You’ve heard how great ceramic paint coatings are, but you’re not sure if they are worth the investment. A comparison of wax and ceramic coatings will help.
Ceramic paint coatings are the latest advancement in paint protection. Ceramic coatings are better than waxes and sealants in almost every way. They are harder, more durable, heat tolerant, and last much longer.
Wax vs. Ceramic Paint Coating
Price is the one objection many people have to professional-grade coatings, which can cost between $500 – $2000 for prep and installation. With a price point much higher than a traditional wax or sealant, many people find it difficult to justify the expense. Often customers would love to purchase a ceramic paint coating, but see price as a barrier.
A typical wash and wax for an average sized car can cost between $100 – $300, depending on location and type of services. That is 10 – 20 % of the cost of installing a ceramic coating product. Why spend the extra money to install a ceramic coating application?
The average Wax will offer minimal protection that will only last 1-3 months! We recommend reapplication of Wax at least every 3 months. At an average cost of $200, you would pay $800 per year to keep your car protected with a conventional Wax. Over 5 years you would spend $4,000 for quarterly waxing.
The Ceramic Coating Advantage
A professional ceramic coating is essentially permanent if maintained properly. It can only be removed by abrasion. It should require a single application over the average lifetime of vehicle ownership.
Imagine never having to wax your car again. One appointment. A one-time expense. And you would save money. If you invest $1500 for a premium ceramic coating you would save $2500 over 5 years VS quarterly waxing.
Savings is only one benefit of having a professional detailer install a ceramic paint coating. Look at this comparison;
| Wax | Ceramic Coating | |
| Heat Tolerance | 150 Degrees | 400 – 1300+ Degrees |
| Scratch Resistance rating | – | 9H |
| Chemical resistance | – | 100% |
| Length of Protection | 1 – 3 months | 5+ years (permanent bond) |
Wash Your Vehicle Regularly
Keeping your vehicle clean and free from harmful corrosives and other substances is the best protection you can give your bodywork. Ceramic paint coatings are vastly superior to waxes or sealants for long-lasting protection of your car’s paint.
Ceramic Paint Coating Causes Water Sheeting
You may be used to seeing water beading on your car after rain passes through the area. This is noted to be a sign of your wax protecting your car from environmental contaminants that fall with the rain. Even if the wax is protecting your car, it’s still not wise to let beads of water sit around on your finish. They can still cause damage. Based on that, the best water-surface interaction would be the one that minimizes the beading on your paint job.
Ceramic spray coating with hydrophobic sheeting abilities is a great layer of protection for your car. Coatings that can repel water to such a degree have extremely low sliding angles, so even when beads do form, they’ll be whisked away instantaneously. That way, no beads will be left behind to wreak havoc on your finish’s health.
It’s Not Just About The Shine – It’s About Paint Protection And Hydrophobic Properties
Ceramic coatings are the number one paint protection product on the market.
Professional-grade nano-ceramic coatings penetrate deep into the microscopic pores of the clear coat and physically bond to the paint, while forming a thin, hard, and smooth layer on top.
The SiO2 ceramic particles offer protection from UV rays, chemical erosion, and etching from bird droppings, bug guts, tree sap, acid rain, and more. Ceramics have high surface tension and hydrophobic properties, repelling water and ice and preventing dirt, dust, road salt, and grime from sticking to the paint of the car.
Thanks to the strong bond between the ceramic particles and the paint, the coating will last anywhere from 1 to 10 years for the really good ones.
The upfront cost is higher, but it will save you money in the long run. Details Matter is here to answer your questions. We’ll help you understand the ceramic coating benefits and decide which option is best for your car.
Contact us today for an appointment and learn more about high-quality ceramic coatings.
This article was originally published March 13, 2017 but has been updated for accuracy and freshness.