FAQ

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A POLISH AND A WAX?

Polishes contain compounds designed to remove scratches from the surface of your paint,while waxes protect your car with a clear, hard coating. Waxes can be either synthetic or natural, though high-grade carnauba wax delivers the best combination of lasting protection and deep gloss. Polishes provide the "shine" for your paint, whiles waxes provide the "protection."

WHAT IS A CLEARCOAT?

"Clearcoat" is a name given to the multistage paints used today. A "base coat" (frequently water based) is applied with a pigment (color). Then, a top layer of clear paint is applied over the top of the base coat to add depth, brilliance and provide protection for the base coat.

Clearcoats still require the same care as the old single stage paints. Just because the top coat of paint has no pigment in it doesn't make it impervious to environmental conditions.

In short, the need for proper care and maintenance of clearcoat paints is just as important as years ago. Actually, because of their softer, fragile nature, they really should be maintained BETTER than the older single stage paints.

WHAT IS A SEALER AND GLAZE?

When applied before waxing, a Sealer and Glaze helps hide minor scratches,spiderwebbing, swirl marks and other surface imperfections. It enhances clarity and shine, while giving darker colored paints that deep, wet look. If left unprotected, a Sealer and Glaze will not last long. It therefore needs an immediate coating of protective wax to truly have long lasting benefit.

WHAT IS CARNAUBA WAX?

Carnauba wax is a resin produced from the leaves of a South American palm tree called Copernicia Cerifera.

These trees are only found throughout South America. The trees of the northeastern Brazilian rain forest are found to produce the highest quality number one grade carnauba wax. Carnauba is available in various grades of purity and clarity. Starting with premium grade number one yellow, then going down to number two yellow, number three yellow, and into the commercial grades. Because of Carnuaba's strong grain structure it is the hardest natural wax known to man. Carnauba wax is found in other products besides automobile waxes, such as, high gloss polishes for wood, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Carnauba is far and away the preferred wax for automobile painted surfaces because of its incredible durability and deep shine, unlike beeswax, paraffin, and synthetic waxes, which sometimes have a tendency to cloud. There are some wax manufacturers that advertise the use of only white carnauba in their products. There is no such thing as an albino carnauba tree (the power of advertising). Number one grade yellow carnauba wax has been repeatedly tested and shown to produce, by far, the deepest shine and the best clarity.

Several homemade and lower quality waxes are advertised to contain carnauba wax. If itdoesn't say number one yellow grade carnauba wax, you can bet it's a lesser grade quality. Mothers uses only number one grade premium yellow carnauba in both their liquid and paste waxes. This is why most premium showcar owners and demanding car enthusiasts will let only Mothers touch their paint.

ARE PASTE WAXES HARDER TO USE THAN LIQUIDS?

Not only are paste waxes as easy to use as liquid waxes, but you will find that they are much more economical. Sixteen ounces of liquid wax will usually last four to five applications. A can of paste wax can easily do ten to twelve applications. Personally, I prefer paste waxes over liquid waxes. I believe the longevity of a paste wax to be better than that of a liquid. Because of the new formulas used in paste waxes, you will see far less dust, which was so prominent in paste waxes of the past.

ARE APPLICATORS REALLY NECESSARY?

This is one of the most overlooked areas in car care. Applicators are one of the cheapest accessories that one can purchase, yet, in my opinion, one of the most important. Notice that I use the word applicator(s). Good quality applicators can go a long way in preventing common swirl marks found in so many paints. Never use one applicator to do an entire vehicle. On the average car or truck, use at least two or three applicators, using both sides.

By using only one, as it becomes contaminated, you are enhancing the possibilities of scratching and adding swirl marks to the paint. Always apply product to the center of the applicator, then fold the applicator in half and blot. By doing this you will be applying a more even application of the product to the paint. By pouring the product onto the paint I can almost guarantee you will get an uneven application. When finished, wash the applicators in household detergent to remove the old wax and cleaner. Be sure to rinse extremely well, then allow to air dry. When dry, place them in a plastic sandwich bag. For a few dollars and proper care, the applicators will last several uses and become one of the best investments you can make.