Auto Detailing Guide - Carnauba Waxes

• Overview of Carnauba Waxes
• Layering and Cure Times
• Frequency
• How-to
• Facts and Tips
• What's after applying a wax?

Overview of Carnauba Waxes (Return to Top)

Carnauba waxes are a great way to protect your vehicle against the elements. Carnauba waxes often offer stronger protection than sealants do, but will not last as long. Waxes typically last 3 to 8 weeks, where a sealant can last up to 6 months. Carnauba waxes often bead water better than sealants, which makes your vehicle easier to maintain. Carnauba waxes are what you want to use when you want the absolute wettest finish possible.

Layering and Cure Times (Return to Top)

Some waxes can benefit from applying multiple coats on your paint. Waxes with no cleaners in them typically will layer on top of each other. The most important thing to note is that when you want to apply more than one coat, you have to let the previous coat fully cure. Typical bond time is between 12 to 24 hours for most carnauba waxes. This means that you apply and remove your first coat, wait 12 to 24 hours, then apply your next coat. During that time period if you have accumulated dust or contamination it's best to re-wash your vehicle or quick detail your paint if there is just a light dusting.

Frequency of Applying a Carnauba Wax (Return to Top)

In general, carnauba waxes will last anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. There are many factors that go into determining how long a wax will last. Some of the major factors are if your car is stored in a garage or outside, how many miles are driven, the type of weather conditions your vehicle is exposed to, how well your paint was prepped prior to applying the sealant, the frequency of washing your vehicle and the harshness of shampoo used, and lots of other factors. The key is to reapply your coat of protection before the previous coat runs out. As you maintain your vehicle, keep an eye out for how well the water beads and sheets off your paint. If water begins to pool on your paint, then chances are there is little to no protection remaining and it's advised to apply another coat of wax. A good rule of thumb is to reapply a carnauba once a month (12 times a year).

How-to Apply a Paste Wax (Return to Top)

• Step 1: Using a clean foam applicator pad, gently wipe it across the paste wax
• Step 2: Fold your applicator pad in half and rub the two halves together to evenly dispense the wax
• Step 3: Outline your working area, since your spreading the product as far as possible, it can be as large as a panel
• Step 4: Gently apply the wax thinly and evenly over your working area
• Step 5: After a panel has been applied, remove the wax residue with a plush microfiber towel
• Step 6: Repeat steps 1 through 5 until your entire vehicle has been waxed

Product Recommendations

Lake Country Red Foam Applicator Pad

Dodo Juice Supernatural Wax

Chemical Guys E-zyme Natura

Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax

Blackfire Midnight Sun Carnauba Paste Wax

DI Microfiber reTHICKulous Towel

Facts and Tips (Return to Top)

• Carnauba waxes typically last between 3 to 8 weeks
• Apply your wax as thin as possible, only a microscopic layer of wax actually sits on your paint, excess wax is just wasted
• In general you should give each coat of wax 12 to 24 hours cure time
• It is best to work in the shade when applying and removing a wax
• Most waxes can benefit from 2 to 3 layers for maximum depth and gloss
• When your paint stops beading water, it is time to reapply a coat of wax

What is after applying a wax? (Return to Top)

After applying your wax, it is best to allow the coat to cure for 12 - 24 hours before topping it with another coat. If you are done with your paint, then the next step is to get on a maintenance schedule for your vehicle to maintain the look of a fresh detail year round.