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What is Carnauba Wax? A Guide to One of the Best Car Waxes

Carnauba wax (lesser known as palm wax or brazil wax) is a natural product that comes from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree. It is one of the best car waxes on the market and it has a variety of benefits for your vehicles.

In this article, we discuss what Carnauba wax is, how it is made, and the benefits that it provides. We will also compare it to other types of car waxes so that you can decide if carnauba is right for you!

What is a Car Wax?

Car wax is any product that is used to protect the paint or clear coat on a car. It is applied to the car's surface and then buffed in with a clean microfiber towel (if applied manually), leaving a layer of protection. Wax can also be used to shine the car's paint and make it look new.

There are two types of car wax: natural and synthetic. Natural waxes are things like beeswax and carnauba wax (palm wax). Synthetic waxes are made from emulsifications of protective synthetic polymers.

Most car waxes today are synthetic because they provide better protection and last longer than natural waxes. However, natural waxes are known to give the car's paint a deeper shine. When used in combination, these two types of waxes can provide the best protection and shine for your car.

What is Carnauba Wax?

Carnauba wax is a natural, plant-based product that is prized for its ability to create a deep shine on painted surfaces. It is made from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera, a Brazilian palm tree. Carnauba wax is harvested by hand and then refined to create a product that can be used on cars.

How is Carnauba Wax Made?

Pure carnauba wax is made from the leaves of the Brazilian palm. The leaves are harvested and then dried in the sun. Once they are dry, the leaves are beaten to release the wax.

The wax is then filtered and refined to remove impurities. The final product is a yellow or brownish paste wax that is hard at room temperature but melts when heated. So, unlike soft wax options (traditional paste waxes), carnauba will be tough to apply in its natural form.

What Makes Carnauba Special?

Carnauba is the hardest natural wax in the world and its also incredibly heat resistant. That means it can withstand high temperatures and still provide a protective coating.

car in desert on hot day

Carnauba is tough and versatile enough that it is used in industrial applications like floor wax and furniture polish. On top of that you'll even find it in things like dental floss, surfboard wax and shoe polish.

Carnauba is also unique because it’s derived from a the carnauba palm. This makes it a renewable resource, which is good for the environment.

The Different Forms of Carnauba Wax

Carnauba wax comes in a variety of forms, including paste wax, spray wax, and liquid wax. Liquid carnauba wax is the most popular form on the market today.

  • Carnauba paste wax is the purest form. It is made by heating the wax and then cooling it until it becomes solid. Applying carnauba wax in paste wax form is harder but it provides a longer lasting shine.
  • Spray wax is the easiest form of wax to apply. It comes in a can or bottle, you spray it on the surface of the vehicle and buff it into the car's paintwork. Spray wax is not as durable as the other forms but it’s convenient and easy to use.
  • Liquid wax is the most popular option because it’s easy to apply and provides a long-lasting shine. Liquid waxes give the best of both worlds between paste's durability and spray's convenience. Liquid wax is made by combining carnauba wax with other ingredients like oils and solvents.

Other carnauba waxes are available in gel and powder form. These are less common but they can still be easier to apply than paste waxes.

The Benefits to Using Carnauba Wax on Your Vehicle

Carnauba car wax is one of the best waxes on the market. It has a variety of benefits for your vehicle, including:

  • A high melting point: this means that it can withstand higher temperatures in warm climates without losing its shine.
  • A deep, natural shine: carnauba provides a deep, natural shine to your vehicle.
  • Protection from the elements: carnauba protects your vehicle from rain, snow, and other weather conditions.
  • Protective qualities: carnauba wax protects against common environmental contaminants such as bird droppings, tree sap, and road grime.
  • A long lasting finish: carnauba lasts longer than other types of natural car waxes, so you won’t have to wax your car as often.
  • Ease of application: carnauba is easy to both apply and remove.
  • Environmentally friendly: carnauba wax is both biodegradable and non toxic.

The benefit list is lengthy, but those are some of the major reasons why carnauba is often called the king (or queen) of car wax.

So, What’s the Downside to Using Carnauba Wax?

The biggest downside of carnauba wax is that it doesn’t last as long as some synthetic options. This means that you will need to reapply it more often in order to maintain the benefits.

However, many people find that the extra elbow grease is worth it for the superior results that carnauba waxes provide.

For great results without wearing out your shoulders just check out a car wash using a high quality carnauba product.

How Long Does Carnauba Wax Last on Vehicles?

Most carnauba waxes generally last about three to six months on a car. However, this can vary depending on the type of carnauba wax you use, the frequency of washing your car and exposure to the elements.

If you want your carnauba based wax to last longer, there are a few things you can do:

  • Apply a thin layer of wax: A thin layer of wax will last longer than a thick layer.
  • Wash your car regularly: Washing your car removes dirt and debris that can wear down the wax.
  • Avoid exposure to the elements: If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, you may need to reapply your wax more often.

Utilizing these tips will save you time, money, and effort when it comes to maintaining the protective qualities and show car shine the carnauba brings to your vehicle.

Wax being applied to a car

How to Apply Carnauba Wax

Carnauba wax can be applied by hand or at a professional car wash.

We'll touch on both methods. Maybe you're a car enthusiast wanting to take care of your prized possession. Or a car wash owner looking at adding the popular Brazilian wax (no not that kind of Brazilian wax) to your service list.

Other waxes will typically have the same process of application.

If You're Applying the Wax By Hand or At Home:

  • Start with a clean, dry car. Make sure you're removing any contaminants that could sit under the spray wax using a clay bar.
  • It's best to apply wax in the shade as direct sunlight can cause the wax to dry too quickly and be difficult to move.
  • Using a foam applicator or your hands (wearing gloves), apply a small amount of wax to one section at a time in a thin, even layer.
  • Next, using a clean, dry microfiber towel or buffing machine, move the wax in a circular motion being sure to go over each section multiple times.
  • Repeat this process until the entire car is complete to establish the protective layer.

If You're Applying the Wax Using a Car Wash:

  • Again, it's important to start with a clean car (hence why you're at a car wash)
  • At the wash, you'll pull your car onto the conveyor belt of the tunnel car wash or into the wash bay and wax will be applied near the end of the wash process, before the drying process.
  • Once complete, the car will be rinsed and dried.

It is much easier to wax your car's paint job at a car wash instead of doing it yourself, which is why most people opt for this method. This also is a great reason to ensure your car wash offers wax as an option to your customers!

How Do Carnauba Waxes Compare to Other Types of Car Waxes?

Carnauba is often compared to synthetic options like polymer clear coat sealants and synthetic carnauba waxes. While these products may last longer, they don’t provide the same level of shine as pure carnauba.

Additionally, carnauba wax is a natural product that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Synthetic alternatives are made from chemicals that may be harmful to the environment (if you're unsure of what you're buying).

All Turtle Wax Pro chemicals are carefully formulated to be biodegradable and are often reclaim system compatible.

What are Some Other Options?

Carnauba is just one of the options for protecting your car. There are a variety of other products on the market that can provide similar benefits.

Some of these options include:

  • Polymer sealants or clear coat protectants
  • Synthetic carnauba waxes
  • Ceramic coatings
  • Paint protection films

Polymer sealants and clear coat protectants are synthetic products that provide a long lasting glossy finish and added protection for your car.

Synthetic carnauba waxes are created to mimic the properties of pure carnauba wax. However, they are typically cheaper than pure carnauba and don’t provide the same level of protection or shine.

Ceramic coatings are a relatively new option on the market. They provide a long lasting, durable finish that is resistant to scratches and UV rays.

Paint protection films are clear films that are applied to the surface of your car. They protect the paint from light scratches, chips, swirl marks and UV rays. These films are one of the most expensive options on the market, but they offer the highest level of protection for your car.

The option that is right for you will depend on your budget, goals, and level of experience. However, carnauba is a top option and it is a great choice for those who are looking for lasting protection and shine for their car.

Shiny Car

Is Carnauba Wax Better than Synthetic Wax or Paint Sealants?

Carnauba wax is still commonly seen as the best car wax on the market for the many benefits it provides while still being very environmentally friendly. But does that make it better than the synthetic varieties?

What gives a better protection?

High quality waxes like carnauba are great for protection against the elements and common contaminants, but some synthetic options can offer a superior protection to carnauba. Synthetic waxes can be formulated with chemicals that bond with the vehicle's paint or clear coat and thus, may do a better job at protecting against light scratches, chips, swirl marks and UV rays. If you're interested in rust protection, you may want to look at a product specialized for the job.

What is the best for a deep shine?

A high quality carnauba provides a deep, natural shine that synthetic products can’t match. Thus, for a show car, carnauba is typically the right choice.

Which option lasts longer?

Synthetic waxes and sealants will usually last longer than carnauba based waxes, meaning you won’t have to reapply as often to maintain the protection on the vehicle's paint.

Which is Easier to Use and Apply?

Carnauba wax is generally much easier to apply and remove than synthetic options, making it a good choice for first-time users or those who don’t want to deal with the eventual hassle of removing it from their vehicle.

What is More Environmentally Friendly?

Carnauba wax is a natural product that is biodegradable, renewable and environmentally friendly. Synthetic options can be made from chemicals that may be harmful to the environment, making carnauba a better choice for those who are extremely eco-conscious.

What is the More Expensive Option?

Synthetic options can be more expensive than carnauba wax depending on the option chosen.

Some synthetic options are more cost friendly (ex: synthetic carnauba wax) than natural carnauba wax but some can also be more expensive (ex: ceramic coatings). In addition, pure carnauba wax can also differ in price depending on the quality of that raw materials.

What is the Best Option Overall?

The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and preferences. But, carnauba wax can offer you a wide range of benefits, some of which, synthetics cannot replicate effectively.

Is Carnauba the Right Wax Choice for You?

If you are looking for a natural product that will give your car a high-gloss finish and superior protection, then carnauba is the right choice for you. Just be prepared to reapply it more often than some synthetic options.

How to Choose the Right Carnauba Wax?

Now that you know all about carnauba and its benefits, you may be wondering what are the best carnauba waxes.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Choose a high quality carnauba wax: carnauba wax can vary in quality, so make sure to choose a reputable brand.
  • Consider your budget: carnauba wax can vary in grades, with the higher grades of wax (ex: yellow grade, the highest grade wax) being more expensive.
  • Think about your needs: carnauba wax is available in a variety of formulations, so choose one that meets your specific needs.
  • Know your vehicles: Dark colored vehicles sometimes have specially designed forms of wax as they are prone to imperfections once normal carnauba wax is applied.
Turtle Wax Pro Triple Shine

Choosing a High Quality Brand like Turtle Wax Pro

There are many brands that sell car wax and carnauba wax, but not all of them are created equal. When choosing a wax, it’s important to choose a high-quality brand that will help you succeed in the car wash industry.

Turtle Wax Pro offers a wide range of benefits that make it the perfect choice for those looking for a top-quality set of chemicals.

Professionalism

The Turtle Wax brand has existed and been trusted for over 75 years. We know the car wash industry inside and out.

Which type of waxes, sealants and protectants will work for the best car wash and how to apply them evenly are just a few examples of the expertise that working with an industry leader like Turtle Wax Pro will provide your car wash.

Our company has a passion for cars that is evident in everything we do. From customer service, to the quality of our products, we ensure that not only do you have a fantastic service to offer your customers but also a strong relationship with a brand who truly cares.

Quality

As mentioned before, Turtle Wax Pro prides itself on having the best products in the business. We have decades of experience on helping car washes succeed in the industry, and one of the reasons is due to our products.

Carnauba wax is one of the best ways to protect a car and make it shine. And using Turtle Wax Pro (especially our Triple Shine Wax) ensures a top quality finish that will keep your cars in tip-top shape for years to come.

We hope that you now feel a little more comfortable when it comes to the largest car wax on the market and hope it will help you make the right choice on whether carnauba wax is the right option for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! We would be happy to discuss the right car wax for your car wash needs.

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