UV Protection from Carnauba Waxes?

[CharlesW]

While browsing another forum, I found several references to Carnauba waxes not having UV protection. As I understood what was being said, you have to use a sealant for UV protection.

When I did some checking at various wax sites, I found many references to the UV protection afforded by Carnauba waxes.

Obviously, these are quite different opinions.

So.....
1. Are all those "experts" misinformed?
2. Are all those manufacturers lying?
3. Do I have a problem with reading comprehension?

Anyone here have any opinions that can be backed up with a reliable link?
Preferably from some source other than a vendor or manufacturer just making a vague claim.

[Stephan]

Great post Charles...

From what I could find is that every manufacturer lays claim that their wax offers UV protection. As a matter of fact Smartwax says they offer the highest with their Carnauba wax with 40 UV protection...

I couldn't find anything from a non-manufacturer, but at least the information below from Meguiars seems reasonable.

From Meguiars...

Some waxes do contain UV-protection agents, but the amount of protection that a microscopically thin layer of wax can provide is limited

The primary goal of a wax is to protect the top layers of paint that contain UV-protection agents from the paint manufacture. If you wash and wax your car regularly, your paint will be protected and you should suffer no major UV damage over the normal course of the life of the car.

Don't be fooled by some companies that lead you to believe that it is the UV protection in a wax that protects your car's finish from fading and failure, this is dishonest and simply not true. Taking care of the paint you presently have will go further to protect your finish than relying on protection supplied by a liquid you pour out of a bottle, or a wax you scoop out of a can. UV protection in a car wax formula is only an extra-dose of preventative maintenance, not the end-all, cure-all that some companies would lead you to believe.

UV protection for paint is much different from UV blocking ingredients for human skin. The two formulas are nothing alike and work in drastically different ways. There is no correlation between the ratings applied to the different levels of sun blocking protection for products intended for use on human skin and the ingredients available for use in an automotive wax formula. Sad to say, much of what you see advertised about the protective qualities of most car care products on the market today is simply over-exaggerated hype used to separate you from your hard earned dollars.


I am thinking if there is protection it may be limited and is most likely an additive to the wax...personally I think if you take care of your car regularly like we all do, then the paint should be fine...

I liked #3 that was funny...

[Poorboy]

I agree with Meguiar's assessment whether it's a wax or sealant, a microscopic layer of either will do very little, but what they both do is become a sacrificial layer between the environment and the finish that can be removed and refreshed as often as needed. You also can't place a SPF # on auto products as that scale is only for skin protection.

[Stephan]

Originally Posted by Poorboy

You also can't place a SPF # on auto products as that scale is only for skin protection.

I figured you couldn't put a number on it, but according to smartwax you can...

I think I may start adding some sun blockers meant for skin on my paint next time...see if it helps...

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by Stephan

I
I think I may start adding some sun blockers meant for skin on my paint next time...see if it helps...

be prepared for lots of smears

[Stephan]

Originally Posted by Poorboy

be prepared for lots of smears

yes but think of the protection my paint will get, also the paint won't get sunburn and or paint cancer.

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by Stephan

yes but think of the protection my paint will get, also the paint won't get sunburn and or paint cancer.

just remember to re-apply after you go in the water

[Stephan]

Originally Posted by Poorboy

just remember to re-apply after you go in the water

should I wait an hour first...or is that with eating and water...

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by Stephan

should I wait an hour first...or is that with eating and water...

that's for eating and stomach cramps, which was also disproved on one of those NBC tell all shows

[JaredPointer]

Quick! Someone hit speed dial # one on the Sal-phone! That should straighten this out!

Well, I know where Charles does some of his reading at least.

[Anthony O.]

Originally Posted by CharlesW

While browsing another forum, I found several references to Carnauba waxes not having UV protection. As I understood what was being said, you have to use a sealant for UV protection.

When I did some checking at various wax sites, I found many references to the UV protection afforded by Carnauba waxes.

Obviously, these are quite different opinions.

So.....
1. Are all those "experts" misinformed?
2. Are all those manufacturers lying?
3. Do I have a problem with reading comprehension?

Anyone here have any opinions that can be backed up with a reliable link?
Preferably from some source other than a vendor or manufacturer just making a vague claim.

Wax, as it's clear, does not contain any UV protection, It must be added. If a wax claims UV protection it's most likely in the form of a sunscreen but an SPF factor has no effect on paint.

Also the UV absorbers in paint have a half life of 5 years which means that after 5 years half of the system has broken down. In 10 years only 25% would be present and so on. So just washing alone and keeping your car waxed is not enough if you wish to keep your UV system in top shape.

So UV absorbers (benzotriazole UV blockers) must be added to a wax or even a sealant, they are not there naturally. One product has a patent on this technology.

Anthony

[black bart]

This is a copy of what is on Autogeek site.

Poorboy’s, in their usual tradition, has made life easy by combining a great deep-cleaning polish with protective, pure carnauba wax and additional UV protection in one sleek step! Sun block for your car!

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Anthony O.

Wax, as it's clear, does not contain any UV protection,

Sounds logical, but I really don't have any idea.

Originally Posted by Anthony O.

It must be added.

That's what I thought the manufacturers did if they claim UV protection whether it be a wax or a sealant. I think that waxes or sealants are blended products with many additives.

Originally Posted by Anthony O.

So UV absorbers (benzotriazole UV blockers) must be added to a wax or even a sealant, they are not there naturally. One product has a patent on this technology.

No disrespect, Anthony, but this sounds a little like a vendor or manufacturer making a vague claim. Actually, a vendor rep, but pretty close to the same thing.
Or maybe you were referring to Zaino as the one product that has a patent on this technology.

As an aside, there is considerable debate as to the value of sunscreen and SPF when it come to protecting the skin. Not all scientists agree on true protection other than preventing/reducing sunburn.

This post comes across as a little more argumentative than intended, but I don't have the patience to reword it.
It is intended as discussion, not argument.
Keep the comments coming.

[Anthony O.]

No offense taken Charles

I didn't mention any product name as I didn't want to come across like I am pushing any product (yet again though a case of damned if I do and damned if I don't) but rather wanted to demonstrate that many waxes may claim UV absorbers but only one has a patent on that. So when others make the claim of UV protection it should be questioned.

That was my intention as I attempted to answer your question without any product names mentioned.

Anthony

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Anthony O.

No offense taken Charles

I didn't mention any product name as I didn't want to come across like I am pushing any product (yet again though a case of damned if I do and damned if I don't) but rather wanted to demonstrate that many waxes may claim UV absorbers but only one has a patent on that. So when others make the claim of UV protection it should be questioned.

That was my intention as I attempted to answer your question without any product names mentioned.

Anthony

Are you suggesting that a manufacturer would advertise in a misleading manner or, Heaven forbid, even possibly mis-lead the customer?