Looking for an affordable car polish that delivers lasting results? Nu Finish has built a reputation as “The Once A Year Car Polish” with loyal users swearing by its durability. But does it truly live up to the hype?
This comprehensive review examines Nu Finish’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your vehicle’s finish.
What Is Nu Finish Car Polish?
Nu Finish is a synthetic car polish that’s been on the market for decades. Unlike traditional waxes that contain carnauba, Nu Finish uses a polymer-based formula designed to provide long-lasting protection. The brand’s most famous claim is that you only need to apply it once a year, making it appealing to car owners who prefer low-maintenance solutions.
The product comes in both liquid (NF-76) and paste (NFP-80) formulations, with slight differences in application and performance. Nu Finish positions itself as an affordable alternative to premium car care products while promising professional-level results.
How Nu Finish Works
Nu Finish contains cleaning agents and synthetic polymers that bond to your car’s paint. The formula is designed to:
- Remove light surface oxidation and embedded dirt
- Fill in minor scratches and swirl marks
- Create a protective barrier against UV rays and environmental contaminants
- Enhance the paint’s gloss and shine
Unlike traditional waxes that sit on top of the paint, Nu Finish’s synthetic formula claims to bond more permanently with the clear coat. This is what supposedly gives it the extended durability that the brand is known for.
Nu Finish Pros and Cons: The Advantages
Pros of Nu Finish
- Exceptional Durability: Many users report water beading for 6-8 months after application, living up to its “Once A Year” claim better than many competitors.
- Affordable Price Point: At around $8-10 per bottle, Nu Finish costs significantly less than premium brands while offering comparable protection.
- Easy Removal: Unlike some waxes that can be difficult to buff off, Nu Finish wipes away relatively easily once it has dried.
- Works on Multiple Surfaces: Can be used on fiberglass boats, RVs, and even household appliances beyond just automotive applications.
- No Special Conditions Required: Can be applied in direct sunlight and doesn’t require specific temperature conditions like many premium waxes.
- Good Water Beading: Creates excellent water repellency that helps keep the car cleaner between washes.
Ready to Try Nu Finish?
Experience the long-lasting protection that thousands of car owners trust. Nu Finish offers professional-level results at a fraction of the cost.
The Disadvantages of Nu Finish
Cons of Nu Finish
- Plastic Trim Issues: Nu Finish is notorious for staining plastic trim, requiring careful application or pre-taping of trim areas.
- Contains Abrasives: Despite marketing claims, testing shows Nu Finish contains relatively harsh abrasives that can potentially create fine scratches.
- Limited Gloss Enhancement: Doesn’t provide the deep, wet-look shine that some premium products offer.
- Dusty Residue: Some users report a powdery residue during buffing that can be messy.
- Not a True “Polish”: Despite the name, it’s more of an all-in-one product than a dedicated polish for removing defects.
- “Plasticky” Appearance: Can leave a somewhat artificial look compared to the warm glow of carnauba waxes.
Application Tips for Best Results
To maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of Nu Finish, follow these expert application tips:
- Wash and dry your vehicle thoroughly before application to remove surface contaminants.
- Consider clay bar treatment for heavily contaminated surfaces to improve bonding.
- Protect plastic trim with masking tape or apply a trim protectant beforehand to prevent staining.
- Apply in thin, even coats using a foam applicator pad rather than thick layers.
- Work in small sections (2×2 feet) for more controlled application.
- Allow to dry completely until it forms a haze before buffing off.
- Use clean microfiber towels for removal, flipping to a fresh side frequently.
“I’ve found that applying Nu Finish in the shade and working in small sections gives the best results. And always, always tape off your plastic trim unless you want white stains that take forever to remove.”
How Nu Finish Compares to Competitors
To help you decide if Nu Finish is right for your needs, here’s how it stacks up against popular alternatives:
| Product | Price Range | Durability | Gloss Quality | Ease of Use | Plastic Trim Safety |
| Nu Finish NF-76 (on Amazon) | $8-10 | 4.5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 1.5/5 |
| Meguiar’s NXT Generation (on Amzon) | $15-20 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Turtle Wax Ice Synthetic (on Amazon) | $12-17 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Collinite 845 (on Amazon) | $18-24 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 2.5/5 |
Best for Durability
Nu Finish and Collinite 845 offer the longest-lasting protection, with many users reporting 6+ months of water beading.
Best for Gloss
Meguiar’s NXT Generation provides superior shine and depth, ideal for show cars or dark-colored vehicles.
Best for Ease of Use
Turtle Wax Ice Synthetic offers the simplest application process and is safest on plastic trim.
What Consumer Reports Says
Consumer Reports has tested Nu Finish products extensively over the years. In their findings:
Nu Finish NFP-80 (paste version) was rated as a “CR Best Buy” in their car wax comparison tests, highlighting its excellent value for money and durability.
Their testing revealed that Nu Finish excels in durability tests but doesn’t provide the same level of gloss improvement as some premium products. They also noted that the liquid version (NF-76) left some staining on plastic parts.
Interestingly, Consumer Reports found that many premium car wax brands don’t necessarily outperform lower-priced alternatives like Nu Finish in terms of protection longevity.
Real User Experiences with Nu Finish
Across automotive forums and review sites, Nu Finish generates mixed but generally positive feedback. Here’s what actual users say about their experiences:
“I’ve used Nu Finish for over 10 years on my vehicles. It’s cheap, wipes off easy, and beads water for a long time. Nothing fancy but it works.”
“The plastic trim staining is a real issue. Had to use a special trim restorer to fix the white marks it left. Great product otherwise, but be careful around trim.”
“Nu Finish is water to me. Personally I wouldn’t waste my time or put that stuff on a new car. It doesn’t last and it’s a gimmick.”
“Absolute best finish? – debatable. Best value considering ease of use, price and durability? Without a doubt.”
Best Use Cases for Nu Finish
Based on our analysis of Nu Finish pros and cons, here are the scenarios where Nu Finish makes the most sense:
Ideal For
- Daily drivers that need durable protection
- Older vehicles with slightly faded paint
- Cars stored outdoors facing harsh weather
- Budget-conscious car owners
- Low-maintenance detailing routines
- Boats, RVs, and other non-automotive applications
Not Ideal For
- Show cars needing maximum gloss
- Vehicles with extensive plastic trim
- Brand new cars with perfect paint
- Those seeking a warm, carnauba look
- Professional detailers with premium clients
- Cars requiring paint correction (use dedicated polish first)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nu Finish
Is Nu Finish actually a polish or a wax?
Despite its name, Nu Finish is technically neither a traditional polish nor a wax. It’s a synthetic polymer sealant with some cleaning properties. True polishes contain abrasives to remove paint defects, while waxes contain natural carnauba. Nu Finish is best described as an all-in-one product that cleans lightly and protects.
Does Nu Finish really last a full year?
While Nu Finish markets itself as “The Once A Year Car Polish,” real-world testing shows it typically lasts 4-8 months depending on climate, washing frequency, and whether the vehicle is garaged. This is still impressive compared to many competitors but falls short of the full-year claim for most users.
How can I prevent Nu Finish from staining plastic trim?
The best approach is to mask off plastic trim with painter’s tape before application. Alternatively, apply a trim protectant like 303 Aerospace Protectant beforehand. If staining occurs, products like Solution Finish Black Plastic Restorer or even peanut butter (yes, really) can help remove the white residue.
Can Nu Finish be applied with a machine polisher?
It’s not recommended to apply Nu Finish with a machine polisher. The abrasives in Nu Finish aren’t designed for machine application and may cause swirl marks or uneven results. Hand application with a foam applicator pad is the manufacturer’s recommended method.
Which is better: Nu Finish liquid or paste?
Both formulations offer similar protection, but there are slight differences. The paste version (NFP-80) typically lasts longer and provides better durability, while the liquid (NF-76) is easier to apply but may not last quite as long. The paste version also tends to leave less residue on plastic trim.
Conclusion: Is Nu Finish Worth It?
After analyzing the Nu Finish pros and cons, it’s clear that this product offers exceptional value for certain car owners. Its remarkable durability and affordable price point make it an attractive option for those seeking long-lasting protection without breaking the bank.
However, the issues with plastic trim staining and limited gloss enhancement mean it’s not the perfect solution for everyone. Show car owners and those with newer vehicles might be better served by premium products that offer superior shine and safer application.
Nu Finish occupies a unique position in the market as a budget-friendly product that outperforms its price point in terms of durability. For daily drivers and vehicles that need practical protection rather than show-quality finish, Nu Finish remains a solid choice after decades on the market.
Ready to Try Nu Finish For Yourself?
Experience the long-lasting protection that has made Nu Finish a trusted name for decades. At under $10, it’s a low-risk investment in your vehicle’s appearance and protection.
