Table of contents
1 Introduction
Car polishing is an essential step in vehicle care to protect the paint, improve the appearance and maintain the value of the car. The selection of car polishes on the market is huge and includes both silicone-based and silicone-free and wax-based and wax-free polishes. This paper examines the advantages of silicone and wax-free car polishes. To do this, the definitions and chemical principles of these polishes are first explained, followed by the respective advantages.
2.1 Definition and chemical principles
Silicone-free car polishes are polishes that do not contain silicones as ingredients. Silicones are synthetic polymers that are often used in car polishes due to their chemical structure and properties. However, they are controversial because they have potential disadvantages, such as affecting paintwork.
2.2 Advantages of silicone-free car polish
The advantages of silicone-free car polishes can be divided into the following categories:
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No interference with paint jobs : Silicones can cause fisheyes in subsequent paint jobs because they interfere with paint adhesion. Silicone-free polishes eliminate this problem, making them ideal for vehicles that may require future paint work.
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Environmental friendliness : Silicone-free polishes are generally more environmentally friendly, as silicones are difficult to break down and can therefore harm the environment. Silicone-free polishes use alternative ingredients instead, which are often biodegradable.
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Suitable for matte paints : Polishes containing silicone can damage matte paints because they leave a shine that unintentionally changes the matte surface. Silicone-free polishes, on the other hand, are better suited to matte paints because they retain the original look while still offering protection.
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No Residue : Silicone-free polishes leave no oily or greasy residue on the paint surface, resulting in a cleaner appearance and easier cleaning.
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Compatibility with ceramic coatings : Polishes containing silicone can impair the adhesion of ceramic coatings to the paint surface, while silicone-free polishes have better compatibility and thus ensure the best possible performance of the ceramic coating.
3. Wax-free car polish
3.1 Definition and chemical principles
Wax-free car polishes are polishes that do not contain waxes as ingredients. Waxes are natural or synthetic substances that are often used in car polishes to protect the paint and add shine. Wax-free polishes instead rely on alternative ingredients, such as polymer compounds, to create a protective layer on the paint.
3.2 Advantages of wax-free car polish
The advantages of wax-free car polishes can be divided into the following categories:
- Longer durability : Wax-free polishes, especially polymer-based ones, offer longer durability than wax-based polishes. This results in the protective layer remaining longer and the car needing to be polished less frequently.
- Higher Shine : Wax-free polishes can achieve a higher shine level because they do not leave behind wax residue that can reduce shine. This results in a brighter and mirror-like appearance of the paint.
- Easier to apply : Wax-free polishes are often easier to apply and remove than wax-based polishes because they leave less residue and dry faster, saving time and effort when caring for your vehicle.
- Reduced dirt adhesion : Wax-free polishes can help prevent dirt and dust from sticking to the vehicle as easily, resulting in a cleaner finish and longer polish life.
- Suitable for all paint types : Wax-free polishes are generally suitable for all paint types, including metallic, solid and pearl effect paints. This makes it easier to choose the right polish for the vehicle and ensures that the paint is optimally protected and cared for.
- No white residue : Wax-based polishes can leave white residue on plastic or rubber parts of the vehicle that is difficult to remove. Wax-free polishes do not cause this residue, resulting in a cleaner overall appearance of the vehicle.
- Better resistance to environmental influences : Wax-free polishes, especially polymer-based ones, offer better resistance to environmental influences such as UV radiation, acid and alkaline substances and bird droppings. This contributes to the longevity and value retention of the vehicle.
4. Conclusion
Silicone and wax-free car polishes offer a variety of advantages over traditional polishes that contain silicones and waxes. They are more environmentally friendly, more compatible with different types of paint and coatings, and offer greater resistance to environmental influences. They are also easier to use and do not leave behind unwanted residues. Overall, silicone and wax-free polishes are an excellent choice for vehicle care as they optimally protect the paint, improve the appearance and maintain the value of the car without the well-known disadvantages of silicone and wax components.
5. Sources
- Car care guide (2021). Silicone-free car polish. Available at: https://www.autopflege-ratgeber.de/silikonfreie-autopolitur/
- Autozeitung (2020). Wax-free car polish: advantages and disadvantages. Available at: https://www.autozeitung.de/wachsfreie-autopolitur-vorteile-200219.html
- Vehicle Care Shop (2021). Silicone-free polish: When does it make sense? Available at: https://www.fahrzeugpflege-shop.de/silikonfreie-politur-wann-ist-sie-sinnvoll/
- Lackiererblatt (2019). Silicone and wax-free car polishes: A good choice for vehicle care. Available at: https://www.lackiererblatt.de/silikon-und-wachsfreie-autopolituren-eine-gute-wahl-fuer-die-fahrzeugpflege/