There are many steps involved in the process of keeping a car looking its best. This type of work can be done by a professional or at home. And it may include protective measures to keep your car looking like new, or it may include a treatment to remove scratches, dents, and other blemishes after they have occurred. Polishing and waxing a car is important in detailing car care, and each serves a purpose.

What is waxing?

Car waxIt comes in two forms: liquid and paste. This type of product can be made of natural wax, but it is almost always made of synthetic components. Paste wax is traditional. It is applied to add a protective layer over the paint and the transparent gloss layer of an automobile. The wax coating brightens the car's surface and protects the paint from the action of the elements, preventing water from accumulating and causing it to slide. The wax also filters ultraviolet light and prevents discoloration, which is common over time. Wax also helps slow oxidation by forming a physical barrier between metal and salts, oils, and other pollutants the car is exposed to while driving and storing it in the garage. Liquid wax works in a similar way to paste, but creates a thinner layer. With both types of wax, the application process consists of rubbing the product on the surface of the car and then, once a matte gloss has been achieved, it is necessary to remove the wax by rubbing with a clean cloth. The wax that remains will provide the shiny coat your car needs. It usually lasts several months before disappearing.

What is polishing?

The polishing liquid ( polish) is a product that is applied to previously painted surfaces to remove scratches and dirt. To fulfill this purpose, it contains abrasive elements that will polish the surface by using the best car polishers, although in reality they are removing a thin layer of car paint. The solid components of the polish settle into scratches and minimize their appearance, reflecting light and making them blend with the rest of the surface. Most car polishes contain wax to enhance shine. The polishing liquid can be applied by hand or with the help of an electric polisher with a soft cloth pad. There are many attachments that allow you to turn drills and other power tools into grinding machines.

Similarities and differences

Although wax and polish are used to achieve a shiny, clean appearance, they work in different ways. While waxing a car you are adding a protective layer, polishing removes a surface layer where dirt is also discarded, but at the same time thinning the paint. Often the wax is applied after polishing to restore the layer that has been lost and to protect the newly worked surface. Polish is a generally 'thinner' product than wax, which is often sold in liquid or liquid form. Once applied, the polish does not need to be removed as it is done with wax. However, excess polishing liquid should be cleaned to prevent the product from smearing and streaking. While wax works on any surface, Polishing liquids are sometimes marketed for use on certain types of paint and even for application on certain colors. The specially designed polish for dark colored paints prevents discoloration; while light-colored vehicle polish helps keep colors bright and clean.

What should I choose?

The decision to use polish or wax depends largely on the car and itself on the owner's intentions. Dismiss the myths: New cars should be waxed regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A new car should not be polished (you shouldn't need it) until it has been driven for a long time under severe environmental conditions or when it has experienced some visible deterioration. Applying wax every few months to a new car can postpone the need to apply polish for many years. For older paint jobs, applying polish and wax is the preferred treatment when you want the best result. If the intention is simply to preserve the painting in its current state, wax alone is all that is needed.

Other detailed options

Although both polish and wax are designed to improve the look of a car's paint, in certain situations, it's best to repaint the surface. This is often expensive and you will never be able to match what the car looked like when it was new, but think that even regular polish and wax applications don't keep the original paint forever. In cases where a small section of the car has been touched up, using polish and wax regularly allows you to blend the area with the rest of the car. There are a large number of polishes, waxes and other products to clean and preserve the interior of a car. The functions of these vary widely and can be designed to dissolve dirt, add shine, or provide a layer of protection from light and heat.