What's the Difference: Car Polish vs Car Wax?

Have you ever wondered what's the difference between car polish and car wax? Both are helpful when polishing your vehicle. Find out more about the differences here.

Auto detailing can improve your vehicle's appearance and resistance to the elements. Part of the process is applying various substances to the surface of your paint. One of the more commonly used elements of auto detailing is polishing and waxing. Both are essential to give your paint the best appearance and protection it can get. If you're new at auto detailing or wish to know more about the basics, the first thing to do is know what car polish and car wax are, the difference between them, and the best time to apply them.

What Is Car Polish?

Car Polish is a lightly aggressive liquid compound that is designed to remove dirt, smooth, and improve the sheen of the paint on your car. As time passes, the clear coat of your car will develop small marks, scratches, and micro-roughness caused by oxidization. This causes the paint to appear old and dull.

People who rely on their vehicles solely for transportation between Point A to Point B may not care about this degrading appearance. However, car enthusiasts everywhere realize that by using the correct products and the right knowledge, cars' appearance can be restored to its former glory. One of those is car polish.

The best method to apply it is with the power polisher (also known as an orbital buffer). Car polish is available in a bottle that is designed to be dispensed onto the polisher's foam application pad. It is then gently massaged on the paint of your car, smoothing out flaws and recovering the shine.

What Is Car Wax?

As polish, correctly applied car wax enhances the appearance of the paint of your vehicle. Like polish, wax protects. Available in a firm paste as well as liquids, both synthetic and natural, all car waxes are applied in a similar method. Rub it on the car with a thin layer, let it dry, and then buff off any excess. Buffing can be accomplished by hand or using an electric buffer.

When applied correctly, the wax will not only make the car appear shinier but will also form an outer layer of protection that can last between a few weeks to several months, based on the brand.

What is the best time to use car Polish? Car Wax?

Based on our experience, car wax and polish are both necessary for proper car detailing. The polishing job will not last long without protection from wax, and it won't give the same sheen when applied to paint that isn't polished.

The most effective method is to thoroughly clean the vehicle first with soap and water. Rinse the car, and let it dry. Then, apply the polish to the entire car body for the amount of time needed to get rid of any surface roughness and marks. Cleanse off the polish residue and dry the vehicle, then apply an excellent automotive wax and then buff.