Top 5 Best Spray Wax for Your Car (2020 Review)

Want to know the best spray wax for your car? You've come to the right place!

So, in this ProperMechanic.com guide, you'll learn:

  • What spray wax is
  • The different types of spray wax available
  • What to look for in a spray wax

And much more!

Best Spray Wax for Your Car

There are few things as uplifting for any automotive enthusiast as seeing the sun glimmering off of your vehicle’s immaculately detailed paint job.

This not only looks amazing but signals a job well done and fills us full of pride. 

The sight of our own reflection within the paint job of our beloved car or truck is nothing short of exhilarating.

However, this level of shine does not come without an input of time and labor on our part. We spend the time necessary to give our vehicles the TLC that they so desperately deserve.

However, even the best of efforts often go unrewarded if our car care products are not carefully selected.

But with so many spray waxes on the market, how is one to decide which product to choose?

Luckily, we have been in your shoes before, and have all of the information necessary to assist you in making an informed decision.

Image Product

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SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat
  • Cermaic coating
  • Hydrophobic
  • Super quick application
  • Cermaic coating
  • Hydrophobic
  • Super quick application
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Mothers California Gold Spray Wax
  • Super protective
  • Safe for clear coat
  • Trigger spray bottle for easy use
  • Super protective
  • Safe for clear coat
  • Trigger spray bottle for easy use
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Torque Detail Mirror Shine
  • Applies in minutes
  • Protects for up to 6 months
  • Super glossy
  • Applies in minutes
  • Protects for up to 6 months
  • Super glossy
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Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax
  • Can be applied in sun
  • Long-lasting protection
  • Super fast application
  • Can be applied in sun
  • Long-lasting protection
  • Super fast application
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Turtle Wax ICE Spray Wax
  • Layers for extra protection
  • Sprays on in a light mist
  • Great for a quick touch up
  • Layers for extra protection
  • Sprays on in a light mist
  • Great for a quick touch up
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Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated As of 5/8/2020

Top Rated Overall: SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat

  • Ceramic coating
  • Hydrophobic shine
  • Super quick, easy application!

Our top pick is the amazing SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat because this stuff delivers. 

If you're looking for an amazingly easy, but incredibly durable shine on your car, this is the stuff for you!

Not only does it spray on easily, but it offers a ceramic coating that will keep your car's paint job shining bright for many washes to come. Plus, this stuff is easy enough to apply in a matter of minutes!

Top 5 Best Spray Waxes

What Is Spray Wax?

Spray wax is an automotive wax variant that is thin enough to be delivered through the head of a spray bottle, yet still yields the same noteworthy, long-lasting shine that is achieved with the use of paste wax. 

One of the greatest benefits of spray wax use is that it can typically be applied much quicker than conventional car wax products and eliminates the need for buffing. 

This makes spray wax the perfect option for those with an on-the-go lifestyle that still want their vehicle to look its best.

Spray wax also helps protect your vehicle’s clear coat and paint surface from direct sunlight. 

This is because the bulk of these spray-on waxes feature a level of built-in UV protection. This allows you to spend less time worrying about the ravaging effects of the elements, and more time appreciating your vehicle’s robust, deep shine.

Check this article for more on detailing your car, including using spray wax.

Did you know: Most spray waxes for cars offer an incredibly durable protective shield for up to 2 months. This is much longer than most synthetic waxes!

What Are The Different Types Of Spray Wax?

Spray waxes are no different than paste waxes in the fact that they come in two main types, natural and synthetic.

Each specific wax has its own distinct set of advantages, and much of the choice between the two comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Natural Spray Wax

When an individual refers to natural wax, they are almost exclusively speaking of carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is a plant extract that is often combined with additional wax base compounds such as beeswax and turpentine.

Natural spray wax is preferred by many collectors and enthusiasts that demand nothing less than a show-quality appearance from their vehicles.

This wax hardens when it is applied, essentially creating a solid layer of protection from the elements all its own.

Naturally, derived products such as carnauba wax are especially renowned for their ability to resist the effects of sweltering heat.

Synthetic Spray Wax

Synthetic waxes, although referred to as waxes, are more precisely identified as sealants.

These waxes bond to a car’s clear coat, forming a paint sealant of sorts, that provides significant protection against rain, dirt, grime, and other debris.

One reason for the significant popularity of synthetic spray wax is its rightfully earned reputation as being superior in durability.

Many professional detailers prefer the use of synthetic waxes because they are able to depend on a single application to provide sustained protection for their clients’ vehicles.

However, this does come with a trade-off. Synthetic waxes commonly do not provide the same level of car shine that is achieved through the usage of natural wax.

Follow this link for more about car waxes, including the different kinds.

How Does Spray Wax Work?

Spray wax works in much the same way as wax in the paste form in regards to protection.

A spray wax formula, when applied correctly, binds to a vehicle’s clear coat, creating a barrier for protection against the elements.

Rain, UV rays, dirt, road grime, and various other forms of debris naturally take a toll on your car’s outward appearance. 

The use of a quality spray wax minimizes the effects that these elements have. This article tells more about why car wax is good for your car.

With time, the sun’s UV rays age and dull the once vivid appearance of a paint job, consistent rain over the course of many years does a clear coat no favors, and dirt and grime have the tendency to leave scratches and imperfections in a vehicle's finish. 

The hardened, protective coating that is provided by an applied coat of spray wax reflects UV rays instead of allowing their absorption, prevents the adhesion of dirt and grime to exterior surfaces, and allows water beading and rapid runoff. 

This results in the preservation of your car’s paint and clear coat in its current state for years to come.

Read More >> Best Wax for Red Cars

What Do You Look For In The Best Spray Wax?

When searching for the best wax in spray form, there are a number of factors to consider. One such factor is the longevity of the resulting finish with each application.

A wax, no matter the type, is of little value if it must be reapplied after every rain shower to maintain adequate protection. 

A quality spray wax will typically provide an average of two-months worth of protection for every application.

This level of longevity also saves you money in the long run, as frequent applications rapidly deplete the contents of a spray bottle. 

Another factor worthy of consideration when shopping for the best spray wax is the versatility of a given product when used on the trim and other exterior surfaces.

As with any spray application, overspray that misdirects product into areas other than intended is to be expected. 

This is why it is of immense value that a spray wax is compatible with any surface that it might come into contact with.

The risk of discoloration or other is simply not worth taking a risk on lesser products that cannot ensure compatibility with these surfaces.

It is also advisable to only purchase liquid wax, or any other automotive detailing products from trusted companies within the industry. 

The number of spray waxes on the market is nearly limitless. However, not all of these products come from reputable sources that have lengthy track records of producing quality products.

When your vehicle’s appearance is at stake, you must carefully consider the company from which your next car care product will be purchased.

Read More >> Best Wax for White Cars

Top 5 Best Spray Waxes Reviewed

When striving to provide your car will the highest quality shine possible, only the best spray wax will do. Here are our top picks for the best spray wax for achieving the showroom quality finish that you have always dreamed of.

Pick #1 - SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat (Our Top Pick)

If you are in search of a spray wax that will bring your car’s exterior appearance back to its former luster, all without the risk to additional rubber trim surface that is common of harsher products, look no further than SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat. 

This spray wax utilizes a 3-in-1 Advanced formula that offers a waterless car wash, coat, and shine, all in a single convenient spray bottle. 

SHINE ARMOR also utilizes a premium ceramic coating that is gentle on painted surfaces, and eliminates all forms of streaking, smearing, and scratching. 

This product also minimizes the amount of time spent detailing, as it can be applied, distributed with an applicator, and wiped clean with a microfiber cloth in under 15 minutes.

Plus that makes it a great tool for a quick touch up as well.

Pros

  • 3-in-1 formula cuts the need for additional products
  • Can be applied in under 15 minutes
  • Gentle formula is safe for any surface

Cons

  • Bottle size is relatively small at 6.4 ounces

Pick #2 - Mothers California Gold Spray Wax (Best Budget)

If you have spent much time around automotive detailing, you are almost certainly aware of the Mothers and their reputation for turning out high-quality finishing products at a reasonable cost.

The California Gold Spray Wax comes as no exception to this reputation of quality. 

This wax is safe to use on clear coat, as well as all other exterior surfaces. 

The Mothers Spray wax is also specifically engineered for maximum longevity.

Simply apply the wax as directed, wipe off with a high-quality microfiber towel, and experience months of a “just waxed” look.

This product can also be applied to wet or dry surfaces with no difference in performance. This cuts down on the total time spent detailing, as drying is not necessary.

Pros

  • Can be applied wet or dry
  • Holds shine for extended periods of time
  • Safe for any surface

Cons

  • Some consumers report issues with spray bottle leakage
  • Only comes in a large sized bottle

Pick #3 - Torque Detail Mirror Shine (Best High-End)

Torque Detail Mirror Shine is a product that features unsurpassed versatility.

If you can spray it, Mirror Shine will wax it. This wax’s gentle formula makes it suitable for use with any surface, and in any application.

However, do not let talk of how gentle this formula is fool you. 

Torque Detail Mirror Shine is named so for a reason. With a single application, you will be enjoying a mirror-like finish. 

Torque also offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee to any consumer. If for any reason, this wax does not live up to your expectations, simply contact the manufacturer for a no questions asked, full refund.

Rest assured that if a manufacturer stands behind their product with the confidence of this level, there is likely a good reason.

Pros

  • 60-day satisfaction guarantee warranty
  • Extreme longevity
  • Enhanced ease of application

Cons

  • Several consumers report breakage of spray nozzle after several uses

Meguiar’s takes simplicity and ease of use to a new level with their Ultimate Quik Wax.

This spray wax is intended for those who are facing time constraints but still refuse to let their automotive detailing chores fall behind. 

With an advertised application time of only 15 minutes, you will be able to achieve a quality shine in less time than it takes most individuals to gather their supplies. 

Is 100-degree heat bearing down on you, with no place to locate your vehicle in the shade prior to waxing?

This is no problem, as Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax lays down a streak-free shine, no matter the temperature, even in direct sunlight.

Pros

  • Applies in less than 15 minutes making it an ideal quick detailer
  • Compatible for use on all surfaces
  • Hydrophobic compound sheds water quickly

Cons

  • Some consumers report the need for extra buffing when used on dark color vehicles

Turtle Wax is yet another name that has been turning out one quality detailing product after another for an extended period of time, building a large fan base in the process.

If you are a fan of Turtle Wax, you will love their ICE Spray Wax. 

This product uses revolutionary Smart Shield polymer technology, making even the heaviest of downpours, unrelenting of the sun’s rays, and the dustiest of roads no match.

Turtle Wax ICE Spray Wax not only protects but shines with superiority as well. 

This is due to the wax’s interlocking, scientifically engineered polymer base stock. These polymers layer and lock together upon application in order to provide a deep gloss shine that has staying power.

Pros

  • Polymer base compound resists weathering well
  • Provides deep glossy shine in excess of many competitor offerings
  • Forms superior bond to clear coat for ample longevity

Cons

  • Requires vehicle to be completely dry before application

If you want your car to grab the attention of the masses for all the right reasons, but have a limited window of time in which to work, reach for SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat.

With a 3-in-1 formula that serves as a waterless wash, coat and shine, gentle formula that poses absolutely no risk to any of your vehicle’s exterior surfaces, and a lighting fast sub-15 minute application time, spray waxes do not come much better than this. 

If I could only choose one product to give my vehicle the rich, high-gloss, show quality shine that commands so much respect, I would look no further than SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat.

Read More >> Best Wax for Silver Cars

About Your Mechanic

About Ryan Nichols

Ryan here! My pro mechanic career began as a technician for Mercedes-Benz. After two years of that great experience, I went out on my own in both the automotive and construction fields. I've since pulled my share of salvage yard parts and fixed more vehicles than I can count.

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