Difference Between Auto Wax & Polish

A car with highly polished chrome and beautifully waxed body panels.

Although the end result might seem the same, there is a world of difference between the oft-confused processes of waxing and polishing your car.

Surface Changes

Polish is a mild abrasive that shines by removing tiny scratches in the paint. Wax is a coating that covers the body and fills scratches for a smoother appearance.

Shine

Polishing can be just as effective as waxing if your car's paint is a two-part system composed of a base pigment and a clear coat. However, most modern cars use a single-stage paint (combination pigment and clear coat), so wax will make for a deeper shine.

Application

Polishing is a fairly labor-intensive process and is best done by hand to avoid damaging the paint. Waxing can safely be done with an electric buffer; or, you can spray on the wax if it is a synthetic polymer type.

Durability

Some of the best synthetic polymer waxes can keep a car shiny for as long as 6 months (30 days for carnauba wax), states ProperAutoCare.com. Polishing is permanent, so the car will remain shiny as long as the paint remains undamaged.

Protection

Polishing offers no protection for the car's paint from water or sun damage. Many waxes have protective additives that help protect against fading and paint damage caused by abrasive dust and sand.

References

• ProperAutoCare: Which Car Wax Is Best
• Autogeek: Carnauba Car Wax vs. Paint Sealants
• Autopia-carcare: Car Polishing Basics

Resources

• Rotary Polish Burn Through (Video)