In Detail - Wax Vs Ceramic Coating

The de facto if you’re after a lustrous and better-than-OEM shine, is the good old fashioned polish, followed by a liberal coating of the finest carnauba wax. This has been the establishment for many years if you’re after a deep shine. In recent years though, a viable alternative has emerged. As competition hots up and prices fall, ceramic coating is increasingly being used in place of wax.

There are 2 camps when it comes to using the latter for detailing. You either believe it is revolutionary and is the future of paintwork protection, or nothing more than a fancily packaged bottle of the finest snake oil. But is there any truth to either statements? And which product is actually more suitable for you?

Before we touch on how each works, we should explain the science behind paint correction. For both products, you’ll first have to start with polish. What it is, is essentially liquid sandpaper. It comes in different grits, for different levels of cutting power. See, even if your paint looks smooth, chances are that it is riddled with microscopic imperfections and is thus uneven. Polish helps flatten the peaks of these imperfections, better levelling the surface for a deeper shine.

With the paint corrected, you can now proceed with either wax or ceramic coating. Waxes are applied onto freshly polished paint, and the excessed is then buffed off. These products are usually organic in nature, derived from the carnauba tree, and create a deeper luster by further filling and tiny dips in the clearcoat. It provides some protection against the elements, but isn’t as durable as the modern alternative - expect a quality wax to last you anywhere from a few weeks to a month of two depending on the formulation.

Ceramic coating is a little more involved. Post polish, the car will have to be thoroughly decontaminated before any product can be applied. This means ensuring no polish residue, oils or dust particles on the paintwork before application. Ceramic coating is inorganic, which means it is formed under much higher temperatures during its manufacture, which translates into higher durability for day to day usage.

It forms a bond with your clearcoat for added strength. It too will fill microscopic scratches in the clearcoat of your car, but as the bonding is on a molecular level, will last anywhere from a year to 3, depending on the applicator and product. One added bonus is that it is hydrophobic, which makes for easier maintenance in the long run. However, it requires specialist application, and is tough (read: labour intensive, which means added cost!) to remove if damaged and reapplication is required.

Waxes can be attempted by the DIY-er, and can be seen as quality bonding time with your precious ride. They are fairly safe, both to you and to your paintjob, whilst also being less harmful to the environment.
Ceramic Coating is suitable if you're after a low-maintenance, long lasting shine, and have the budget to get it professionally done at a detail shop. It is possible to attempt it yourself, but incorrect applications can actually damage the coating itself (which means less luster!), or even the paintwork of your car!

Regardless of either method, detailing your car can be a great way to get an increase in its valuation come sale time. If you’d like to bump up the sale price of your pride and joy, consider using SwiftQuote. We'll let our network of dealers know you're selling your car, and we'll return to you with the highest quote!

If you’ve purchased a used car, and just got it resprayed, considering choosing a paint protection method that best suits your needs to make sure that new paint stays that way! If you’re looking out for one, do take a look at the Cars For Sale Section of the Carousell App. We have an extensive repertoire of used cars, and with New listings being added daily, there will always be something for everyone!

If you are a fan of your very own 'Wax On... Wax Off" be sure to check out what is availabe for you to do your own detailing.

Credits: Jek Ray Low