CERAMIC COATING VS WAX: THE ULTIMATE COMPARISON

We might be a little biased, but nothing beats seeing a shiny car sitting in your driveway. I mean, that is your $30,000 baby after all. Just like with your actual babies, you want to protect it from any harm that may come its way. But what is the best way to do that? Fret not! Today we will be comparing two popular options you may have heard about: Ceramic coatings and wax.

What is a Ceramic Coating?

The question of the decade! Ceramic coating is the (relatively) new kid on the block in the world of paint protection. Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to your vehicle and chemically bonds to its paint, creating a protective barrier for your ride. I personally like to refer to it as “Liquid Gorilla Glass for your car”.

Benefits of Ceramic Coating

Great! We now know what a ceramic coating is– but how does that help you?  Ceramic coating comes with a host of benefits. It provides superior protection against UV damage and oxidation, it’s hydrophobic – meaning water beads off quickly, and it also resists chemical stains and enhances the gloss of your vehicle. Not to mention, you apply it once and it can last for up to 7 years, compared to needing to apply wax every 3 months. A ceramic coating can also save you money! UV damage and oxidation can cause permanent damage to your clear coat that can only be fixed by repainting the car. Aceramic coating can help avoid this costly repair. Furthermore, A car with a ceramic coating can be washed quicker and go longer in between washes! Who doesn’t love saving time AND money?

Drawbacks of Ceramic Coating

It’s not all sunshine and roses though. As with all things in life, it has its flaws. Ceramic coatings can be challenging to apply correctly, and once applied, they’re pretty much there to stay. So if your paint has any swirls or marring, the time to correct those would be before installation. Thankfully, we include a one-step paint correction with every nationwide-warrantied ceramic coating we install! And don’t even get me started on the cost. They’re definitely more of an investment compared to traditional wax. Finally, while it is excellent at protecting from chemical damage, I wouldn’t rely on it to protect from rock chips or scratches.

What is Car Wax?

Now, let’s talk about the old school – car wax. It’s a protectant typically made from carnauba wax, which comes from the leaves of the Carnauba palm. It’s been used for decades to give cars a nice, shiny finish. There is also a product called a sealant that essentially is a ore durable, synthetic version of wax.

Benefits of Car Wax

Two of the biggest benefits of wax is that it has a cheaper initial cost and can be a fun DIY project for you and the kids! Unlike ceramic coatings, installation of car was is pretty easy and the product can be purchased at any automotive store. Wax is a great cost-effective way to give oyur vehicle some UV protection and a deeper, brilliant shine.

Drawbacks of Car Wax

Biggest downside? It has to be reapplied every 3 months and it’s degree of protection is rather low compared to a ceramic coating.Also, while the inital cost is low, once you actually break down the cost over 7 years, it’s much higher. For example, a 7 year ceramic coating from us would cost about $1200 starting. In addition to that, we would recommend a yearly decontamination wash that you could either do yourself or have us do for about $150. Over the course of 7 years, that would be $2100. Compare this to having us apply wax every 3 months at $100 a visit. That adds up to $2,800 over the course of 7 years! You would be getting worst protection at a higher cost.

Ceramic Coating Vs. Waxing: Which Is For You?

This ultimately comes down to your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to protect your car and dont mind a little DIY to save some cash, waxing may be for you. If you want top-notch protection that will save time and money in the long run, a ceramic coating is the way to go. Personally, I think every car should have a ceramic coating installed. That’s why in addition to our warrantied coatings, we provide a non warrantied option that starts at $499 and can protect your vehicle for 2-4 years.Whichever option you go with is fine as long as you protect your baby!

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