The use of liquid wax not only gives a glossy shine to the vehicle, but also protects the paint from environmental factors. It is recommended to apply the substance at least 2 times a year, preferably in spring and autumn. But there is another opinion: use hot wax for your car after every 4-5 washes. Both theories are correct and have pros and cons. But not all car owners know how to use the product correctly.
What is liquid wax?
Liquid wax is intended for car surface care. The use of this substance helps to extend the service life of the vehicle coating, makes it easier to wash and speeds up the drying process. Waxing the body prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating into it.
As a result of the treatment, the car becomes smooth and shiny. After rain or washing, drops of liquid do not spread over the surface, but roll down.
Applying polish creates a barrier to dirt, which reduces the time between washes. This coating also protects the vehicle from exposure to ultraviolet rays. The main advantage of the product is its low price.
Advantages of the composition
Even vehicle manufacturers recommend waxing your car. In this way, you can preserve the beauty of the car’s appearance for a long time. This treatment is especially recommended after polishing work, because it helps restore the coating.
Why is it necessary to wax a car body?
Many drivers mistakenly think that they wax the body to make the car shine, but there is a deep meaning in the reasons for waxing. First of all, in order to answer this question, you need to understand what wax is. Wax is a mixture with esters of higher fatty acids that do not dissolve in water. Accordingly, the most important purpose of waxing is to protect the paintwork of the car body from water. But it is important to understand that the film formed after applying polish to the body protects not only from water, but also from other external influences on the body, namely:
In addition to protection, waxing is carried out for aesthetic purposes, since the paintwork looks like new after application.
Types of car body waxing
Conventionally, two types of car body wax treatment can be distinguished. This is a treatment with hot wax or cold. What is the difference? It is important to understand that the difference is not that this or that waxing is carried out depending on climatic conditions, but that each type of treatment will have a different effect and purpose. Namely:
— treatment of the car body with hot wax is intended to protect against the previously mentioned factors. Those. from sunlight, water, dirt, alkalis and other external factors.
— treatment of the body with cold wax is also intended to some extent for protection from external influences, but the main reason for treatment with cold wax is to remove paintwork defects (scratches, cracks, etc.).
Types of Wax Products
Manufacturers offer several types of car wax. In order to determine which one is better, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each type.
According to application technology
According to application technology, the product is divided into 4 types:
- hot;
- cold;
- foamy;
- solid.
The first is a fatty substance. It has a high melting point: from +40º to +90°, as well as wear resistance. The product retains its beneficial properties for 6 to 12 months. It is diluted in hot water and applied with a sponge.
Agents that prevent corrosion are often added to hot wax.
The second type is a liquid, which, as a result of application, fills cracks, scratches, and irregularities. This creates a protective layer and gives a radiant appearance. The polish is applied manually. The disadvantage is its fragility, as a result of which treatment is required after every second wash of the car.
The properties of the foam composition are identical to those of the hot one. To apply it, you need to use special equipment. Air is introduced into the wax and water mixture to transform the product into foam, which is held and buffed onto the surface.
The fourth type of product has the longest effect. It is applied in the same way as hot, but is not diluted in water. It is recommended to use it 3-4 times a year.
By origin
Based on its origin, car wax is divided into types:
- synthetic;
- natural.
The first product has a chemical composition and is produced artificially.
The second involves the use of natural ingredients.
For their production the following is used:
- wax from carnauba palm leaves;
- beeswax;
- almond oil;
- Aloe vera.
Natural products are more expensive than synthetic ones.
Varieties
Wax is a polymeric substance that comes in several forms and is offered under a variety of brands. Each company has its own production technology and list of components added to the composition.
It is difficult to objectively say which wax is best to cover your car, since each of them has its own significant list of advantages.
Car wax is usually classified according to 3 main characteristics:
If we talk about the form of release, here are the following options:
Most often, motorists are interested in which wax is best to use for a car - solid, liquid or in the form of a spray.
No less pressing is the question of the optimal method of application.
According to this classification, car wax is:
According to the release form, as mentioned, it is liquid or solid. Spray is used much less frequently. The product is suitable for independent use.
If we take the composition as a basis, then car wax is divided into 4 basic categories. They can be:
Each of them has its own characteristics and nuances. To choose or understand how to make car wax yourself, you need to look at their strengths and weaknesses.
It is worth noting that the hard type of wax is a type of cold protective agent.
How to do it yourself?
If for some reason you don’t want to use a ready-made composition, you can make it yourself.
To do this you will need:
- double boiler;
- 5 g wax;
- 50 g coconut oil;
- 20 g carnauba flakes.
Melt the wax and carnauba flakes in a double boiler. Once a homogeneous mass has formed, stir and add coconut oil. Then you need to let the finished mixture cool. Cold remedy can be used.
After a few hours the substance will harden. It should be warmed up before next use.
Self-production
If you decide to make a good car wax yourself, you can use the following recipe.
To prepare you need to take:
The wax is placed in a metal container and melted in a water bath. Then paraffin is added, and together you need to get a homogeneous amber mixture. Next, add oil and mix the ingredients until smooth. Next comes turpentine.
The resulting mixture is poured into a jar. It needs to be cooled to room temperature.
What are the criteria for choosing wax?
When choosing car wax, it is recommended to pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Protective effect. In summer, car coating needs protection from ultraviolet radiation, and in winter – from moisture and dirt.
- Glossy finish. All manufacturers promise results, but in practice this is not always the case. Therefore, it is recommended to read consumer reviews before purchasing.
- Compound. This characteristic is important for those car enthusiasts who prefer to use natural products.
- Price. This indicator does not always indicate quality. Before purchasing, it is recommended to consult with specialists.
Popular brands of car wax
Of all the products on the market, there are several popular brands.
Polish Doctor Wax
Contains carnauba wax. Unlike artificial products, it has less wear resistance. Has a pronounced glossy effect.
The kit includes a sponge for application and a cloth for polishing.
Xado Red Penguin
Concentrated product. Promotes quick drying of the car body after washing with water of any hardness. Gives a glossy shine to the surface of the car.
Turtle Wax Color Magic black
Color polish. Masks scratches on the vehicle and gives it a rich color. It has water-repellent properties. The product has a pleasant smell.
Mothers California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax
The abrasive formula helps clean the body from dirt. Suitable for all types of surfaces. Buyers note the high quality of the product. It masks micro-scratches and adds shine. Has water-repellent properties.
Abro LW-811
The product creates a protective layer on the surface of the car. Has a long validity period: up to 12 months. Renews the coating, does not paint the body.
Plak Atas Hydrorep
Wet wax. Accelerates drying of the car body, gives a glossy shine, and has protective properties. The substance restores the color of the car.
Nowax Ventura Waterless Wax
It has a natural composition, a pleasant smell, and provides protection against liquids. Designed for drying a car.
Sapfire Green Line
Shows water-repellent and antistatic effects. Protects from exposure to environmental factors. Gives shine. Does not lose beneficial properties when in contact with hard water.
Runway
The polish does not contain colored pigments, which makes it universal. The substance has a solid consistency and provides a high degree of protection against moisture.
Sonax Nanopro
The use of nanotechnology in production promotes close interaction of polish particles with the surface of the vehicle, which extends the service life of the wax.
The presence of colored pigment in its composition gives depth to the shade of the car. But the product does not repel water well enough.
The best spray waxes
And here are the best spray waxes. Extremely easy to use. No need to dilute, rub thoroughly, etc. Inexpensive in price, quite effective.
Although it is important to consider that the result is inferior in durability to liquid and hard waxes. Usually the layer formed after the aerosol is washed off after 1-2 washes.
- Runway Quick Polish. Product made in Russia. Contains high quality waxes and cleansing ingredients. This allows you to achieve a good effect of cleaning and restoring body surfaces. Application is as easy and simple as possible. Even a beginner can handle it. Wax can be used on any color and type of body, including metallic. If the car is dirty, it is recommended to wash it first before using the product. But after visiting a car wash or heavy rain, the film is washed off. An aerosol literally costs 150-170 rubles.
- Grass Hydro Polymer. The manufacturer is included in the ranking of the best brands for creating automotive chemicals and cosmetics in Russia. The aerosol wax in question protects the surface well and has dirt-repellent and moisture-proof properties. To apply the wax composition evenly, you need to treat the body with a thin layer and wait a few minutes. Finally, it is recommended to polish using microfiber cloths. There are different reviews, including negative ones. Largely due to fakes that do not meet the stated characteristics. The spray costs a little more than 300 rubles.
- Bullsone First Class Liquid Wax. South Korean aerosol wax, which has an optimal price-quality ratio on the Russian market. Available in convenient packaging. Copes well with protection from dirt, dust and water. Provides bright shine. No serious deficiencies were found. Perfectly prevents dust accumulation. Water quickly drains from the body, and therefore it takes less time to dry. Wax can be used on any color and type of body. You can buy it for 200-250 rubles.
- Turtle Wax Wax It Wet. One of the most popular aerosol waxes on the market. After manual or automatic washing, a pleasant shine is created. Drying is accelerated by dripping water droplets. Good results in a short period of time. The wax is applied quickly and easily. High quality packaging, easy to use. Many buyers believe that the product has no competitors. Works equally well with cars of dark and light colors. When processing, it is important that the surface of the body is cold. Like all aerosol waxes, it does not withstand more than 2-3 washes. After this, you need to re-process. It may leave streaks after drying, so you should be careful when wiping the body. The downside is the decent cost. Still, many people think that 450 rubles is a high price for aerosol wax.
- DoctorWax Polish Quick Wax. American product. The most expensive in the ranking. But at the same time, buyers here do not think that the price is too high. Easily and quickly removes insects, dirt, dust and fingerprints from surfaces. Does not harm the paintwork, enveloping the body with a thin protective film. In addition to metal painted elements, parts made of plastic, chrome and glass can also be treated with wax. The only exception is the windshield. An excellent product from a leading manufacturer. Premium aerosol wax. But it justifies its cost of 600 rubles.
What kind of wax to use is up to everyone to decide for themselves.
The choice depends on many factors. You need to start from the availability of free time, energy and desire to work on the car yourself. The tools and equipment needed for washing are also taken into account.
When and how to apply wax?
Wax is applied after washing the car. It is necessary not only to clean the car of dirt, but also to remove the polish remaining from the previous treatment.
Each type of product has its own application technology, which involves manual work or the use of special devices.
It is not recommended to use the polish in hot weather under the sun's rays, so that the wax does not dry out before the required time and does not turn into a matte lump instead of a glossy film.
Before processing, you need to dry the body. Then apply the substance evenly and rub it with a napkin. It is recommended to treat the surface in small areas. After drying, wipe the entire area with a woolen rag.
It is not advisable to use a polishing machine for processing, because... the film will be thin, which will affect its functionality.
Hand movements should be directed from top to bottom to avoid grains of sand that could scratch the paint.
How to remove wax from a car?
The most reliable way to remove wax from your body is to seek professional help. Special equipment and shampoos will help you cope with the task.
If you don't want to spend money on maintenance, you can try to do this work yourself. To do this you need to purchase car shampoo. The “I Can” manual car wash product has proven itself well. At the end of the procedure, it is recommended to remove water from the surface and rub the vehicle with a soft cloth.
There are also special abrasive and non-abrasive products for removing polish. When choosing them, you need to pay attention to those substances that do not contain aggressive chemical components.
