Basic components
Although somewhat more complex than other products, organic waxes and inorganic sealants also involve just basic chemistry, when a formulator designs a wax or sealant, they consider several factors; ease of application and removal, cleaning ability (if required), depth of gloss or shine, durability and resistance to detergents / soap.
Unfortunately, no one wax or sealant product can meet all of the above characteristics. If one is emphasized and enhanced, it will be to the detriment of another. For example, increased durability means that application and removal can be more difficult. Or, if cleaning capability is emphasized, the depth of shine will be less.
The best wax or sealant to use is one that provides as many of the characteristics as possible to achieve a shiny, durable finish
The basic components used in waxes and sealants are
• Solvents or mineral oils- used for chemical cleaning, and as a carrier system, it also makes products workable and to provide spread ability, as is the case with Carnauba wax, which in its natural state is rock hard.
• Emulsifiers - to stabilize the product (oil and water) and make it easier to use
• Very-light abrasives – Kaolin to provide mild cleaning and to aid the wax in drying consistently for easy wipe-off
• Surfactant- defined as a material that can greatly reduce the surface tension of liquids
• Colouring- purely aesthetic
• Fragrance- appealing fragrances help to sell the product
Typical Wax Formula
It is among the hardest of natural waxes, being harder than concrete in its pure form
• Water: 30-60%
• Petroleum and oil-based solvents: 15-40%
• Abrasives: 10-30% (typically very fine silicate minerals, Kaolin or China clay)
• Organic and/or Inorganic (Synthetic) waxes: 0-5%
• Silicone polymer: 0-5%
• Surfactants: 1-5%
• Additives: 0-3%
• Fragrance, thickeners, etc
Significant portions (10-30%) of waxes are composed of drying oil or solvents that have a fast evaporation rate (Linseed, Turpentine or Môntan) oils are usually used with Carnauba wax. Designed as a carrier; it dissolves, carries and spreads the wax over the surface, before evaporating.