Waxing your car can be a time consuming task but if use a spray wax formula, you can quickly top up the wax between washes. Depending upon the size of your car, you could potentially wax your entire car in less than 20 minutes.
The best spray wax is the Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax, which is easy to use and provides the depth and shine you would expect from paste or liquid waxes.
Using a spray on car wax will help keep the normal wax that you’ve used last longer. Liquid and paste waxes are more expensive as well as time consuming to apply. This is where spray waxes become very beneficial for maintaining a showroom shine.
Table of Contents
Best Spray Wax
| Spray Wax | Formula | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Wax | Polymer | 450ml |
| Turtle Wax T-477R ICE | Polymer | 532ml |
| Chemical Guys InstaWax | 100% Carnauba Based | 473ml |
| 3M 39034 Quick Wax | Contains Carnauba | 473ml |
| CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant | Contains Carnauba | 532ml |
Spray waxes are often misjudged as many people don’t understand the main purpose. They are designed to quickly wax your car using a spray formula that provides a great shine but will not be as long lasting.
The best car wax for all-round performance will always be a liquid or paste but for topping it up between washes, spray waxes are perfect. They can even be used on multiple automotive surfaces to further protect the condition of the car.
Below is a list of the best spray waxes that are easy to use and ideal for quickly topping up the wax between washes.
Meguiar’s G17516 Ultimate Quik Wax
Meguiar’s are a major brand in the detailing industry and produce a range of waxes. The Ultimate Quik Wax is their leading spray formula that contains the desirable hydrophobic polymer technology, which produces the deep wet-look shine.
A unique benefit of this spray wax by Meguiar’s is that it can be applied in direct sunlight or hot surfaces without streaking.
Other features of the Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax include:
- Safe and effective on all paintwork types
- Water beading protection that lasts months
- Doesn’t leave any white residue
- Simply spray on and wipe off application
- Doesn’t stain plastic or exterior trim
Overall, the Ultimate Quik Wax formula combines performance with value for the money. As it is produced by Meguiar’s, you have peace of mind that it has been tried and tested for the best results.
Check it OutTurtle Wax ICE Spray Wax
The ICE formula by Turtle Wax is designed to be used after every wash to provide protection and a deep reflective shine.
Other features of the Turtle Wax ICE Spray Wax include:
- No streaking or white residue
- Advanced polymer formula
- Suitable for all exterior surfaces
- Fills in light swirl marks
- UV protection
- Can be used in direct light or shade
- Requires minimum buffing
Although it is the most expensive spray wax on the market, it is also very versatile with excellent results. The fact that it can be used on all automotive surfaces, which includes plastic or rubber time as well as glass is very beneficial.
Check it OutChemical Guys InstaWax Spray Wax
The Chemical Guys InstaWax is a 100% carnauba based formula that acts as a high gloss wax and sealant. It sprays in seconds to add extra shine to any paintwork color and can also be used on metal, glass and clear plastic.
The brand state that you are able to spray wax the entire car in just minutes, which is thanks to the quick drying formula.
Other features of the Chemical Guys InstaWax include:
- Protection from UV rays
- Easy on and off application
- Prevents water spots and contamination stains
- Fast drying formula
- Available in 16 oz or 1 gallon bottle
The advanced InstaWax formula provides high levels of gloss and protection to all automotive surfaces. Overall, it is an excellent all-round spray wax with the desirable formula of 100% carnauba wax.
Check it Out3M 39034 Spray Wax For Cars
One of the most affordable spray waxes available is by the reputable 3M brand. It is an easy to use formula that can be used of wet or dry surfaces to provide a deep and glossy shine in just a few minutes.
Although it is a cheap spray wax, it does contain carnauba wax, which produces the showroom finish each and every time.
Other features of the 3M 39034 Spray Wax For Cars include:
- Suitable for painted surfaces, glass, plastic, wheel and tires
- No build-up formula easily removes grime
- Ergonomic trigger control
- Mist on and off application
- 16 oz bottle
Overall, the 3M 39034 is a cheap spray wax that contains premium ingredients within the formula and excellent results. It can even be used on all automotive surfaces, which many expensive alternatives fail to achieve.
Check it OutCarGuys Hybrid Spray Wax Sealant
Another popular spray wax that is made in the USA is the Car Guys Hybrid Wax Sealant. It uses an advanced and environmentally friendly formula, which is infused with liquid carnauba for a deep shine on all automotive surfaces.
Unlike many of the alternatives, it is a fully synthetic polymer sealant that can last between 3 to 6 months.
Other features of the Car Guys Hybrid Wax Sealant include:
- Patented polymer additive to increase lifespan
- Streak-free and with zero white residue
- Safe for use upon every automotive surface
- Showroom shine that is easy to apply
- Long lasting UV protection
- High quality spray bottle
Overall, the Car Guys Spray Wax is the best option if you are not planning to wax your vehicle after every wash. The long lasting formula allows you to wait months before waxing your vehicle again, which is very beneficial for many people.
Check it OutSpray Wax Buying Guide
Spray waxes work best when topping up the protective wax layer on your paintwork after each wash. They are designed to work on the majority of automotive surfaces as well as being quick and easy to use.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding spray on car waxes.
Benefits of a Spray Wax
When used correctly, spray waxes hold a wide variety of benefits that include:
- Quick and easy to use
- Requires no buffer
- Instant showroom shine
- Suitable for a range of exterior surfaces
- Cheap price tag
- Protection against UV rays
- … and much more
The main disadvantage is that they are not long lasting compared to the paste or liquid equivalent. However, by topping up the wax after every wash, you are able to maintain the existing wax layer for maximum protection.
Colour Specific Waxes
One trick that many brands use to persuade you to purchase their wax is to define specific colors. However, it really doesn’t make much of a difference with regards to spray waxes as all car paintwork uses the same automotive clear coat.
Hydrophobic Technology
Many spray wax formulas state that they use hydrophobic polymer technology, which increases the surface tension. This has the result of causing water to bead up and glide off the paint work, which provides the best protection between washes.
Showroom Finish
As well as topping up the protective wax layer on the paintwork, you want to achieve a deep wet-look shine. This can be achieved with the recommendations above but there are many alternatives that produce streaks and you will want to avoid using.
Spray wax that can be sprayed upon any automotive surface is essential. The formula can often overspray and get onto plastics, glass and other exterior trim. Some formulas can stain or leave residue, which ruins the overall appearance of the car.
How Long Do They Last?
Most spray waxes will be able to last up to a month but it does depend upon numerous factors. These include whether you wash your car every weekend, the soap you use and much more.
If you are that worried about the length of time it can last, you should use a car paint sealant beforehand. This will allow you to top it up with a spray wax after each wash.
How To Use Spray Waxes
Before using the spray on car wax, you will want to ensure the paintwork is completely clean. Some formulas allow you to spray the wax onto the paintwork whilst its dry or wet but we advise to completely dry the car for the best results. It is also recommended to use the spray wax out of direct sun light and upon a cool surface.
You can then begin to lightly mist the spray wax onto one panel at a time and wipe clean with a microfiber towel. Once complete, you can turn over the towel and lightly wipe for a high gloss shine and repeat for each panel.
The whole process takes less than a minute per panel and increases the shine and protection of your paintwork.
Conclusion
Using a quality spray on car wax can help maintain the protective wax layer and shine. They take minutes to apply and are relatively affordable when compared to other detailing products. Most can even be applied to other automotive surfaces such as exterior trim, wheels and much more.
All of the recommendations within this article are suited to a range of budgets and produced by reputable brands. We advise that you avoid formulas that cannot be sprayed upon other surfaces because it can make the application more stressful.
