What's the Difference Between Car Polish and Car Wax?

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

Auto detailing improves your vehicle's appearance and durability against the elements. A large part of the process involves applying various substances to the surface of your paint. One of the more commonly used features of auto detailing includes polishing and waxing. Both are crucial to giving your paint the best appearance and protection that it can have. When you're new at auto detailing or would like to know more about the basics, the first thing to do is to know the different types of polish and car wax, the difference between them, and the best time to apply them.

What Is Car Polish?

Car polish can be described as a moderately abrasive liquid compound created to remove dirt, smooth, and improve the sheen of the paint on your car. In time, the clear paint coat of your car will develop small marks, scratches, and tiny roughness due to the oxidization process. This causes the paint to appear dull and old.

People who rely on their vehicles solely to get between Point A to Point B may not be aware of this deteriorating appearance. Car enthusiasts all over the world are aware that by using the correct products and knowledge, a car's appearance can be restored to its former glory. One of these products is car polish.

It is best applied using the power polisher (also known as an orbital buffer). Car polish is available in a bottle specifically designed to be dispensed onto the polishers' foam 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 can improve the appearance of paint on vehicles. In addition, unlike polish, wax protects. Available as a firm paste or liquid, synthetic and natural, the majority of car waxes are applied in the same method. Apply it to the car in a thin layer, let it dry and then rub off any excess. Buffing can happen by hand or using an electric buffer.

If properly applied, wax does not just make the car appear shinier, but it also forms an insulating layer that can last up to a couple of weeks to several months, based on the brand.

What is the best time to use car Polish? How about car wax?

Based on our experience, car wax and car polish are both necessary for proper car detailing. Polishing will not last long when it's not covered by wax, and wax will not provide the same shine if it's applied to paint that isn't polished.

The best method is to thoroughly clean the car first with soap and water. Rinse the car, and let it dry. Then, apply the polish to the entire car body as long as it is necessary to eliminate all scratches and dullness. Cleanse off the polish residue and dry the vehicle, and then apply an excellent polish and car wax.