Car Wax Comparison

I bring this car wax comparison in an attempt to simplify a subject within the world of car detailing that not only continues to frustrate myself, but many of you readers that have written in to ask.

With so many choices available, it is overwhelming to even myself, as an auto detailing expert with over twenty years of experience. Because of the many directions this topic can take the discussion, this car wax comparison will be based on dissecting the (3) forms of waxes.

The 3 Types of Waxes

There are (3) basic forms of waxes available: Paste Wax, liquid wax, and spray wax. These are just as they sound with paste being the most widely recognized and accepted form of wax. Before I break down the various forms, I will layout some general rules as a beginning overview:

Because this area of wax products gets so complicated, so very quickly, I am not going to make this car wax comparison an exhaustive resource on the subject. I am not a chemical engineer and am not going to dissect every nuance of wax products; I simply want to educate and inform with information that will actually be of some use to you.

Paste Waxes

Turtle wax as shown to the left is synonymous with "old school" paste waxes. So widely known by the world among true beginners, to seasoned veterans of auto detailing. But do not be mislead to thinking that just because a product has been around a long time, means that it is worthy of your spending dollars.

• Will provide the best "hiding/covering" abilities of all the forms of wax products.
• The hardest to apply and remove.
• Will stain black trim.
• Will generally have to be applied on shaded surface.
• Will create wax dust upon removal.
• Can be formulated using natural and synthetic ingredients.
• Has more durability than spray wax products, but less durability than that of the synthetic liquid products.

For the most bang for your buck, a paste wax will always produce the best visual results; especially on black or other dark colored paint. As I said before though, not all products are created equal and you can refer to my auto wax reviews where I compare actual brands. Some paste waxes are so difficult to use that a person ends up never waxing as a result. Sometimes the best wax is simply the wax that you are willing to use whether this be the most durable, or "best" wax.

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Liquid Waxes

The Black Magic liquid wax to the left is simply one of many liquid wax products available. Liquid waxes were developed after the traditional paste waxes. They are certainly easier to apply than paste, but can be just as difficult to remove.

For this car wax comparison, let me lay out the pros and cons of liquid waxes.

• Easy to apply; can still be difficult to remove.
• Better "hiding/covering" results than spray, but less than that of paste waxes.
• Can be formulated with natural and synthetic ingredients.
• Will generally stain black trim.
• Will generally have to be applied on shaded surface.
• Will usually create wax dust during removal.
• Because it can be made with synthetic ingredients, can have superior durability to that of a 100% natural paste wax.

Liquid wax products can come in many forms of viscosity; meaning very runny, to very thick. Because of this, it is easy to slop wax into seams of car if not careful. It is also more difficult to apply a consistent and even coat during application.

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Spray Waxes

The System One spray wax at the left of this car wax comparison is a product that introduced me to the advances in chemical engineering. It would seem that with spray waxes, there is much more flexibility with chemical choice in the engineering process, as compared with the constraints of having to use natural carnauba wax in your formulation. As a professional, I believe that spray waxes are the winning combination for most people, and in most situations.

For this car wax comparison, let me lay out the pros and cons of spray waxes.

• Ease of use; doesn't get any easier than this.
• Can be formulated with natural and synthetic ingredients.
• "Hiding/covering" abilities almost as good as paste waxes.
• Can be applied in direct sunlight; not recommended, but can be done.
• Durability is the biggest trade-off; will not last as long as a 100% synthetic liquid wax.
• Will not wipe off as "clean" as a paste wax; leaves a small degree of a greasy looking residue based on the particular brand of choice.
• Will not stain black trim.

Sometimes the best wax is simply the wax you are not only willing to use, but willing to use with frequency; and this is where spray waxes really shine! (excuse the pun) I love the ability to wax my paint, but also wax right over all the black trim and actually apply protection to the trim pieces at the same time.

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