You probably want to keep your car looking shiny and new for as long as possible.
Taking care of your car’s exterior is the key, and you might have heard about polishing and waxing.
But you may be wondering, Should you wax a car after polishing?
The short answer is yes, you definitely should! But why, and what’s the difference between polishing and waxing?
Let us discuss that in detail.
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Should you Wax a Car after polishing?
Yes, you should wax your car after polishing. Before talking about waxing, it’s important to understand what polishing actually does for your car.
Polishing is like giving your car’s paint a deep clean. Over time, your car’s surface can get small scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation (which makes the paint look dull).
Polishing helps to smooth out these imperfections by removing a thin layer of the paint’s clear coat, revealing the fresh and shiny paint underneath.
When you polish your car, you’re basically getting rid of the small marks that build up over time. Think of it like cleaning the rough spots to bring back that smooth, sleek look you love.
But once you’ve polished your car, the paint is left unprotected. That’s where waxing plays an important role.
Why should you Wax after Polishing?
Polishing makes your car’s paint look great, but without any protection, the paint is more bound to damage from things like dirt, UV rays, and water. This is why you need to apply wax after polishing.
Wax acts as a protective barrier on top of your car’s paint. When you apply wax, it seals the paint and shields it from external elements like the sun’s harsh rays, rain, bird droppings, and road grime.
Basically, waxing adds a layer to your car’s finish after you’ve polished it to perfection.
Benefits of Waxing Your Car After Polishing
So, what exactly does waxing do for you and your car? Here are the top reasons why waxing after polishing is a smart move:
1. Protection
Once you’ve polished your car, the paint is smooth but exposed. Wax protects the paint from harmful UV rays, which can cause fading, and from other environmental contaminants that could damage the paint.
2. Longer-Lasting Shine
Wax enhances the gloss and depth of your car’s paint, making it look even shinier after polishing. Plus, the wax will help maintain that mirror-like shine for a longer period of time.
3. Water Beading Effect
One of the coolest things about waxing is the water-beading effect. After you apply wax, you’ll notice that water will bead up and roll off your car’s surface instead of sitting on it.
This not only looks good but also helps prevent water spots and corrosion.
4. Easier Cleaning
A car that has been waxed is easier to clean because dirt and grime have a harder time sticking to the waxed surface.
When you wash your car, the dirt will rinse off more easily, saving you time and effort.
5. Protection Against Scratches
While waxing doesn’t prevent all scratches, it does provide a thin layer of protection that can help reduce the risk of minor scratches from things like dust, sand, or even an accidental brush against your car.
The Right Time to Wax After Polishing
Now that you know why waxing after polishing is essential, you might be wondering when you should do it.
You can wax your car right after polishing! In fact, many people do this as part of their regular car detailing routine.
After you’ve finished polishing, make sure the surface is clean and free of any residue before you apply the wax. You don’t want any leftover polish or dirt to get trapped under the wax layer.
Different Types of Car Wax
When it comes to waxing your car after polishing, you’ll have a few different types of wax to choose from. Here are the main options:
1. Carnauba Wax
Carnauba wax is a natural wax made from the leaves of the carnauba palm. It gives an amazing shine and great protection, but it doesn’t last as long as synthetic waxes.
If you love the idea of giving your car that deep, rich shine, carnauba wax is a fantastic choice.
Synthetic waxes, also known as sealants, are made from man-made chemicals. They don’t give quite the same deep shine as carnauba wax, but they last much longer.
If you want long-lasting protection and don’t want to wax your car frequently, synthetic wax is a good option.
3. Spray Wax
If you’re short on time, spray wax can be a quick and easy solution.
It won’t give as much protection as traditional waxes, but it’s convenient for in-between waxes or quick touch-ups.
How Often Should You Wax Your Car After Polishing?
Waxing isn’t something you need to do every week, but you also shouldn’t wait too long between applications.
Generally, you should wax your car about every 2 to 3 months. However, if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions or your car is exposed to the elements often, you might want to wax it more frequently.
To check if your car needs another coat of wax, you can do the water bead test.
Spray some water on the surface of your car. If the water beads up and rolls off, your wax is still doing its job. If the water starts to sit on the surface and doesn’t bead up, it’s time to reapply wax.
Conclusion
You must wax your car after polishing. Polishing removes imperfections and brings out the shine, but it also strips away any existing protection. Waxing after polishing is the best way to give that shiny finish while protecting your car from the elements.
Remember, polishing and waxing go hand in hand if you want to maintain that showroom shine and keep your car looking its best for years to come.
How often do you wax your car? Share your views in the comments below.
Also Read – Does simple green APC remove contaminants from car paint?