As a polish: testing body paint care products

How to choose a polish for a car

When choosing a polish for a car, you must first assess the condition of the coating. If there is a large amount of damage, you should choose products with abrasive components or with a restorative effect. It is recommended to use deep-acting substances on the body no more than 10 times during the entire life of the car, as they thin out the paintwork. These polishes are used to pre-treat the surface and can vary in grit level.

For chrome and plastic parts, it is necessary to use special polishes with a more gentle composition. If you need to add extra shine to the interior or body, wax or silicone polishes are suitable. Thanks to the brightners included in their formula, they increase the reflectivity of the treated surface.

Wax products are denser, fill minor damage and create an even gloss even on imperfect coatings.

When operating a car in difficult conditions, when coatings are exposed to aggressive external influences, the best choice would be protection using a polymer film.

Some products contain color pigments that help disguise body defects. The more accurately the shade is selected, the higher the polishing result. They are recommended for restoring the appearance of worn paintwork.

When purchasing a set of products, you should not only focus on the offer of a specific manufacturer, but also choose polishes from the same series. This way they will complement each other perfectly.

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What polish is best for bodywork?

When choosing a polish, looking for the best one for the body will not work. Each product is created for a specific purpose:

• protect from dirt;
• create a protective film from ultraviolet rays;
• universal action.

Types of body polishes differ in their state of aggregation:

1. Solid.
2. Liquid.
3. Creamy.

In terms of action, such polishes differ little from each other, but the solid ones are enough for a larger number of treatments. The positive characteristics of liquid polish include its low cost.

Types of polish include a product for new paintwork. A similar type of polish is “Doctor Wax”, which is applied to the bodywork immediately after purchasing a car or painting it. There is a type of product that has water-repellent properties, for example Soft99. There are also polishes that contain solid substances intended to clean the car body from scratches. This polish is not intended for frequent use and is recommended for use on old bodies.

If the substance is aimed at restoration or prevention, it can be used once every six months. When choosing a polish you need:

1. Consider the period of use of the vehicle.
2. Purpose of using polish.

Typically, the purpose of the polish is indicated in the instructions, which it is advisable to read carefully before use.

The best wax polishes for cars

Wax polishes are most popular among drivers. They add shine to the coating and increase the brightness of the color. The effect of such polishing is not the most long-lasting - it lasts for only a few weeks and can withstand 2-3 high-pressure washes.

Willson PRX

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

Willson PRX is a premium polish for dark-colored cars. The product is based on high quality hard Carnauba wax. The formula is supplemented with color pigments and fluorine polymers to restore the saturation of the coating and protect it from environmental influences. The wax film keeps the car clean longer in rainy weather.

The polish is sold complete with a small but convenient sponge for rubbing and a glove. A jar with a wide neck makes it easy to collect the required amount of wax. The consumption is economical - a 320 g can is enough for 4-5 treatments of the entire body of a passenger car.

The paste is easily rubbed over the surface, does not roll off, and easily removes minor damage and microcracks. After the procedure, you get the effect of a completely new car. The result lasts up to a month and can withstand 4-6 washes.

Pros:

• good set - with sponge and glove;
• convenient jar;
• easily rubbed;
• sold in most stores;
• low consumption;
• pronounced water-repellent effect;
• masks minor defects.

Minuses:

• expensive (about 1400 per jar);
• not suitable for light-colored cars.

Car enthusiasts complain that the kit includes only one applicator for application. It is very difficult to rinse after use, so for each subsequent procedure you have to buy a new sponge.

Kangaroo Higlo Wax

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

Kangaroo Higlo Wax is a colorless liquid wax for instant body polishing. It is easily applied with a spray and can be removed from the surface with a dry textile cloth. This makes its consumption extremely economical. After erasing, the product leaves a visible shine and a thin film to protect the paintwork from water and dirt.

The spray is suitable for those car enthusiasts who do not have time to bother with hard polishes. The liquid is available in a 650 ml spray bottle. The effect of one application lasts for 1-2 weeks.

Pros:

• economical;
• convenient release form;
• quickly adds shine to the body;
• affordable price (300 rubles per bottle);
• Suitable for cars of any color.

Minuses:

• streaks may remain when erased;
• short-term effect.

Experienced car enthusiasts are advised to stock up on several rags to remove Kangaroo Higlo Wax from their car. If they are replaced frequently enough, stains will not remain on the surface.

Turtle Wax Platinum

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

Turtle Wax Platinum is a liquid polish based on purified carnauba wax. After treatment, the manufacturer promises a super shiny body. Car enthusiasts note that the product acts as a preservative or shine enhancer.

After the procedure, the coating looks as if it has just been applied or the body has been varnished. Also, after polishing, a protective film remains, which prevents dirt from eating into the car body. The product is easy to apply, and due to its liquid consistency you only need a small amount.

Pros:

• economical consumption;
• gives a mirror shine to the body;
• creates a protective layer;
• disguises minor scratches.

Minuses:

• difficult to find on sale.

Many drivers note that after polishing the car with Turtle Wax Platinum, they catch admiring glances at the car and answer questions about whether it is a freshly painted body.

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The best products for removing deep small scratches from a car body, according to experts

After identifying the depth of the damage and determining the layer in which the defect occurred, they begin to choose a method for restoring the defective surface. Let's look at the most effective ones that have the best user reviews.

Abro “Scratch remover”, USA

The premium brand remover is produced by the American company Scratch Remover. Capable of removing small chips from paintwork. After application, it leaves a bright shine and forms a silicone protective film. Excellent restoration of silver, copper, chrome coatings.

Composition: The structure contains the following components: glycerin, wax emulsion, petroleum distillates, calcined clay.

Apply by hand, then polish using a sponge or soft cloth. Shake before application. Consumption – 240 ml is enough for 5-10 treatments.

Abro polish for repairing small chips and scratches on the body will eliminate these defects and protect the car from external influences during further use for some time.

Cost - 300 ₽

Anti-scratch Meguiars Scratch X

Scratch X 2.0 is designed to get rid of mechanical stress from the paint surface, eliminate traces of rust, salt deposits, and other local imperfections. Leaves shine and restores paint color.

Meguiars Scratch X is water-based and has an improved formula.

How to use: Apply with an applicator or terry cloth. Should not be used on vinyl or rubber flooring.

Meguiars Scratch X not only disguises, but completely removes them from the car and restores the paint layer.

Cost - 1500 ₽

Renumax, France

Renumax is a French development aimed at removing and eliminating imperfections, depressions, and “dents.” Renumax is able to merge with the surface, filling all the voids, so it is difficult to notice where exactly the gel has been applied.

The structure contains many nanoparticles, which is responsible for the positive effect of Renumax gel.

Application: A sponge is already attached to the Renumax bottle, with which it is smeared directly onto the paint layer. The effect of Renumax is noticeable after the first use.

Auto pencil Fix it! PRO, USA

Another American development is the Fix it! grout pencil. PRO. The marker contains a special colorless varnish. When applied in direct sunlight it turns into a solid substance. The damaged area disappears, the coating of the car is leveled.

Fix it! PRO consists of ultraviolet hardeners, due to which a positive effect is achieved.

Use only at temperatures above 10 0C. It has an applicator rod with which you apply Fix it! PRO.

Fix it! PRO has proven itself well in the car market, and is therefore highly valued by consumers.

Cost - 600-800 ₽

KratzerEntferner Set SONAX 305941, Germany

A set consisting of two tubes. Removes damage the depth of which does not reach the ground or base. Suitable for all non-ferrous and metallic coatings.

KratzerEntferner Set SONAX 305941 has a complex two-component formula. One kit contains two 25 ml tubes and a grinding device.

The principle of use is no different from the others. KratzerEntferner Set SONAX 305941 is applied to a sponge or soft cloth, then the car is polished.

Despite the original composition and reputable country of origin, consumers doubt the quality of the product.

Cost - 800-1300 ₽

The best synthetic car polishes

Polishing agents based on synthetic compounds are divided into restorative cleaners, polymers and silicones. The former are needed to remove oxidized paint and cloudy deposits, the latter serve for long-term protection of paintwork from salts, sand and UV rays. Silicone polishes are similar in properties to wax polishes, but are distinguished by their low price and shorter period of body protection.

Amway SILICONE GLAZE

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

Amway Silicone Glaze is a silicone-based liquid product that adds shine to the coating and creates a protective layer. Thanks to the solvent included in the composition, the liquid not only polishes painted metal well, but also removes dirt.

Amway is versatile and is suitable not only for treating car paintwork, but is also used in everyday life to clean and shine electrical appliances and laminated coatings.

Pros:

• Suitable for cars of any color;
• can be used to clean household appliances;
• gives a bright shine to the paint;
• creates a water-repellent layer.

Minuses:

• not sold in stores;
• Strong smell.

Amway products are not sold in regular stores - they can only be purchased through the company's distributors.

Soft99 Coating & Cleaning Liquid Wax

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

Soft99 Coating & Cleaning Liquid Wax is a liquid polish-cleaner for car bodywork. It cleanses impurities and refreshes its appearance. The wax included in the composition gives the car shine and creates a water- and dirt-repellent film on the metal that lasts up to 3 months.

The polish is produced in 2 versions: for dark or silver and white cars. Due to its liquid consistency, the product is easy to apply and spreads well over the surface. It comes with a special sponge that makes it easier to rub the polishing liquid.

Pros:

• long water-repellent effect;
• cleanses all types of contaminants;
• 2 options – for light and dark cars;
• easy to apply;
• applicator included;
• reasonable cost (300 rubles per half liter).

Minuses:

• can be difficult to find on sale;
• Doesn't remove scratches.

Before applying Soft99 Coating & Cleaning Liquid Wax, it is recommended to thoroughly wash and degrease the car.

Grass Hydro polymer

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

80%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Grass Hydro polymer is a liquid preservative polymer for adding shine and creating a protective layer on a car's paintwork. It is suitable for processing not only the body, but also glass, rubber, plastic and chrome parts. The product is available in bottles of different sizes (from 0.25 to 1 l) with a convenient sprayer. The liquid is consumed economically: a 500 ml bottle is enough to treat 20-25 cars.

The polish contains carnauba wax to add shine. Polymers create a film that protects the surface from moisture, dirt and other environmental influences. The formula is aimed at enhancing the brightness of the color, does not allow the paint to become cloudy, does not contain abrasive substances, but dissolves and removes reagents and salt deposits from the paintwork.

Pros:

• removes salt and reagents;
• adds shine;
• creates a protective layer;
• suitable for various surfaces;
• convenient bottles of different sizes;
• economical consumption.

Minuses:

• doesn't last long.

The shine and protective coating can withstand 2-3 high-pressure washes, then Grass Hydro polymer must be reapplied.

Leaders in testing results

During the tests, experts tested household polishing products using the following control parameters:

• ease of application;
• ease of creating a protective layer;
• shine and uniformity of coating;
• hydrophobic characteristics.

The test results are presented in the summary table:

The best abrasive polishes for cars

Abrasive polishes for car bodies allow you to polish small abrasions and remove scratches from the paintwork. They are made from clay, chalk or marble powder. The use of such products is often not recommended because they remove a small layer of paintwork.

3M 51825

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

3M 51825 – professional polish with abrasive substances. It can be used both when manually rubbing a car, and when working with a machine. The greatest shine can be achieved by rotating the polishing pad at a speed of 1500-2000 rpm.

The paste is suitable for removing oxidized areas of paintwork and copes with small and medium scratches. Sold in 1 kg plastic bottles with a convenient dispenser. A small amount of product applied to a sponge is sufficient for polishing.

Pros:

• does not leave clouding or “holograms”;
• creates an ideal glossy surface;
• eliminates oxidized paint, small and medium scratches;
• Suitable for manual and machine polishing.

Minuses:

• not suitable for processing plastic, rubber and other surfaces;
• price from 2500 rubles per bottle.

3M 51825 is an abrasive polish that allows you to get rid of significant defects in paintwork in one step.

Soft99 Surface Smoother Mini

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Soft99 Surface Smoother Mini is an abrasive clay for cleaning car paintwork. It copes with traces of insects, drops of paint, tar and other complex contaminants. The product acts as the first stage of polishing and prepares the paintwork for the application of an abrasive or protective polish.

High elasticity makes the clay easy to use. To clean the body, you need to rub the body with a piece, pouring plenty of water on the car. If the area of ​​clay being used becomes contaminated, simply wrap it inside. Soft99 Surface Smoother Mini is sold in packs of 100 g. The remaining product can be stored after use and the car body can be cleaned with it several times.

Pros:

• removes complex contaminants;
• does not damage paintwork;
• reusable;
• suitable for cars of any color;
• clay is easy to use.

Minuses:

• It’s expensive – 600 rubles per 100 g.

Soft99 Surface Smoother Mini clay is loved not only by car enthusiasts, but also by professionals who paint, polish or wrap car bodies.

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Types of car polishes

The choice of polish for your car is carried out taking into account the physical state of the product.

Types of polishes

• Pastes that have a thick consistency. They are applied with brushes or sponges. Pastes are abrasive, synthetic and waxy.
• Liquids. Their action is similar to pastes. Liquid formulations are often produced in the form of aerosols. There are products whose effect is determined by the action of only 1 component. But there are aerosols that combine wax, abrasive and synthetic components. The consumption of liquids is higher than pastes. But the penetrating power of aerosols is higher.
• Foam. Typically used for plastic elements. Such products are derivatives of liquid polishes, but have greater penetrating properties.

The abrasive paste for polishing contains abrasive particles - chalk, clay, marble powder. The product cleans perfectly, but if it is used incorrectly, abrasions and small scratches may appear.

A synthetic polish for car body care covers it with a thin, stable film that performs a protective function. The remedy is:

• polymer;
• silicone;
• restorative.

The last type of paste is perhaps the best polish for dealing with minor damage to the car body and its metal base. Such pastes seem to “build up” metal on small cracks, chips, and scratches due to polymer additives entering through the damaged paint layer.

Wax paste polish is the most popular product for car body care. After care procedures, the shine and richness of the tone of the paintwork increase.

Before using these compounds, surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned. Wax paste for final polishing of a car is applied in a thin layer. The result lasts up to 3 months. Then the procedure is repeated.

The best polishes for car interiors

Plastic interior panels, like the car body, require maintenance. Polishes help clean off greasy stains, remove stubborn dirt and dust, and also protect coatings from UV rays and provide them with antistatic properties.

Grass Polyrole Matte

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

Grass Polyrole Matte is a professional polish for plastic surfaces. It is also suitable for wood, rubber, vinyl and leather. The product delicately cleanses dirt without damaging the surface and gives it a matte shine. After the procedure, a pleasant aroma and a protective layer remains on the treated panel in the car, preventing dust from settling.

For economical application, the bottle includes a sprayer. Most often, 250 or 500 ml bottles are found in stores, but 1 or 5 liter canisters are available for professional use.

Pros:

• low cost (100 rubles for 250 ml);
• sold in most stores;
• cleans panels well and gives them shine;
• provides protective functions;
• economical;
• has universal application.

Minuses:

• coarse spray nozzle.

Buyers are advised to spray the product on the sponge, and not on the panel itself. Due to the liquid consistency and too large droplets, the product drains quickly. There is also a danger of glass splashing, so you should listen to the advice of experienced people.

BBF

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

BBF is a polish for adding shine to plastic surfaces. It is convenient to spray the product onto the panel itself and then rub it with a soft, lint-free cloth to add shine. Car enthusiasts note that after treatment, much less dust settles on the panel. The polish also protects the plastic from fading.

The manufacturer offers options with strawberry, ripe pear, and citrus flavors. The product is available in aerosol form in bottles of 0.4 or 0.75 liters. This allows you to conveniently apply the liquid without allowing it to drain from the surface.

Pros:

• variety of aromas;
• sold in most stores;
• convenient application;
• economical;
• price from 150 rubles per bottle.

Minuses:

• Not suitable for those who like pronounced shine.

BBF polish gives plastic a pleasant matte shine. It does not have the properties of a cleaner, so the product should only be applied to a prepared and degreased surface.

Hi-Gear Pro Line HG5615

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

92%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Hi-Gear Pro Line HG5615 is a foam polish that is popular among both professionals and amateur motorists. The product combines 3 actions: cleans, adds shine, protects the panel from dirt and UV radiation. The aerosol is easily applied and rubbed over the surface, leaving no streaks or greasy shine on it. The foam texture penetrates deeply and cleanses even stubborn stains.

This composition is suitable even for old worn surfaces, updating them and restoring their neat appearance. After processing, a thin polymer layer remains on the plastic, preventing further contamination and fading of the panel.

Pros:

• cleans complex stains;
• convenient to apply;
• protects plastic from UV rays;
• has an antistatic effect;
• gives a slight shine.

Minuses:

• not sold everywhere.

Hi-Gear Pro Line HG5615 is a high-quality foam with cleaning and polishing properties. Due to the good price-quality ratio, the product is quickly sold out, so car enthusiasts need to work hard to find it on sale.

Rating of car polishes

It became possible to include a particular product in the TOP only after carefully reading the reviews of car owners and car washing specialists. During the analysis of their contents, attention was paid to the safety, versatility, effectiveness and reliability of the formulations.

The choice in favor of specific funds was made based on the following characteristics:

• Release form – liquid, solid, creamy or paste-like;
• The basis of the composition is silicone, wax, abrasive;
• Purpose – restoration and/protection of surfaces from scratches, cracks, dust and other negative factors, adding shine;
• Processed materials – plastic, glass, metal, rubber;
• Parts suitable for polishing are the body, windshield, rear-view mirrors;
• Consistency and smell;
• Volume and efficiency of consumption;
• Type of packaging – spray, aerosol, can;
• Requirements for application: directly to the surface or first on a sponge;
• Drying time;
• Duration of exposure - how many washes the protective layer can withstand;
• Type of polishing – manual or machine;
• Optimal air temperature during application;
• Suitable surface shades.

Also, for the objectivity of the rating, the aesthetics of the formed film and the ease of washing it off if necessary were taken into account. An important criterion was the ratio of price and quality of products.

The best polishes for chrome car surfaces

Chrome surfaces require special treatment. Cleaning products for them should not contain aggressive components that can damage the coating. It is also important to add shine and protect the chrome from external influences.

Liqui Moly Chrom-Glanz-Creme

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Chrom-Glanz-Creme has been specially developed for chrome-plated surfaces. The product gives them shine, delicately removes traces of rust and cleans oxidized areas. The polish is also suitable for any metal surfaces.

You need to apply the cream onto a sponge, then rub it thoroughly over the surface, otherwise greasy stains may remain. For maximum effect, it should be left to dry and then removed with a dry cloth. The polish is easy to wash off and does not irritate your hands, so you can work with it without protective gloves.

Pros:

• unnoticeable odor;
• adds shine to dull parts;
• cleanses impurities;
• does not dry out the skin on your hands.

Minuses:

• price 850 rubles for 250 ml;
• bottle without dispenser.

Some housewives successfully use Liqui Moly cream to update faucets and other metal surfaces in the house - not necessarily chrome.

Sonax Chrome and Alupaste

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

83%

buyers recommend this product

Sonax Chrome and Alupaste is suitable for cleaning and brightening chrome and unpainted metal surfaces. It contains small abrasive particles that effectively clean dirt and remove corrosion deposits.

After treatment, a protective film remains on the surface, preventing the destruction of the surface and the appearance of new rust. The paste is sold in convenient 75 ml tubes, it is convenient to squeeze it out, dispensing the required amount.

Pros:

• convenient tube;
• protects against rust;
• gives a mirror shine;
• mild odor;
• Effectively cleans chrome and unpainted metal.

Minuses:

• high consumption.

Car enthusiasts use Sonax paste not only to clean and polish chrome, but also for headlights. They note that the polish is very good in this area too.

The best polishes for car glass

Damage and abrasion of glass create unnecessary glare and interfere with traffic safety. Therefore, it is recommended to treat them with polish several times a year to remove small cobwebs of scratches and create a water- and dirt-repellent layer.

Sonax Glass Polish

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

Sonax Glass Polish is a professional glass polishing product. It removes minor scratches and abrasions from any transparent surface. However, the polish does not have a cleaning effect, so before application the glass must be thoroughly washed, degreased and wiped dry.

Manual glass processing is very difficult, so to get the maximum effect from the paste, the manufacturer recommends using Sonax Glass Polish in tandem with a polishing machine.

After processing, the glass looks like new and does not glare. The product also creates a dirt- and water-repellent layer on them, improving visibility in rainy weather. By making the glass smoother, the movement of the wipers is facilitated and their service life is increased. The product is sold in 250 ml plastic bottles with a convenient dispenser.

Pros:

• removes minor scratches and abrasions;
• creates a water- and dirt-repellent film;
• convenient packaging;
• economical consumption.

Minuses:

• it is expensive (about 2 thousand for 250 ml).

The manufacturer prohibits working with Sonax Glass Polish in direct sunlight.

Recommendations for applying polish

For a certain type of polish there are instructions and special instructions. But there are a few absolute recommendations:

1. The body is rubbed evenly so that the primary coating does not stand out.
2. The substance is applied in sections.
3. It is necessary to avoid exposure to sunlight.
4. It is recommended not to press too hard on the rag and to adhere to time intervals.
5. You can use power tools if this is stated in the recommendations.
6. After applying the polish, the car should not be exposed to dust until it is completely dry.
7. For work you need to use special clothes.

By following all the above tips, anyone can polish their car with ease.