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, white-collar criminals or Miranda Priestly around, an art-deco masterpiece or 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.
The best black car wax at a glance:
Editor's choice: SOFT99 Fusso Coat Dark - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best black car spray wax: Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Acrylic Black Wax - Buy now from Turtle Wax
Best on a budget: SOFT99 Dark and Black Wax - Buy now from Amazon UK
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. The rich, glossy finish that black cars look best in can be hard to maintain without a good 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 car wax for black cars
Editor's choice
Description
Not 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
- Really good value for money
Cons
- Don't get a proper applicator
The best black ceramic car wax
On sale
Description
If 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
- Uses ceramic technology
Cons
- Not the longest-lasting wax
The best black car spray wax
www.turtlewax.co.uk
Description
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
- Ceramic technology
Cons
- Won't last as long as paste options
The best budget black car wax
Description
Decidedly 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
- Exceptional value for money
Cons
- Only lasts eight weeks per application
The best black car polish and wax
Description
A 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
- Polish and wax in one
- Depper layer of paint protection
Cons
- More abrasive than the rest
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 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.
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.