While paint protection is largely designed to preserve the finish of a car, black car wax serves a second purpose. These car waxes are designed to fill in the tiny imperfections that are often very noticeable in black cars, restoring a mirror-like finish while also helping keep the paintwork glossy.
Is there a more menacing car colour than black? Whether it be a long-wheelbase Mercedes S-Class rushing dignitaries or cars which mostly came in black, such as the Buick GNX. Black can be a moody, brutish colour that looks utterly fantastic. It's also a safe choice come resale time and is the second most popular new car colour here in the UK. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders black cars accounted for 20.2% of the market in 2023.
The only downside to black paint is that it shows up every little speck of dust (not to mention small scratches and marring) quicker than any other colour on the market. Happily however, it's not something that certain carnauba or other car waxes can't fix. Using pigments and slight changes in the formula, wax for black cars is available and has been proven to work.
The best black car wax 2024 at a glance:
The best black car wax: SOFT99 Fusso Coat Dark - Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor's pick: Car Gods Eros Black Ceramic SiO2 Wax 500ml - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best all-in-1 solution: Autoglym Ultra Deep Shine - Buy now from Amazon UK
The rich, glossy finish that black cars look best in can be hard to maintain without a good car wax. It's this reason why several companies now offer waxes designed specifically for black cars and we've found the best examples on the market for keeping that deep black shine.
The best black car wax 2024
The best black car wax
Via Soft99Not much can get close to the level of protection offered by SOFT99 Fusso Coat Dark. Technically a paint sealant and not a wax owing to the fluoropolymers present, this paste will offer unbeatable protection with a year's worth of hydrophobic protection provided with a single coating.
It also contains black pigments within the paste to help fill small scratches and create a smoother surface which will deflect light better for a better overall look. If you have a black car and want to improve its overall look, Fusso Coat should be your first port of call.
Pros
- Outstanding durability of up to 12 months
- Good value for money at under £30
- Lasts up to 20 applications
Cons
- Don't get a proper applicator, rather a small sponge pad
- Only 200g which is less than Soft99's other black car wax
Editors Pick
Via Car Gods 54If you prefer a liquid wax with a similarly long-lasting finish, then our top choice for a black car is Car Gods Eros Black Ceramic SiO2 Wax. Liquid waxes are a popular choice because they're easier to apply than paste wax, and last longer than spray-on waxes, a perfect balance.
Eros wax is designed to deliver three months of paint protection from a single application, using ceramic technology to ensure the surface is smooth to the touch and protected. Small imperfections are filled in with pigmented black particles to create a flawless mirror-like finish.
Pros
- Liquid wax for easy application over bodywork
- Uses ceramic technology, which encourages water beading and extra paint protection
- Very glossy, almost mirror-like finish
Cons
- Not the longest-lasting wax at three months at a time
- Does not come with an applicator
Best all-in-1 solution
Autoglym is a trusted name in car care, and their Ultra Deep Shine is designed to offer a simple solution that takes the guesswork out of achieving the best shine for black cars. Simply shake well, apply with a cotton cloth in a circular motion, and then buff using a Hi Tech finishing cloth.
This all-in-one formula is designed to polish and protect dark coloured cars from minor scratches and swirls, leaving a glossy finish. Promising a hologram-free finish, the Ultra Deep Shine acts as a barrier from rainwater. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t need to be followed by extra gloss protection or high-definition wax.
Pros
- No need for sealant
- Well priced, it offers great value
- All-in-1 formula polishes and protects
Cons
- Not clear how long a coat lasts for
- Doesn’t come with an applicator
Editor's pick
Via Auto FinessePart of Auto Finesse's Pro Series, the Passion wax a high amount of carnauba as well as oils and waxes to give the illusion of a rich, wet look to your paintwork. It works, according to Auto Finesse, especially well on darker-coloured cars and enhances the gloss and protection of them.
It lasts up to four months (that can be extended, should you layer it), and is suitable for use on single-stage paintwork found on classic cars, thanks to its high use of carnauba.
Pros
- Has a warming reputation from professional detailers
- Four-month protection can be lengthened if used well
- Ideal for single-stage paintwork found on some unrestored classic cars
Cons
- Doesn't last as long as others, despite the price point
- 150g is less than others that last a bit longer
The best black car spray wax
Via Turtle Waxwww.turtlewax.co.uk
Spray waxes are easy to apply and serve as a fantastic way to top up gloss, and in this case, cover up scratches in black paintwork quickly. Turtle Wax use ceramic technology in this black car spray wax to great effect, producing long-lasting shine and protection from a single spray and buff.
Promising up to six months of protection from a single application, this wax also contains carnauba wax to proved extra gloss, alongside both black pigments and acrylics to fill small scratches for that mirror-like finish.
Pros
- Quick and convenient to use, as it's a simple spray rather than paste
- Uses ceramic technology which ensures gloss and better paint protection
- Pretty good value for money at £15 for 500ml
Cons
- Won't last as long as paste options at just six months at a time
- Does not come with an applicator
The best budget black car wax
Via Soft99Decidedly old-school in every aspect, the gloss offered by SOFT99's Dark and Black Wax is almost unmatched. Applied via an applicator, this paste wax may not have the best durability at only two months, but it's excellent value for money with 30 applications included in each tin.
This wax makes use of natural carnauba to provide a deeper shine, while also featuring those all-important pigments to fill scratches.
Pros
- Beautiful shine with a hydrophobic coating that encourages water beading
- Good value for money at just over £18
- Great for beginners who have black cars
Cons
- Only last two months per application, which falls short of Soft99's other black car wax
- Don't get a proper applicator, rather a small sponge pad
The best weatherproof black car wax
Via SonaxA slightly more abrasive option that both refreshes and protects black paintwork, Sonax combines both polish and wax in this hand-applied product to totally transform the finish. The polish will help strip away damaged paint leaving a fresh layer behind that'll be far glossier and will really pop when combined with the waxing effects.
This wax will ensure that the gloss is as deep as possible thanks to carnauba wax while also providing a hydrophobic layer of protection. This product is also infused with colour pigments to restore any lost lustre.
Pros
- Simple polish and wax in one formula
- Deeper layer of paint protection that ensures weatherproof layer
- Good value for money at just under £20 for 500ml
Cons
- Requires a slightly more abrasive application than the rest
- Does not come with an applicator
The best three-in-one black wax
Via Car GodsThis three-in-one black wax performs three tasks: restore, pigment, and protect black paintwork. It contains carnauba wax which helps coat the paint with a protective layer that's hydrophobic to encourage water beading and dirt protection. It's also said to deal with light oxidisation, light scratches, and blemishes on your paintwork.
It's a safe wax to use on most types of black paint on cars; from gloss, metallic, and pearlescent. It's not designed to be used on cars with matt paint finishes, nor is it clear how long the product lasts for after application.
Pros
- Great value for money at just under £18
- Uses black pigments to help enhance and restore black paint as well as protect
- Suitable for most types of black paint, with the exception of Matt finishes
Cons
- Not clear how long a coat lasts for, but allegedly several months
- Other options may outperform it
Black car waxes: FAQs
Why do black cars show up scratches so much?
Scratches and marring are an unfortunate reality of any black car that's regularly driven. Whether it be branches, small stones or an overzealous cleaning technique, small scratches will be introduced into the paintwork. The problem is that without ceramic protection or similar, these scratches often appear white close up which makes them exceptionally noticeable on a dark car. If loads of these scratches are present, it'll take away from the mirror-like finish and contribute to dull-looking paintwork. It's this reason that scratches don't show up on white cars unless you look really close up at them.
How is black car wax different?
All car wax provides a clear layer of protection for bodywork and enhances gloss. Black waxes are formulated specifically for darker cars, making use of fillers for the smaller scratches, and even black pigments to ensure that the finish is as dark and glossy as possible. There are also waxes for white cars, should you want to maintain the shine and protection on those.
What kind of car wax do professionals use?
Detailers are likely to opt for premium products that are bit higher on ticket price, yet provide a noticeably deeper, more shiny gloss than a wax at a lower price point. They'll more than likely use panel wipe before applying, ensuring they get the pinnacle of results. Auto Finesse's Pro Series waxes are a good example, as well as competitors from Meguiar's or other premium brands. Sometimes, a professional car detailing specialist will use their own branded products to promote their business. These tend to mostly be available through their site.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.