Jason ClarkCar wax is the most important product in the overall look and finish of the paintwork of a car.
Applying wax on a car is as necessary as washing because it applies a protective layer on the paint and makes the vehicle look amazingly shiny and brighter.
The best car waxes are designed to act as a second layer of paint or as we like to call it – “an invisible shield”. They protect the car’s paintwork from the direct influence of the aggressive environment such as salts, dirt, and acid rains.
Car waxes not only protect and make your car shinier but they also cover any small scratches obtained from inappropriate washing or any other impact.
As the market nowadays is full of various choices and you are wondering which one to pick, we are here to present you the best car waxes available on the market today which we selected after in-depth research and consulting with professionals working in the car detailing.
The Best Car Waxes On The Market
1. Collinite 845 Insulator Wax | Best Value For Money
First in our list comes the Collinite 845 Insulator Wax which has been used by thousands of people during the years who are rating it as a five-star product.
And in fact, the masters in the industry agree that it is difficult to find a similar wax to the Collinite’s who are serving their customers back from 1936.
845 Insulator Wax has become their most popular product known for its easy usage, durability, and lasting shield.
Very easy to apply and wipe off, it will leave your car shiny and glossy longer than you may expect.
This handcrafted Carnauba wax is specially designed to protect your car from the dirt, dust, snow, salt, and all other elements that can be destructive for the paint.
A tip from us is to shake it really good and heat up a bit the container before applying the 845 Insulator Wax. This makes it even easier to apply.
Then apply some of the liquid on the desired part – it can be used in small or large areas, let it stay for about 2-5 minutes, wipe it off, and enjoy the results!
Key Product Details ✅
- Easy to apply and remove
- Made in the USA
- Durable and long-lasting
- Unique water beading
- Exceptionally reflective
2. P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax | Editor’s Choice
The P21S 12700W is a Carnauba Wax with outstanding qualities but they are probably the best of the best in two main areas.
What they wanted to do better than all the others is a wax that is really easy to use by everyone and doesn’t leave any stains once it’s wiped off.
And from all the feedback we have received, it seems that they have achieved their goals of producing a product that is effortlessly applicable, giving a deep shine effect and lasting quite a lot.
The P21S 12700W consists of pure Brazilian carnauba and beeswax and is absent of any unnecessary add-ons like perfumes and dyes which are usually the reason why white stains appear.
Key Product Details ✅
- Easy application
- No stains once the wax is wiped off
- No additives
- Deep shine and glossy look
- Perfect for black and dark paint
3. Meguiar’s G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax | Best Seller
Founded in 1901, Meguiar’s has become the most well-known car detailing brand not only among professionals but hobby home enthusiasts, too.
Their Ultimate Liquid Wax is the number one best selling wax on Amazon with a five-star rating.
As some people shared, Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax is the best product to show the true charm of any color paint.
This fully synthetic polymer wax offers the most incredible shine, gloss, and paint protection with easy spreading over your paint.
It is formulated with Meguiar’s latest Thin Film Technology, making the wax incredibly easy to use.
Another great feature in the formula is that this solid wax can be applied in direct sunlight or on a warm surface, and this will not affect in any way the qualities or ease of application. A feature that almost no other wax in the market holds!
Key Product Details ✅
- Effortless application
- Long-lasting shield
- Can be applied in direct sunlight and warm surfaces
- Fantastic shine
- Impressive water beading
4. Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Wax | Best Multipurpose
Another five-star product in our list rated by thousands of users with exceeded expectations.
The Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Wax is a unique product bringing outstanding results. We can talk forever about it but we’ll rather give you the most important features and let you check what the people who have already used it said.
The product has been used and tested for many years by professionals in the automotive, marine, and airplane industries.
This is probably the easiest to use wax on the market that works on literally any kind of vehicle and even at home.
It is so simple that you do not even have to wash your car prior to applying or you can wash your car with the same product and while drying it, it is waxing as well. Sounds confusing?
Probably yes, and here is why. The Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Wax can be used in two different methods and both of them incredibly simple.
The first method is waterless. This method basically washes and waxes your vehicle at the same time. So all you have to do is spray the product on a certain part, spread it with a humid towel, and just dry it out with another dry cloth at the end.
With the second method, you would wash your car as you normally do, spray some Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Wax BEFORE the surface has dried out, and finally dry it with a towel.
Here it is important to mention that no matter which method is being used, drying of the surface must be done before the product dries itself.
Whichever method is being used, the final effect would be the same – perfectly clean vehicle with a UV, anti-static and non-stick protective coating.
Key Product Details ✅
- Probably the easiest to use car wax and wash product on the market
- Multiple applications including cars, boats, aircraft, motorcycles, RVs, and many more
- Meets Boeing and Airbus Aircraft cleaning requirements
- Washes and waxes at the same time
- Eco-friendly
5. CarGuys Liquid Wax | Longest Lasting
CarGuys are a relatively new company entering the car detailing industry with strong ambitions to develop premium quality products at an affordable price.
Their newly developed Liquid Wax is made with a patented formula containing additives that give your car prolonged shining effect and protection.
Unlike most of the other waxes on the market, CarGuys Liquid Wax is intended to be used only 1-2 times a year compared to others which fade away after 4-5 car washes.
Instead of Carnauba, this wax is made from synthetic polymer sealant which gives the attractive glossy look of Carnauba but provides the durability and long-lasting shield of a paint sealant.
The CarGuys Liquid Wax intended to be used on almost all surfaces of the car which include paint, metal parts, rims, and even glass.
Suitable with all kinds of colors, this Liquid Wax provides perfect UV defense and it can be used on all vehicles including bikes, boats, and RVs.
Key Product Details ✅
- Patented formula for long-lasting effect and protection
- Works great with all the different colors
- Usable on almost all surfaces of your vehicles
- Easy to apply and wipe off
- Made in the USA
6. Meguiar’s NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0 | Best For Modern Car Clear Coats
Meguiar’s NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0 is a scientific breakthrough that gives a new dimension to the brightness and protection of clear coats.
Meguiar’s are working closely with car manufacturers to monitor changes in automotive paint and painting techniques and then adapt and develop their products to reflect the needs of these changes.
The NXT Generation product line is the exact example of this progressive thinking. Modern polymeric wax for quality care and protection ahead of time!
This new and improved formula makes incredibly deep and rich bright colors with a strong wet look.
The new Hydrophobic Polymer Technology provides long-lasting water beading off the paint and prevents oxidation and corrosion with a very high UV degree of surface protection.
It shields the paint from degradation, making the wax unique of its kind.
“Hydrophobic” – meaning water-fearing, creates incredible protection and coating that repels the water perfectly even after numerous car washes.
This is a very highly rated product in all automobile forums with many superlatives written there which speaks about the qualities of the wax itself.
Key Product Details ✅
- Greater water defense
- New and improved formula
- Easy to use
- Takes care of swirls
- Perfect protection for modern paintworks
7. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax | Best 100% Carnauba Based Wax
Next in our list comes the Chemical Guys’s all-natural carnauba cream wax. It gives a rich gloss on any color finishes and defends the vehicle from UV solar rays, water spots, and any other sorts of pollution.
The Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax spreads on effortlessly and has a nice fresh banana aroma. That makes it a real pleasure to work with.
The wax can be used on any automobile, truck, motorbike, RV, and even cycles or custom vehicles.
Very easy to apply and as the manufacturer states – “The easiest wax that is manufactured in Chemical Guys right now”, waxing your car may be done in no time during the weekend or you can wax your ride monthly if you want to have this amazing show-room look.
The Butter Wet Wax is entirely made from carnauba and can be used on any painted parts, glass, lights, or any other element you wish to enhance the gloss and protect.
Key Product Details ✅
- 100% carnauba made
- Enhanced UVB and UV shield
- Simple to apply and wipe off
- Little product required
- Leaves deep wet shine
8. Meguiar’s Black Car Wax | Best Car Wax For Black Cars
Meguiar’s Black Car Wax is an innovative wax that has been designed to deliver exceptional deep gloss with an incredible wet effect and long-lasting protection for black and dark-colored paints.
This Black Car Wax contains a blend of superfine abrasives, micro-cleaners, high-quality oils, and polymers, which means that the product’s qualities are not limited to the capabilities of an ordinary wax.
It cleans, polishes, and protects in a simple one-step process, making the dark colors even thicker and deeper!
Key Product Details ✅
- Ideal for removing water-based limestone stains from dark/black colored cars
- Lasts for months
- Unique formula developed especially for black and dark-colored cars
- Applicator pad included
- Easily applicable either by hand or with a machine polisher
9. Adam’s Buttery Car Wax
Available for many years already, constantly improving and satisfying the needs and caprices of its loyal customers, Adam’s Buttery Wax is next in our list.
This is Adam’s most flexible, easy to use hand or machine wax. It consists of carnauba and Montana waxes, blended with distinctive silicates that make it even more resilient.
The latest improvements in the product include easier usage, more shine, and longer-lasting. To add even more convenience, Adam’s wax does not require shadow when applying but it can be spread over on sunny and hot places.
What we also like in Adam’s wax is that you will barely see any white stains on the trims or rubber and that is because it is made without any harsh additives and talcum.
All in all, if you want a shiny queen without too much exercise and a complicated working process, Adam’s Buttery Car Wax is the proper choice for you.
Key Product Details ✅
- Does not require shadows and cool places
- Lasts long
- Easy application and removal
- Pleasant strawberry and banana smell
- Made in the US
10. Mothers 05750 California Gold Car Wax
Mothers detailing products are available on the market for many years already and it seems that they still hold positive reviews and feedbacks from the hobby detailers and professionals.
What we like about them is that once achieved the perfect quality of a certain product, they will not try to change it or develop further.
They know how to preserve the good quality without unnecessary changes and probably that is the reason for being with such a high reputation on the market.
The Mothers California Gold Car Wax is made from premium Brazilian carnauba with a non-abrasive formula.
It enriches the color, brings the shine out, and protects the paint of your car. The non-abrasive formula allows multiple applications and frequent use and that is what we suggest if you want to achieve a perfect finish of your paint.
To sum it up, Mothers California Gold Car Wax is a quality carnauba wax that can be used as frequently as you feel and want, giving your car the shine and protection it deserves at a very reasonable price.
Key Product Details ✅
- Made from quality yellow Brazilian carnauba
- Non-abrasive
- Gives the perfect deep color and protection
- Can be used on the trims, headlights, and chrome parts
- No frustrating white spots
The Best Car Wax Buying Guide and FAQ
You are already familiar with the best car waxes on the market and now it is time for us to give you some essential information on using them.
Because by simply purchasing the best car wax, you won’t get this showroom effect that you dream of. There are certain steps and procedures you need to follow in order to get the best out of the products.
What is car wax and why you should use it?
After each paint polishing of a vehicle, it is advisable to protect the clear coat from a variety of badly affecting factors that will worsen its gloss or be a reason for undesirable defects.
There are numerous types of products that can be used ranging from car waxes to sealants and nano-coating sealants.
The purpose of all the different products is the same – to protect.
Talking about the car wax, this is the top layer of the clear coat and is usually applied after (on the top) of any of the above-mentioned products.
Think of your car as a hand and the wax as a protective glove. It will defend the hand from any harsh environments and factors that might damage or harm the natural (original) shape.
The car wax is the longest known and most commonly used protective product. Modern waxes are easy to apply and come in different forms like liquid, paste, or solid.
The base of the wax might be from a natural/plant (carnauba, beeswax), synthetic, or petroleum distillates or very often the best car waxes are a mixture of several elements to enhance their ultimate effect.
The qualities of each wax are determined by the materials used in it and in most cases the more expensive the car wax is the higher quality it is. And by higher quality, we mainly mean the protective and lasting effects.
What are the main benefits of waxing a car?
- Provides UV protection
- Protects from dust and any other kind of dirt that might appear on the paint of your car (bird poop, tree sap, etc.). When a car is waxed, this dirt is much easier to be removed without damaging the car’s paint or leaving stains.
- Water beading
- Protects and extends the brilliant effects achieved after polishing
- Prevents color fading
- Enhances and deepens a vehicle’s color
- Eliminates the micro scratches
Which one is better – carnauba or synthetic wax?
This is a so common question that almost everyone who is about to buy a car wax asks himself.
And probably every different car detailer will tell you a different opinion because both types of car wax have their advantages and disadvantages.
And while there is a bit of speculation from the car wax manufacturers because as you may have already noticed, they all claim that their wax is the best, we’ll tell you very briefly what is the main difference of both so you can decide yourself which what to choose.
Furthermore, there is no better one. Both types bring outstanding but different results.
Synthetic Car Wax
Synthetic car waxes have one main advantage over the carnauba waxes. They simply last longer.
A good quality synthetic wax may be effective for up to a year or even more. It depends on the climate where you live and how often do you wash your car.
Carnauba wax
As you already understood, the main disadvantage of carnauba wax over the synthetic wax is the durability.
While a good quality synthetic wax may be fully effective for a year or even more, the carnauba waxes must be re-applied every two months, again, depending on the climate.
But the big advantage of carnauba waxes over the synthetics is this brilliant shine and deep color that a synthetic wax is not able to provide.
From our point of view
As we already said, you can not say that one is better than the other. So what we personally like to use on our cars are those waxes which are a mixture of natural (carnauba or beeswax) with synthetics.
This is the best way to take the advantages of both types while minimizing the disadvantages – less shine from the synthetics and less durability of the natural waxes.
What is actually a carnauba wax?
Carnauba wax also called a Brazilian wax, is a wax from the palm tree Copernicia prunifera, which is only grown in the northeastern Brazilian states.
It is known as the “Queen of Wax” and in its pure state, it usually comes in the form of solid yellow-brown flakes that are extracted from the palm leaves, dried out, and draining the expensive raw material, after which the wax is refined and bleached.
How often should I wax my car for the best results?
Well, there is no specific answer to that. There are various factors to be taken into consideration:
Climate
If you live in a place with extreme temperature amplitudes or a region where the sun rays are hitting really hard, then waxing should be done in shorter intervals of time.
Basically, we advise a car to be waxed at least two times a year on places with hot sunny days and hard winters.
Waxing before summer protects it from the UV sun rays, and waxing just before winter prevents the car from the chemicals used for cleaning the roads, snow, and slush.
Type of wax
As we just discussed above, it depends whether you are using a carnauba, synthetic, or mixed compound wax.
With quality carnauba wax, you can wax once per two months, while waxing with synthetic can be done once per 6 months or even once per year, again depending on the climate.
How do you maintain your car in between waxing?
The best way to enhance your already applied wax and to extend its effective period is to use the quick spray wax products like the Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Detailer.
For best results, use it after each washing of the car. It will extend the life of the already applied wax and in fact, the Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Detailer has almost the same high qualities as the regular waxes.
This is the best way to take the maximum out of the already applied wax, reduce the main waxing procedures, and keep your car in perfect look and protection.
Which car wax is better – paste or liquid?
The physical state of these products is irrelevant to its quality. The specific ingredients formula of a certain wax will determine if its best for the product to be in a liquid or paste physical state.
Many of the waxes are a combination of ingredients – polymers, carnauba, silicon oxide, and others.
Quality is an important factor when choosing a car wax but it is also important how it is used and what will be more enjoyable to work with for the user.
Some people like liquid products because of the speed of application and removal, while others are used to the traditional paste waxes.
Is waxing and polishing the same thing?
Your vehicle is exposed to atmospheric influences as soon as it leaves the showroom. External factors such as rain, snow, and UV rays spoil its clear coat and paint. Inevitably scratches start to appear over the clear coat and this is mainly due to improper washing and drying especially when the car is covered with dust.
And here comes the polishing and waxing and no, they are not the same processes.
How do the processes work?
- During the polishing, the surface is treated with professional products selected according to the level of abrasion of the clear coat in order to remove the scratches and all imperfections that are visible on the surface of the paint. Throughout the process, the defects of the clear coat and paint are permanently removed, also removing all the dirt accumulated on the surface over time, which can not be eliminated only by washing the car.
- Then comes the waxing, which acts as a shield to all the external processes and factors mentioned above. It defends the clear coat and paintwork of the car. By waxing, all the defects and imperfections are smoothed and completely removed so that the surface acquires a perfect gloss and shine. The wax also prevents dirt and dust and makes the car very easy to wash.
Should you wax or polish your car first?
As already mentioned above, the first thing to be done must be polishing. This is where all the scratches and imperfections are removed. Then the waxing comes in order to protect the perfect clear coat and enhance color and shine.
How to wax your car?
The key to a perfect car waxing is preparation. The first thing you need to do is perfectly wash and dry your car, making sure there isn’t any kind of dust or dirty parts left.
Most of the car waxes “don’t like” to be applied to direct sunlight, too hot weather, or too cold. The optimal temperature to wax your car would be around 55 – 85 degrees °F.
If the weather is not favorable, you can do the job in a garage but make sure to have the proper lighting as this is something very important.
Applying the car wax must be done one car body part at a time with small sections about 2 feet on 2 feet.
After applying depending on the instructions of the container, you must leave it to dry out usually about 2 to 5 minutes.
By using a quality microfiber cloth, start wiping, without too much pressure. Here it is important to use the clean parts of the cloth once you see it’s getting harder and all covered with product.
Here is a very useful, straight to the point video:
Conclusion
Waxing your car is not only essential if you want to give it the perfect showroom look but also to protect it from UV sun rays, snow, rain, dust, and all the contamination it is exposed to just after leaving the shop.
Regular waxing with a quality product will keep it just as you saw it in the dealership and will surely increase its price when it is time for selling.
Get familiar with the best car waxes we have specially selected for you and give your car the treatment she deserves.
What about cost? Our research indicates that that premium-price car waxes do not generally hold up any better than the lower-priced alternatives. And in some cases, the medium-price products outperform the more expensive brands, though the differences are not huge.
Carnauba wax is a very interesting wax product to choose. This will help to those people with dark or white car paint. I really like car waxing because it protects my vehicle from scratches and other ways that might damage my car’s exterior. Thank you for sharing this article!