There is great irony in the fact that manufacturers make vehicles out of something as sturdy as metal then cover it with a substance so fragile that everyone frets over the tiniest scratch. Fortunately, there are a number of products on the market engineered to beautify this coating and reduce the appearance of scratches.
Waxes cannot actually restore a car's paint; only polish can permanently and physically smooth the paint itself. Wax can only fill small imperfections, giving the appearance of a smoother finish.
Waxes fall into one of two categories: natural and synthetic (polymer) types. These should never be confused with "sealants," which protect the paint but don't impart much shine.
Because they form such a thick coating, carnauba waxes impart a deeper and much more lustrous shine than liquid polymer types.
Carnauba wax is preferred for its deep, rich tone on reds and yellows. Synthetic wax is a light blue in color, making the car's pigment appear somewhat cooler than it really is.
Thicker carnuba waxes will impart a deep gloss and liquid shine to the paint, and are preferred for bodies with more curve and flow. Thin synthetics give a very hard and mirror-like shine, making them best for boxy or faceted body shapes.
