{"id":71,"date":"2022-09-19T10:39:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-19T18:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carcarereport.com\/?p=71"},"modified":"2023-02-28T19:23:08","modified_gmt":"2023-03-01T03:23:08","slug":"buffing-vs-waxing-a-car-the-differences-explained-002b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carcarereport.com\/buffing-vs-waxing-a-car-the-differences-explained-002b\/","title":{"rendered":"Buffing VS Waxing a Car: The Differences Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Due to the confusion surrounding buffing and waxing a car, many good-intentioned car owners end up making the wrong choice. When treated well, cars can retain their showroom shine, but when subjected to erroneous correction or protection procedures, cars can lose that attractive glow rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hand<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Buffing and waxing are different car detailing options. Waxing is a paint protection option that temporarily shields the vehicle paint from blemishes, radiation, and oxidation. Buffing is a paint correction option that removes imperfections from car paint.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, I explain the differences between buffing and waxing a car. I\u2019ll also explain which option to go for depending on your situation and how you can use both buffing and waxing to improve car paint health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buffing VS Waxing Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Car<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Buffing and waxing are some of the simplest and most effective car detailing options available. These somewhat basic processes have several significant differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This table summarizes the differences between buffing and waxing a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Parameter<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>

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Buffing<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>

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Waxing<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

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Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>

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To remove blemishes from the car\u2019s paint.<\/p>\n<\/td>

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To protect the car\u2019s paint from degradation.<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

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Compounds<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>

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Involves using an abrasive compound to cut the paint\u2019s clear coat.<\/p>\n<\/td>

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Involves the application of wax which acts as a protective layer on the paint.<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

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Effect on Paint<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Removes a small layer of paint while adding shine.<\/p>\n<\/td>

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The protective layer seals the paint and adds gloss to the surface.<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

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Longevity<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>

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Lasts until the paint suffers damage.<\/p>\n<\/td>

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Degrades after several weeks or months, depending on the type of wax applied.<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As stated above, the goal of waxing is to protect the car\u2019s paint. It fills in the microscopic cracks in the paint, bonding to the paint surface and insulating it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most car wax manufacturers prefer carnauba wax, which they draw from the leaves of Copernicia prunifera, a plant native to Brazil. They prefer carnauba or Brazil wax because it has the following properties:<\/p>\n\n\n\n