In your search for the best car detailing practices to take care of your car, you have probably had several doubts. I’m sure you have heard of all the benefits wax can offer, but suddenly you hesitate. “Could I damage my clear coat if I wax it?” I hear you asking.
Car wax is not damaging to clear coat. A clear coat is an automotive paint with no pigments, and car wax is designed to be applied to it. With this in mind, both products work perfectly together and pose no risk to the surface of the car. Car wax offers a layer of protection to the clear coat.
Misinformation is your biggest enemy when caring for your car. You need all the information available to make the right calls. In this post, I will clear all the doubts you may have regarding clear coat and wax!
Can Car Wax Damage Clear Coat?
Car wax cannot damage the clear coat as it is designed to protect it. The clear coat is a layer of car paint with no color in it, making it transparent. The main purpose of car wax is to cover the paintwork of a car, providing an extra layer of protection. There should be no risk in using wax on clear coat.
Instead of posing risks to the clear coat, the wax can help protect it to ensure your car is armored in every front and against any damaging agent. Among the many benefits of car wax, its protective qualities are the best part.
Wax could not damage the clear coat because its components are there to work together with the paint. Therefore, there is no reason for any damage to happen. Car wax could, moreover, help fix small chips or scratches on the surface.
This myth has no legs to stand on; it is just another exponent of the misinformation flying around on the internet!
The only way wax could be damaging to the exterior would be by using a cheap product and wrongly applying it. Car wax doesn’t have an expiration date, so even “old” wax would not be harmful.
If you want to know more about car wax duration, you can check this thorough article I wrote about it!
Can You Put Wax Over A Clear Coat?
Wax is perfectly suitable to be used over a clear coat. The use of this product is beneficial to any layer of paint, and clear coat is no exception. The wax could provide a protective layer and improve the overall look of the car. There is no reason to believe car wax cannot be used on clear coat.
Virtually all cars built after 2000 come with a clear coat as the last layer of paint. Clear coat is applied on top of the base color to improve the looks and the protection of the vehicle.
Although there are many misconceptions about what clear coat is and does, you should not fall into the trap. Yes, clear coat is meant to be a protective layer to the paint, but it is not impenetrable armor.
Even with the best clear coat, an extra wax protective layer is among the best practices of a car detailing enthusiast like you!
Not sure what wax to go for? You can check this article from Car and Driver, where they review different types of wax. And you know what? They mention clear coat as the layer in which wax is always applied!
In some cases, you will see marketing strategies for car wax selling the product as “clear coat safe.” The truth is that all car waxes should be clear coat safe. There is no difference between clear coat and regular paint other than the color.
Since car wax is meant to work on car paint, it should work the same way on clear coat. You can, and you should, apply wax to your clear coat.
Car wax offers a great set of benefits, no risks, and a long-lasting solution.
Does Wax Ruin Car Paint?
Wax does not ruin or damage car paint in any way. The wax works together with the paintwork to offer better looks and a protective layer to the exterior of your car. Wax could only be harmful if incorrect products and techniques are used.
Car wax was born as a helping hand to the paintwork. The purpose of this product is to protect and stylize the exterior of the car. With this in mind, there is virtually no way car wax could damage car paint.
Car wax can offer a layer of protection to the paintwork few other products can. When there is a layer of wax, contaminants cannot reach the surface of the car. Thus, car wax can protect the paintwork from scratching and harmful agents.
Apart from protection, there are many other benefits to car wax. Fortunately, these benefits can be enjoyed without worrying about damaging the paintwork!
A proper application process and constant care for the wax will ensure the success of this product in your car. You should not be afraid of using it!
You can check this insightful article I wrote about the importance of applying car wax to your vehicle.
5 Waxing Mistakes That Could Be Harmful To Your Car’s Paint
Waxing under direct sunlight
Car wax is designed to dry naturally after being applied. However, waxing under direct sunlight could speed this process, making wax dry immediately after being applied.
When the wax dries too fast, it is difficult to spread it evenly on the surface. Moreover, the wax will not adhere as strongly as it would under other conditions.
It is better to wax the car under a shaded area to avoid these problems.
Using the wrong wax
Some waxes could be abrasive depending on your paint and the quality of the product. You should be careful with the type of wax you choose for this process.
Conducting a bit of research before you dive into waxing could help you save time and money in the long run. If the wax is abrasive, you could create unwanted swirls and scratches on your paint.
Not using microfiber cloths
Microfiber is the best material you could use for anything related to car detailing. The technology in microfiber cloths ensures that the paintwork is not damaged, and they work more efficiently than other materials.
Some other materials could even scratch the surface if they are abrasive. When it comes to taking care of your beloved ride, choose quality!
Not cleaning the applicator
When the wax applicator is not cleaned regularly, old wax could dry on it. The dry wax could be abrasive when you move the applicator around the surface. It is essential to remove dry wax in order to prevent scratches and swirls on the paintwork.
Applying wax onto a wet surface
Water and wax do not blend. If the surface of the car is wet, the wax will not bond correctly to it. It is necessary to have a dry surface before the application of the product can begin.
Rushing the process will only cause damages to the surface and be a waste of money. Wait for the exterior to dry completely, and you will have a smooth and safe application process.
