Motorcycle wax and polish, like car wax, is designed to protect the finish of a motorcycle. You get the perfect balance between durability, abrasion resistance and water beading. If you are looking for the best motorcycle wax and polish, then you are at the right place, and we also cover:
- What’s the difference between wax and polish?
- What are the benefits of motorcycle wax?
- What are the different types?
Ready for some compliments? Let’s dive in.
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Nobody does motorcycle waxes and polishes like the Meguiar's. The Hybrid Ceramic Detailer by Meguiar's is our top pick because it is an all-in-one product that your motorcycle needs. Use it for topping up older protection, as a drying aid, or even between washes to take off dirt-this detailer can do them all!
What we like
Advanced protection formula
The presence of Si02 in the formula boosts hydrophobicity by binding with your bike’s paintwork. It delivers extreme water beading and added protection.
Ease of use
The spray bottle the formula comes in makes it easy on/off use. The spray jet helps remove any dirt or contamination of the bike’s surface. This detailer protects the paint in just one step and gives a smooth-as-glass finish.
Durable
The detailer will last for a couple of months on your bike. The spray technique helps in reaching areas that may seem impossible.
Difference between a motorcycle wax and polish
Not sure if you should buy a motorcycle wax or a polish? Are you wondering if they are the same? The simple answer is NO! A motorcycle wax is different from a polish. From their properties usage application, they are worlds apart. Let us tell you all about it!
Composition
Wax is a non-abrasive paste-like substance made up of a natural ingredient called Carnauba, derived from plant leaves. The other type is synthetic wax made using artificial substances like resin and polymer.
A polish is a cream-like abrasive substance that contains chemical cleaners or tiny abrasives that work to flatten a painted surface on the bike.
Function
A layer of wax acts as a protective coating on the bike’s body parts. Its purpose is to give a good shine and protect the painted surfaces. It gives a polished look to a bike. A coating of motorcycle wax is meant to.
- Keep the bike safe from pollutants such as dust particles and other air-borne pollutants sticking to the surface.
- Keep the surface safe from exterior damages such as acid rain, harmful UV rays, or water damage.
- Keep the paint shiny and long-lasting.
A polish is used to even out any scratches or swirls on the bike’s surface. The abrasive polish evens out the painted layer on the bike and makes it look smooth and shiny. It is meant to correct any defects or spots due to corrosion. A motorcycle is perfect for when your bike loses its lustre and shine due to surface damage.
Application
The wax can be applied to the whole body of the bike. It is usually applied in the end after washing and polishing the bike.
On the other hand, Polish is applied only to the damaged surface or the part with some minor scratches.
Guide to choosing quality wax and polish
A good motorcycle wax and polish can make or break how your bike looks. There are a few factors you should keep in mind while choosing one. Read below to check them out!
Ingredients
Different types of ingredients go into making a bike wax and polish. Some may be derived from natural substances such as Carnauba wax, or some may contain synthetic materials. Nevertheless, you must ensure that the ingredients in the product do not harm your bike.
There can be a few chemicals that may cause exterior damage to your bike when overused. Therefore, checking the ingredients and the product’s compatibility with your bike is always recommended. Also, some chemicals may cause allergic reactions, so be wary of that as well.
The form of the product
Motorcycle waxes and polishes come in different forms: pastes, sprays, or liquid. The choice will entirely depend on the kind you can most comfortably work with. A spray-on can be easier to work with and reach a bike’s interior areas, while a liquid may not spread evenly on the surface.
Two-in-one products
Waxing and polishing are two different methods involved in a bike’s maintenance. While you get products that serve both purposes, it is always better to choose a specific product for the purpose.
Polishes contain abrasives to perform, while waxes should be a smooth outer coating on the surface. Hence, a product that claims to perform both functions may be too mild to work as a polish or too abrasive as a wax.
Frequency of Use
There are different kinds of polishes and waxes with different lifespans. Some waxes may last about 6 months to one year, while some may last only for a few weeks. You must consider the time you can give into cleaning your bikes.
If you have time to frequently wax and polish your bike, then it is better to opt for one with a shorter lifespan.
Why buy a motorcycle wax?
There are many reasons why everybody who owns a motorcycle should invest in a good wax. Here is why!
Increase the paint’s shelf life
Paints on bikes are bound to wear off over time. The constant pressure in water, heat and other environmental pollutants can chip off paint or cause discolouration—a motorcycle waxworks to keep the paint safe from such problems.
The wax forms a protective layer above the painted surface to keep it safe from external forces. Regular waxing of your motorcycle will retain the original shine and colour of the paint.
Protect the exterior
The exteriors of a motorcycle can be paint or any kind of coatings that were used during the manufacturing process. A waxy layer on the outer surface will keep the exteriors of the motorcycle from harmful UV radiation and other pollutants.
Most of the waxes you find today are UV resistant and can keep your motorcycle’s exterior safe.
Make the motorcycle shine.
A good layer of wax on your bike can give it a nice shine in broad daylight. The wax layer can bounce off light that falls on it, making the bike look glossy and bright.
Types of motorcycle waxes
There are two types of waxes present in the market today. Both work equally well, and it only depends on which one you like working with.
Carnauba Wax
The Carnauba wax is a favourite among motorcycle enthusiasts. They say that no other can give shine like the “Carnauba shine.” The wax is derived from the Carnauba plant, found in Northwestern Brazil.
It is a natural wax that is extremely hard and transparent. There are polymers added to the natural substance since it is challenging. Its consistency is excellent to work with and leaves a long-lasting multi-dimensional finish to your motorcycle.
A protective layer of Carnauba wax on your bike will give excellent protection from rain, UV, dust and other environmental pollutants. It gives protection of about 2-4 months with water beading off the surface of your bike smoothly.
Synthetic Waxes
If you are looking for a wax that lasts very long, then synthetic waxes are a good choice. Synthetic waxes are also called paint sealants and, as the name suggests, are made using manufactured materials. A paint sealant with a good blend will give you protection for about nine months altogether.
Synthetic waxes are made using a mix of resins and polymer blends that seal off the painted surface with its coating. The shine is transparent and glossy and closely resembles a “Carnauba shine.”
Most motorcyclists often have this question- “do you need a carnauba wax for your motorcycle?”. The answer is no; you don’t! While Carnauba will give you an excellent glossy finish and shine, it is not necessary to use this wax.
In fact, the market is full of powerful synthetic wax blends that can remarkably mock the “carnauba shine.” Also, synthetic blends have a longer shelf-life than natural wax.
Best motorcycle wax and polish
The Meguiar's G19216EU Ultimate Car Polish is the ultimate pre-treatment if you have a dark-coloured motorcycle. The polish gives a hi-gloss finish and has a great texture that smoothly evens out rough surfaces. It can be safely used on all glossy paints, including clear coats.
What we like
Eliminates marks
This polish eliminates any swirl marks immediately and leaves the bike looking shiny with a hi-gloss finish. It does not leave any white residue behind.
Quality blend
It comes with deep conditioning oils that add depth of colour and give mirror-like reflections.
The Peek 33700 Metal Cleaner Polishing Compound is a mildly abrasive cream that works great on all metal surfaces. It will perfectly clean and polish every part of your bike without any residue.
What we like
Versatile
This cleansing paste can be used on all metal surfaces such as aluminium, brass, nickel, copper, and many others. It gives lustre to plastic surfaces and fibreglass too.
Easy to use
Simply put the paste on a damp cloth and buff using your hand. Any stains or scratches due to oxidation or otherwise will go instantly.
The Autoglym RD500US Rapid Detailer is a superior maintenance product for all kinds of exterior surfaces such as paintwork, carbon fibre, chrome and more. It not only removes dirt but also adds a protective layer around your bike's exterior.
What we like
Unique formula
The detailer can be used as a polish and protectant over the bike’s painted surface. It removes any dirt, smoothens scratches on the surface, and adds a layer of polymeric protection to the bike.
Versatile
The product can be used as a clay lubricant too. You can apply it to rubber, plastic, bare metal, among others.
The QUIXX QA1 Reliable Acrylic Surface Scratch Remover has won many product tests internationally for its ability to remove scratches from acrylic surfaces smoothly. It comes as a kit with all the requirements for application and cleaning.
What we like
Quality formulation
It can safely remove any kind of scratches from acrylic or Plexiglas surfaces on your motorcycle. Its Plastic Deformation technology makes it safe for use on any acrylic surface.
Easy application
You just need to wet-sand the scratched area and polish using the polish cloth and the paste.
Conclusion
A good motorcycle wax and polish will keep your motorcycle looking new and shiny. It is necessary to periodically clean your motorcycle if you want it in its best condition. With so many options in the market, you can choose any of the best motorcycle wax and polish mentioned above.
However, we would highly recommend going with Meguiar’s G200526EU Hybrid Ceramic Detailer. This product will give you extreme water beading along with a hi-gloss finish like no other. It offers a great combination of quality, performance and price.