Are you a fanatic about maintaining and protecting your car? A freshly waxed car is gorgeous and shiny, restored to a brand new look, and protected from the elements that can harm it. Airborne pollutants, road tar, grease, overspray, bird droppings and tree sap are all contaminants that can damage the finish of your automobile. Regular washing, polishing, and waxing is a responsible way to prolong the life of your car and protect your investment.
Car wax is a product which includes several different types of compounds, and is broken down into natural and synthetic wax categories. Natural wax made from the Brazilian plant copernicia prunifera, a type of palm, is commonly known as carnauba wax, or Brazil wax. Obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm by collecting and beating them to loosen the wax, it is then put through a refining process which includes bleaching.
Carnauba isn’t only used as an ingredient in car wax. It is used in products for waxing surfboards, shoe and floor polish, dental floss, coating paper and is even used in coating hard candies during manufacturing. When creating car wax products, the brick-hard carnauba is mixed with naphtha, petroleum distillates and other oils to soften it enough for application. Known as the “queen of waxes”, carnauba is famous for creating a deep glossy finish and is preferred by many when putting the finishing touches on their automobile. In general, waxing with carnauba lasts approximately 30 to 60 days before it should be reapplied.
Synthetic, or polymer wax, is another type of product which is used to protect automobiles, and is longer-lasting than carnauba. This type of wax is also known as paint sealant. Although the synthetic product doesn’t recreate the brilliance of a carnauba-type finish, it comes as close as scientists can make it. The most compelling reason for using this type of wax is it’s ability to last up to a year, thus eliminating the need for more frequent applications.
Synthetic wax can be used as a first layer when waxing a car, followed by a layer of carnauba, and quite a few auto detailers swear by this method. Thin layers of wax are built up for the best results, and give that stunning hard-as-glass look which makes your car’s finish glow and water bead up on the surface.
Car waxes can be hand-applied after washing and polishing, or an electric buffer may be used to achieve a uniformly thin layer. It’s important not to apply a thick layer of wax when doing the job. Thinner layers create a better shine on the finish. Some people will use circular motions when applying wax, but if a slight swirling pattern can be seen on a finish from previous wax applications, it’s a good idea to apply it in long, smooth straight lines, which can be overlapping. Excess dried wax is then taken off, preferably using a microfiber towel. Microfiber is an ideal material for this use as the fibers are statically charged, and effectively grab any residue of wax for a clean smooth result. They also don’t shed, or create lint.
Waxing your car places a protective layer over the car’s paint and clear coat. This helps to keep your vehicle safe from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, which cause the paint to fade and look worn. It also prevents your car from rusting, and protects it from being damaged from dirt, tar and road salt used on the streets during inclement weather. This investment in maintaining your vehicle will help keep resale value up, as well as being a source of pride in ownership.