Paint polishes contain compounds that can reduce and/or remove scratches and marks in the surface of your paint, while waxes protect that paint with a clear, hard coating. The polishing medium in a polish is an abrasive that smoothes and clarifies. Waxes can be either synthetic or natural (you’ll often see the word “Carnauba” – it’s tree wax that provides desirable protection for auto paint). In essence, polishes remove minor imperfections and increase optical clarity, and waxes provide protection. Most modern waxes come with a mild polish already in them.