​Ask any professional detailer, and they’ll all tell you the same. A black car can look dirty and unloved quicker than any other color. So, getting that detailing just right needs a little something extra. That’s why I always use a colored wax for my car. We’ve listed some of the best wax for black cars on the market below.
​It’s weird isn’t it? You’d think that being black, would be good camouflage for the dirt. However, the reality is that it manages to show up every single piece of dirt, dust, and debris that nature can throw at it. It seems much more so than any other color, perhaps even including white. Or is that just me?
​But it goes further than that. It isn’t just about dirt and debris, but those pesky swirl marks always seem more prominent in black paint. It’s for those reasons that a number of manufacturers have developed a wax specifically for black paint. It isn’t just a gimmick either. It really does make a difference.
​7 Best Wax for Black Cars
Chemical Guys GAP_619_16 ​Black Light
- Rating: 4.6 / 5
- Brand: Chemical Guys
​The Chemical Guys do use a little marketing speak, but they usually let the product speak for itself. And it shouts from the rooftops. This ​black car wax works very well.
​Unlike the spray from the Car Guys, this wax needs to be left to cure for at least fifteen minutes. However, if you can leave it on a bit longer, the results will be even better. Chemical Guys say that this product has been in development for 3 years. They also say that it will give ​dark vehicles the most reflective, wettest look possible. That is due to the nano-engineered synthetic polymers.
​The Chemical Guys GAP_619_16 can be applied and buffed off by hand, but the best results will come from using a buffing machine, and it’s worth the effort to get it right. I’d have to say, the gloss shine delivered by this product is pretty unbeatable.
Meguiar’s G18211 Ultimate Paste Wax
- Rating: 4.6 / 5
- Brand: Meguiar’s
​Another great product from Meguiar’s, can these guys do any wrong?
​This is a paste wax that uses Meguiar’s ‘Thin Film’ technology, meaning that application and buffing off is easy, with or without a powered buffer. Meguiar’s says that due to the nature of the wax, it can be applied and buffed off in full sunlight. But, the results are better if you can shade the vehicle.
​This product is purely synthetic – no carnauba to be found here, which is both good and bad​. Carnauba helps to give the ultimate shine. But, it won’t last as long as a full synthetic wax, nor will it offer the same level of protection. This is a premium polymer wax.
​The G18211 Ultimate Paste wax incorporates Meguiar’s hydrophobic polymer tech as well, which helps to increase the surface tension, meaning that water just beads up and rolls right off, for months rather than days or weeks.
​A great all-round product, and one that will make your paintwork pop with luster.
​I had never heard of this brand before now, but that’s all changed, and for the better.
​Yes, this is expensive, even more so when you consider the size. However, if you’re absolutely serious about your vehicle, then this is the only choice. This is for proper gearheads that want the best.
​The P21S 12700W is a blend of carnauba and beeswax, it won’t dry all powdery, nor will it leave a residue on rubber or plastic. You need an absolute and full detail before going with this. But, the results are absolutely worth it. The wax has been independently voted as the best ​polish for black cars in the market in testing.
​Even though it’s a small container, there should still be enough to do a typical car around 5 times​. If you break it down that way, it doesn’t seem so costly. Plus, this finish will last for months.
​This ‘Black Wax’ from Meguiar’s doesn’t use any dye or colorant unnecessarily. The color​ comes from the normal ingredients used. It doesn’t use a black dye to get the color. So, this isn’t so much of a colored wax that hides imperfections, but a super-gloss finish.
​It’s rather thick, more of a paste than a liquid. I’d guess that has something to do with the polymers used to make that bright glossy finish possible. This isn’t just a wax that’s been rebadged as a specific wax for black cars. This has been specially engineered for them.
​It can be applied by hand (applicator pad included) or with a DA polisher machine. You always tend to get slightly better results with a DA, but hand waxing will work, it just needs a bit more elbow grease.
​​The Meguiar’s G6207 leaves a brilliant shine, that water beads off almost instantly. And for the price (the cheapest here), it’s one of the best on the market. Looking for a cheaper alternative to some of the more expensive kits? The Meguiar’s will work just fine.
Chemical Guys HOL203 Black Car Care Kit
- Rating: 4.5 / 5
- Brand: Chemical Guys
​This kit is definitely pricey, but break it down into its component form, and you’ll see that it’s worth the money. It’s got nine separate components, including butter wet wax, Black Light (see earlier review), high gloss soap, high gloss spray sealant, 3 large microfiber towels, and two applicator pads. It’s quite literally everything you need to get ​black ​vehicles looking awesome.
​Think of this as a one-stop-shop for everything.
​The Chemical Guys kit has been developed to give you show winning shines on any black or dark-colored car, from start to finish. Even the high gloss soap has been specially formulated for perfect results. You will definitely want to use a proper foam cannon for application.
​The key to this is whether you want to just apply the wax and sealant, or start at the beginning with a full wash​. For what it’s worth, I’d prefer someone else to do the dirty work (washing) and then take over.
​Perhaps the only other addition I’d make is a ​good clay bar, but how often are you going to clay the car?
​This is definitely the choice if you’re looking to complete the job of making your black paintwork look the best.
​The CarGuys make some great products, we’ve reviewed them before many times, but as with some of the others, the marketing speak is a little heavy. “Advanced science”, “works at a molecular nano level”, “most advanced on the market.”
​It’s true that the Hybrid Wax from the Car Guys works great. Being a hybrid, it’s kind of like a combination of everything, all mixed up in a spray bottle that makes finishing your vehicle a breeze. A couple of quick spritz’s and it’s done. ​According to the CarGuys, it takes around 15 minutes to finish a car typically.
​One of the major plus-points is that you can spray it pretty much anywhere without fear of leaving a white or powdery residue, even on rubber and plastics. This stuff also works great to make any surface shine – plastic, paintwork, glass, rubber.
​Car Guys say that it hasn’t been developed specifically for black cars because that’s “marketing BS”, but whatever the situation, it gives a deep, super glossy finish.
​An 18 oz. bottle is enough to do a typical mid-sized car around six times, and there’s a microfiber polishing towel included in the kit.
​This is a whole kit from Turtle Wax. It has to be done in complete stages for the best results. Skipping the pre-wax cleaner stage will ultimately result in a finish that isn’t great.
​In the Black Box kit, you’ll get 1 x pre-wax cleaner & conditioner, 1 x deep black carnauba wax, 2 x black spray detailers and 2 x applicator pads. I would recommend the use of some quality microfiber towels rather than the detailing pads.
​It’s worth noting that this kit won’t perhaps give you the ‘ultimate’ in deep gloss shine, However, it’s designed for vehicles that are used heavily, where the paintwork needs some love and attention. It’s best used for a car that’s got a few minor scratches, swirl marks, etc.
​Due to the nature of the polish and wax, it’s a messy job. Expect to get dirty. Expect to trash your microfiber towels after. And you’ll definitely need to wear gloves! Also, you’ll need anywhere between 3 – 5 hours to complete the job properly.
​So, does it work?
​Yes. This will take all but the most beat-up of paintwork and make it look pretty decent. Maybe not showroom shine, but as close as you’ll get when you’ve got 100,000+ miles on the odometer.
​If it’s a beater that you’re trying to fix up, this is the #1 black paint wax for you.
​Preparation
​As with any waxes or polishes, the building blocks to getting a lustrous finish are the most important elements​. Applying any of these waxes​ to a badly contaminated car won’t work miracles. Nor will they magically make deep blemishes and scratches disappear. You need to put in the groundwork first.
​If you’re going to all the effort of some serious waxing, it’s probably worth claying the car first. Then, do the regular steps for full detailing. After you’ve finished the waxing, you can even go one step further and apply a paint sealant for the ultimate in protection.
