There are more detail products on the market than ever before. It can be difficult to navigate through all the different marketing tactics. It all basically breaks down to two main ingredients, carnauba or polymers. So what is the real difference between carnauba and polymers?
Carnauba comes from the carnauba palm and grows only in Northeastern Brazil. There are two types of carnauba, white and yellow. White is from the younger plants and is more brilliant and more expensive. Polymers are synthetic and are created in a lab. There are specifically engineered to bond to paint. Carnauba provides a little bit deeper shine but it has a very low melting point of 180°F where polymers melt at 350°F. Cars in the sun can range from 200°F – 250°F. So why carnauba provides a deeper shine it simply cannot provide adequate protection….for long. Polymers are much easier to apply and remove. I am very partial to polymers and will only recommend carnauba for show cars.
Submitted by
Jeff Scordino