What Are The Best Car Waxes? (2020 Edition)
Waxing allows a protective layer to form between the surface of your vehicle and outside elements like UV rays, bird droppings, and acid rain, which can damage the paint on your car. Car wax has a natural water-repellent property that can keep your vehicle cleaner.
The best car waxes also bring out a glossy shine to your vehicle’s paint by filling in any gaps that have developed because of scratches or imperfections to the surface. Keeping your car in pristine condition is made simpler by the use of car wax. The best car waxes add a shine to the surface by filling in the gaps that appear as a result of scratches and imperfections.
One of the first decisions you will have to make is whether the best car waxes for you are Spray Wax or Paste Waxes. Let’s break down the differences below, and then we’ll get into the best car waxes on the market in 2020 for both types of car wax.
Page Contents
- Why Should You Use Spray Car Wax Over Paste Waxes?
- What are the Main Ingredients in Spray car Wax?
- Why Choose Paste Car Wax?
- Paste Car Wax Buying Tips
- 8 Best Spray Car Waxes
- Express Carnauba Instant Brilliant Shine and Protection Spray and Wipe InstaWax+
- Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat
- Chemical Guys Hybrid V7 Spray
- CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant
- Adam’s Spray Wax
- PRO Car Beauty Products Golden Mist Carnauba Spray Wax
- GS27 Evolution Car Wash and Wax
- Adam’s Ceramic Spray Coating
- 8 Best Paste Car Waxes
- S100 Carnauba Paste Wax Tub
- P21S 12700W Carnauba Car Wax
- Mothers 05500-6 California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax Paste
- Finish Kare BWM 101 Hi-Temp Paste Wax
- Collinite 915 Marque D’Elegance Auto Wax
- Collinite 47618 No. 476s Super Doublecoat Auto Wax
- Nu Finish ‘Better Than Car Wax’ Paste Polish
- Turtle Wax T-223 Super Hard Shell Paste Wax
- Car Wax Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s the Best Car Wax Variety to Use?
- How Often Should I Wax My Car?
- Is There A Difference Between Waxing And Polishing?
- Do I Need To Wax My Car?
- Final Thoughts
Why Should You Use Spray Car Wax Over Paste Waxes?
Spray car wax is the most straightforward form of car wax to use. It can be applied precisely, which makes it ideal for hard-to-reach areas. Spray car waxes are also non-abrasive, so they will not damage the paint surface. Spray car wax will actually bond to a layer of existing car wax, making it stronger.
On the other hand, spray car waxes have the shortest duration of element protection. Some spray car waxes only last about a week. Because of the short effectiveness period, they work best as spot fixes rather than part of regular vehicle grooming and maintenance sessions. Keep these points in mind when determining what is the ultimate liquid wax for your vehicle.
What are the Main Ingredients in Spray car Wax?
Most liquid car wax products contain:
- Sealants
- Synthetic polymers
- Solvents
- Emulsifiers
- Wax
Sealants
Sealant ingredients can be called ceramic-based, ceramic coatings, silica, silicone-dioxide, SiO2, and quartz. They form a chemical bond with the paint surface of your vehicle. Sealants will improve the heat-resisting element to paint and reduce the effect on the surface of UV rays and acid rain.
Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum oil. They are included in spray car waxes to extend the time the car wax is effective.
Solvents
Solvents are typically petroleum distillates which have been taken from crude oil. They make the product easier to apply and add a cleansing element to the liquid wax.
Emulsifiers
An emulsifier is a chemical compound that keeps the individual ingredients of the spray car wax from separating.
Type of Liquid Wax
The leaves of the Copernicia Cerifera palm tree from Brazil are used to make Carnauba wax, which is the most common wax found in automobile products. When this wax is used on your vehicle, it creates a thin protective heat-resistant layer.
Another type of wax commonly found in car sprays is paraffin wax. This kind of wax is composed of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons that come from petroleum. It functions as a water repellent.
Why Choose Paste Car Wax?
When deciding on what is the best paste car wax, remember, then applied regularly, paste car wax:
- Prevents water corrosion by repelling water.
- Protects the vehicle’s surface from air blown particles.
- Protects the paint from UV rays by reflecting them.
- Prevents scratches caused by dirt particles and bird excrement.
- Reduces paint discoloration.
Paste car wax application can be trickier when compared to liquid car waxes or spray car waxes. In addition to the paste, you’ll need a soft cloth to buffer your vehicle. Paste car wax also must be applied more often than the other types. However, it gives your truck or car a high-gloss shine and water-beading capabilities that can’t be beaten.
Paste Car Wax Buying Tips
Many paste car wax products are made from natural as opposed to chemical ingredients. The most common paste car wax is made from the leaves of the Copernicia Cerifera palm tree from Brazil and called carnauba wax. Many vehicle owners prefer this wax because of the deep shine it leaves behind, especially on a darker colored paint. You should reapply a layer of carnauba wax every four months.
Another conventional car wax paste comes from the shrub Euphorbia Cerifera which is found in North-Central Mexico and the Texas Big Bend area. It is also referred to as candelilla wax.
One more natural ingredient that provides an active protective layer in paste car wax is beeswax. Beeswax produced by the bees from the Apis genus produce is used most commercially. Both beeswax and plant components keep the paste from separating into its oil and liquid wax components.
8 Best Spray Car Waxes
When deciding what is the best spray wax for your vehicle, you should look at the ease of application and ingredients.
Quick Picks: The Best Spray Wax For Your Car
Express Carnauba Instant Brilliant Shine and Protection Spray and Wipe InstaWax+
Express Carnauba Instant Brilliant Shine and Protection Spray and Wipe InstaWax+ is a liquid polymer wax that contains carnauba wax and reactive silicone sealants.
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Pros
- High gloss wet finish shine
- Quick and easy application
- Quick-drying
- Contains carnauba wax
Cons
- Some users report issues with the spray nozzle breaking
Express Carnauba Instant Brilliant Shine and Protection Spray and Wipe InstaWax+ combines carnauba wax, liquid polymers, amino functioning resin, and silicone sealants in one product. It is quick to apply and quick to dry.
It will provide a layer of protection against UV rays, prevent water spots, and reduce contamination stains. The high gloss shine has a wet finish. It can be used safely on painted surfaces, wheels, and glass.
Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat
Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat is a cleanser, wax, and sealant in one product.
Pros
- Cleans, waxes, and seals in one application
- Safe on Paint, Glass, Chrome, Plastic
- Glossy finish
Cons
- Will not remove swirls or scratches
Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat combines a ceramic coating and water-repelling actions with a protective sealant flossy finish. It’s a water-based cleaning product with a blend of surfactants and SiO2 ceramic-coating molecules.
This product is designed as a cleanser and sealant but will not remove even minor scratches. It is safe to use on glass, chrome, plastic, and painted surfaces. It gives your vehicle a glossy finish.
Chemical Guys Hybrid V7 Spray
Chemical Guys Hybrid V7 Spray is a combination of spray sealant and nano spec engineering to bring out the shine in your vehicle.
Pros
- High gloss transparent shine
- Sealant
- Can be safely used on painted surfaces, glass, and plastic
Cons
- Does not last especially long
- May streak if not properly wiped
Chemical Guys Hybrid V7 Spray uses transparent polymers to bond to your vehicle’s surface, creating a protective, shiny layer. It will remove dirt, fingerprints, dust, and contaminants and leave a sealant barrier that guards your vehicle against UV rays, road debris, water spots, and rain.
Hybrid V7 can be safely used on painted surfaces, plastic, and glass. As with most sprays, the V7 does not last particularly long before it needs to be reapplied.
CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant
CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant is a full synthetic polymer sealant infused with carnauba wax.
Pros
- Comes with a money-back guarantee
- Easy to apply
- Can be used on glass, plastic, chrome, aluminum, fiberglass and painted surfaces
Cons
- Must be applied to a cold vehicle or it clumps up
- Wears off quickly
- Doesn’t cover paint imperfections or scratches
CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant is carnauba wax and synthetic polymer sealant. It can safely be used on plastic, chrome, glass, aluminum, fiberglass, and painted surfaces. It is easy to apply but should be applied to a cold vehicle out of the sun, or it tends to clump up.
As with most sprays, its effectiveness wears off quickly. It won’t cover scratches or paint imperfections, but it does come with a money-back guarantee.
Adam’s Spray Wax
Adam’s Spray Wax uses carnauba flakes to extend the duration of car waxes and polishes already on your vehicle.
Pros
- Safe to use on plastic, glass, painted surfaces, fiberglass, and chrome
- Raspberry scented
- Money-back guarantee
- Extends the duration of products already applied
Cons
- Lasts one to two months
- The pink dye may stain towels used to rub it.
Adam’s Spray Wax is designed to be used with other car waxes and polishes for the best results rather than a stand-alone product. It will extend the duration of any layers already on your vehicle’s surface.
It has a pleasant raspberry scent; however, the pink coloring additive may stain towels. It is safe to use on fiberglass, chrome, painted surfaces, glass, and plastic. The company provides a money-back guarantee on its product. It lasts longer than some sprays at one to two months, but not as long as others.
PRO Car Beauty Products Golden Mist Carnauba Spray Wax
PRO Car Beauty Products Golden Mist Carnauba Spray Wax is made with Brazilian carnauba wax and co-polymers.
Pros
- Pleasant banana smell
- Easy to apply
- VOC compliant
- NPE and phosphate-free
Cons
- Meant to be used as a final product
PRO Car Beauty Products Golden Mist Carnauba Spray Wax contains no solvents, abrasives, or powders. This wax is made with a blend of carnauba wax and co-polymers and is NPE and phosphate-free, and VOC compliant.
It is easy to apply and has a pleasant banana scent. The Golden Mist Carnauba Spray Wax is meant to be the final layer of an already waxes and polished vehicle rather than a stand-alone application.
GS27 Evolution Car Wash and Wax
GS27 Evolution Car Wash and Wax is a two-in-one system to wash and wax your car.
Pros
- Wash and wax dispenser
- Grapefruit smell
Cons
- The nozzle can be cumbersome to use.
GS27 Evolution Car Wash and Wax connects to your hose. The spray bottle has two different valves, one for clean water and one for the foam wax formula. The nozzle can be cumbersome to use. One bottle will last for 15 washes. It has a grapefruit smell.
Adam’s Ceramic Spray Coating
Adam’s Ceramic Spray Coating can be used alone or in conjunction with other products from Adam’s Polishes.
Pros
- Money-back guarantee
- Lasts six to eight months
- Easy to use
Cons
- It takes a few hours to complete cure.
- Should not be used over wax
Adam’s Ceramic Spray Coating is safe to use on painted surfaces, chrome, wheels, unfinished metal, glass, plastic trim, headlights, bed liners, canvas tops, tonneau covers, and floor mats. It lasts from six to eight months.
Although it is easy to apply, it does take a few hours to cure completely. This product should not be used over wax. Adam’s Polishes provides a money-back guarantee on their product.
8 Best Paste Car Waxes
When we determined what is the best paste car waxes for your vehicle, we considered ease of application, durability, ingredients, and price in compiling the following list.
Quick Picks: Compare The Best Paste Waxes
S100 Carnauba Paste Wax Tub
S100 Carnauba Paste Wax Tub combines carnauba and beeswax to give you a deep-down shine.
Pros
- Blend of carnauba and beeswax
- Leaves deep shine
- Easy to apply and remove
Cons
- Must be buffed off immediately
S100 Carnauba Paste Wax Tub does not have any abrasives that might damage your vehicle’s paint. It is made of carnauba and beeswax. It’s simple to apply and buff off, leaving no powdery residue behind.
S100 Carnauba Paste Wax Tub must not be allowed to dry on but buffed off immediately. Otherwise, you will see a white powdery residue.
P21S 12700W Carnauba Car Wax
P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax is a combination of Brazilian no.1 yellow carnauba and beeswax.
Pros
- Blend of carnauba and beeswax
- No dyes, additives or perfumes
- No abrasives
Cons
- More expensive than some brands
P21S 12700W Carnauba Car Wax can be applied by hand or with a machine. It is a blend of Brazilian no.1 yellow carnauba and beeswax. No powdery residue or white stains on rubber or plastic are left behind. It’s easy to apply and remove and contains no abrasives that might damage the paint on your vehicle.
Mothers 05500-6 California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax Paste
Mothers 05500-6 California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax Paste is designed to clean and protect at once.
Pros
- Works well on fiberglass
- Formulated to clean and protect
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Prone to hardening in the container
- Can be challenging to remove
Mothers 05500-6 California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax Paste is especially useful on fiberglass and gel coats. It is made from Brazilian no. 1 yellow carnauba wax and formulated to protect and clean your vehicle’s surface. It is less expensive than other brands, but it can be challenging to remove once it has dried on.
Finish Kare BWM 101 Hi-Temp Paste Wax
Finish Kare BWM 101 Hi-Temp Paste Wax is a blend of synthetic car waxes designed to protect your vehicle in hot climates.
Pros
- Designed for hot climates
- California VOC Compliant
- Protects for up to 6 months
Cons
- May need several layers initially to build up a protective coating
- Does not use natural ingredients
Finish Kare BWM 101 Hi-Temp Paste Wax is made from a blend of synthetic waves, including solvent Naphtha. Despite that, it meets the state of California’s VOC compliance requirements. It leaves a transparent film that protects your vehicle from hard water, UV rays, and natural elements.
Because of the synthetic waxes, it has a high melting point, making it an excellent choice for hot climates. It works well on clear and painted surfaces, chrome, fiberglass, and stainless steel.
Collinite 915 Marque D’Elegance Auto Wax
Collinite 915 Marque D’Elegance Auto Wax is made with No. 1 grade carnauba and other ingredients.
Pros
- Designed for darker finishes
- Pleasant neutral smell
- Contains no cleaners
- Provides 6-9 months of weather protection
Cons
- Must be removed before drying
- Must be spread in a very thin coat
Collinite 915 Marque D’Elegance Auto Wax creates a durable shine with No. 1 grade carnauba. It is especially useful on darker surfaces. If allowed to dry, it can be difficult to buff off. It should be spread in a very thin coat; therefore, machine application may be better than hand waxing for this product.
It has a neutral but pleasant smell. It contains no cleaners so that it can be used on clear coats without a problem. It does not stain molding or trim. Collinite Auto Wax provides six to nine months of weather protection for your vehicle.
Collinite 47618 No. 476s Super Doublecoat Auto Wax
Collinite 47618 No. 476s Super Doublecoat Auto Wax is a carnauba and polymer blend.
Pros
- Carnauba and polymer blend wax
- Long-lasting protection
- Best winter-weather protection
Cons
- Less carnauba than the Collinite 915 Marque D’Elegance Auto Wax
While Collinite 47618 No. 476s Super Doublecoat Auto Wax has less carnauba than the Collinite 915 Marque D’Elegance Auto Wax, the carnauba/polymer blend works well for winter weather protection. The Collinite 47618 will give you a glossy shine that simultaneously shields the top layer against outdoor elements.
Nu Finish ‘Better Than Car Wax’ Paste Polish
Nu Finish ‘Better Than Car Wax’ Paste Polish actually contains no wax and isn’t a polish. Instead, it is a synthetic sealant made of polymers meant to protect the surface coat of your vehicle.
Pros
- Can be applied in direct sunlight
- Effective up to a year
- Affordable
Cons
- Not for use on plastic
- Strong smell
- Won’t give a carnauba quality shine
Nu Finish’ Better Than Car Wax’ Paste Polish is a car sealant that can be applied in direct sunlight. It is easy to use and remove without heavy buffing. Nu Finish contains zinc cross-linking polymers in the form of emulsions which protect the top layer of your vehicle from all weather conditions.
It can be used on fiberglass boats, airplanes, and motorcycles in addition to cars and trucks. Care should be taken that this product does not get on any plastic since it will leave a white residue behind.
It also has an overpowering smell. It won’t give you the shine that a product made with carnauba will, but it does offer durable surface protection. Nu Finish provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for its product.
Turtle Wax T-223 Super Hard Shell Paste Wax
Turtle Wax T-223 Super Hard Shell Paste Wax will give you 12-months of UV protection for your vehicle.
Pros
- Twelve months of protection
- Affordable
Cons
- Problems reported with containers opening and product drying out
- Contains benzisothiazolinone which may cause allergic reactions
Turtle Wax T-223 Super Hard Shell Paste Wax is an easily recognizable name in car wax. It provides a high gloss shine and twelve months of UV protection. Compared to other car waxes, Turtle Wax is exceptionally affordable.
It does contain benzisothiazolinone, which is a known skin irritant. Therefore, you should exercise caution when using this product that it does not come in contact with your skin. There have also been complaints about the container in which the paste comes in. Some consumers have said that it doesn’t close properly or cracks, which allows the product to dry out.
Car Wax Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. In this section, we’re addressing some of the most popular questions associated with the best spray wax products and companies on the market.
What’s the Best Car Wax Variety to Use?
One of the most frequently asked questions we see is when people are trying to decide between the different types of car waxes. There are two primary types one is carnauba, and the other is synthetic. Almost all spray car waxes are synthetic, and carnauba wax generally comes in the form of a paste.
While carnauba wax is the preferred choice for detailers, it’s not for nothing. This type of wax penetrates the first layer of paint on your car, which is what provides that long-lasting protection you need to preserve the quality of your paint job.
Something that we notice about carnauba wax is that it has a milder waxy appearance when compared to synthetic wax. Still, it’s much longer-lasting, and it almost blends in with the paint. So, instead of having a wax coating on your car’s body, you have a wax that is worked in and has become a part of your car’s paint.
On the other side, we have synthetic wax. These do a great job of protecting your car for a shorter period, and while you don’t get that long-term protection, you still get a decent shine on the paint for at least four or five months. We wouldn’t recommend going longer than six months with a synthetic wax job.
How Often Should I Wax My Car?
The frequency of using wax on your car depends on a few different factors. First, it depends on what type of wax you’re using. If you’re choosing carnauba wax, it will last much longer than the synthetic stuff. As a result, you won’t have to wax your car more than twice per year.
If you use synthetic wax, you may have to wax it as much as once every other month. Overall, the rule of thumb is to ensure you’re waxing your car at least twice a year. You want to preserve the paint quality, so if you live in a place that experiences all four seasons, you’ll want to wax it in the spring and in the fall.
This will offer you protection through the harshest seasons of the year.
Is There A Difference Between Waxing And Polishing?
The short answer to this question is, yes, there is a big difference between waxing and polishing. Let’s start by talking about polishing.
When you polish your car, you are removing reflective surfaces to prevent light from shining and displaying all the imperfections on your car. A big misconception is that polishing removes the little scratches and imperfections, but that isn’t true. Instead, it disguises them by filling in the spaces in between the small scratches, which makes them harder to see.
As a result, polishing does a great job of making your paint appear smoother and cleaner. Your car will have an overall better appearance after a polish, but it will still require wax to protect and preserve the health of your paint.
After you polish the car, you might want to wax it. Polishing is a short-term job that yields short-term results while waxing is more of your long-term strategy for keeping the vehicle looking good and protecting the paint.
In a way, both polishing and waxing are the same because they disguise or hide certain imperfections. For that reason, we like to see people polish their car first and then follow with a wax. This process works so well because the polishing removes all the imperfections, so you’re not spreading anything around. Then the wax comes in to preserve everything and make it last.
Do I Need To Wax My Car?
At this point, you might be wondering if waxing is necessary on your vehicle, and we’re here to tell you that it is. As we said, you don’t need to go crazy, and a lot of people wax their cars too much, which can do more harm than good.
Waxing protects your car against superficial damage from debris and dirt that get kicked up on the roads. The wax makes your paint more slippery, which makes it easier for these things to slide off the car rather than hit it and leave a mark.
Think of your car’s paint like your skin. If you cut deep enough into your skin, you’ll reach a different layer, and it might leave a scar, the same rules apply to your car. Adding a wax offers your paint a protective layer that you can sacrifice if something gets kicked up. In that situation, it might only impact the wax instead of penetrating the paint layer of your body.
Another interesting fact about why it’s essential to wax is the mental side of things. Many people overlook this thought. We’ll answer your question by asking you a question. Do you drive more carefully and cautiously immediately after you wash your car? Our guess is yes.
If you’re properly maintaining your car by waxing it at least twice per year, you’ll want to protect the wax job and ensure you aren’t wasting your time by driving through potholes and muddy areas of the road.
Finally, waxing your car increases its resale value, and we can all use a little more money from our depreciating investments. By keeping a wax coating on your car at all times, you’re doing more to protect it from rust and scratches than most of the population. As a result, you’ll reap the rewards of your labor when you go to sell it or trade it in.
Final Thoughts
When determining what is the best spray wax, you should keep in mind that a spray wax will not be useful as a paste wax in providing your vehicle with protection against the elements and creating a deep glossy shine despite its ease of application. On the other hand, spray wax is easy to apply and can give your car a good shine.
Our choice for the best spray wax is Express Carnauba Instant Brilliant Shine and Protection Spray and Wipe InstaWax+. We like the ease of application, and the wet finish look. It also can be used safely on wheels and glass in addition to the painted surface of your vehicle.
When we set out to discover what are the best paste waxes, we looked at a variety of factors, including the quality of ingredients. In our opinion, our number one and number two products are so close in class that we have to recommend both the S100 Carnauba Paste Wax Tub and P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax.
Both contain carnauba and beeswax. Both are relatively easy to apply and remove as long as you do not allow the paste to dry. Both provide a high-shine gloss and a layer weather protection to your vehicle’s surface. Neither has abrasives that could damage the paint on your car. Nor do they have added perfumes or dyes.
