Don't know what to use? Here are the pros and cons of carnaubas and synthetics to help you choose.
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FAQ: Detailing
=Carnauba=
- Pros -
- Color and depth -
The general opinion of detailing "aficianados" is that carnaubas provide more color and depth - a "liquid" appearance to the paint. Carnauba enhances the color of the paint - blacks look blacker, reds look more red. Generally recommended for darker-colored cars.
- "Hides" surface blemishes -
Because carnaubas give a wetter look, they are able to reduce the appearance of swirls and scratches. Example: Look at the surface of your car freshly washed and dried. You can see scratches and swirls fairly easily. Now run the hose on the paint. The scratches ans swirls are harder to see. That's what carnauba is good at - hiding/muting minor scratches and swirls.
- Cons -
- Environmental compliance -
Carnaubas are not environmentally friendly. Due to "recent" U.S. EPA regulations and potentially more in the future, carnuabas are becoming a product of the past due to Volatile Organic Compounds. Some carnaubas have been outright discontinued while most others have had to change their formulas.
- Low durability -
1-2 months maximum for a non-garaged daily-driver. <See below for further details>
- Low melting point -
Carnauba has melting points of 130-180 degrees F. The surface of a car in 85 degree sunlight can reach 200 degrees.
- Low "strength" -
Carnauaba is soft and evaporates making it less resistant to the environment. Every time the vehicle is washed, experiences a hard rain, heavy winds, carnauba is removed.
- No repellency -
Carnauba attracts and holds dust and other particles
- Contain petroleums and oils -
A car with carnauba that is touched may feel oily and leave a greasey streak on the surface. (Synthetics promote/advertise their products with "no oils".)
- Reduced clarity -
Carnauba reduces the optical clarity of the paint and the reflection is "clouded" vs synthetics.
- Cannot be layered -
Tests by detailers have proven that layering carnauba beyond 3-4 coats is a waste of time and money due to diminishing returns. Because carnauaba is soft each coat you apply in effect removes part of the previous coat you applied.
- Application -
Carnaubas cannot be applied in direct sunlight and must be applied in certain temperatures.
- Dusting -
Carnaubas are commonly known to dust when buffed out.
=Synthetics/Polymers=
- Pros -
- Durability -
6 months or longer is not unheard of for a properly applied quality synthetic.
- Repellency -
Unlike carnaubas, synthetics have been scientifically designed for maximum repellency. Synthetics repel dust and other particles.
- High melting point -
350+ degrees F.
- Layering -
Synthetics are designed to be layered. Each layer stacks to provide more protection for your paint.
- Application -
Some synthetics can be applied in direct sunlight and have a greater temperature range in which it can be applied.
- Slickness -
Synthetics provide a slickness that carnauba cannot.
- Application & removal -
Easier to apply and remove than carnauba with virtually no dust.
- Shine / Clarity / "Pop" -
Synthetics are pure and offer greater shine than carnaubas. It sits on top of the paint, allowing the true color and flakes to show.
- Cons -
- Depth/color -
Whereas carnaubas enhance the color of the paint, synthetics do not.
- Shine / Clarity -
Because synthetics enhance the true color and surface of the paint, it does emphasize scratches and swirls making them stand out.
The information above has been compiled from various sites.
If you would have something to add, comment, question, etc.
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