Maintaining a car's appearance requires more than a quick wash every now and then. In order to maintain its deep, rich shine, you must adequately protect the paint from the elements. Not only will this make your car look great, but it will also help maintain its resale value.
The best way to maintain your car's paint is to wax and/or polish your car's paint regularly. Contrary to popular belief, car wax and car polish are not the same.
What is car polish?
Automotive polish contains abrasives that help remove blemishes from the painted surface, such as swirls, scratches, and watermarks. Polishing can also add shine and depth of color to dull, weathered paints.
Most polishes are made from fine abrasses suspended in a liquid or cream base. These abrasives remove a thin layer of clear coat or paint, exposing a fresh new layer underneath. The amount of material removed during polishing is so small that it is almost impossible to see the difference with the naked eye.
Some polishes contain more abrasives than others. For example, heavy car polish can reduce more paint blemishes, but can only be used on cars with hard paint. Soft paint, on the other hand, scratches more easily. In this case, you should choose a lighter polish.
How to use car polish
After good cleaning and drying, you can apply car polish by hand or using a track buffer. If you are polishing by hand, apply a small amount of polish to the pad first.
1. Apply the polish to a small section at a time in a circular motion.
2. Remove excess polish with a clean, dry microfiber towel once you've finished the entire section.
3. Repeat the process until you've sanded the entire car.
If you are using a track buffer, start with a lower speed setting and gradually increase the speed as needed. Be sure to apply a few drops of polish directly onto the cushion, one section at a time.
Move the buffer in a consistent manner to avoid damaging the paint.
Be sure to polish each section until the car polish is gone.
If you're not comfortable polishing your car by hand or with a track buffer, you can always call a trusted car groomer. These professionals have the experience and knowledge to get the job done correctly - without damaging your car's paint.
What is car wax?
Car wax is a product that forms a clear coating between paint and external elements such as ultraviolet light, water, and dirt. Waxing also adds shine to the paint, making it easier to keep clean. Car waxes come in liquid and solid forms and are usually made from natural or synthetic ingredients such as beeswax, carnauba wax, or polymer resins.
When choosing wax, read the label carefully. Some waxes will be specifically designed for varnishes, while others may be better suited for single-level paints.
How to use car wax
Car wax can be applied manually using a foam applicator or track buffer. Whichever method you choose, always start with a clean car. Dirt, dust, and other debris can cause the wax to streak and even scratch the paint.
If you want to apply car wax manually, apply a small amount of product to the applicator first.
Apply the wax thinly and evenly to a small section at a time, overlapping lightly.
Once you have inspected the entire vehicle, allow the wax to dry for the recommended amount of time.
Using track buffers may speed up the process, but be careful. As with polishing, move the buffer in a consistent manner to avoid damaging the paint.
When to use car polish and wax
Now that you know the main differences between car wax and car polish, it's time to explore when you should use them.
Car polish
You should only need to polish your vehicle once or twice a year at most. Be careful not to over polish. Polishing too often can damage the paint, so it's best to stick to the schedule.
Car wax
You should wax your vehicle at least once every three months. However, if your car is constantly exposed to sun, salt, or other harsh conditions, you will need to wax your car more frequently to protect the paint.
Wrapped up
As you can see, waxing and polishing a car is an essential step in the car maintenance process. By taking the time to wax or polish your car regularly, you'll keep your car's paint as bright as new -- and help it last for years to come.