Car Polish vs Car Wax: What's the Difference?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between car polish and car wax? Both products can be useful in polishing your vehicle. Learn more about the difference here.

Auto detailing can improve your vehicle's appearance and durability against the elements. A large part of the process involves applying various chemicals onto the painted surface. One of the more popular features of auto detailing includes polishing and waxing. Both are crucial to giving your paint the most beautiful appearance and protection it can get. When you're new at auto detailing or wish to get started with the basics, the first thing to do is to understand 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 is a lightly abrasive liquid compound created to smooth, clean, 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. The once shiny paint will appear old and dull.

People who rely on their vehicles solely for transportation from Point A to Point B may not care about this degrading appearance. Car enthusiasts all over the world are aware that, with the right tools and knowledge, a car's appearance can be dramatically improved. One of these products is car polish.

It is best applied using the power polisher (also known as an orbital buffer); car polish comes in a bottle that is designed to disperse onto the polisher's foam application pad. It's then gently massaged onto the paint of your car, smoothing any scratches and returning the original shine.

What Is Car Wax?

As polish, correctly applied car wax enhances the appearance of paint on vehicles. Like polish, wax provides protection. Available as a firm paste or liquids, both synthetic and natural, the majority of car waxes are applied in a similar method. Rub it on the car in a thin layer and let it dry, and then buff off any excess. Buffing can happen by hand or using an electric buffer.

When applied correctly, the wax will not only make the car appear shinier it also creates an insulating layer that can last up to a couple of weeks to several months, based on the type of product.

What is the best time to use car polish and car wax?

Based on experience, car wax and car polish are both necessary for a good auto detailing. The polishing job isn't going to look as good for a long time when it's not covered by wax, and wax will not give the same shine if it's applied to paint that isn't polished.

The best method is to thoroughly wash your car first with soap and water. Rinse, then let 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, then apply high-quality car wax.