Anyone who has washed their car at a car wash is familiar with the term. When entering the box, washers very often ask: “Will we cover with wax?”
Despite the fact that the term is quite common, many do not know what it is, and if someone knows, then, most often, superficially. To the question: “Why cover the car with wax?”, Most often they answer: “For shine.” Indeed, wax gives a certain shine to your car, but so does polish. Wax and polish are completely different terms with different semantic and theoretical meanings.
Wax is a product designed to protect the paintwork of your car.
As your car is waxed, a protective film is created. Wax protects your car from minor damage, micro scratches. Water drops do not linger on the wax coating and do not form spots as it dries.
Polish is a tool designed to restore the shine of your car by removing the top layer of varnish. Polish also saves your car from small scratches.
Waxing a car is a useful and necessary process. It is necessary to process the body with wax at least 2-3 times a year. Before processing, the body must be thoroughly washed, and the top layer of paintwork (polished or clay) removed, and only then wax is applied. Otherwise, the desired effect will not be.
Automotive wax consists predominantly of synthetic wax. The first one car wax included carnauba wax with various impurities.
Wax for the car can be of 4 types:
- Spray - wax.
- Liquid wax.
- Hard wax (Hard wax).
- Synthetic wax.
- Spray wax for car. The application of such wax does not require complex preparation, and the process itself is very easy. Minus this wax The fact is that the protective film is very weak and can withstand 1-2 car washes.
- Liquid wax for a car has a much more complicated application process: in addition to the waxing process itself, you need to let it dry and then you need to wipe it off. But the result of applying liquid wax is much more effective than a spray.
- Hard wax (Hard wax). Hard wax is much harder to use, but much more aesthetically pleasing: your car starts to sparkle like never before. To obtain a greater visual effect, hard wax can be applied in two layers (the second layer must be applied the next day). The protective film of such wax lasts long enough and is washed off after 3-4 months.
- Synthetic wax is quite simple in the application process, because. are in a liquid state. The effect of this wax lasts up to half a year.
Also, wax is part of many car shampoos, which also affects the shine of your car.
What waxes to use: winter time it is recommended to use synthetic wax, in summer - hard wax.
Liquid wax for cars - a substance designed to treat the paintwork of a vehicle. It helps to maintain the original color of the car, and also neutralizes defects and damage. The material belongs to the category of "auto chemicals", therefore, it requires special conditions for storage and use.
The paintwork of the car has a limited operational period. Over time, the paint fades, and damage forms on the surface. Car body wax is used to eliminate:
- scratches;
- microcracks;
- chipped.
The substance fills the defects on the coating of the car, as a result of which an even, smooth surface is formed. The hydrophobic protective film formed after the mixture hardens gives brightness and shine. Additionally, waxing the car provides the body with protective properties. Minimizes the impact on the paint layer of the machine:
- ultraviolet;
- chemical substances;
- dust and dirt;
- detergents.
It is necessary to cover the body with liquid car wax at least twice. This condition gives the presence of a complete protective film on the surface of the vehicle.
Types and popular manufacturers
Polymer wax is produced and sold in various forms. There are three types of classification: by application method, form of manufacture and composition. According to the first sign, the material happens:
- cold;
- hot;
- foamy.
Depending on the form of production, the following types of wax are distinguished:
- solid;
- liquid;
- spray.
Composition liquid material divided into 4 categories:
- mineral;
- synthetic;
- animal;
- vegetable.
Each species has its own characteristics. To choose the best option It is necessary to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Cold
Cold wax includes a group of liquid substances. They are produced on the basis of the synthesis of cationic active substances and emulsion wax. The material is applied by hand. The substance is removed from the body after washing the surface of the car. To maintain protection, the mixture is regularly applied to the surface of the car. It is recommended to cover the body with the substance after washing.
The mixture fills microdamages. Its disadvantage lies in the short-term effect. For this reason, there is high flow substances.
Hot
Hot wax- a substance made in the form of fat. The product is divided into two categories depending on the composition: natural and artificial. The Karnaus species is superior in terms of quality to other products of this type.
The composition of the material contains corrosion inhibitors. This factor increases operational characteristics car body.
After application to the surface, the mixture retains its properties throughout the year. The product has a high cost, but has a low consumption rate. The main disadvantage of the mixture is the melting point of +90 degrees Celsius. For this reason, working with such a substance at home is difficult. The material melts in hot water, but this can adversely affect its properties.
The minimum interval for applying a protective mixture is 6 months.
Liquid
Liquid wax is a substance made for self-application to the body of a vehicle. The advantage of this type is a long period action and ease of use. The substance is applied to the car part and rubbed with a soft cloth.
The liquid form is superior to the spray in terms of duration of use, but inferior to the solid counterpart. Before applying the substance, the surface of the car is washed and dried.
Solid
Hard wax is a material that has a long-lasting effect in comparison with analogues. The product has a high cost, but its protective properties remain for a period of 3 to 6 months.
In terms of quality, this type is second only to synthetic. The main condition for application is a completely dry surface. The disadvantage of this product is complex process coating processing
The substance belongs to the cold category.
How to do it yourself
To make a car wax with your own hands, you will need to purchase the following components:
- 25 grams of carnauba wax flakes;
- 5 grams of paraffin;
- 40 grams of coconut oil;
- 15 grams of pine turpentine.
Flakes are placed in a metal container. The component is melted using a water bath. Then paraffin is added to it. The melting of the elements continues until they turn into a uniform amber-colored consistency.
In the next step, coconut oil is added to the substance. The mixture is stirred until it acquires the same color. After that, pine turpentine is added to it. To calculate it, it is recommended to use a syringe. The standard norm of the component is 10-15 cubic meters.
In the absence of turpentine, it is allowed to use pink or other oil that has a spectacular light evaporation.
The mixture is poured into a jar, where it cools to room temperature. The finished substance is applied to the coating as usual liquid wax.
How to apply
The mixture is applied to the car body in two ways:
- manual;
using special tools. - The second method applies only to the hot look. In all other cases, the surface of the car body is processed manually.
The body is pre-cleaned of dirt and dust and dried. Washing is best for this purpose. high pressure allowing to eliminate pollution of any complexity. Then the coating is processed. For each type there is own instruction. Regardless of which material is chosen for surface treatment, it is correct to apply the mixture indoors or under a canopy where sunlight does not reach. Under the influence of the sun, the substance hardens quickly, forming a matte, not shiny surface.
How to apply liquid wax to a car
Liquid wax is diluted in water. The water temperature is indicated on the packaging. The substance is applied to a damp surface. The difference between the temperature of the coating and water with a diluted mixture should not be more than 20 degrees.
Treatment of the car body with liquid wax is carried out in sections. When rubbing the surface of the car, breaks are observed at intervals of up to 2 minutes between individual zones. Waxing a car starts from the roof. Applying and rubbing the mixture is carried out using:
- soft sponge;
- napkins;
- rags.
If excess mixture remains, they are carefully removed. The processing time is up to 30 minutes. In order for the substance to better grasp on the body, it is recommended to blow it with air.
Application of hard wax
Car waxing is carried out indoors. To apply the substance, a dry sponge or soft cloth is used. The use of rigid material for this purpose is prohibited. The mixture is applied to a dry surface.
Depending on the type, it may be necessary to pre-melt the material. Its melting point is between 40 degrees Celsius. Application is carried out in separate sections, between which there should be no visible transitions.
The minimum temperature at which wax can be applied to a car is 6 degrees Celsius.
How to use hot wax
Hot wax for a car is selected depending on the color for which it is intended. This condition is indicated on the product packaging in the specifications. The substance is applied to a dry surface of the vehicle in a ventilated area.
Application technology for this species is standard. The mixture is diluted in a container with warm water, and applied to paintwork with a soft sponge. Then the surface is polished, and dries for a certain period. Suitable time for processing is autumn.
cold wax application
Cold car wax is kept on the surface of the vehicle for a short period. To preserve the protective properties, the substance is used after each car wash.
You can wax your car with a soft cloth or spray. After applying the liquid to the body, the remnants of the mixture are carefully washed off.
It is better to cover the car with wax with a sprayer, so the procedure is faster.
How to remove wax from a car
Old car wax is removed if after the expiration of the operational period it has remained on the surface of the car. It is impossible to carry out processing with a new substance if the old protective coating remains.
To remove it use:
- special spray cleaner;
- clay.
In both cases, the substance is applied to the surface of the car and left there for a while, after which it is washed off with a rag or towel with microfibers.
To remove the old coating, it is forbidden to use standard detergents.
Advantages and disadvantages
Auto wax benefits:
- high processing speed;
- budget cost of production;
- ease of application of the substance to the car;
- high-quality damage elimination;
- the appearance of the cover is updated.
Disadvantages include:
- short operating period;
- inability to repair major damage;
- the risk of spoiling the coating if dirt gets on the uncured surface.
If it is necessary to eliminate not only microcracks and scratches, but also major damage, it is better to cover the car with hard wax.
3. Hard water.
4. Poor quality detergents.
And, of course, this polish does an excellent job with road dust, sand, small stones and other road surface elements.
By its nature, hot car wax is a fat-like substance that can be either synthetic or natural. melts this remedy at temperatures between 40 and 90 degrees Celsius. Most often, eminent manufacturers add to their products. This is the highest quality type of wax, which has excellent protective characteristics. Carnaub is almost completely transparent, hard and has high temperature melting, and accordingly, it stays longer on the paintwork.
Application types
Car waxing (waxing) can be of two types:
- Hot.
- Cold.
The first method is used most often for complex road conditions. In this case, hot wax for the car is applied evenly, in a single thin layer over the entire area of the car. As a result, the car is protected for for a long time from corrosion and other abrasive effects on the surface of the body and metal.
Cold processing is used only to isolate and remove paintwork defects. Such wax is applied by ordinary rubbing into the surface of the machine with any rag.
Yes, hot wax for cars is a rather complicated and expensive process, which may not be available to every car owner. In this regard, many service stations use ordinary paraffin instead of this substance. And when cold working, polishes are used that already contain a small part of the wax.
It should also be noted that the most high-quality tool for applying to a car body is a polish containing a carnaub element. This substance is a wax of exclusively natural origin, and it is collected from trees growing only in Brazil. But at the same time, one should not forget that its quantity is not enough for all the cars that are currently in operation in the world. So it certainly won't be cheap.
Making the right choice between shine and protection
If you just want to give shine to the car body, you can use polishes containing silicone particles. But the gloss of a paintwork and its protection are two different concepts. Therefore, you should not trust those manufacturers who promise both brilliance and high-quality paintwork protection machines for a long time. According to its properties, silicone not only does not protect the car from dust and stones, but is also able to break the wax layer previously applied to vehicle. As a result, one thing will turn out: either the car will simply shine, or the paintwork will simply be covered with an invisible layer of protection.
Where can you wax a car?
You can apply this tool on the paintwork both independently and in a professional workshop. In the first case, you will need to purchase a bottle of polish and stock up on a few dry rags for bodywork. It is worth noting that this process is not at all complicated and does not require any professional skills. The main thing before this is to thoroughly rinse the car and let it dry.
By the way, car wax is not so expensive pleasure. average price for one bottle of it is about 500-800 rubles. In this case, one container will be enough for you for several applications. Roughly speaking, this bottle can be used for about 1 year.
So, we found out what hot wax is for a car and what function and protection it provides for car paintwork.
Car enthusiasts visiting specialized car washes have heard suggestions for additional waxing of their car more than once.
Many agree, which, of course, they do not regret at all. The car becomes not only clean, but also extremely bright, especially in the play of sunlight.
Today we will talk about what the waxing process is, what types of wax exist, and also highlight their main advantages and disadvantages.
What does car body waxing do?
The main purpose of the wax coating is to improve the appearance of the car and create a special protective film on the surface of its body.
During this treatment, the wax particles are heated quite strongly, as a result of which they are melted.
Due to this, the wax is able to fill all the microcracks in the paint layer. The surface is leveled.
In sunny weather, light rays are almost completely reflected from the car body, creating a spectacular mirror shine.
An important factor in the use of wax is and.
This is facilitated by the resulting water-repellent film.
You have probably noticed how, after waxing, water rolls off the surface of the car in tiny droplets.
This is precisely the result of the formation of a protective film. It protects the car body not only from harmful road chemicals, but also from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, as well as natural substances, such as resin.
It will be noticeably easier to remove it from the waxed surface.
In fairness, we say that any other dirt is washed off much better.
Types of car wax
In total, there are 4 main types of wax used for bodywork.
This wax is diluted with hot water. The process of its application is quite complicated.
The wax mass must be evenly sprayed over the entire surface of the car immediately after washing the car.
The main advantages of this type of wax are the creation of a dense protective layer that provides protection even against corrosion.
The effectiveness of this wax treatment lasts a very long time. The disadvantage is the laborious application process.
Cold wax.
A similar wax coating is applied by rubbing into the paint layer of the car.
This process is much easier. As a result, the body becomes mirror-shiny, however, the film formed during this method waxing, less resistant.
Hard wax.
Application hard wax the most difficult of all other types of processing.
It should be used on a cleaned body surface, after which it is necessary to additionally polish it.
The resulting coating is extremely resistant to washout, and the effect of its action will be the longest, up to 4 months.
Among the shortcomings, we single out the duration of the application process.
This type of wax is the easiest to use. It is sprayed on the surface of the car immediately after washing and rubbed with a soft suede or flannel cloth.
This creates a thin protective layer giving the car a brilliant shine.
Unfortunately, this film is easily washed off. Usually the protection is enough for one or two washes, after which it is necessary to apply the wax coating again.
Summing up
At the end of the article, we will say that waxing the surface of a car body must be carried out in conjunction with other preventive measures -, etc.
It is the paint layer that suffers during the operation of the car in the first place. The task of the car owner is to protect it to the maximum or at least minimize the damaging effects of harmful environmental factors.
How more driver will pay attention to this longer car will retain its original appearance, without the formation of microcracks in the paint layer and, as a result, without the formation of corrosion centers.
The car in many families as a member of the family. And it is very sad to see how this family member is aging outwardly, although technical condition no complaints. And the reason for this premature aging one is an abrasive effect on the paintwork. I brushed off the dust with a dry cloth - invisible microscopic scratches appeared in the varnish layer. The protection is already weakened - further exposure to the sun and water intensifies this defect, and the scratch is already becoming visible. As a result, the shine of your car fades, all kinds of polishes bring only a temporary effect. What can be done to avoid such a development of events?
One of the most effective ways, while being affordable, is car waxing. This composition prevents subsequent aging and wear of the coating, in high degree facilitates the process of subsequent car washes and promotes faster and more efficient drying after washing.
When applied to a car body wax, it creates a protective layer that also has hydrophobic properties. The wax coating, penetrating into the pores of the varnish, prevents the penetration of moisture, dirt and chemically aggressive substances into the coating itself and further to the car body.
It is quite easy to distinguish a processed body from an unprocessed one. Firstly, the treated body is more shiny, radiant. Especially if you are comparing the same body before and after processing. Second, it's smoother. If, for example, a rag is placed on the sloping surface of a treated car, it will easily roll off under its own weight. Untreated will not have this effect. The wax coating is clearly visible during washing or rain. Drops, gathering into balls, practically do not spread over the surface, and easily roll off an inclined surface. 
Road dirt to a lesser extent penetrates and mechanically binds to the coating, thereby increasing the interval between car washes. And the washing itself is much faster and more efficient. And plus to all the above advantages of wax is that its application is relatively inexpensive.
The advantages of the composition
Thus, car wax coating has the following properties:
- Adds shine to the coating, creating a good aesthetic effect;
- Facilitates car washing due to low penetration of dirt particles into the pores of the car paintwork;
- Promotes quick drying of the car;
- Protects from dirt and dust;
- Protects against harmful effects ultraviolet rays.
What cars can be waxed? The answer to this question is quite elementary - everything. Waxing a new car is even recommended by manufacturers. This procedure will allow you to preserve the paintwork of the car for a long time and enjoy its beautiful beauty for a long time. appearance. Especially recommended is the application of wax on the body of a car that has undergone a polishing procedure to restore worn coatings.
Types of liquid wax
What is the best car wax?
In order to answer this question, you need to know what modern wax coatings are? The question is rather ambiguous for the reason that there are three types of waxes:
- cold;
- hot;
- Foamy.
Cold wax for cars is usually a liquid containing a large number of cationic surfactants (surfactants) and emulsion wax. When applied, it fills microcracks, bumps, scratches, creating a protective layer and adding shine to the coating. This coating facilitates car washing and speeds up drying. This wax is applied and polished by hand. The disadvantage of these types of waxes is their relative fragility. For best effect, it is desirable to use them after every one or two washes.
Hot wax for car is a fat-like substance that can be both artificial and natural. Its melting point is from forty to ninety degrees. In waxes from famous manufacturers, carnauba wax is most often used, which has full transparency, a high melting point and is highly resistant to wear. It is believed that this type of wax retains its protective properties from six to twelve months. It dissolves when applied. hot water in appropriate proportions and applied with a sponge or cloth and polished. Corrosion inhibitors are often added to hot waxes, which stop the corresponding processes in the metal of the car body. In connection with the use of rather expensive raw materials in hot waxes, their cost is also quite high.
foamy waxes have properties similar to hot ones. This type of wax requires special equipment due to the fact that air is supplied to the mixture of water and wax composition, thus creating a foam emulsion, which, when applied to the surface of the car, is better retained on it and polished more evenly.
Waxing your car regularly will keep your car looking its best. good condition for a long time.
The method of applying wax compositions is simple and possible manually, with the exception of applying foamy wax. Before applying, the car must be thoroughly washed with a non-contact washing method, wiped well and you can start applying. Waxing must not be done in the sun. Shake the composition well before use. The coating is applied in small areas starting from the roof of the car and gradually descending below. After application, it is necessary to pause for approximately twenty minutes and polish the composition over the surface of the body. Polishing should be done with a soft dry cloth. in a circular motion. Self application hot wax is similar to cold wax and is carried out in accordance with the instructions that came with the composition you purchased. You can buy liquid wax for cars both in the online store and on the shelves of any hypermarket. It should be noted that the temperature of the car coating should not differ from the temperature of the wax composition by more than twenty degrees.
Wax - extending the life of the car
The best alternative to hand-finishing your car wax composition can become an appeal to specialized enterprises. Well-established application technology, in such enterprises, guarantees you the use of high-quality ingredients and high quality coatings. Washing complexes can guarantee you high-quality professional treatment of your car with precisely high-quality compositions from well-known manufacturers. They allow processing with minimal time costs and high protective properties.
How to apply liquid wax on a car, you will learn from this video:
