Looking for the best wax for black cars? We've got the list for you!
In this ProperMechanic.com guide, you'll learn:
- The different types of wax for black cars
- What to look for in the best car wax
- Application types and styles
And much more!
The truth is, black is perhaps the most difficult of all paint colors to maintain in pristine condition.
The slightest amount of environmental contaminants such as dirt, water spots, and airborne pollen can wreak havoc on the appearance of your vehicle’s exterior.
That's why we compiled this guide to help you choose the best one for your car.
So, if you want to learn how to choose the best wax for your black car, keep reading to see our top recommendations!
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Our Top Pick
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Our Top Pick
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P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax
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View on Amazon |
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Best Budget
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Best Budget
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Meguiar’s Black Wax
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View on Amazon |
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Best High End
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Best High End
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Chemical Guys Black Car Care Kit
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View on Amazon |
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Turtle Wax T-3KT Black Box Kit
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View on Amazon | |
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CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant
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View on Amazon |
Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated As of 4/21/2020
Top Rated Overall:
P21S Carnauba Wax
- Non-powdering
- Won't stain
- Super easy to apply even for beginners!
One notable property of P21S Carnauba Wax is that it does not leave behind any chalky or white residue, as is common with many wax paste products on the market.
This is of additional value when waxing a dark colored car, as any residue left behind will be easily visible and difficult to look past.
Plus, this wax is super high quality and is a great place to start for those new to waxing cars since it's easy to apply.
Our Top Picks For Black Car Wax
Check out our below list for a summary of our results. Keep on reading to learn more about your other options!
- P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax (Best Overall)
- Meguiar's Black, 7 oz Wax (Best Budget)
- Chemical Guys Black Car Care Kit (Best High End)
- Turtle Wax T-3KT Black Box Kit
- CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant
What Is Car Wax?
Car wax is an automotive detailing product that essentially creates a barrier between your vehicle’s paint job and any outside elements. These elements include, but are not limited to, dirt, grime, acid rain, UV rays, rocks, and tar.
The barrier that is created by car wax use is also hydrophobic, meaning that it is impermeable by water. When rain or other moisture is imparted upon a waxed surface, it will bead up and shed in short order.
The hydrophobic action is of immense value, as water that splashes from the roadway often is a carrier of pollutants and other chemicals that can be harmful to painted surfaces.
A newly applied coat of car wax eliminates this potential harm, by minimizing possible contamination. This article tells why car wax is good for your car.
What Are The Different Types Of Car Wax?
When discussing different types of car wax, it is important to understand that these types of products can be characterized in two different ways. The first differentiating factor between car wax products relates to the manner in which they are applied. The second factor is that of the type of base stock that they consist of.
Application Types (Spray, Liquid, Paste)
Spray Wax - Many wax products now come packaged in an easy to use spray bottle. These spray waxes are convenient to use, as they allow quick and even distribution across all painted surfaces.
This minimizes application times and leaves your car’s paint protected and displaying a showroom quality shine.
Liquid Wax - Liquid waxes are typically applied to a buffing towel or microfiber towel, where they are evenly spread across the vehicle’s exterior.
Some find this method of application to be slightly slower than that of spray car waxes. However, liquid car waxes can be of benefit when ensuring that no painted surface goes untreated.
Paste Wax - Paste wax dates back to the earliest days of detailing, and many of the “natural” waxes on the market fall into this category. Paste waxes can be more challenging to apply then both spray and liquid waxes.
However, many high-end detail shops swear by paste wax, as some say that it offers a superior level of protection, and leaves a deeper gloss shine than various other varieties of car wax.
Base Stock Types (Natural vs Synthetic)
Natural 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 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.
However, some natural waxes carry a reputation for being somewhat more labor-intensive to apply.
A significant number of these waxes still come in paste form, and a certain amount of patience and finesse is needed when attempting to achieve a thorough, even coat of wax.
Synthetic 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 wax is its rightfully earned reputation as being superior in durability. Many professional detailers prefer the use of synthetic car waxes because they can depend on a single application to provide sustained protection for their clients’ vehicles.
However, this does come with a trade-off. Synthetic car 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.
Wondering what the difference is when waxing a black car vs. a white car? Check out our article on the best waxes for a white car here.
How Does Car Wax Work?
The process of waxing your car involves applying your waxing compound of choice, then methodically wiping it across all painted surfaces. Some at-home detailers prefer to complete this task by tending to one segment of their vehicle at a time.
Upon application, wax begins to harden, forming the protective barrier for which it is known. The process of wiping and buffing out any remaining wax promotes the even coating of wax, and removes any excess wax from a given area, while also creating a showroom quality shine.
At the conclusion of this process, a thin, translucent coat of wax remains, offering long-lasting protection for months to come.
This hardened shell naturally repels moisture, the sun’s UV rays, and virtually all forms of environmental contaminants.
These contaminants include, but are not limited to: dirt, tar, pollen, acid rain, salt, and calcium chloride.
Additionally, a thorough wax application minimizes the risk of minor scratches from wayward road debris such as gravel and other abrasive substances.
Click this link for more about waxing your car.
It is typically recommended that you repeat the waxing process once every 3-4 months. Ideally, you do not want the previously applied coat of wax to wear thin before reapplication.
Instead, it is considered best practice to layer coat of wax on top of one another at specified time intervals.
What Do You Look For In The Best Car Wax?
When deciding upon which car wax is best suited to your application, there are several factors worthy of consideration.
Each of these factors plays an active role in the decision-making process, and are based upon your specific needs, as well as the results that you hope to obtain.
A Car Wax That Can Be Applied As Desired: There are multiple delivery methods related to the application of car wax. These typically differ based upon the exact product and manufacturer. The three most common forms of automotive wax are spray wax, liquid wax, and paste wax.
Much of the decision toward which form to purchase often comes down to a matter of simplicity versus the longevity of the newly applied treatment.
While most modern waxes yield a quality finish all their own, there are typically some differences in treatment longevity and final appearance between the various application methods listed above.
A Car Wax That Presents An Ideal Finish: The finish that is achieved when applying car wax often differs from one product to the next.
Much of this difference can be traced directly back to the composition of the wax itself. Synthetic waxes are known for the ultra-sleek, glass-like shine that they provide.
On the other hand, natural waxes such as those made with a Carnauba base stock, tend to provide a deep, rich finish that brings your vehicle’s vibrant paint job to life.
A Car Wax With An Application That Lasts: As with any form of automotive detailing, properly waxing of your vehicle can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.
This makes it essential to select a wax that meets your expectations related to the longevity of protection that it provides. Of course, most consumers want their vehicle to be protected for as long as possible between treatments.
However, this period of protection naturally varies from one product to the next, and consumers should be aware of how this applies to any potential purchase.
A Car Wax That Meets Vehicle Specific Needs: Every individual color paint offers its own unique set of detailing challenges that must be overcome to achieve a noteworthy shine and ample protection.
Just as you wouldn’t select generic parts to go under your vehicle’s hood, hoping for the best possible results, you should not use a “catch-all” wax product to treat your vehicle’s exterior surfaces.
This makes it essential to find a detailing product geared toward your range of paint color, as dark colored vehicles present different detailing challenges than their lighter schemes counterparts
A Car Wax That Is Approved For Your Intended Use: There are two general ways that car wax can be buffed or shined once it is applied to your vehicle, by hand or mechanically. Many DIY detailers simply use an applicator pad or microfiber cloth to ensure an even distribution of car wax.
However, some detailers, especially industry professionals, use orbital polishers to complete this process. It is essential to ensure that any car wax purchased is approved for your intended use, as some compounds are specifically designed to work best in one particular way over another.
Our Reviews of the Best Waxes For Black Cars
Pick #1: P21S Carnauba Wax
A natural based wax achieves a completely different finish over that of many synthetic products on the market, which is often referred to as superior by a number of automotive detailing professionals.
Pros
Cons
Pick #2: Meguiar's Black Wax
Meguiar's history within the detailing industry dates back virtually as far as the automobile itself.
Since 1901, the company has turned out some of the finest car care products on the market, and their Black Wax is no exception.
This wax is specifically designed to simultaneously clean, shine, and protect your vehicle’s rich, dark paint job, without the use of additional products.
Meguiar's Black Wax features a proprietary blend of synthetic polymers that is capable of protecting your car’s paint exterior surfaces for as long as 3-4 months with a single treatment.
This is also quite a versatile product, as it can be applied both by hand, as well as mechanical means, and comes with a premium microfiber applicator upon purchase.
Pros
Cons
Pick #3: Chemical Guys Black Car Care Kit
If you are searching for a full line of detailing products for your black car, the Chemical Guys Black Car Care Kit is the perfect place to start.
This kit includes everything you need to clean, condition, and wax your vehicle’s black paint job.
Contained in this kit are pre cleaner, sealant, finish, and wax.
For convenience, Chemical Guys also throws in premium microfiber towels and two foam applicators.
The two part punch provided by the combined use of this kit’s Black Light polish and Butter Wet Wax creates a deep, dynamic shine that is sure to turn heads and impress all who pass by.
The protective layer that is imparted by the kit’s Butter Wet Wax features ample staying power, and a single treatment can last for 2-3 months without reapplication.
Pros
Cons
Pick #4: Turtle Wax Black Box Kit
The Turtle Wax Black Box Kit is an all in one solution for all of your black car’s exterior car care needs.
This wax kit includes a pre-wax cleaner and conditioner, deep black carnauba wax, black spray detailer, and two applicators.
The compounds contained within this kit can be applied by hand, or alternatively by mechanical means, making this package ideal for both DIY and professional detailers.
One of the most promising points regarding the Turtle Wax Black Box Kit is its use of carnauba based waxes. Carnauba wax is known for yielding a level of shine which many synthetic based products could only dream of achieving.
With a single purchase, you will have everything you need at your fingertips in order to take your car’s black paint job from mundane to show quality.
Pros
Cons
Pick #5: CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant
It is no accident that CarGuys has risen to the top of the food chain in the automotive detailing and car care products industry in recent years.
This has been accomplished through their tireless effort to produce top-tier products such as the Hybrid Wax Sealant.
This is a product that will assist you in achieving a showroom quality shine in as little as 15 minutes.
CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant is a truly revolutionary product that creates the best of both worlds type scenarios. Do you currently find yourself torn between the purchase of a natural-based wax or that of a synthetic base, due to the distinct advantages that each offers?
If so this is the product you have been looking for. CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant consists of a synthetic polymer base stock that is infused with carnauba oil, combining the ultimate in shine and longevity.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: P21S Carnauba Wax
If you are looking for the best possible wax to bring your car’s black paint job back to its previous glory, look no further than P21S Carnauba Wax.
This quality wax offers the ultimate in deep, wholesome shine, which is invaluable when attempting to address detailing concerns regarding a black paint scheme, as few colors are so labor intensive to care for.
P21S Carnauba Wax achieves this level of protection and shine through the use of all natural ingredients. Outside of carnauba itself, this product also utilizes beeswax.
The combination of these two ingredients keeps your vehicle’s paint shielded from a relative laundry list of possible environmental contaminants, and achieves a showroom quality look all the while.
If I were to only use one automotive wax from this point forward, with the goal of keeping a car’s black paintwork in immaculate shape, it would definitely be P21S Carnauba Wax.
Read More >> Best Wax for a Silver Car
