Car polish and wax are frequently used interchangeably by those who are not aware of the subtle differences. While they are not entirely different like chalk & cheese, when it comes to the car polish vs wax question, knowing the difference is crucial to understand their application and benefits.
For the layman just bothered with maintaining a neatly cleaned and impeccable paint finish, both car polish and car wax have equally important roles to play. While the former actually helps achieve that lustre, the latter actually helps maintain the polished finish to last longer while also protecting the paintwork on a car.
Car Polish vs Wax – Differences Explained
The fundamental difference between car polish and car wax lies in their functionality in enhancing the lustre of the paintwork. Car polish, with abrasive or non-abrasive properties, is used to blend out blemishes & swirl marks on dull paintwork. On the other hand, car wax acts as a protective layer on a car’s paintwork & helps maintain an impeccable appearance for a long time.
| Parameter | Car Polish | Car Wax |
| Purpose | Rendering high shine & lustre | Layering with a protective coating |
| Functionality | Blends in swirl marks, blemishes & minor scratches | Protects against paint oxidation & preserves shine |
| Application | After washing | After polishing |
What Is Car Polish?
Car polish is applied after thoroughly washing a car using car shampoo. A good quality car shampoo works wonders in effectively cleaning the car. However, even after washing, minor blemishes, swirl marks, hard water spots etc. can make the paintwork appear dull.
Car polish is used to blend out such blemishes, swirl marks etc. Certain car polishes with abrasive properties can also blend out minor scratches on the paintwork. The car polish helps to remove the thin coat of paint from the surface and blend it with the surrounding areas. This eliminates scratches and other imperfections.
What Is Car Wax?
Car wax is simply a high-quality automotive-grade wax. The source of the wax can be either organic or inorganic. The highest quality car wax is Carnauba wax. Once applied, the car wax takes some time to dry. Once dry, a microfiber towel comes in handy in buffing it out.
This method leaves a protective coating of water-proof wax. It stays on and can resist rainwater, car wash and contaminants from corroding the paintwork. Besides, the wax also enhances the lustre and enhances the depth of shine while safeguarding the surface from oxidation and UV damage.
Car Polish vs Wax – Which One To Use First?
Car polish and wax serve separate functions. Polishing always comes first followed by the waxing of the polished surface.
A car polish in itself is not capable of preventing swirl marks and contamination. It only helps even out already existent blemishes, minor scratches and swirl marks. Similarly, car wax is not capable of polishing out swirl marks or minor scratches. However, when applied to an already polished surface, car wax helps maintain the shine and lasts longer and protects the paintwork against the elements.
Also Read: How To Properly Detail A Car
Benefits Of Car Polish vs Wax
Car polish and wax provide significant benefits in car care attributed to their individual properties and functions. Here are some benefits of polishing a car and then waxing it with a good quality car wax.
- Restores Dull Paint – Over time, the paintwork on the car ages and attracts blemishes, and swirl marks. The overall appearance becomes dull. This is when polishing can help to even out the swirl marks and restore the dull paint to a showroom-like finish.
- Fixes Minor Scratches – Abrasive properties of car polish help remove the finest top layer of the paint. Polishing helps expose a new paint layer and blend out to make it appear even. Undoubtedly, effective polishing may require experienced hands.
- Protective Coating – It’s impractical to completely prevent swirl marks & minor scratches. It is possible to preserve a car’s paintwork for a reasonably long time with a proper wax coating.
- Protection from UV rays – Automotive wax is enriched with protective properties such as UV protection. This helps prevent UV damage to the paintwork for a long time with their high melting point.
- Protection from elements – Paint oxidation is one of the commonest reasons behind the dull appearing paintwork. However, a layer of car wax can easily prevent this. One must use the highest-quality Carnauba wax to realise such extended benefits.
Car Wax vs Polish – How To Use Properly?
There is no winner in the car polish vs wax tussle. Each one has different functionality in restoring and maintaining the paint finish of a car. However, the benefits of car polish or wax are reaped only through proper application & techniques.
Abrasive car polish should be used judicially by applying proper techniques. Deviation from the correct procedure can result in paint damage. Similarly, once the wax dries off, it is important to buff off the excess using tested techniques and buffing tools otherwise the paint may look dull and lacklustre.
