Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax Review – Looks Great, But Fades Fast
We tested Butter Wet Wax on identical paint panels to see how far the day-one shine goes—and what to use if you want that gloss to actually last.
Quick Verdict
What we liked: easy wipe-on/wipe-off and warm carnauba pop on day one.
What we didn’t: protection and slickness dropped quickly after a few washes. For longer-lasting gloss and hydrophobics, a ceramic layer outperformed it by a wide margin.
Pros & Cons (Butter Wet Wax)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast application; pleasant warm glow | Short durability; beading fades in weeks |
| Good for quick “show day” pop | Lower chemical/heat resistance vs. ceramic |
| Plays well as a topper on a protected car | Needs frequent reapplication to maintain look |
Our Test Setup
- Prep: Pre-foam and wash with Jimbo’s Super Soaper, clay as needed, optional refine with Picture Perfect Polish.
- Panels: A/B test—Panel A: Butter Wet Wax; Panel B: Tough As Shell.
- Evaluation: Gloss, slickness (tactile), hydrophobics, and rewash resistance over multiple weekly washes.
Results
Initial Gloss
Butter Wet Wax produced a warm, wet look with decent slickness right after application. The ceramic panel had a deeper, glass-like clarity.
Hydrophobics & Longevity
After two weekly washes and a rain cycle, the wax panel’s beading opened up and water lingered on horizontal surfaces. The ceramic panel maintained tight beading and fast sheeting.
User Experience
Butter Wet Wax is quick and forgiving—great for last-minute shine. If you’re chasing lasting protection and easier maintenance, the ceramic layer won easily.
Wax vs. Ceramic — What’s the Real Difference?
| Factor | Butter Wet Wax | Jimbo’s Tough As Shell | Jimbo’s Gloss Boss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Carnauba spray/liquid wax | Sprayable ceramic | Wipe-on ceramic coating |
| Durability | Days–weeks | Months | Long-term when applied properly |
| Hydrophobics | Light–moderate; fades fast | Tight beading, fast sheeting | Excellent beading + deep gloss |
| Best Use | Quick pop before an event | Daily drivers; easy upkeep | Premium finish and longevity |
Upgrade Path (Fast & Easy)
- Wash with Super Soaper and dry using the Massive Drying Towel.
- Apply Tough As Shell (spray on a microfiber, wipe on, buff). For a deeper, glassy look, step up to Gloss Boss.
- Maintain with gentle washes; avoid harsh detergents that reduce hydrophobics.
Final Verdict
Butter Wet Wax looks great out of the gate—but if you want that gloss to last, a ceramic layer wins. Use the wax for quick pop; use ceramic for real protection and easier washing.
Best Butter Wet Wax Alternatives
Lock in months of slick, glassy gloss with a simple ceramic upgrade.
