Everything You Need to Know About Car Wash Wax
Car wax has come a long way since it was first developed in 1800 using animal fats to polish and shine carriages. Today’s car waxes are produced using finely-tuned processes that have elevated the use of natural waxes that include vegetable wax, beeswax, and oils, as well as synthetic bases, to shine and protect your vehicle like never before.
Car wax is a formulated blend of waxes, oils, and solvents which can include crude oil distillates, ethanol, mineral spirits, petroleum, naphtha (commonly used as a thinner for wood varnishes and paints), and more.
A wax high gloss compound adds a layer of protection to the paint and can also bring out the best of your vehicle’s luster and shine. While waxing brings out the beauty of the paint, it’s most important job lies in its power as a protectant. A good wax will see your car’s paint through moisture, UV rays, intense heat, a battery of pollutants, and will help prevent the dreaded oxidation process.
Before we go any further, let’s make sure that it’s understood that car polish and car wax are two very different things.
Car polish is used as a remedy. Polish removes the dirt, grime, grease, and scratches that are left behind after a good washing. Solvents within the polish allow it to remove, or at least reduce, impurities on the paint surface and will bring out the shine.
Car polish should be used in a multistage process of caring for your vehicle’s paint because, while it can make your car look great when finished, it does not seal or protect the paint. Waxing is the only true way to protect your car’s paint and should be completed after the polishing step.
The best wax type varies by need
Natural Car Wax
True car wax is created with a naturally-occurring wax base such as carnauba wax, beeswax, or the like. Waxes can be categorized into cleaner waxes and finishing waxes and which one you need depends on your particular vehicle. A paint sealant is a synthetically-produced product for paint protection.
Cleaner Wax
A cleaner wax is often called an All-in-one or One-step product. These waxes contain chemicals, and sometimes abrasives, to clean the paint, remove oxidation, polish, and allow a layer of protection for your car.
Finishing Wax
A finishing synthetic wax has no cleaning ability. Finishing Wax is the final step of a dedicated multistage process that includes washing, a thorough cleaning, the use of a compound, clay bar, or swirl remover, and a polishing step. It can also be used on an otherwise near perfect paint job in a showroom or, at least, excellent condition. A finishing wax lends itself to a highly-prized mirror finish and an ultimate protective layer for your car’s paint.
Overall, taking care to shield your car from the elements on a regular basis will help to increase the time between waxing. Seeking shade, and avoiding trees where birds love to flock help a great deal, but there’s only so much you can do when it comes to environmental concerns. Smog and air pollutants are not your paint’s friend.
Car Wax plays an all-important part in the proper care of your car exterior. It’s not all about vanity (but hey, you want your car to stand out, right!). Your car is a big investment, and car wax helps to protect that investment and increase the life of your car’s paint.
Happy waxing! And be sure to check out Freedom Wash’s easy to apply self serve and automatic wax offers.
About Freedom Wash
Freedom Wash is the premier car wash in the Hampton Roads area, offering unlimited monthly car wash plans. Freedom Wash has 2 primary locations and an additional 5 express locations. Freedom Wash is a technology innovator in the car wash sector, investing heavily in new designs to streamline and improve the customer experience.