would like detailed info on synthetic waxes

[F-150]

Hey I would just like to be more educated on how exactly synthetic waxes work. And how they're different from Carnauba waxes. From what I remember I think carnauba swells when exposed to water and kinda shields out contaminants that way (correct me if Im wrong). Do synthetic waxes just provide a protective layer that just keeps contaminants from bonding to the paint? And how come they typically last longer that carnauba waxes?

[Tim Larson]

Re: would like detailed info on synthetic waxes

This was taken from our Frequently Asked Questions:

Are polymer sealants safe/good for my car's finish?

A high quality polymer sealant is good for your car's finish, a poor quality polymer sealant may lull you into a false sense of security because you think your car is protected when in reality, it's not.

Quality polymer sealants are noted for their ability to offer longer lasting protection than traditional Carnauba-based waxes, but in recent years, there have been many inferior formulations marketed at extremely high prices giving consumers the impression they are superior, thus justifying the exorbitant price.

These products are often promoted with circus-style hype and gimmickry that is often accompanied by outrageous claims that they will protect a finish for up to a year, and in some cases, as long as 5 years.

This is pure non-sense, especially if the car in question is used on a daily basis, which probably describes a majority of the population's vehicles. Daily drivers are exposed to day-in, day-out wear and tear as well as exposure to inclement weather, road grime, air-borne pollutants, and other contaminants that land and settle on the paint surface etc. All of these things act to remove any type of protective coating, whether it's a high quality protectant or an inexpensive snake oil.



Automotive waxes, whether natural or synthetic, are meant to be sacrificial barriers.

That is to say that they are meant to protect your finish by sacrificing themselves so your paint doesn't have to.

People who fall for dishonest claims such as:

"One application of New Sensationalism will last for 3 years,"

are all too often sorely disappointed when later they discover their finish has been damaged by a lack of regular maintenance. This then taints their view of all polymer sealants unfairly.


Are polymer sealants better than traditional carnauba waxes?

That depends on how you define the word "better".

If you're looking for a highly water-resistant, detergent resistant, long lasting protectant, then a premium quality polymer sealant, like Meguiar's new NXT GenerationTM Tech Wax, or our traditional M-20 Polymer Sealant, is better than traditional Carnauba based waxes.

Here at Meguiar's we don't make a wax based solely on pure Carnauba. All Meguiar's waxes are blended waxes that combine multiple ingredients for both:

Beauty characteristics
Protection characteristics
By blending key ingredients, like the highest quality Carnauba waxes available, with the right polymers, silicones and other resins, Meguiar's can offer their customers waxes that offer the best of both worlds - Beautiful results with long lasting, durable protection.



On the other hand, for our customers looking for a pure synthetic paint protectant, Meguiar's has a wax for you too. Meguiar's new NXT GenerationTM Tech Wax is a completely new formula based upon cutting-edge polymer technology.

To accommodate the wide variety of different types of automotive paints on the market, and because no two people are alike, Meguiar's offers a number of waxes that contain Carnauba for it's gloss properties, as well as synthetic polymer protectants for their excellent durability and protective properties.

If you're looking for depth of color, high gloss and high shine, then Meguiar's can offer you all of these features plus unbeatable, long lasting protection depending on your preference in formula: Meguiar's synthetic waxes, or our more traditional waxes that include Carnauba.

It often comes down to,

You
Your eyes
Your personal preferences
The most important thing however is to have confidence in the company whose name is on the label when it comes to providing real protection for your automotive investments.

[Larry A]

Re: would like detailed info on synthetic waxes

Natural waxes--Caranuba-Montan-Bees wax. Synthetic waxes- Micro-cryataline wax. Sealants- Amino Fuctional silicone, Polyetheline resin ,Acrylic resin . Their are also various combinations.