If you are a car enthusiast you may be concerned about the shine and fine look of your car. Also, you may wonder why your friend’s car gleams like it just rolled out of a showroom and yours is so dull!
But don’t worry friends here are the two magical products that work together to achieve the ultimate shine and mirror look of your car: Car wax and Car polish
However, maintaining your car’s perfect look can be a big problem if you don’t know the difference between these car care products.
In this article, you will learn about the difference, purpose, and proper application of car wax and car polish.
What is Car Polish?
Car polish is a mild abrasive liquid compound used to regain the original shine of your car’s paint. It works on a microscopic level and removes the thin layer of clear coat with all the dirt elements that dull the shine.
A car polish can do the following favors for your car.
Remove imperfections
Polish can gently remove minor scratches, swirl marks, water spots, and oxidation.
Intensity
Polish intensity is the main factor because car polishes come with different intensities and cutting powers. These polishes range from mild polish for minor scratches to heavy compounds to treat deep scratches.
Restoring the original shine
Polish removes all dirt elements and imperfections which helps restore the original shine and depth of color. It’s just like giving your car body a brand-new look.
What is a Car Wax?
Car wax is a compound used to create a protective layer on the top of your car’s clear coating. It acts like a shield against potential threats like dirt, scratches, and paint fadness, ultimately enhancing the visual appearance of car paint.
Here are some detailed benefits of applying wax on your car.
Defense against threats
The wax acts as a protective suitcase for your car’s paint and creates a strong layer that absorbs dust, UV rays, bird droppings, and all the environmental damage. By absorbing these elements wax saves the inner clear coat and paint fading and early wear out.
Which One Do You Need?
Now you have learned the functionalities of car polish and car wax but an important question remains still: which one do you need? However, the use of these compounds depends on the condition of your car’s paintwork. Here is a complete guide that helps you choose the right compound for your car.
Use car polish when
Old car with imperfections:
If your car has become old and its paint looks dull and lacks original shine, you can use polish. It helps to remove a thin layer of clear coat and imperfections like scratches, dust, and oxidation and restores color vibrancy.
Visible scratches:
If your car has minor and major scratches, water spots, and oxidation you can use polish. The polish can make your car’s surface smooth and clean.
Before applying wax:
When you are preparing to apply wax as a protective layer on your car it is recommended to apply a polish first so that the inner surface remains clear, smooth, and vibrant.
Use car wax when
New car:
When your car is new and its paint is in good condition with minimal scratches, regular car waxing is the ideal choice. It creates a protective layer and maintains the good condition of the paint.
Protection plus enhancement:
Unlike polish, wax offers double benefits. It adds a glossy layer for a visually attractive look as well as protects the surface from potential damages like scratches, UV rays, oxidation, etc.
Maintain a clean and clear look:
When you apply wax regularly between washes, it helps maintain a clean and clear look and makes it easier to remove dirt from the surface.
If you are a detailing enthusiast.
If you are a true detailing enthusiast, both car wax and car polish are important products for your car. These two products together work to ensure a brand-new look as well as long-lasting protection. Car wax acts as a protection agent while polish acts as a restoring agent so both are essential for you.
How to Properly Use Polish and Wax
Now that you have learned which car care product is suitable for you, it is more important to know how to apply car wax and car polish effectively. Here is a complete step-by-step guide to properly apply car wax and car polish.
Polishing Technique
Chose a light polish
Opt for a light polish from a reputable brand like Meguiar’s or Mother’s and gently apply it on the entire surface, ensuring that no part with scratches is left.
Use hand or Machine
For the application of polish, you can use your hand or a polishing machine but keep in mind to put a small amount of polish on the applicator pad. Apply polish in small sections with moderate pressure in a circular motion.
Buffing
After applying the polish buff out all the surfaces with a soft microfiber towel in a back-and-forth motion. Use gentle pressure and it will result in producing ultimate shine.
Rinse and Repeat
After fishing the polish of the entire car, repeat their process on different sections of the car if needed. Rinse it with clean water and dry it with a soft towel.
Waxing Technique
Chose a perfect wax
Select a user-friendly wax in the form of paste from Turtle Wax for lasting protection or a spray wax from Nu Finish for easier use.
Let it Haze
After applying any form of wax let it haze for a few minutes and then it is ready for buffing.
Buffing
Buff the hazed wax with a microfiber towel in the back-and-forth motion until the wax disappears revealing a glossy shine.
Repeat
Repeat the process on different sections of your car according to its needs. Once done, step back and enjoy a brand-new look of your car
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding the difference between car wax and car polish is important to achieving flawless shine and long-lasting protection for your car. Keep in mind that polish restores the original shine and color depth, removes the blemishes, and corrects the surface while wax creates an ultimate protective layer and safeguards your car’s paint from any kind of damage.
Use both products in your car care routine for amazing results. Remember that a well-maintained car is not only a source of pride for the owner it can also maintain a high resale value.