Need to Know: Automotive Wax (1/3)

This series will provide everything you need to know about automotive wax.

Over the past year and a half, most of us are spending a lot more time at home than usual. While spending time in isolation, being able to keep busy and productive is a key strategy for preserving our collective sanity.

Here is the first in a multi-part series about automotive wax, in which we talk about different types of wax and which one is right for you. In the next post, we’ll talk about how to properly prepare your car for waxing, and how to do it.

Wax is the tried and true method of protecting a vehicle’s paint from wear and tear, and environmental factors. The idea of waxing your car is to coat your paint in a shell that can protect the paint from the majority of abuse, like mild scratching and chemical damage.

There are many types of waxes available, and each one has a set of benefits and drawbacks. Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose what’s right for you and your ride.

Spray Wax

This type is the easiest to apply, because you simply spray it on and wipe it off. You must make sure to shake the bottle prior to applying to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed.

Spray waxes can provide surprisingly good results, but the coating it creates is incredibly thin. The best use of spray wax is to use after a solid base coat of carnauba wax has been applied. Let’s say, for example, you have your car detailed by an awesome local detailer who uses the highest quality paste waxes. It would then be great for you to use a spray wax to supplement this base coat until your next detail.

Spray waxes are not good as base coats, but is a great way to preserve a base coat between details.

Paste Wax

The old-school favourite, paste wax is sold in little tins and requires the most labour to apply. Though difficult to apply, paste wax provides a thick and solid base coat and can provide an unbelievably lustrous finish.

Paste wax is ideal for detail enthusiasts and people who don’t mind spending time on their vehicles.

Liquid Wax

Sitting between spray and paste is liquid wax. Liquid wax is probably the most common variety of wax that you’ll see today, and that is because it is a great balance of effort and results. Liquid wax is easier to apply and more forgiving than paste wax, but provides longer lasting results than a spray.

Like spray wax, make sure to shake the bottle before use to get a good mixture of ingredients.

Island Detail is Victoria’s #1 Detail Shop

We’ve been enthusiastically serving residents of Souther Vancouver Island for over 20 years, and are excited about the next 20. Here’s the scoop on all our detailing services. Hopefully this short series about automotive wax will help you get through this stressful time of isolation, and maybe come out the other side with some new knowledge and a shinier ride.