depth to paint
- Contains a carnauba wax base
The Griot's Garage 11097 Spray-On Wax offers the best option for car care enthusiasts looking for an affordable price. However, if you are looking for a product that offers a deep wet finish for extra shine and gloss, this may not be for you.
Griot's Garage 11097 Spray-On Wax is designed to provide your car's paint with protection against scratches from weather elements and direct sunlight. Additionally, you will not see a dip in the color quality when you use it often.
Because it is a spray wax, the Griot's brand will ensure you do not see any residue while you polish. It is easy to use and must go on top of another car wax.
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5. Chemical Guys WAC_201_16 Butter Wet Wax
Chemical Guys WAC_201_16 Butter Wet Wax Liquid Cream Car Wax (Safe for all Finishes Including...
- HIGH SHINE FORMULA – Formulated from a blend of natural...
- SAFE FOR ALL FINISHES – Butter Wet Wax can be applied to your...
- JUST LIKE WE NEED SUN SCREEN, YOUR CAR NEEDS PROTECTION TOO –...
- NOT JUST FOR DETAILERS – Chemical Guys products can be used by...
- TRUST CHEMICAL GUYS – Our company has been built with a passion...
The carnauba-based Chemical Guys WAC_201_16 Butter Wet Wax ensures a dazzling surface complemented by a deep wet finish. The combination of natural and synthetic ingredients also enhances the durability of the product.
Whether you are a car care enthusiast or simply want to keep your vehicle looking new, the Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax offers high-quality buffing at an affordable price. Plus, it will protect the color from UV radiation since it won't react with the sunlight.
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Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Car Wax
Car wax, also known as the clear coat, acts as a protective layer on top of your paint job. It aims to ensure that the color of your vehicle does not lose its vibrance because of environmental factors.
Whether you are driving under direct sunlight or park under a tree where bird droppings can get on your ride, you need to get the best car wax. Still, the following factors should guide your purchasing decision.
a) Different Types of Car Waxes
Car Waxes Based on Their Consistency
Spray waxes have the advantage of being easy to apply, and you will not have to add any underlying coat on the paint surface before using it. For the best results, users apply the spray wax and scrub the top with a microfiber.
Liquid waxes are designed to improve the shine of your paint surface. You can buy this type of car wax in a spray can or a heavier liquid that closely resembles paste wax. Additionally, liquid waxes take a short time to dry and are also easy to apply.
Using paste waxes includes the labor-intensive process of diligent elbow grease. You will require a well-stocked garage-level kit to rub in the product on the vehicle's paint surface. Plus, this type of car wax coating is ideal for protection against UV rays while producing a brilliant gloss.
Car Waxes Based on Constituents
Natural waxes are predominantly made from carnauba palm tree extracts, known for being the most durable natural wax. The paste consistency of this product comes from adding numerous organic oils that improve the shine and gloss of the car.
Synthetic wax offers more durability and ease of use than natural wax. Moreover, they give carnauba wax a run for its money because synthetic variations can achieve comparable gloss and shine levels. Still, you can only find the car wax available in spray and liquid consistencies.
Ceramic car waxes are made from the latest technologies, which makes them quite expensive. This kind of coating is renowned for its impressive longevity and protection of your car's paint. The ceramic elements come from silicon dioxide that is more durable than a clear synthetic coat.
b) Your Car's Age
If you have a new car, it is best to stick to a regular cleaning process and use spray waxes. Of course, this variation is not durable, but it allows you to get a brilliant shine quickly when detailing your vehicle. You can maintain the gloss of your new ride with frequent washing and waxing for the best results.
People with older vehicles should use liquid car wax because they offer more cleaning and sealing than spraying products. Depending on the car's paint age, you may need plenty of elbow grease to achieve a decent level of shine. Fortunately, some liquid waxes include carnauba wax to enhance its durability and the gloss of the car.
c) The Plastic on the Car
Most cars often have some plastic surfaces that are not ideal for using car wax. When you add such a coating on these specific areas, a visible residue that resembles a stain can be seen.
Therefore, finding the best car wax for plastic is beneficial if your vehicle has numerous plastic trimmings. Otherwise, you may be required to buy a chemical remover for the spots that look stained by the waxing process.
d) Abrasion of the Car Waxes
Some waxes contain small particles that cause abrasion on the car's paint. Alternatively, some products contain chemical compounds that may also damage your color coating. Plus, the process of buffing your car may lead to the wax leaving the clear coat whitish.
Ensure that you buy a car wax that clearly states it is suitable for the clear coat finish. Otherwise, you will not get the gloss you expect, especially when your vehicle has a dark-colored paint job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Best Car Wax
1. What is the best car wax on the market?
Chemical Guys WAC_201_16 Butter Wet Wax is the best product on the market because it combines an affordable price and dazzling finishing with high-quality protection. Even though the brand is not as long-lasting as paste waxes, it still offers reliability in other areas.
2. Should I polish or wax my new car?
Car polish removes a fine layer of paint from the car's surface because scratches reduce the paint's shine. On the other hand, waxing adds a clear coat to the vehicle to protect it from the environment while increasing the shine.
If you have a new car, it is best to use spray wax as the surface still does not have a scratch that dims the colors.
3. How often should cars be waxed?
Depending on the age of your car, it is advisable to wax it every three months. However, you can buy waxes with high durability ratings to extend your time between garage visits.