Whether or not you’re a car owner, you may wonder about the difference between car polish and car wax is. Over time, cars may have some imperfections like paint scratches or oxidation. And you will want to get the right kind of products to get rid of these. The best car polish and car wax give vehicles wonderful shine. Most people seem to use these terms interchangeably. However, they are two different products. Let’s dig in about their differences.
The Difference Between Car Polish and Car Wax
Car Wax
When we talk about car wax, it’s all about protection. It serves as a barrier between the car’s clear coat and the elements that can harm your vehicle. In addition to protecting the automobile’s paint, car waxing can add shine and depth to the vehicle’s color because the product has color-enhancing compounds.
There are three types of car wax: liquid, paste, and spray. It can be applied either by hand using a sponge or microfiber cloth or using a buffing machine. Its synthetic coating can be made of natural oils, petroleum distillates, beeswax, or carnauba wax. In the waxing process, the technicians apply a protective layer over an automobile’s paint as a form of detailing finish.
Car Polish
A product that removes scratches, swirl marks, dirt, oxidation, and other minor imperfections from an automobile is a car polish. It is a form of paint correction that eliminates surface defects from the vehicle. It is recommended to be used before wax as it restores car paint that has lost its original shine. The task can also be delicate and time-consuming as technicians sand down the clear coat to level the car’s surface. Thus, it is irreversible.
Car polish comes in three types: polishing compounds, cutting polishes, and finishing polishes. The polishing process can be done either by hand or by machine. Car owners should clean the car first using a microfiber towel then dry it off before applying a small amount of the best car polish you can get to the car’s paintwork. At an auto shop, technicians use a machine polisher and a correct grade of a polishing pad to do the work.
When to Use a Car Wax or Polish
Car waxing and polishing are both essential to auto detailing. Car polishing will not look great if it’s not protected by wax. At the same time, wax alone will not bring out the same sheen if applied to unpolished auto paint.
Before anything else, you should rinse your car and let it dry. Gently run your fingers over the car paint to inspect elevated specks or rough spots. If the surface of the vehicle is smooth, you only need to apply wax and wipe it off according to instructions. The car only needs to be polished if there are bumps, irregularities, or defects on the vehicle’s surface.
Car Waxing Pros and Cons
Sun damage and pollutants can damage the paint of an automobile. These elements can also make the car’s exterior look dull. Every possible reason for the wear and tear of the car surface can be avoided through car waxing. This car job also makes cleaning easier. The smoother the surface of your car is, the harder for the dirt particles to find something to stick to. Hence, it’s less likely to get dirty. One downside of car waxing is it takes time and effort to complete the job. Having your car waxed can also get a little bit costly. A good car wax product doesn’t come cheap.
Car Polishing Pros and Cons
Polishing a car is a good habit but it’s important to use the best car polish and the right methodologies. Due to atmospheric agents and pollution, the bodywork of a car fades and becomes duller as time passes by. Car polishing removes the car’s imperfections and brings it back to its former shiny appeal. However, the process cannot change the damages relating to the second layer of the bodywork or the paint if there are too many casualties in the clear coat.
Restore Your Vehicle to Its Pre-Purchase Condition
It’s not surprising that frequent automobile usage can affect its original look. But with proper care, like car waxing and polishing, you can still make it look brand new. These two car jobs are entirely different but complement each other. Polishing a car removes minor damages on the top coat of the car’s paint, while waxing makes vehicles look shiny and protects the coat from fading and scratching. Make sure that you use quality car polish and wax products to give your vehicle the protection it needs and a fresh look!