Is Liquid Wax Better Than Paste Wax and Why?

In this article you will learn:

How to choose which type of wax is best for you

Some of the benefits and drawbacks of liquid car wax vs. paste wax

Why you should always prep your car’s paint job before you wax

Do-it-yourself detailing has never been easier (or more affordable) than it is today. In fact, with today’s automotive products and accessories, at-home detailers can achieve the same results as the pros!

Of course, the countless products at your disposal can make it extraordinarily difficult to find one that’ll give you the exact results you’re looking for. Just look at all the different types of car wax: liquid wax, paste wax, synthetic wax, carnauba wax—how is anyone to choose?

In this article, we’ll break it down for you so you can make an informed decision about which car wax is best for you. There are lots of different car waxes out there, so we’ll focus on the differences and similarities between two of the most commonly used waxes among detail enthusiasts: liquid wax and paste wax.

So, without further ado, let’s wax on about wax! (See what we did there?)

The easiest to apply

Between a liquid and a paste wax, liquids are by far the easiest to apply, no matter the brand. Because of their smoother consistency, the best liquid car wax creates less resistance as they flow across the surface of your car. They’re also gentler on your paint, and the white residue they leave behind is much easier to buff away.

Thicker, more viscous paste waxes require more elbow grease to buff to a smooth, flawless shine.

For this reason, we often recommend liquid waxes to people who are new to DIY detailing. You can start with basic liquid carnauba waxes like Turtle Wax Liquid Carnauba Wax, or, for a deeper, longer lasting shine, try Hybrid Solutions PRO To The Max. Combining the natural gloss of carnauba wax with the durability of ceramics and graphene, it’s the ultimate liquid wax to have in your arsenal!

The most durable

While they may be a bit more difficult to apply than liquid wax, pastes were traditionally the more durable of the two. But—this isn’t true anymore. Thanks to the introduction of synthetic polymers like silicone oxide and genuine graphene, the strength of many of today’s liquid waxes is on par with that of most pastes.

So then, why choose a paste wax?

If you’re looking to create the most beautiful, eye-popping shine, we’d recommend a paste over a liquid wax. Paste waxes provide the greatest return on your investment when it comes to looks, especially if you’re looking to feature your car at a show.

We've spent years coming up with the best paste wax formula to produce the deepest, wet-like gloss. Whether you’re new to detailing, or you’re a seasoned professional, we recommend our Turtle Wax 75th Birthday Ceramic + Graphene Paste Wax: a unique blend of 10 different traditional waxes infused with ceramics and graphene for maximum durability. It’s also our longest-lasting formula, which means that your car’s sleek, showroom shine will last for up to six months with minimal touchups, even withstanding rainstorms and routine car washes!

No matter which wax you choose, prep, prep, prep!

Car wax has gone through lots of innovations to create the incredible, cloud-reflecting finish we know and love, but it can only look as beautiful as the paint underneath it. So no matter which car wax you prefer, liquid or paste, you mustn’t neglect regular car washes, clay treatments and the occasional polish to keep your car’s paintwork looking lovely as ever.

We have lots of products and tools that can help with this, from Hybrid Solutions PRO Pure Wash to our all-in-one MaxShine Clay Mitt, to Hybrid Solutions PRO 1 & Done Polish. Having these items in your toolkit will make routine car care easier and more efficient!

Tips and tricks for waxing your car

Once you’ve finished prepping your paintwork, here are some handy tips that will save you time and effort while waxing your car:

Make sure you have several microfiber detailing towels at your disposal before you begin waxing your car. This way, you can quickly switch to a fresh, clean cloth when one becomes too saturated with wax.
Always use light pressure when waxing your car. Pushing down too much on the paint can damage the clear coat. If wax has become difficult to spread on the surface of your car, simply use a damp, microfiber towel to gently wipe it clean.
Wax one panel of your car at a time. This will prevent wax from setting before you’ve had a chance to spread it smoothly and evenly over the clear coat.
Have a soft detailing brush (or an extra soft toothbrush) on hand to make it easier to remove excess wax from tight spaces, like the gaps between panels.