Car wash and wax products are simply maintenance car wash soaps infused with a protective agent that allows you to wash & protect in one step. You can almost think of it as using a spray wax or coating after washing your car, except it’s incorporated into the washing stage. These wash and wax products clean your paint effectively, but leave your paint smoother, glossier & protected for weeks, if not months. These products can contain carnauba, Sio2 or polymers to help incorporate protection into the washing stage, and can be used alongside a variety of different protective products. If you are looking to use this product over any existing protection, it’s best to check what type of wash & wax suits that product. If you are unsure at all, feel free to contact us!
Wash & Wax products are designed for periodic maintenance, and used every 2 weeks or so - so they generally last a couple of weeks up to a couple of months depending on several external factors of course (car storage, weather etc.). Carnauba/polymer based wash and wax products that give a nice warm glow, characteristic to a wax usually last a little less - being closer to 2-4 weeks. Sio2, ceramic coating based wash & protect products tend to last a little longer, up to 1-2 months. They give a nice, glass like gloss, that produces sharp reflections & amazing water beading properties.
There is no real definitive answer for “best” style of wash and wax product. However, Sio2, the active ingredient in ceramic coatings is becoming much more popular across the board in detailing - and this is no different for wash and wax products. As far as the differences between the two, carnauba wash & wax products behave more like a wax, and Sio2 car wash and wax products behave more like a ceramic coating. What we mean by this, is carnauba based products tend to have a deep, rich gloss - giving a warmth and depth. Sio2 on the other hand still gives an amazing aesthetic, but gives a more glass-like, almost liquid finish with intense reflections, fantastic clarity and the ultimate wet look. Sio2 wash and wax products also tend to last a bit longer, and produce better water beading. We love both styles of products, and it’s hard to say what is “best”, but Sio2 based products are definitely more popular at the moment.
Sio2 based wash and wax products are the ones to use when looking at ceramic coatings. You’ve definitely got to check with whatever brand you are using if you can top the Ceramic Coatings, but 99% of the time you can maintain any ceramic coating with one of our high quality Sio2 based wash & wax style products - such as CarPro HydroFoam .
It depends on the product, and you should always read the directions, but you will either be using the product in your wash buckets, or through the use of a foam gun or sprayer. Some brands even incorporate waterless wash and wax products, which can make the whole process even more efficient by eliminating the rinsing step. If you are having any issues with understanding how to apply your desired wash and wax, then feel free to get in touch with us, we are here to help!
