Can you tell the differences between car polishing and waxing?

It is not unusual to hear people discussing this but are wax and polish really something meant to go against each other?

Both will definitely have a positive effect on your cars but what really is the difference between polishing and waxing your car? Read this article from Philkotse.com to find out.

1. Car polish

This is a product that aids in removing surface scratches, oxidation, swirls, dirt, and even slight imperfections from the surface of your car. This happens because car polish removes a fragile layer of your car’s paintwork, so the scratches are minimized as they settle into the “new” layer of coat.

There are a lot of car polishes available in the market, and the main difference will be when it comes to its level of abrasiveness. There are non-abrasive polishes that don’t have any ingredients that can chemically scrape paint.

Non-abrasive polishes are best for both car amateurs and professionals. This kind of finish should be applied gently following a circular pattern. Abrasive car polishes meanwhile, have certain ingredients incorporated that can physically abrade paint.

>>> Check out: 3 DIY tips to remove oxidation signs from your car paint

This is a product that aids in removing surface scratches, oxidations, swirls, dirt, and even slight imperfections from the surface of your car

Here are some of the advantages that car owners get from using car polish:

• Car polish eliminates scratches;
• It makes spots almost unnoticeable;
• The paint defects are corrected;
• It gives your car a shiny, sleek, and glossy look;
• It allows the clean, new layer of paint to shine.

The effects of polish on your car can last longer than wax does as it can help maintain a noticeable shine for up to a year. Note though that applying polish to your car too much than necessary may have negative effects as well.

The effects of polish on your car can last longer than wax does as it can help maintain a noticeable shine for up to a year

>>> Important to know:

• Main causes of damage to your car paint: There are more!
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2. Car wax

Wax is used to protect and enhance your car’s surface. Wax is best used after cleaning and polishing to make your car’s paint shine. It does this by smoothing or leveling out the painted surface by filling in the small spaces and areas in scratches and swirls via a protective coating.  It doesn’t remove a super fine layer of paint as polish does.

Carnauba wax is the most common element incorporated in many car waxes today. This ingredient is the best because it will not wash away in water. Aside from technically being waterproof, it can also withstand extremely high temperatures and provide a glossy, sleek, and beautiful finish.

Wax is best used after cleaning and polishing to make your car’s paintwork shine

Solvents, colorants, and UV inhibitors are also added to many waxes aside from carnauba wax to maximize protection for your car’s paint. This will also prevent the paint from fading due to the sun’s rays.

Here are some reasons why applying wax to your car is highly recommended:

• It makes car washing easier;
• Wax adds an additional layer of protection;
• It keeps your vehicle paint chip-free;
• That ‘new car shine gleam’ can be achieved;
• It lessens the current paint scratches on your car;

Solvents, colorants, and UV inhibitors are also added to many waxes aside from carnauba wax to maximize protection

>>> Relevant articles: Best wax for car in the Philippines: List of 6 recommended brands

3. Polishing vs. waxing

Right off the bat, these two should not go against each other. In fact, polishing and waxing complement each other and can provide amazing results when used together to achieve that top-of-the-line car shine.

Simply put, polish removes and wax smoothen. Polish should be used before the application of the car wax as it will then help in restoring the paint that was damaged or lost due to wear and tear, scratches, and oxidation. It should always be polishing and waxing or polishing or waxing depending on the needs of your car.

Right off the bat, these two should not go against each other

Waxing prevents the clear coat that exists in the actual car paint be scratched. When your car is waxed, your car is better sheltered from all the harmful elements that your car is exposed to, like the heat of the sun and the dirt being picked up along the road.

Polishing, on the other hand, is recommended after waxing to achieve that perfect shine. This is more of the cosmetics part of enhancing your car’s aesthetics. Without car polishing, your car will only have that clean but dull shine and not that deep gloss or almost wet-look effect.

Polishing is like applying makeup or foundation to your car. It helps hide the imperfections on the surface and makes the dents and scratches look less visible. It also helps reduce the stains like the water spots or weakened paint from acid rain.

Polish and wax complement each other and can provide amazing results when used together to achieve peak car shine

>>> Also check: Car Waxing, Detailing & Polishing: What’s the Difference?

Again, polish does not in any way protect the paint. That is the job of the wax. You can either wax and polish or just do one depending on the needs of your car and depending on what you want to achieve as a car owner.

Car polish and wax products are widely available and choosing a brand may be a bigger dilemma than deciding between polish or wax.

Here are the five most recommended car polish and wax products as of the 2019 car review and buying guide.

With all the available resources online, getting that perfect wax and or polish for you and your car is made easier and hassle-free.