What is the Best Wax for Black Cars?

If you're the owner of a black car, you know as well as anyone how good your car's finish can look. It probably did when you first bought it. But you probably also know firsthand all the extra work it can take to keep your black car looking its best. It's almost a full-time job! So what is the best wax for black cars?

Well, we'd like to say there's a single best wax for black cars or a single, easy way to keep black paint from magnifying every nick and scratch, but there isn't. The truth of the matter is, black paint does take extra time and effort to keep up. The very fact that the scratches are reflecting light against a black background makes black paint by nature much more apt to show even the slightest mar compared to a light colored paint.

But there are some products out there that are better than others in hiding the mars. Black tinted wax will actually fill the scratches and mars and give a much needed boost to the overall look of the car. But this really isn't much different than any other wax you'd apply. Like all waxes, black-colored waxes are only a temporary solution. They're only so good, so far. The underlying problems still remain.  

The most important way to keep your black car's finish in tip-top condition is taking time not in covering over the imperfections, but eliminating them. This means that the proper prep is necessary. What does that mean? It means that you've got to lay the right ground work for the wax to do it's work. It means buffing out the spider-web scratches and the etching with polish either by hand or with an orbital car buffer. Only then should you expect to see the excellent results that a good carnauba wax can give.

And you don't have to use black-colored wax. Proper application of a high-grade carnauba paste can help you avoid a lot of the problems you may have had in the past with white residue. We'd recommend using a very small amount of carnauba wax per section, something like a quarter of a inch square blob. Spread on super-thin, you'll avoid getting much in cracks or scratches. Naturally, you'll need to apply a second coat for maximum protection.

If you still think you'd like to try a black-tinted wax, try Turtle Wax Black Box. Many people consider this the best wax for black cars. The kit comes with a couple applicator pads, some pre-cleaner/conditioner and carnauba-based black wax. It runs about $20 and is probably the best wax for black cars for the price.

To sum up the answer: there isn't a single best wax for black cars, but proper waxing technique and tinted wax can help you avoid some of the pitfalls of maintaining a black car's finish.