Car wax: description, types, application, photo, video, rating

A shiny and well-maintained car looks solid, rich, and indicates the high status of the owner. To achieve this effect, you can use polish and wax. It is the latter option for car surface treatment that is most acceptable for the vast majority of motorists. Problems arise with the choice of wax, so inexperienced users are often left unsatisfied with their choice and the end result. This means you need to decide which wax is best for your car.

What is liquid wax

Many drivers are familiar with liquid wax firsthand. In accordance with the name, it is a liquid wax consistency to which special additives have been added. Thanks to these additives, the liquid applied to damaged areas of the car body quickly hardens. The use of this product is very simple - you just need to spray or spray it evenly over the surface of the body, and after 15 minutes, maximum - half an hour, carefully wipe off the remainder with a soft sponge or napkin - and the defects on the body will be gone. However, the effect of this method may disappear after a week of intensive travel or after one or two thorough washes. The use of hot wax helps to extend its time to two or more months. The question of which car wax is best is significant. In practice, liquid and hot options are equally effective, and the only difference is in the specifics of their use and duration of action.

Results

The winner of our rating is, of course, Soft99 Fusso Coat. This wax is characterized by the excellent quality of protection it provides, as well as the excellent final effect it leaves on the surface of the varnish. Its improved formula allows it to be applied much faster and more efficiently to the car's paintwork.

Thus, Fusso is the answer to the needs of every consumer, regardless of their level of experience. Second place went to the famous Fireball Fusion Wax, the formula of which remains a favorite among many users. Third place went to car wax Zymol, as one of the most recognizable waxes available on the Russian market.

Petr Alekseev

Regular author of articles for the magazine rating cars.

What effect can I expect from waxing?

We have been using wax for a long time to treat the body in order to add chic to the appearance of the car. But besides this, wax protects the car from various external influences. When the surface of a car is rubbed with wax, it heats up, melts and penetrates into all the microcracks that are on the surface of the body. As a result of this procedure, the surface of the car is leveled. The surface of the body becomes smooth, so the sun's rays are reflected without being scattered, and due to this, such an effect is created, a mirror image effect.

In addition to making the car shine like new, wax protects the car's paintwork. Wax forms a kind of hydrophobic film on the body, the properties of which are to repel water. Since wax does not react with alkalis and acids, it thereby protects the body from all chemicals and some natural substances, such as resins from coniferous trees. The resin from a surface rubbed with wax will be washed off more easily and will not even leave a trace. Also, other contaminants will be washed off more easily in car washes; accordingly, the body will be more protected from small microcracks that may arise as a result of car washing.

Making the right choice between shine and protection

If you just want to add shine to the car body, you can use polishes containing silicone particles. But the shine of the paintwork and its protection are two different concepts. Therefore, you should not trust those manufacturers who promise both shine and high-quality protection of the car’s paintwork for a long time. Due to its properties, silicone not only does not protect the car from dust and stones, but is also capable of damaging the layer of wax previously applied to the vehicle. In the end, one thing will happen: either the car will simply shine, or the paintwork will simply be covered with an invisible layer of protection.

Types of liquid wax

Which car wax is best? In order to answer this question, you need to know what modern wax coatings are? The question is quite ambiguous for the reason that there are three types of waxes:

• Cold;
• Hot;
• Foam.

Cold car wax , as a rule, is a liquid containing a large amount of cationic surfactants (surfactants) and emulsion wax. When applied, it fills microcracks, irregularities, scratches, creating a protective layer and adding shine to the coating. This coating makes car washing easier and speeds up drying. This wax is applied and polished by hand. The disadvantage of these types of waxes is their relative fragility. For the best effect, it is advisable to use them after every one or two washes.

Hot car wax is a fat-like substance that can be either artificial or natural. Its melting point ranges from forty to ninety degrees. Waxes from renowned manufacturers most often use carnauba wax, which has complete transparency, a high melting point and is highly resistant to wear. It is believed that this type of wax retains its protective properties for six to twelve months. When applied, it is diluted with hot water in appropriate proportions and applied with a sponge or cloth and polished. Corrosion inhibitors are often added to hot waxes, stopping the corresponding processes in the metal of the car body. Due to the use of rather expensive raw materials in hot waxes, their cost is also quite high.

Foam waxes have properties similar to hot waxes. To apply this type of wax, special equipment is required due to the fact that air is supplied to the mixture of water and wax composition, thus creating a foam emulsion, which, when applied to the surface of the car, is better retained on it and polishes more evenly.

Spray waxes

Spray wax is a great choice if you want a good effect in a very short time. Car spray wax is suitable as an additional layer over previously applied wax or sealant.

Most spray waxes are synthetic waxes or hybrids. So they will give an excellent effect of hydrophobization (repelling water) and radiance. There are also spray waxes on the market that can be applied over wet, dry varnish - ADBL Synthetic Spray Wax. This wax goes well with varnish, and its use incredibly reduces the time required to care for your car.

Hard waxes (in paste)

Hard waxes are probably the most popular type. In stores you can find natural, synthetic and hybrid options. Natural carnauba waxes are almost always found in solid form.

Hard wax on cars is most often chosen by professional auto detailing studios. To apply them you will need a sponge applicator, microfiber and a lot of time. According to enthusiasts, waxing is the most enjoyable car care experience.

Hard waxes are characterized by high strength and resistance to environmental influences. They also provide excellent color depth.

Synthetic waxes

Synthetic car wax is the work of modern polymer technologies. They work by tightly bonding polymer particles to car paint. As a result, synthetic waxes provide a high level of protection and resistance to environmental factors. However, each wax-based polymer will be slightly different. Some will have excellent water-repellent properties (hydrophobization), others will have properties that fill minor scratches, others will prevent dust from settling.

Due to their high level of protection, synthetic waxes are ideal for protecting varnish in winter.

Natural waxes

Their composition is based on natural carnauba wax, obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree and beeswax. Carnauba has no equal in hardness, as it is the hardest wax found in nature.

When you find on a product packaging that a wax contains 100% carnauba, you can be sure that it is a premium quality wax. The use of such a product guarantees a very high level of gloss.

Natural car wax usually has a more pleasant, neutral scent without petroleum-based aromas (as is the case with synthetic and hybrid waxes). Ideal for spring and summer.

Hybrid waxes

Their composition combines the best properties of carnauba and synthetic polymer mixtures. The result of this combination is long service life, excellent color depth and a high level of varnish protection. Hybrid waxes, like synthetic waxes, will work well in the fall and winter.

Application

As mentioned, it is possible to apply all types of wax by hand, with the exception of foam. In any case, before creating the coating, it is necessary to clean the body of dirt by washing. Washing should be done using a non-contact method.

Waxing should not be done in the sun. You must first shake the composition thoroughly. Self-treatment of a car with liquid wax consists of applying it to a body surface that has not dried after washing and rubbing it with a napkin or rag.

It should be noted that liquid wax is often included in the cost of washing or is offered as an additional service at a low cost. However, the feasibility of using this material is questionable, since this service increases the cost of washing, and in order to maintain the effect it is necessary to repeat this operation every time. This explains the low cost of washing a car with this wax, which is 1-2 dollars.

Hard wax car body treatments at car washes range from $12 to $250. This difference in cost compared to liquid wax is explained by more complex application technology. In addition, the materials have a high cost, which can reach $500 per jar of hard wax.

It should be noted that liquid wax and spray versions are much more widespread compared to hard and synthetic wax. This is explained, first of all, by the high cost of applying the latter to the car body. Naturally, such wax is not intended for general use. It is usually used for expensive cars to protect them from damage to the paintwork. Treating cars with such wax on your own is also rarely used, due to the complexity of this process. Washing your car with car shampoo containing wax or applying liquid material is naturally much easier.

• Wash with warm water mixed with shampoo in one container and plain water in the other.
• You need to wash in one direction - from top to bottom.
• To increase the efficiency of cleaning the car body during the washing process, you should wash it with a sheepskin glove, as it is a more effective cleaning tool compared to the various sponges usually used for this purpose.
• It is advisable to wash the body and wheels with different sponges.
• It is not advisable to wash your car with products based on silicone, as well as those containing alkalis or acids.

3. Hard water.

4. Poor quality detergents.

And, of course, this polish copes well with road dust, sand, small stones and other elements of the road surface.

By its nature, hot car wax is a fat-like substance that can be either synthetic or natural. This product melts at temperatures from 40 to 90 degrees Celsius. Most often, famous manufacturers add this to their products. This is the highest quality type of wax, which has excellent protective characteristics. Carnauba is almost completely transparent, hard and has a high melting point, and accordingly, it stays on the paintwork longer.

Pros of car wax

Taking into account the application interval for each type of substance, wax has the following advantages:

1. Corrosion protection.
2. Repels dust, dirt and fine particles.
3. Increased gloss and color of paintwork.
4. Protection from mechanical influences.
5. Makes it easier to clean resins and insect marks when they reappear.

Should I wax my car for the winter?

Should I wax my car for the winter?

Post by Buzaterka » November 26, 2010, 21:17

Re: Should I wax my car for the winter?

Post by volver » 26 Nov 2010, 21:20

Re: Should I wax my car for the winter?

Post by Kuzma » November 26, 2010, 11:02 pm

Re: Should I wax my car for the winter?

Post by volver » Nov 26, 2010, 11:38 pm

myezzo is the one who is too lazy chesazzo))))

In general, high-quality coverage, for 2-3 months

Re: Should I wax my car for the winter?

Post by Freeman » Nov 27, 2010 00:22

It often happens that the technical condition of a vehicle is at a high level, while the appearance leaves much to be desired - the paintwork loses its original shine, becomes dull, and microcracks appear on it, which over time transform into scratches. The modern market offers many products to improve this situation, but many of them provide only a short-term effect. In order to completely get rid of minor defects and prevent their worsening, liquid car wax is used - a very effective and at the same time affordable product for most car owners.

When and how to apply wax

In winter, it is recommended to apply synthetic wax , since it is the one that has the maximum degree of protection for the body and paintwork (very important when using reagents and salts on the roads).

In the summer, liquid or aerosol options can be used to protect against dust.

Additionally, it is possible to wash the car with wax-containing shampoos (we recommend Turtle Wax Hot Wax). The difference from a conventional wash will be the formation of a small protective film and a slight improvement in the color of the paintwork.

It is recommended to wax your car 2-3 times a year.

• Waxing begins with a complete wash of the car, as well as removing tar and insects with white spirit or automotive clay. Before the procedure, make sure there are no direct rays, as well as high-quality lighting to detect errors in polishing.
• Apply a small amount of wax paste to the body element. Use felt or rubber squeegees. Wait until the wax dries until the color and texture of the composition changes.
• Rub the mixture with a soft cloth (suede or microfiber). Repeat the procedure on the remaining paintwork elements.

In the case of plastics in the cabin, the technology does not change

, but a specific wax for plastic is used (we recommend NANOX 8344, Meguiars G-12310, Doctor Wax DW 5219).

Comparison table of characteristics

For clarity, we present the features of the listed funds in the table.

What is hot wax

The difference between these types of coatings is the application technology, as well as a more aggressive composition. Has nothing to do with the “liquid glass” coating. This wax is applied in a heated form , using a sprayer, or by pouring the elements completely. This wax is applied in large areas (preferably with elements), without gaps. Afterwards it is allowed to dry and rubbed using suede or a polishing machine. After the procedure, a powerful preservative layer is formed, which remains on the paintwork throughout the entire season and can withstand up to 30 washing cycles. The composition of hot wax differs from the composition of classic cold wax. We recommend NERTA HOTWAX, Red Penguin and GRASS Hot Wax, which must be diluted with water .

CHOOSE A WAX? PAY ATTENTION TO THE COLOR OF YOUR CAR

This may sound strange, but when choosing a wax polish, you also need to base your choice on the color of the car. Many users do not know what wax to apply to a white car body, they are at a loss and make a bad choice. But it is on snow-white cars that the negative influences of the environment are clearly visible. So, auto chemicals for a white car need appropriate chemicals, with the following set of features:

• providing the coating with a brilliant shine;
• guaranteeing long-term and reliable protection;
• preventing dust from settling;
• color enhancement.

A very good product for caring for white cars is wax from Chemical Guys. It's called White. Not inferior to it is Turtle Wax T-6A, which works best on white cars.

But for black cars you should choose completely different products. The first thing you need to consider is the possibility of purchasing Turtle Wax Black Box. After using it, there are no scratches, swirl marks or other troubles left on the car. Pinnacle Souveran and Black Velvet Wax with carnauba wax show good results.

WE HANDLE PROVEN AND RELIABLE MANUFACTURERS

We will not analyze the chemical composition and delve into the formulas by which these substances are created. This information will be of interest to few people. It is worth choosing a car waxing product from a well-known manufacturer (not Chinese) and focusing on not the lowest cost.

A company with American roots, Meguair, has proven itself well in the Russian automotive chemicals market. Every product from this manufacturer leaves a good impression. And the range of auto chemical goods pleases with its diversity. The Black Magic company confidently positions itself in the market as a conscientious manufacturer with a large and high-quality range of products. Wet Shine Liquid Shine Wax is especially good. Proven and less expensive products are wax polishes from Chemical Guys, Sonax and Turtle Wax.

Using car wax is definitely necessary if you want your car to have a sparkling appearance, not suffer from corrosion and not acquire new scratches. Moreover, now you know what principles should be used to choose car wax.

Applying wax to paintwork is a useful procedure. But you shouldn't abuse it . The thing is that wax clogs the micropores of the body, thereby creating a greenhouse effect. Clogging can lead to a loss of paint quality (in every sense).

Therefore, when using a specific type of wax, follow the recommendations for use:

• spray wax every 1-2 washes;
• liquid wax every 3-4 washes;
• hard wax after 1-2 months;
• synthetic or hot wax after 6-12 months.

TOP 7 best waxes for cars

Our rating includes the following copies:

• LIQUI MOLY LACK-GLANZ-CREME;
• BULLSONE NANO TEX WAX for colored cars;
• Cold wax (concentrate) AVS AVK-707;
• SONAX №1 XTREME;
• GraSS Hydro Polymer 500 ml;
• DOCTOR WAX quick wax 500 ml;
• Turtle WAX ​​Carnauba Car Wax 500 ml.

Let's take a closer look at them.

LIQUI MOLY LACK-GLANZ-CREME

The product contains carnauba wax with the addition of polishing components. It can be applied by hand or by machine polishing. The container is an iron can with a red label. Wax can maintain protection for up to six months.

Cost from 800 to 990 rubles.

pros

• easily rubbed;
• removes light scratches well;
• large volume;
• gives the effect of a glossy smooth surface;
• water- and dust-repellent properties;
• economical consumption;
• enough for 5-6 washes.

Minuses

• after the rain, white streaks may remain (where they were rubbed poorly);
• hydrophobicity at an average level;
• It is better to apply with a machine;
• no included sponge;
• Does not disguise deep scratches.

After treatment with this product, people often look back at my modest machine. Polished in three passes. My Passat is fresher.

car wax

BULLSONE NANO TEX WAX for colored cars

Varieties

Types of car wax are classified according to the following parameters:

1. By properties:

• spray is the most convenient in terms of speed and ease of application, but also the least durable. Ideal for emergency vehicle sprucing up;
• liquid – quite stable and easy to use – just apply and rub the product over a previously washed surface;
• hard – differs in the method of application, which is carried out only on a completely dry surface. The process itself is long and quite labor-intensive, but the effect will last from 3 to 6 months;
• synthetic - considered the most durable and most resistant to external adverse factors. Apply no more than once every six months.

1. Depending on the method of application, there are:

• cold wax - the main components of this product are emulsion wax and cationic surfactants. Any car owner can use this substance. The cold wax composition fills all microdamages, gives the car a well-groomed appearance and protects the surface of the body. The only significant disadvantage is the fragility of the wax coating, so it is recommended to apply it after every second wash;
• hot wax is a very stable, transparent, fat-like substance consisting of natural or artificial ingredients. Very often the composition includes chemical compounds that slow down corrosion processes. This product is melted in hot water (from 40 to 90°C), after which it is manually applied to the car and polished. The cost of hot wax for a car is quite high, but quite justified, considering that application is carried out once every 6-12 months;
• foam wax – its qualities are very similar to hot wax. One of the significant differences is the need to use special equipment for applying foam, which, by creating a foam emulsion, ensures uniform distribution of the composition over the surface of the car and durability.