“.... plethora of companies are trying to separate themselves by various claims…..”
Differentiation, a technique commonly used by many business owners including carwash operators.
“teflon keeps eggs from sticking on your frying pan so it'll keep eggs from sticking to your clear coat”
Mostly agree with this one. There is little data suggesting teflon imparts an additive effect in spray or hand wax.
“lustra has a product that specifically repels brake dust that other manufactures don't have or if they do, it doesn't work as well”
Royal Sheen had a product I used some years ago called wheel wax. It was water-based solution containing polymer. In 2004, I owned C-230 kompressor – like BMW nasty brake dust. Clean rim first, spray on/wipe off. Stuff lasted about two weeks.
There is nothing mysterious about carnuaba. It is the most expensive natural wax and provides the best wet look and texture (smoothness). Protection depends on application.
Hand applied leaves behind layer that traps dirt. However, carnuaba breaks down at 181 degrees F, melts and wears off easily. In other words, it doesn’t have much staying power against high temperatures and UV.
“….even just splashed on a car”
Adding a small amount of carnauba to liquid application (spray, lava foam) does impart desired qualities to paint surface. Copycat products that do not contain carnuaba produce similar results using organic solvent, surfactant and amine salt mixture.
Amine salt increases solubility and mixtures can enhance gloss and confer smoothness and anti-static properties, like wax.
