Best Car Wax for Enamel Paint

If you are considering repainting your car or if you are buying a used car, you might have some questions regarding the type of paint that was or is being used. 

Many cars today use acrylic paint and clear topcoat. Acrylic paint is water-based and leaves a matte finish. Since everyone wants a super shiny car, a clear coat is added. 

Enamel paint, however, is an oil-based paint that gives you that shine without the clearcoat. This type of paint hardens quickly, sometimes in less than 10 minutes! This is the same type of paint that is probably on your washing machine or refrigerator. 

Enamel paint tends to be pricey, however, so you’ll want to protect that pain by waxing your car regularly. 

In this article, we will compare some of the top car waxes that offer the best protection for those with enamel paint on their ride. 

Top 5 Car Waxes for Enamel Paint

If you are ready to protect your ride summer and winter; the following are the top 5 waxes you can apply to that beautiful enamel paint job. 

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1. Mothers California Gold

Specifications:

• Weight/Size: 12 ounces
• Paste or Liquid: Sold in either form
• Applicator Included: No

If you are like many of us, you grew up using Mothers car wax products. This wax is very much like the ones we grew up with. Real Brazilian Carnauba wax is super heat resistant and perfect for enamel, fiberglass, and gel coats. This wax will smooth out minor flaws and can also be used on chrome and glass. This classic wax is the perfect choice for enamel paint. 

Pros: 

• Goes on easy, whether you use the solid wax or liquid
• Long-lasting finish
• Restores lost luster to the finish

Cons: 

• Does not come with its own microfiber sponge
• Needs real elbow grease to remove once dry
• Leaving the dried product in sunlight or for hours will require a buffer to remove it

2. Car Guys Liquid Wax

Editor’s Note: This item is no longer available on Amazon.

Specifications:

• Weight/Size: 8 ounces
• Paste or Liquid: Liquid
• Applicator Included: Yes, sponge and towel

Everyone loves Car Guys and this long-lasting wax is no exception. Since it is liquid, it requires little effort to put on or to remove. It contains nano polymers that work on a molecular level to give you a super serious shine. This wax gives you the Carnauba wax shine you want, and the long-lasting paint sealant your enamel paint deserves. Safe for decals, chrome, glass, and rims. Avoid plastic and rubber trim. It also has terrific UV protection for your expensive enamel paint. 

Pros:

• Best choice for dark or black car finishes
• Easy to apply and remove
• Super heat-resistant

Cons:

• Doesn’t remove scratches well
• Above average price 
• Will leave spots and stains if used on plastic or rubber

3. Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Liquid Wax

Specifications: 

• Weight/Size: 16 ounces
• Paste or Liquid: Liquid
• Applicator Included: Yes

Some claim that this is the ONLY wax that should be used on enamel paint, it is that good. Meguiar’s is a name most car owners recognize. This wax has a special blend of polymers, which protect the finish, along with carnauba wax for the mirror-like shine. Liquid wax makes this easy to apply and remove using nothing more than a sponge (included). Deepens and enriches any color finish. Safe for glass and chrome. Fills in and removes swirls and minor scratches like a dream! 

Pros:

• Great for black trim pieces
• Easy to remove, even in direct sunlight
• No need for a buffer, works best applied by hand

Cons:

• Neglected finishes will need 2 or more coats
• Oils in the liquid wax can attract dust if not removed promptly
• The surface must be properly prepared for best results

4. Adam’s Americana Wax

Specifications:

• Weight/Size: 13.6 ounces
• Paste or Liquid: Paste
• Applicator Included: Yes

While most paste waxes have the reputation of being difficult to apply or remove, Adam’s glides on easily and comes off just as easy. It may not last as long as other waxes, but since it is so easy to use, you won’t mind reapplying every 3 or 4 months (well, maybe some of you will). The manufacturer states that the car should be hand washed for longest-lasting results. Dirt just slides off, so handwashing is quick. 

Pros:

• Easy on, easy off
• Incredible shine
• Comes with functional applicator

Cons:

• Reapplying every few months is a drag
• Reapplication makes this wax cost more 
• Must be hand washed to make product last

5. Meguiar’s NXT Tech Wax 2.0

Specifications:

• Weight/Size: 18 ounces
• Paste or Liquid: Liquid
• Applicator Included: Yes

We just could not leave this easy to use wax off the list. Since it’s a liquid, this product is easy to apply and remove. Tech Wax 2.0 contains hydrophobic polymers that repel water like a duck’s back! Those who live in cities where they receive a lot of rain will want to use this one! Removes swirls and micro-scratches but won’t fill in larger scratches. We love the wet look from this wax, although we did not have to prep the car first. That will increase the amount of time you will spend getting that deep luster. 

Pros:

• Lasts for months, not weeks, like some liquid waxes
• Comes in paste or liquid
• A small amount goes a long way, making it economical

Cons:

• The car must be prepped properly first
• May need to be applied more than once for a deep shine
• Some complain about a greasy residue

All of the above car waxes were simply terrific in one way or another, however, if we had to choose one and stick with it for the next 5 years, we would have to go with the Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Wax. What can we say? Easy on, easy off, gives you a great shine, and lasts for months?  Not to mention the Meguiar’s name! You know you are getting a quality product for your sweet enameled painted car when you use Meguiar’s.